Geek On Fashion:Style Lessons from Kenyan Influencer Nelly
As a self-proclaimed fashion geek, Nelly ranks high among the most influential style figures on the Kenyan social scene, at least in my book. Her forte? Luxury. This is a woman who appreciates her designer brands, and she’s been a fixture in the style game since my campus days, consistently serving looks with her immaculate taste in high-end fashion. If you want to stay updated on what’s truly in and trendy, Nelly is undoubtedly a go-to source.
But her influence extends beyond just knowing how to dress impeccably. Nelly is also a champion of self-evolution and self-care. You’ll often find her hitting the gym or attending Pilates, always prioritizing wellness alongside her busy schedule. She understands implicitly that looking good and feeling luxurious isn’t solely dependent on Gucci or Chanel; it stems fundamentally from self-love and taking care of oneself. As someone navigating their personal style journey, here are some key pointers we can learn from Nelly’s approach:
1. Embrace Your Natural Beauty
Nelly’s choices, particularly regarding hairstyles, show a confident embrace of natural hair. Rocking “open hair” freely, even on a beach vacation? Nelly proves it can be effortlessly chic. Her signature looks range from stylish boohoo braids and elegant hair extensions to minimal, almost natural-looking makeup. It’s a refreshing reminder that enhancing beauty doesn’t always mean altering it drastically.
2. Masterfully Incorporate Trends
While the essence of personal style often involves selectively engaging with trends rather than blindly following them, Nelly excels at weaving current fads into her established aesthetic. She often seems ahead of the curve. Take the ‘jorts’ trend, for example; Nelly was showcasing them long before they became a hot topic of debate on our timelines. She’d already styled and shared them on social media before the collective ‘Yay or Nay’ even began.
She’s also among the older millennials I see confidently rocking trends like the crew socks – a style that might seem daring on some, but fits her perfectly. It’s another powerful reminder that style isn’t dictated by age, but by confidence and personal interpretation.
3. Invest in Quality, Rewear with Flair
We love an influencer who champions rewearing and restyling pieces! Nelly demonstrates that the key to this sustainable and stylish approach is investing in quality items. This is particularly true for foundational pieces like quality denim, versatile coats, timeless bags, and durable shoes – the true workhorses of any wardrobe.
Beyond her appreciation for designer labels, Nelly clearly understands which pieces warrant investment. Her focus isn’t just on logos or overt flaunting; it’s about inherent quality and longevity. Through her social media, followers can learn valuable tips, like sourcing pre-loved designer pieces, from jewelry to bags. She makes learning the ins and outs of high-end fashion feel accessible and less intimidating.
4. Define Your Capsule Wardrobe
The term ‘capsule wardrobe’ often conjures images of strict neutrals like blacks, browns, and beiges. However, observing Nelly’s style teaches a vital lesson: a true capsule wardrobe is deeply personal. It’s about curating versatile basics that align with your individual lifestyle, your body type, and the colours and silhouettes that make you feel most confident and powerful, regardless of whether they fit a conventional neutral palette.
5. Elevate with Fragrance and Accessories
For those venturing into the world of niche fragrances, Nelly serves as a knowledgeable Kenyan guide. I’ve followed her journey since her earlier YouTube days, where she shared more budget-friendly perfume finds. Now, her recommendations reflect a sophisticated and seasoned nose, guiding followers towards unique and elevated scents.
When it comes to accessories, the lesson from this seasoned fashion lover is clear: minimalism and luxury often go hand-in-hand. Instead of accumulating large amounts of fast-fashion or imitation jewelry, she champions investing in fewer, higher-quality pieces – think authentic silver, gold, or carefully chosen gemstones. It aligns perfectly with the goal of cultivating a genuinely classy and confident aesthetic.
In Summary: The Embodiment of Modern Elegance
Ultimately, Nelly embodies a modern sense of elegance and attainable luxury. This influence is tangible and extends beyond everyday style, making a notable impact even at prestigious events like the Nairobi Polo tournaments. It’s fair to say she’s played a role in injecting renewed life and a keen fashion sense into the event’s social scene, capturing the interest of many who might have previously overlooked the style potential of such occasions. Nelly isn’t just following fashion; she’s helping to shape it, one impeccably styled, quality piece at a time.