Looking fashionable and ultra chic while wearing an Abaya can present a challenge for some. This week we ask Latifa Al Shamsi 23-year-old Emirati blogger what she has on under her Abaya, as she shares some of her styling tips.

When did your interest in fashion begin?

I was always interested in fashion for as long as I remember. I used to always dress up for fun as a child. Of course I wasn’t always stylish or fashionable. It took many fashion mistakes and risks to get to where I am now. The will to change and experiment new looks helped me establish a great knowledge on fashion and style.

Would you say that the UAE has a fashion scene?

Certainly, however I believe it is hard to determine how fashionable Emirati girls are because of the lack of media coverage.

How would you describe the style of Emirati girls?

Each individual is unique; therefore each has their own unique style. But I would say that the Abaya is a big part of the style of Emirati girls.

Does the Abaya present a challenge when you want to look stylish?

It sure does, but that is what style is about. It is about challenging yourself to look the best in whatever you are wearing. The Abaya provokes girls in the UAE and other Gulf countries to be creative and inventive when it comes to dressing up.

How do you overcome this challenge?

I think that you can tell a lot about a woman’s personality from her shoes. Shoes are a very important element to the Emirati girls’ style. Also Abayas don’t have to be dull and plain. There is a wide range of styles and designs when it comes to Abayas.

Who are your favorite designers for clothing/shoes/bags/jewelry?

At the moment Halston Heritage is on my favorite designers list for their elegant one shoulder dresses. As for shoes I have a few favourites, but Christian Louboutin will always be on the top of that list for having the most creative shoes on planet earth.

When it comes to bags I always look for something that is a classic, things that will never go out of style, and my favourite designer is the one and only Hermes.  As for jewellery, I tend to always be drawn to Van Cleef & Arpels.

Any style icons in the UAE and the Gulf?

My style icon will have to be my mother. I learned from her on how to look presentable, chic and still maintain a sense of culture in everything I wear.

Favourite items that you can never get rid of? Why?

My Gina flat shoes I could never get rid of, they are comfortable yet sexy.

Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Sarah Wallet, it’s practical and fits all my cards and papers.

My Hermes crocodile Tri-Kelly bag, actually thinking about it I can never get rid of any of my Hermes bags, they are all very unique pieces.

Van Cleef Al hambra between-the-finger diamond ring is something that I see myself wearing for years to come.

Your blog is quite famous, when did you start blogging?

I started blogging on December 2010; I never expected that I would get so many hits in such a short period of time. But I believe that when you do something you are passionate about, you will eventually succeed.

What are important elements to you that would make a girl wearing an Abaya look stylish?

I don’t necessarily think that wearing so many things at once makes you stylish. One piece of jewellery, a bag and a hot pair of shoes would do the trick but some confidence and a smile will take you a long way.

I always like my Abaya to be black with a little bit of black beaded work or lace but never plain.  And if you ever happen to wear an Abaya with some colour make sure you tone down on the accessories.

Do you follow fashion trends or dress in what you think looks chic?

I tend to dress the way I feel most comfortable in. Sometimes I wear trendy outfits, other times I wear what looks good on me. Fashion is like an art, you are the artist and you express your personality through your style.

Are you a trendy or vintage girl?

I like to think that I am a bit of both. I have a treasure of vintage pieces that used to be my mother’s and I always try to follow the latest trends in the fashion world. I guess you can say I have the best of both worlds.

Favorite stores in the UAE?

My favourite department stores are Boutique1, Harvey Nichols and Bloomingdale’s. As for other stores my favourites are Hermes boutique, H&M, and Christian Louboutin.

What’s on your wish list this season?

A pleated Halston Heritage Dress, Oscar De La Renta 24k Gold plated Earrings, and a Ruthie Davis Spikey pumps in gold.

Any last tip for girls to look so haute this season?

This season is all about vibrant colours, yellow is very in. However, stay away from mixing too many colours together. Mixing flashy colours with neutral colours like black or nude is very stylish!