‘Like tracksuit pants’: The jeans Bella Heathcote can’t live without

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, actor Bella Heathcote.

Bella Heathcote describes her style as “somewhere between five-year-old girl, teenage boy and occasionally their mother who’s chic and dressed appropriately”.Credit: Hannah Scott-Stevenson/Netflix

How would you describe your style? It’s somewhere between five-year-old girl, teenage boy and occasionally their mother who’s chic and dressed appropriately.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? I was only 12 when Mum died, and I inherited some of her clothing: incredible suits and designer pieces that at the time I could never imagine wearing. I recently wore a gold Roberto Cavalli dress [of hers] to my friend Phoebe Tonkin’s wedding in New York City. I feel protected when I wear something of my mum’s; it’s a good luck talisman.

And the most recent addition? A Moschino x Candy Crush backpack from 2017 that I bought on The RealReal. It’s tacky and fantastic.

What would you wear … on a first date? What I wear on any given day: a button-down shirt and jeans with a loafer. … on a plane? A white tee, vintage men’s Levi’s jeans, an oversized denim jacket, a silk scarf and sneakers. … on the red carpet? The gold Saint Laurent dress I wore to the Fifty Shades Darker premiere in 2017 was incredible.

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What’s your favourite fashion era? The 1970s, ’80s and ’90s all have something: high-waisted jeans, big shoulder pads, a good blazer.

Who’s your favourite designer? If I love something, I love it whether it’s Saint Laurent or from a random op shop. Having said that, I do love what Alessandro Michele did at Gucci. Lee Mathews does a great shirt, and if I want to look good for an event, Zimmermann will have something for me.

What’s your fragrance of choice? “Air” perfume oil by Bodha. I also love their incense.

Heathcote lives in her Levi’s jeans.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? Levi’s jeans, a white Bonds tee and a big cotton or linen men’s shirt. I also like a Hawaiian shirt for summer.

Any go-to jewellery? I wear my mum’s jewellery: an emerald ring that my father gave her when I was born, some chunky gold hoops and a bangle with a triangle ruby inlay.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? A fluoro pink-and-green striped top and skirt set that I would still wear now if it fit me.

What was your first fashion moment? The Dark Shadows premiere in 2012 was pretty huge. I went from having my friend dress me and looking a bit of a mess on the red carpet to wearing Chanel.

And your worst fashion mistake? About 10 years ago, I went to an event in LA wearing very heavy make-up, like I was in drag. And I paid someone to do it. As I was walking out the door, my partner said, “You know you could wipe it off.” Not helpful.

What’s on your wish list? I’m looking for the perfect metallic bumbag. I’ve also got my eye on a Gucci backpack with a snake on it.

Is there something you’d never wear? Really high heels.

What shoes do you wear most often? I wear my Birkenstock “Arizona” slides so much I’ve worn out the tread.

Is there a current trend you like? I’m loving the ’90s-style suits and blazers.

What do you sleep in? Pyjamas from Suku or Deiji Studios.

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Who’s your favourite fashion icon? A friend told me I dress like [actor] Walton Goggins. I’ll happily have him as my style icon.

What do you wear on a typical working day? To the set, I’ll wear men’s Levi’s – as they’re basically tracksuit pants that I can easily rip off – with a button-down shirt – as you can get your make-up done without having to then pull it over your head – and my Dr Martens loafers.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? A Hawaiian shirt and a pair of old jeans that I cut off at the knee – I’m appreciating the long denim short.

Bella Heathcote stars in The Family Next Door on ABC TV from August 10.

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