With a long career in the fashion industry ranging from television to personal styling Nikolina has styled countless women, often speaking as an expert in body image and wardrobe consulting. Via @mamasfashionplate we are treated to everyday outfits that are fun, stylish, ageless and chic. Always introduced to styling ideas as she runs through her life as a Mum, recent graduate and fashion girl. We sat down to ask Nikolina some hot questions about what she loves and what we need!

You pride yourself on wearing high low options and putting it all together, who are 2 of your fave brands in the high and the low?

Two fav brands in the high and low are Miu Miu or Prada and Zimmermann or Alemais. 

What are 3 items you think every wardrobe needs?

Three items I think every wardrobe needs…a statement leather belt, a classic pair of nude pumps, straight leg blue denim jeans. 

What are your tips of having a great working wardrobe?

Having a great wardrobe requires pieces you can mix and match with such as a classic black maxi column skirt, with alternating shirt options. Or a classic grey suit, where you can wear the trousers with different tops and mix the jacket with different bottoms. Keeping these pieces in plain colours so that you can accessorise with colour and print.

Who’s your favourite designer of the minute?

Favourite designer of the minute is Magda Butrym.

How do you encourage people when they say something like, I wish I could dress like her?

I encourage people that say this by asking them firstly why they think they can’t dress like that and motivate them by pointing out their best assets and telling them they can flaunt any specific look in a different way, their personalised way. Anyone can pull off anything as long as they know how to style it in their own special way but keeping in mind their best attribute/s. 

Who is your style inspo?

My style inspo is Hanna MW a stylist I found on Instagram. I have been following her for years now. 

In a world on neutrals, you embrace colour and prints. What advice would you give about buying and styling prints?

Buying and styling prints can be tricky. Easiest way to introduce it to your look slowly is through a scarf or an accessory and until you start feeling more comfortable, wear a printed dress which isn’t so hard to style. Otherwise, mixing prints and keeping them in similar colour tones always works. 

Being a personal stylist, what advice would you give someone wanting to build up a great wardrobe?

Someone who wants to build up their wardrobe should start with their main basics first and work out what could go with these key pieces to make them more fun and interesting. Also adapting your wardrobe to what your lifestyle is like is the key to building it up because you would use these styles more frequently.

Being a busy Mum and a master’s graduate and secondary school teacher, why do you think it’s important to dress in something you love every day?

It’s important to dress in something you love everyday because it gives you self confidence and it can inspire or compliment what you do. Being confident shows and what you wear can make an impact on the people around you. 

And finally, what do you think some of the hot trends of 2024 are going to be, anything we should definitely invest in?

Hottest trends in 2024 is all things in black leather, sling back points, lace, large flowers, stirrup pants, white, geometric prints and one shoulder or one sleeve dresses and tops. I would invest in a classic sling back point such as the YSL pumps and a pair of black leather pants or a black leather skirt. 

Visit Nikolina’s website here.