Zena Najjar is a 24- year-old fashion stylist based in Adelaide, Australia. After completing a degree in Business Management at the University of South Australia, she decided to combine her knowledge for business and love for fashion to launch her career in fashion styling. Along the way, she discovered her passion for content creation. Filming styling videos gave her an avenue to express her creativity and to inspire people who watched her videos to step outside of their fashion comfort zone, which is something Zena encourages everyone to do!

Zena’s passion for the fashion industry stems from the fact that it’s an industry which encourages continuous learning through working with different creatives on a daily basis. From photographers to designers, hair stylists to makeup artists and models, everyday is different and everyday sees a different opportunity to create cool new work in a collaborative environment.

Aside from fashion, Zena loves spending her time shopping, at the beach or brunching with her family and friends. She keeps active by going on walks and sweating it out at Pilates.

Recently, we sat down to speak with Zena about all things fashion.

How would you describe your style?

If I had to describe my style, I’d say it’s elegant with an edge.

However, my style tends to evolve based on how I’m feeling or what I’m doing for the day. I like to mix things up! There are days when I will rock street style. Relaxed denim is a favourite, or a dress with sneakers. Other days I'll opt for a sharper look with nice tailored pants, a blazer and heels. I love a pop of colour and clashing prints but will also happily rock a tonal look!

To be honest, I'm all about stepping outside of my comfort zone and expressing my personality through my outfits.

Who or what inspires your style and how do you keep things fresh?

As a stylist it's important that I'm one step ahead of trends. I spend a lot of time researching what’s happening in the fashion world, so that I know who and what is trending. Instagram, Pinterest & blogs keep me inspired and up to date.

There are certain brands, celebrities and content creators who inspire my visions and mood boards when I’m styling a campaign, fashion editorial or even just picking my everyday outfits. I'm a huge fan of Hailey Bieber's style, so I've always got an eye on what she's rocking.

What is your favourite Twosisters The Label piece that you've worn and why?

Oh, it's so hard to choose, I love them all! If I had to pick just one though, I’d have to go with the Geneva dress.

If you know me, you know that I LOVE a midi dress and I adore the floral print on the Geneva! It screams spring, is so comfortable and the versatility of the dress means that the styling options are endless! I can dress it up with heels or dress it down with sneakers and a tee underneath.

What do you like about Twosisters The Label?

Everything!

I love the variety across each collection, in terms of fabrics, colours and styles. There is always a dress for any & every occasion.

I'm all about thinking practically and shopping smart. So, the fact that there are styles which I can style casually or formally, is a win-win! I also have to mention the great price point and incredible team behind the brand!

What are your tips for styling an outfit casually?

If you’re looking to dress down a Twosisters The Label piece, there are a few combinations and tips that I’d recommend trying to master that effortlessly chic look.

Add a denim jacket to your look, throw on a cross body bag and/or pair your dress with a cool pair of sneakers and some socks.

For spring, I would accessorise with tan or lighter toned accessories for a day-time event.

Also, don’t be afraid to layer your dresses! Style a dress with a t-shirt underneath or throw a knit over the top. It works, trust me!

What are the three must have pieces in your wardrobe?

1. A good pair of denim jeans. I love a relaxed mom fit. These can be paired with literally anything!
2. A slip dress or skirt. These are wardrobe classics and can be worn all year round during any season.
3. A statement jacket, whether it is a cool puffer jacket or a colourful faux fur.

As a sneaky little extra, I also think that every wardrobe needs a cool pair of sneakers!

How do you style a piece from day to night?

Styling a dress from day to night honestly requires minimal effort! Try:

1. Switching from a sneaker in the day to a heel in the evening.
2. Adding a statement accessory, like big chunky earrings.
3. Throwing a coat or faux fur jacket on at night.

What is one fashion rule that you always follow and one that you think is meant to be broken and why?

To be honest, I don’t believe in “rules” when it comes to fashion because your personal style should be a way for you to express who you are. I’d say one “rule” that I won’t compromise on is wearing something that suits you and that you feel good in. This is something I always keep at the forefront of my mind when choosing outfits for and advising clients.

A rule that I believe is meant to be broken are perceptions on dress codes for special occasions. I think times have changed and wearing a traditional ball gown to a wedding or corporate suit to your office job is no longer as relevant or important as it was a few years back. I feel like society has evolved and allowed us to be more creative with self-expression, so if you want to wear a dress to the office or jumpsuit to a wedding, go for it! I think it's so cool to be different!

How do you deal with days when you feel like you have nothing to wear/nothing looks good on?

Everyone hates days like these, but unfortunately, we all have them!

To avoid the stress of pulling half my wardrobe out and on to my bed and STILL feeling like I have nothing to wear, I go straight to my wardrobe staples.

My No.1 fashion tip is to invest in good quality wardrobe staples, and this is exactly why!

If you have a good pair of denim jeans/shorts/skirt, branded tee, plain tank top, blazer and a pair of well tailored pants in neutral tones, you’re good.

These are pieces that are so easy to mix and match and there is no way any combination of these would look bad! These pieces will get you through those days when you can't seem to pull together a look, I promise!

What is your #1 Do and Don't for wedding guest style?

Don’t be afraid to be a little different! Once upon a time, everyone was expected to get super glammed up for weddings. I’m talking floor length gowns covered in sequins! I’m all for the glam, but times have changed and that’s no longer the only option for wedding guests!

Consider the wedding venue and time of the year when choosing your outfit. In the spring and summer, think about a fabric most wouldn’t consider “dressy”, like linen, or play with different prints and lengths. Don’t be afraid to rock a two piece or a jumpsuit! Most importantly, make sure you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing!

Another tip I have when shopping for a dress is to find something that is versatile and wearable after the occasion. That's what I love about Twosisters The Label, the fact that the designs are so versatile and can be styled to suit a variety of occasions!

As I mentioned before, I don’t really believe in fashion “rules”, but personally, I wouldn’t rock up to a wedding in an all white outfit, but you do you! No judgement here!

Want more Zena? We don’t blame you! Find her here!

INSTAGRAM: @minutiae_of_style

EMAIL: zenanajjar.fashionstylist@gmail.com

SERVICES: 

THE EDIT // Editorials

IN THE SPOTLIGHT // Finding that dress for your special occasion - perfect for the birthday girl, bride-to-be.

ONE NIGHT STYLE // Finding that dress to wear as a guest at your next occasion - perfect for the wedding or birthday guest.

GET BRANDED // Brand Campaigns

SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP // Shopping spree & wardrobe refresh

WERK IT // Styling workshops

CONTENT CREATION // Styling videos/ tutorials