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Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, author Courtney Adamo.
Author Courtney Adamo loves floaty pieces in natural fibres, but admits she once dressed in tight, black jeans during her time living in London.
How would you describe your style? I’m not high fashion by any means. There’s colour in my closet, but I’m not a bold, bright person. Everything is from small, independent brands that make things sustainably and ethically, and I keep my clothes for a long time. I don’t work in an office and I live in rural NSW, so it’s quite casual.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A cream cable knit wool jumper that was my grandmother’s and then my mum’s.
And the most recent addition? My 18-year-old son Quin recently made me the most beautiful white blouse out of vintage tablecloths.
What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? Vintage Levi’s in various styles, Jungmaven hemp and cotton tees, and a collection of knitted vests that I wear in summer on their own, and over things in the winter.
What would you wear … on a first date? A pretty Ace & Jig dress and boots. … on a plane? Baggy vintage Levi’s jeans, a cosy jumper, thick wool socks and Converse “All Star” sneakers. … on the red carpet? I have nothing in my closet for the red carpet but if I could have anyone dress me it would be Isabel Marant.
What’s your fragrance of choice? Everyday Oil’s organic “Mainstay” oil, which has a beautiful natural scent.
Any go-to jewellery? I wear a necklace with my five kids’ initials by Verse Fine Jewellery, and handmade gold rings from American designer Kelci Potter. I also have some Temple of the Sun necklaces I love, but my teenagers are always stealing them.
What’s your favourite fashion era? The 1960s and ’70s hippie, bohemian, Jane Birkin era.
Who are your favourite designers? American label Ace & Jig is a favourite, designing woven textiles that are then made in India. Also, Christy Dawn, who uses beautiful fabrics and regenerative cotton for her designs, and Dôen for vintage-style feminine blouses and dresses.
Adamo has this shirt by Dôen on her wish list.
Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? I grew up in the north-west corner of the US, near the Canadian border. It’s beautiful, but the fashion is very earthy – Patagonia fleeces, Birkenstock and Teva sandals – so that’s what I wore as a kid, and still wear now!
What was your first fashion moment? When I lived in London and started having babies, I wore a lot of black: skinny jeans, which were cool back then, with black boots and my Isabel Marant coat. It was an Angelina Jolie vibe, very dark. And then, around 2010, when I first got on Instagram, I had a switch where I decided to embrace colour and discover my personal style. It happened organically.
And your worst fashion mistake? I don’t make bold choices. I’m too boring to make a big fashion mistake.
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What’s on your wish list? The Dôen “Henri” top – it’s a pretty white blouse with ruffles.
Is there something you’d never wear? Leopard-print or bright pink.
Is there a current trend you like? I honestly don’t know what’s trendy now.
What shoes do you wear the most? Birkenstocks – “Bostons” in winter and “Arizonas” in summer – or a pair of strappy sandals.
Who is your favourite fashion icon? English influencer Lucy Williams: she’s playful with colour and there’s always something unexpected about what she’s wearing. Also, if I’m getting dressed and it’s not working for me, I try to channel my non-existent inner French girl. French women always look so effortless and perfectly accessorised.
What do you wear on a typical working day? Something comfortable but still put together, like a pair of Jesse Kamm pants and a blouse.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’ll throw a Dazed but Amazed slip dress over a swimsuit and head to the beach.
The Family Home (Hardie Grant) by Courtney and Michael Adamo is out September 16.
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