Yasmeen Al-Naif’s tomboy approach to dressing is something of a breath of fresh air in Dubai’s almost-predictable style scene. As she explains to Savoir Flair, there is no formula to her style. According to the 27-year-old Iraqi-Briton, her day-to-day outfit choices are heavily influenced by the music she’s listening to – which currently includes indie alternative bands The Districts, Alt-J, and Animal Collective. That’s not to say you won’t spot her in a flirty A-line dress from time to time, but chances are she will have paired it with a Juniors Be Junior snap-back cap, one of the signature pieces from the streetwear brand she founded earlier this year.
Aside from working on Juniors Be Junior, Al-Naif is also a project manager at Meraki, a concept development company. During her free time, she documents her hobbies – traveling, video production, and editing – on her blog, Yasmeen’s Camera.
Click through the gallery to discover a week’s worth of looks from her closet.
Day 1
“Heading out to an early dinner with the girls in a Matthew Williamson top and skirt and platform sneakers.”
Photographed by ROGIER VAN ZEVENTER
Day 1
Matthew Williamson top and skirt, Chanel shoulder bag, vintage sunglasses bought in London, and necklaces designed by Yasmeen
Day 1
How has your personal style evolved over the years?
I’ve always been a comfortable and causal dresser. Being a bit of a tomboy when I was younger definitely affected my day-to-day dressing. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started appreciating ‘dressing up’ more, and now look forward to events. It’s my excuse to feel like Cinderella.
Day 2
“I paired a Lanvin dress with Nike sneakers to attend a friend’s movie premiere tonight.”
Day 2
Lanvin dress, Louis Vuitton tote, Nike sneakers, Lanvin belt, Intermix ring, and Roberto Cavalli ring
Day 2
What inspires you to put on a fabulous outfit?
Strangely enough, the song I’m listening to before getting ready will play a role in what I’m wearing.
Day 3
“I’m on my way to a cocktail party tonight in a Finders Keepers dress. It’s fast becoming my go-to brand when I need something flattering and comfortable.”
Day 3
What was the first thing of value you ever bought that you still own?
A pair of black Jimmy Choo pumps, a Balenciaga handbag, and a Sony cassette player.
Day 4
“I’m heading out to a coffee shop to work on my Juniors Be Junior schedule for the week. I’m wearing my all-time favorite Michael Jordan hoodie, which I picked up from the Nike store in Boston a few years ago.”
Day 4
Nike jacket, American Apparel top, Topshop shorts, Nike sneakers, and Louis Vuitton tote
Day 4
How does your style reflect your personality?
It reflects a bit of a contradiction. Casual and sporty vs. elegant and ladylike. I think this comes across in my outfits.
Day 5
Reiss top, Bebe skirt, Inkkas sneakers, Juniors Be Junior cap, and Louis Vuitton shoulder bag
Day 5
What would your signature outfit be?
A short skirt, a white T-shirt, and high tops worn with a Junior Be Juniors bomber jacket.
Day 5
What are the labels you currently love?
Right now it would have to be J Brand, ALC, Mary Katrantzou, Roland Mouret, and Alexander Wang.
Day 6
“I’m attending a pop-up event in Abu Dhabi today. I don’t usually wear jellabiyas, but this one by G’s Jellab is super funky.”
Day 6
G’s Jellab dress, Louis Vuitton shoulder bag, Matthew Williamson earrings and ring, and sunglasses bought in Mykonos
Day 6
How have the internet and social media affected the way you dress or style yourself?
I don’t think that either has affected my style, but they have made me more conscious of how to take a good photo.
Day 7
Juniors Be Junior jacket, American Apparel top, Topshop leggings, Louis Vuitton heels, and Charlotte Olympia clutch
Day 7
Where do you generally like to shop?
Opening Ceremony, Vince, Nike, Mink Pink, Cheap Monday, Wildfox, Saint Laurent, and Alexander Wang are some of my favorite brands. For online shopping, I like Storets, Shopbop, or Matches Fashion.
