Style Anatomy

Anatomy WITH Sarah Raseen Khan

Sarah is a 24-year-old Pakistani business grad more commonly known as The Cookie Collector. She is a marketeer by profession and a style enthusiast at heart. Some of her favourite things/activities include finding thrifted+vintage clothing, aerial yoga, lifting weights, spending time with pets, eating cookies and experimenting with styling and photography. Read below as Sarah decodes her style for us!

Understanding your body is the key to looking good and a trait found amongst all impeccably dressed fashionistas. While people shy away from talking about their bodies, these brave souls explain how they work their anatomies to their advantage

How would you describe your body type? I’m 5’3 and curvy. Usually between medium and large sizes depending on the brand/fit.

Has your body type changed over the last five years? So much! I gained a lot of weight, and then lost a lot of it due to health issues. Over the past year I’ve gained a lot of muscle and become leaner because I’m pretty active. With all of these changes, I’ve come to accept that my body will be ever changing and to focus on the internal instead of the external. If you feel good, you’ll look good!

How has your style changed over the years? For sure! My style has evolved as I’ve learnt to be more accepting of my body. It progressed from neutrals and darker tones in my go-to fits to appear smaller, to being more experimental, daring and quirky. I don’t shy away from trying out anything anymore! I’ve incorporated more prints and colours into my wardrobe, and am now more inclined to shop for silhouettes and cuts that aren’t conventional or safe.

In your opinion, what is your most troublesome area? Nothing at all! I love every inch of my body. In the past, I would be apprehensive of my tummy rolls or stretch marks being on show. I’d shy away from shorter dresses that would reveal my dark knees or cellulite on my thighs, but I am so proud of myself for not letting these absolutely normal parts of my body stop me from wearing whatever I’d like to anymore.

How do you dress your body according to your body type? More so than my body type, I dress according to my mood and occasion. I’ll think about what I’ll be most comfortable wearing and whether I want to dress up or down, and then style an outfit instead of restricting myself based on my body type. Sadly, most articles of clothing aren’t designed to fit someone with a curvy figure well. Even when I’m styling clothes for brands, both small and large, their clothes are usually designed to suit a tall and skinny frame. I play around with clothes to make them look good on me, and encourage my friends and followers to do the same.

In your opinion what is the biggest mistake a person can make while dressing? Wearing something you’re not 100% comfortable wearing and that’s it. If you feel more comfortable in fitted vs. baggy silhouettes or vice versa, you do you. If you prefer neutrals to bright colours/ prints/patterns or vice versa, you do you. If you prefer revealing cuts vs. covered fits or vice versa, you do you boo! I think women have been policed for what they genuinely feel happy wearing for so long, that it’s crushed our self-confidence. It’s taken me a while to learn that style is very personal, and inherently should be in line with whatever you feel your best self in!

Which silhouettes suit your body the most? Since my body is hourglass shaped, anything that cinches at the waist naturally accentuates my curves. Bodycons are honestly terrific on me and I love wearing fitted silhouettes to show off my curves. That being said, I also enjoy experimenting with different silhouettes and don’t restrict myself, and you’ll see me trying on very loose, flowy fits too.

What is the one piece of clothing that you shy away from wearing and why? If you would’ve asked me this question a couple of years ago, my list would’ve been very long. However, I’m thankful to have put in the time and effort to love my body as it is, and honestly I don’t shy away from wearing anything anymore. I genuinely believe that my gratitude for what my body does for me every day surpasses how my body looks, and for that reason as long as I feel good, I feel fabulous in whatever I’m wearing!