The playsuit: This has always been my favourite. I have quite long legs and love how a playsuit looks on me. Not going to lie, it’s a nightmare when going to the loo. But fashion always comes first and sacrificing is a must. Playsuits are so flattering with whatever figure you have. You can dress this up, rock one at a festival or on holiday. Love love love!
The floral midi dress: Since 2018 these have become very common and popular on shelves, but I’ve always loved timeless vintage looking floral dresses since I saw Lana Del Rey rock them in 2011. Remember her Born To Die song? I loved it. She was always so vintage, and her fashion was timeless. I always feel a red lip with the floral gives me those vintage vibes.
Bright colours that pop: As a youngster, I was the only Asian in my primary school and never picked first. I never got to play or be the pink power ranger. Not feeling I was cool enough; I was always expressive and put in a lot of emphasis on my fashion even at a young age. Non-school uniform day was the time to shine, and I did. I always stood out with bright colours that popped. You will never see me in just plain black, jeans and a T-shirt type of vibe. I’m never afraid to stand out with fashion and bright colours are a way to do that.
The chunky heel: Being 5’8 I have long legs. Some may feel a chunky heel wouldn’t go with tall skinny-legged girls, but I feel it goes with every look. Whether it is the 1960s, 70s or the Spice Girls era 90s, the chunky heel has always worked and been loved. I have so many and even wear sandals with chunky heels to festivals. You can give a boring outfit a cool edgy look with a chunk on your heels.
The rucksack: In the 1990s if you had a rucksack, you were either into Green Day or sports. Nothing in between. As I got older, I loved having a rucksack. A cute little leather one makes any girly outfit a bit edgier. I wear them to festivals, concerts, and when shopping. I would literally wear a girly dress and have a rucksack. Love it.
The mum jeans: Some say it’s unflattering or not cool. I can confirm I am not a mum but love the way a mum jean fits. The waist isn’t too tight and it’s high waisted to hide any bloat. But what I love most is a shirt tucked in. A t-shirt or a vintage shirt in a mum jean looks so cool. They are baggy as well but fitted round the waist. I love a statement belt with a mum jean also. A little chunky heel or a pair of trainers.
The co-ord: This has been my ultimate outfit since 2017 when they first dropped. At first people were like, ‘oh that’s very matchy, matchy, but now we all love it. Even online retailers have a section especially for ‘co-ord’. All ages can wear it – my mum loves a co-ord. Whether that be a plisse style pleated matching shirt and trousers or a crop top and matching shorts or a skirt. I feel this is a perfect holiday staple or for going out. I have so many colourful co-ords and love the versatility in the shops right now for them.
The vintage shirt: My favourite from day one. I’ve spent years going to vintage stores. I bought my first vintage shirt in a charity shop in Shoreditch and then many other places like Camden. Yes, they don’t smell great to start off with, but hello, just wash it. They are timeless, baggy, and bright. You can tie the shirts, tuck it in or even wear it as an overthrow over swimwear. I’ve done it all. With fashion becoming more sustainable, a good vintage shirt goes a long way. Even on Love Island this year, outfits are sponsored by eBay. Pre-loved goodness and I’m all here for it. Even my first BBC photo was a vintage shirt in a mum jean.
The gold hoops: I have never been a silver type of girl. This stems from the love I have from different eras of fashion. Gold vintage finds are my fave. All my jewellery is gold. (Laughs) Not that yellow desi style gold, but you know what I’m on about. The gold hoop in the 90s was seen as something totally different to what it is now. Every cool jewellery retailer has a pair of gold hoops. Mine are small, medium but not large like J-Lo (though she rocks them perfectly). A little gold hoop can go with any outfit and won’t go unnoticed by the fashionistas of the world.
The power suit: I love a good power suit. I’m not talking one for business but for events, shopping, and dinners. They are so regularly available everywhere. I love them because sometimes, I don’t feel like being too girly and it represents a sense of power. The colours must pop. I have pink, green, orange, brown, baby blue, lace, yellow and many more. I love a suit with trainers and sometimes with heels. So many girls are now wearing them, and I am so here for it. I hope you liked my fashion must haves. If you see me on TV, socials or ever meet me, I guarantee I’ll have at least one of these on.
Nayha Ahmad is a radio/TV presenter. Catch her every Friday on BBC Asian Network for the Official Asian Music Chart at 3pm! You can also see her on Colors Rishtey TV for Desi Beat every weekend. Visit Instagram, Twitter and TikTok: @NAYHAofficial
