An Introvert’s Guide to Dressing Loudly with Blogger Jessica Toutounji

“I’m really shy, but my outfits? Not so much.”

Introverts are often seen as wallflowers, blending into the background in oversized sweaters and understated clothing. Not Jessica Toutounji. This Egyptian-Italian-Lebanese content creator, known as "Dress up with Jay," defies that stereotype, proving that quiet confidence can make a bold statement. Starting her fashion blogging career seven years ago, Toutounji embraces her introverted nature while expressing herself powerfully through her fashion choices.

Known for her styling content, Toutounji offers advice on dressing and staying on trend to her devoted followers. She has collaborated with brands like Jude Benhalim and concept store Maison 69. When she’s not attending fashion events like Maje’s store opening, Sandro’s launch in Egypt, or Shahira Lasheen’s fashion shows, she models for photographers such as Lebanese creative Sophia Khalifeh and Egyptian photographer Baher Khairy.

Although her academic path initially led her to filmmaking, her true passion has always been fashion. To refine her skills, Jessica studied fashion design at Marangoni in Milan and Creation Studio in Cairo. Her father, a fashion photographer, was instrumental in shaping her understanding of the industry, teaching her the art of modelling and photoshoot setup. “I don’t remember the exact moment I realised I loved fashion, but it’s always been a part of my life,” she reflects. As she continues to evolve, she’s now focusing on launching her new ready-to-wear brand, Tutunji.

“While I’m quiet, my outfits aren’t,” Toutounji tells Scene Styled. “That’s why I love fashion; it allows me to be who I am without having to say anything.”

Jessica Toutounji’s Tips to Dressing Loudly:

1. “Incorporate one bold piece (earrings, necklace, bag, shoes etc.) to a basic outfit.”

Do not underestimate how much of a difference one bold accessory makes. While Toutounji’s aesthetic is a cocktail of versatility, where one day she may go for a chic and refined look, and the next, a more comfortable and feminine vibe, it’s always bold. 

Toutounji Recommends: Jude Benhalim Interchangeable Erosion Earrings, Okhtein Mico Rania, Sami Amin Designs Choker, Les Pecs Sunglasses, Diesel Arabia Crystal-Embellished Shoulder Bag, Oakley Sunglasses, Naked Wolfe Spice Black Stretch Boots, Jude Benhalim Interchangeable Gravel Earrings, MGMP the Brand Crochet Earrings, Vivienne Westwood Heels.

Les Pecs Sunglasses

Okhtein Mico Rania

Vivienne Westwood Heels

2. “Layering jewellery always helps. Instead of wearing one necklace, wear five. Instead of wearing two rings, stack three on top of each other.”

2.5 tip: “Use Pinterest for inspo on jewellery stacking.”

It’s easy, it’s fun and it elevates any outfit. Layers of chains, rings, or bracelets add depth and dimension to looks, turning even the simplest ensemble into a statement-making look.

Toutounji Recommends: Vivienne Westwood Embellished Choker, Jude Benhalim Cassandra, Choker & Stacks from Michael Oro Jewellery,  Chacour Jewellery, Ritmo Apparel Jewellery, Jey by Them. 

Vivienne Westwood Embellished Choker

Choker & Stacks from Michael Oro Jewellery

3. “When I’m feeling basic with my outfit, I go extra with makeup and hair.”

Toutounji’s go-to is a sleek bun (with deep conditioner, no hair-ruining gel) and sharp eyeliner, which she believes adds so much to her outfit. It’s a statement without having to say much. 

Toutounji Recommends: Braees Deep Conditioning Hair Mask (to slick back), Blumin’ in the Sun Hair Spray, Heaven Baby Hair Pin, Khosal by Bernadette Hair Styling, Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Kohl, Dior Backstage Palette in 009 Burgundy, Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush, Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Illuminating Pen, Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder.

Dior Backstage Palette in 009 Burgundy

Blumin’ in the Sun Hair Spray

4. “Whenever you’re having a tough day styling an outfit, pick one piece that makes you feel confident and style around it.” As an example, she revealed that she goes for her comfort Levi’s jeans or an oversized t-shirt she throws on whenever she’s struggling with outfit inspiration, and it automatically helps. 

Toutounji Recommends: Levi’s Drew Me In Jeans, Farah Seif Blazer, Be Indie Jeans, Prada Reedition Shoulder Bag, Djerf Avenue Tops, Brandy Melville Basics, Maison Alaia Black Strass Lambskin Ballet Flats, Rigash Ivory Tailored Oversized Pants, Bambah Straw Hat, Tiyi Red Scarf,  Miista Square Toe Beige Heel.

Farah Seif Blazer

Miista Square Toe Beige Heel

5. “If you’re confident, you could wear a potato sack and make it look good if you know you’re pulling it off.”

The fashion blogger shared that she sometimes gets weird looks for what she’s wearing, but that she’s stopped caring due to her confidence and passion for her outfits. “It doesn’t matter if someone else doesn’t like what I’m wearing, because I do.”

Toutounji Recommends: Okhtein Mini Studded in Brown, Redefined Black Alaia Set, Ohanna Blues Maxi Dress, House of CB Felizia Dress, Anim Living Pants, Chanel Ballerina Flats, Tunji Bougainvillea Dress, Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment,  Doctor M Eyewear Glasses.

House of CB Felizia Dress

Tunji Bougainvillea Dress