‘I love a bold-coloured suit’: Inside Sarah Harris’ wardrobe

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, TV host Sarah Harris.

Her worst fashion moment? Accidentally wearing her dress backwards on TV “in a mad rush”.Credit: Moments with Carolin

How would you describe your style? My style is all about comfort and convenience. I live in activewear and sneakers: I’m a mum, I’m running around, trying to juggle all these balls, and that’s tricky to do in heels.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? My gym singlets are maternity singlets from when I was pregnant with my first child. He turns eight this year.

And the most recent addition? A pair of Nike “Air Force 1s” that make me feel like a baller, even though I’m a daggy mum. I’m behind the desk a lot more at The Project so I can get away with wearing sneakers.

Sarah Harris, aged 10, in the sequin cap that said: “I have arrived!”

What would you wear …
… on a first date? Something casual; a dress and sneakers.
… on a plane? I wear the same outfit every time. It’s black everything – jumper, leggings, coat, sneakers and baseball cap.
… on the red carpet? It’s a chance to dress up and have a bit of fun. Nicky Velani always makes me feel like a movie star. She knows how to dress a woman and knows that women come in all different shapes and sizes. She’s really good at accentuating the positives and downplaying the things you’re not so comfortable with.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? Lululemon tights – they suck you in in all the right places – my Manning Cartell camel coat and a baseball cap.

What’s your favourite fashion era? I went through high school in the ’90s, so I love the dagginess of the grunge era: baggy jeans, a singlet and trainers. It’s fashion for practicality and that’s how I approach it in my everyday life.

Who are your favourite designers? Scanlan Theodore, Witchery, Cue, Carla Zampatti and Bianca Spender.

Harris covets this padded Saint Laurent “Loulou” quilted handbag.

What’s your fragrance of choice? I love fragrance because it’s so linked to memory. I used to wear Tom Ford “Black Orchid” a lot – it reminds me of being pregnant and having my babies. The last few years I’ve been wearing Le Labo “Lys 41″, which has all the beautiful white florals and a touch of sandalwood.

Any go-to jewellery? I keep it simple with some By Charlotte gold hoop earrings that my brother gave me for my 40th birthday.

Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? There was a fluorescent jazz-ballet outfit that I loved age 10. Nothing says “I have arrived” in fashion like a sequin hat!

And your worst fashion mistake? Wearing my dress backwards on air when I was in a mad rush to get ready.

What’s on your wish list? I love the YSL padded “Loulou” handbag. But can I spend five times what my first car cost on a bag that probably doesn’t hold all the crap I need to carry about? Probably not.

Is there something you would never wear? Cut-outs. Can we stop?

Is there a current trend you like? I love a bold-coloured suit. It’s smart and chic, especially on air. I’ve more than a few by Scanlan Theodore, Ginger & Smart and Carla [Zampatti].

What shoes do you wear most often? White Frankie4 sneakers.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Cate Blanchett and Margot Robbie always look so put-together.

What do you wear on a typical working day? A good frock always looks great on telly, and I love a blazer. My fashion mood is often influenced by the practicalities, though. Am I wearing nude or black knickers? Have I shaved my legs? Have I tanned my arms? It’s also dictated by the news of the day. If there’s something sombre, then it’s muted colours and covered arms. But if it’s a bit fun, then colour and a flash of skin are okay.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’m usually running around or going to the beach with the kids so it’s very low key; leggings and a sweater, no make-up.

Sarah Harris is co-host of The Project on Network 10.

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