A Stylist’s Playbook; Wafaa Nabil

Summer is that time of year when every detail you wear speaks volumes about your style. There are no excuses like big coats or layers covering a whole outfit underneath. We talked to stylist Wafaa Nabil for some seasonal fashion advice and to learn about all the ins and outs of her field.

When did you decide to pursue fashion as a career?

I had been a banker for thirteen years. During the maternity leave I took for my second baby, I decided I was going to make use of my time and study or take a course about something I love, like fashion… At the time, it would’ve never crossed my mind to become a stylist but I had been keeping up with trends and reading about the art of styling looks for years. I have always been passionate about this field and looking forward to the various vogues both locally and internationally.

How did you become certified as a celebrity/fashion stylist? Have you styled anyone we know?

I had seen an ad about Dubai Fashion Institute launching a course in Egypt for the first time. I saw it as a sign and I applied. It was challenging sometimes when I had to leave the baby and the kids with my husband to attend the course. After finishing the first course, I became a certified personal styler and shopper. A year later, I took part in a more advanced course because I wanted to get even more professional. Experts from London were coming to Egypt to teach celebrity styling and I was excited about that because I wanted an international vision, not only limited to the field in the Middle East. That’s how I was certified as a celebrity stylist by FAD Dubai and London College of Style. Now, I am exclusively working with Anas Nasri, Syrian producer and brother of musical artist Assala Nasri. I style all his looks including his interviews and events. Before that, I styled Dayana Hesham, an up-and-coming actress, for a vintage-style photoshoot.

For those who don’t know what your job really entails, walk us through your usual work process.

My job really varies since I have more than one title. As a personal shopper, the first step would normally entail sitting with you for a consultation, where I would tell you my recommendations of what works best for you and what to avoid. Then, I can go on a shopping spree with you at the mall to help you pick what suits your body shape and your skin tone. I help you put together looks and take photos for you so you can have a reference and look back at them later on. After that, I make a list of all the items that I believe are missing in your wardrobe or would complete your style. As a celebrity stylist, I come up with looks related to shoots. I haven’t worked on film sets yet, but so far, my work has been concerned with editorial projects.

Due to the circumstances imposed on us by the pandemic, I’ve been doing online styling sessions, where I do consultations through a video conference and then suggest shopping items that my clients can shop online. Sometimes, I work as an overall look consultant and I let them know which makeup looks or haircuts would suit them best. I basically give my advice on everything from head to toe.

What are the little details you need to know about a client before styling them?

All the questions I need answers to are combined in a questionnaire that I send to the clients as soon as I begin working with them. Those would include details about her lifestyle, for example. Is she working? Does she need formal attire? What are her favorite brands? Does she need outfits for vacation? Is she a new bride soon heading off to her honeymoon? What are her favorite colours? What is her budget? Based on her answers, I can decide which stores we should hit. It’s really important to know all that before we head out so we can make the best of our time together and get the maximum benefit from the consultation process.

How does it feel to also be recognized as a fashion influencer on Instagram?

When I first launched my account on Instagram, I was thinking that I’d like to inspire followers with fashion concepts while providing them with a sense of confidence that they can go for it themselves. I wanted to update people about the latest trends and collections at various stores so they can have a clearer vision of what to buy and what not to buy. It makes me really happy to see followers engaging and asking questions. When I get feedback from people who have been influenced and developed their style, for example, it makes my work feel very meaningful.

What are your favorite summer wardrobe essentials this season?

Fifteen items come to mind: a white T-shirt, denim jacket, classic ‘barely there’ two-strap sandals, a white button-up shirt, comfortable wide-leg, flare or bootcut jeans, shirt and T-shirt dresses, white sneakers, denim shorts, a summer maxi dress, straw hats, sunglasses, gold jewellery, bigger-sized bags, flat footwear and white, light-shade pants, in general.

Where are your go-to places to shop in Cairo?

I can’t tell you that I have specific shops or brands that I routinely stick to but I do love Zara because their pieces are always on-trend, reasonably priced and available for all body shapes and sizes. There, you can also find a great variety of formal wear, casual wear, nightwear, floral and boho styles – basically all the looks you might want to go for.

Describe your personal style in three words.

Edgy, feminine and dramatic.

If you were to pick one item of clothing to instantly spice up a very dull outfit, what would you go for?

Anything that will give you a pop of colour. This can be a shoe, a bag, an accessory or a blazer.