In the digital age – where we’re constantly bombarded with microtrends, aesthetics, and a multitude of “cores” – it can be difficult to develop a personal style. Having a personal style that’s undeniably fashionable but also simultaneously reflective of yourself is a difficult skill to cultivate. Those with this talent should be recognized and celebrated! That’s why I’ve created the Fashion Girly Highlight series to showcase true, indisputable fashionistas. For the first instalment of this series, I want to talk about one of my all-time favourite fashion influencers, Maïna Suarez.
Maïna is a Brazilian fashion influencer and model currently living in Paris, France. Born in 2002, Maïna has managed to establish an impressive personal style at the age of only 22. If I could use one word to describe her style, it would be effortless. While maybe this isn’t the case behind the scenes, somehow Maïna manages to style outfits in a way that is so naturally cool. Her style is incredibly chic, very French, and she isn’t afraid to be creative with her outfits. A distinct theme throughout her style is that her outfits are often multifaceted, as she has a penchant for perfectly blending masculinity and femininity in her looks. My absolute favourite look of hers is when she wore the plaid Ganni dress over an oversized white t-shirt and baggy jeans. This is one of the first outfits that I saw of hers and immediately I knew that Maïna was a tried-and-true fashion girly. This look is so simple but so striking! The dress is a plaid Ganni dress that falls to just above the knee. It’s humble, with delicate straps that are styled into a bow where it meets the neckline of the dress, and it’s boxy with a deep drop waist, that then turns into wide, subtle pleats. Under this dress, is a pair of dark baggy denim jeans, paired with a very masculine pair of shined leather loafers, and a large baggy t-shirt. The sleeves of the shirt end just above her elbows and she wears her hair down, natural. The look is tied together with a slouchy leather purse. If all the elements of this outfit were separated, one would think that is has the potential to be a shapeless, loose disaster. However, Maïna plays with the juxtaposition of the fabrics and silhouettes in a way that is modern and fun, creating an outfit that is just so effortlessly cool girl!
Another striking aspect of Maïna’s style is her ability to layer pieces. She layers outfits in a way that is both surprising and unique. Her ability to layer her outfits is never obvious and it works every time! Maïna tends to incorporate contrasting fabrics in her looks, which adds dimension and helps develop a look that is not only beautiful, but also interesting to look at. I think the best way to highlight her creativity is to provide a salient example of what exactly I mean. A look that I think perfectly showcases this ability is her off the shoulder knit and button-up layered look. This outfit may be a bit polarizing, and that’s okay! Bold fashion choices are not for everyone. I, however, personally love this look and I think every detail, from head to toe, is so thoughtfully incorporated. The off the shoulder knit over the fitted striped collared button up is obviously the most prominent element of this outfit. The way that the collar is buttoned right to the top but then unbuttoned at the bottom creates an interesting silhouette that elongates her torso. The cuffs of the button up peeking out from under the sweater’s sleeves is a small detail that makes the top part of this outfit surprisingly cohesive. For the bottom half of her outfit, we see cuffed faded denim. The cuffs are large and deliberately done to show off her chunky black boots. These boots add another texture and feel to the outfit. Even her hair is so thoughtfully included, with the double bubble braids providing a hint of femininity whilst simultaneously opening her neck and face. Rather than focusing on a wall of hair, our eyes are drawn to the strange combination of the knit and collar. At first glance, this look is casual and seems so effortlessly put together, but upon closer inspection you begin to notice all the little details that make this outfit so impactful.
Maïna is also excellent at using accessories to personalize simple, “basic” outfits. You can often find her in head scarves and bandanas, which are head accessories that are both underrated and underutilized in fashion. She isn’t afraid to don a funky hat. Some people can get lost in a statement accessory, but Maïna is able to style these pieces in a way that showcases their uniqueness whilst simultaneously incorporating them seamlessly with the rest of her outfit.
Ultimately, Maïna has a strong understanding of her dimensions and proportions and is able to wear outfits that flatter her frame. She tends to opt for clothing that elongates her body, and lots of oversized, unstructured pieces. She isn’t afraid to play around with different silhouettes. It’s clear that Maïna doesn’t limit herself to just one aesthetic and that she has developed a style that is uniquely her own. She’s a trendsetter and I look forward to what seeing else she has in store!
