Kate Ritchie reveals three wardrobe must-haves for all women

Trying to create the perfect wardrobe? Every woman needs a quality version of these three items, Kate Ritchie argues.

Inside My Wardrobe

Kate Ritchie, co-host of Nova’s Kate, Tim & Joel drive show

Logies gowns, Ralph Lauren, statement shades and a Home and Away set robe are just some of the things you will uncover in Kate Ritchie’s wardrobe.

Admitting to a split-personality style, Kate collects everything from flirty Zimmermann dresses through to “bona-fide country” double denim and where every purchase is stored away for future dress-ups for her daughter Mae.

Always styled with a sneaker, Kate’s daily outfits fuse fashion and function beautifully.

Kate Ritchie.

How would you describe your personal style?

Classic and incredibly relaxed.

Who are your style icons?

The Duchess of Cambridge. She can wear a polka dot like nobody’s business, rocks navy, wears hats, makes sensible pumps look sexy and does it all with grace.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe?

Me.

What are your favourite brands?

Scanlan Theodore, Camilla and Marc, Zimmermann, Jac & Jack, Bassike, Flannel, Estilo Emporio and Oak Meadow. Sandro, Ralph Lauren, YSL, Dolce & Gabbana, Miu Miu and Isabel Marant.

Have you ever made a style faux pas?

Most of my fashion faux pas have been well documented over the years but I attempt to blame them on my mother and the Home and Away wardrobe department!

Kate Ritchie.

What is the most surprising thing in (or about) your wardrobe?

It feels as though there are polar opposite characters living in there. I am part uptight conservative, part street and part bona-fide country. It’s confusing, even to me.

Top three wardrobe must-haves?

The best pair of jeans ever. Fit and quality. Always a great investment. A fabulous pair of sunglasses that you look after and don’t scratch in the glovebox and a pair of bathers you feel great in.

What is the most sentimental item in your wardrobe?

I have many but my favourites would be my daggy blue terry-towelling Home and Away set robe with my name sewn on. The hot pink zip-up nightie I wore for all my late-night feeds when I first became a mumma (I bought it because I remember my mum wearing something similar when we were kids) and my Logies frocks from yesteryear.

What would you buy if money was no object?

A black Chanel classic jacket. A Gucci tracksuit. A tennis bracelet. A Vivienne Westwood corsetted gown and a custom-made Toni Maticevski. And then I could start on shoes, bags and Louis Vuitton luggage!

Kate Ritchie.

Summer or winter fashion?

I am a cold frog so I love the months of rugging up but I would have to choose summer fashion as it’s more fun and flirty, less bulky and usually means holidays are on the way!

Denim or dresses? 

Denim and I am not afraid to double it up, top and bottom.

Heels or sneakers?

Sneakers.

Is there anything in your wardrobe you have regretted throwing out?

No. That’s purely because I am hard pressed to ever throw anything out.

Originally published as Kate Ritchie reveals three wardrobe must-haves for all women