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    1. Fashion

    Anatomy of a Wardrobe: How Marilyn NK Turns Everyday Pieces into Party Looks for Christmas

    Watch as we take an exclusive look inside Marilyn's wardrobe

    Marilyn NK's avatar
    Lily Russo-Bah's avatar
    By Marilyn NK, Lily Russo-Bah
    Published 19 December 2025 In Features

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    How to Turn Everyday Pieces into Party Looks | Anatomy of a Wardrobe with Marilyn NK - YouTube How to Turn Everyday Pieces into Party Looks | Anatomy of a Wardrobe with Marilyn NK - YouTube
    Watch On

    It was during lockdown in 2019 that athlete Marilyn Nwawulor-Kazemaks began documenting her outfits on Instagram. Unable to train or compete, the heptathlete and fashion lover was looking for a way to pass the time, so she took the leap. Fast forward six years and Marilyn is now one of the UK’s most influential fashion creators, known for her pared-back, minimalist aesthetic.

    Marilyn Nwawulor-Kazemaks

    (Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

    When I first started following Marilyn, I was instantly struck by how effortless she made every outfit look, and by her ability to make even the simplest everyday pieces feel elevated. Combining great jeans, standout tailoring and cosy knits, her wardrobe is largely built around her favourite high street brands. Her knack for making them look designer quickly garnered her a loyal following.

    Marilyn Nwawulor-Kazemaks

    (Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

    She regularly posts her favourite outfits from Massimo Dutti, COS and Zara, weaving in some of her most prized investment pieces, such as a camel Saint Laurent coat, The Row loafers, a Wardrobe NYC structured blazer and her most recent splurge: a black Hermès Kelly Pochette.

    Marilyn Nwawulor-Kazemaks

    (Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

    While Marilyn’s everyday style is something many of us follow daily, I was keen to discover what party dressing looks like within a minimalist wardrobe. When it comes to dressing up, you’ll rarely see Marilyn in anything that doesn’t work seamlessly with her everyday pieces. Mixing pencil skirts with elevated knits and draped blouses, it’s a sequin-free zone. Her carefully curated collection of tonal, versatile pieces transitions effortlessly from day to night—often finished simply with a pair of statement Saint Laurent heels.

    Marilyn Nwawulor-Kazemaks

    (Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

    In this episode of Anatomy of a Wardrobe, Marilyn invited me into her home and gave me a sneak peek into her festive wardrobe ahead of Christmas day.

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    Shop Marilyn's wardrobe:

    Zw Collection Combined Lace Skirt

    ZARA
    Zw Collection Combined Lace Skirt
    £66
    £65.99 AT ZARA

    Animal-Print High Heeled Shoes - Women | Mango United Kingdom

    MANGO
    Animal-Print High Heeled Shoes - Women | Mango United Kingdom
    £60
    £59.99 AT MANGO

    Soft Goat Oversized Shearling Jacket

    Soft Goat
    Oversized Shearling Jacket
    £1,495 AT SOFT GOAT

    Massimo Dutti Grey Top

    Massimo Dutti
    100% Wool Asymmetric Ruffled Blouse - Studio
    £129
    £129 AT MASSIMO DUTTI

    Wide-Leg Darted Wool Pants - Studio

    Massimo Dutti
    Wide-Leg Darted Wool Pants - Studio
    £129
    £129 AT MASSIMO DUTTI

    Wardrobe NYC black blazer

    Wardrobe NYC
    X RHW double-breasted wool-blend mini blazer dress
    £1,900 AT HARVEY NICHOLS

    Liffner Mini Dalmatian-Print Tote Bag | One Size

    Liffner Mini Dalmatian-Print Tote Bag | One Size
    £370
    £370 AT FARFETCH

    Soft 25 Leather Loafers

    THE ROW
    Soft 25 Leather Loafers
    £1250
    £1,250 AT HARRODS

    Draped Checked Midi Skirt

    COS
    Draped Checked Midi Skirt
    £119
    £119 AT COS

    Asta Fairisle Sweater

    Helsa
    Asta Fairisle Sweater
    £367
    £367 AT HELSA

    Mansur Gavriel Baci Clutch Bag | One Size

    Mansur Gavriel Baci Clutch Bag | One Size
    £774
    NOW 774 (WAS £1,107) AT FARFETCH

    Arrange Scarf Neck Square Cut Column Midi Dress in Mono Colourblock

    ARRANGE
    Arrange Scarf Neck Square Cut Column Midi Dress in Mono Colourblock
    £150
    £150 AT ASOS

    Gracye Leopard-Print Chiffon Midi Dress

    RIXO
    Gracye Leopard-Print Chiffon Midi Dress
    £223
    NOW £223 (WAS £445) AT HARVEY NICHOLS

    Jeanne 75 Patent Leather Slingback Pumps

    SAINT LAURENT
    Jeanne 75 Patent Leather Slingback Pumps
    £980
    £980 AT HARVEY NICHOLS

    Saint Laurent Camel Coat

    Saint Laurent
    Camel coat
    £5,580 AT MYTHERESA

    Tall Snake-Embossed Leather Boot in Yellow, Size 5

    Tall Snake-Embossed Leather Boot in Yellow, Size 5
    £410
    NOW £410 (WAS £825) AT TORY BURCH

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Explore More
    Anatomy Of A Wardrobe
    Lily Russo-Bah
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    Fashion Director

    Lily Russo-Bah joined Marie Claire UK as Fashion Director in 2024. With over 18 years of experience in fashion editorial and e-commerce across print and digital, she has delivered industry-leading editorial content, creative direction, and social strategy.

    Lily is responsible for shaping and executing the magazine’s new fashion repositioning and content strategy. Her flair for trend spotting and distinctive editorial vision mean Marie Claire UK readers are always one step ahead of the game.

    She is a passionate supporter of female empowerment, diversity and sustainability and in her new role she is thrilled to be able to support female founders, to highlight the diverse talent in the fashion industry and to give a platform to brands making a positive social impact in the world. 

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