Model Montana Cox’s unusual fashion choice: Wearing her mother’s 1960s school uniform

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, model Montana Cox.

Montana Cox likes to wear her white shirt with one of her dad’s old ties.

How would you describe your style? Effortless but intentional.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? My mother’s primary school uniform from the 1960s. It’s a little tartan pinafore that’s like a mini dress on me – it’s super cute. I love vintage pieces; another favourite is a Fendi bag from the ’70s.

And the most recent addition? This year’s Witchery White Shirt, designed by [Viktoria & Woods founder] Margie Woods. I wear it with one of my dad’s old ties.

What would you wear … on a first date? It depends on my mood. I might go “cool girl” and throw on a pair of vintage jeans with a sweater, or dress quite girly in a little preppy skirt, shirt and kitten heel. … on a plane? Whatever’s comfortable to nap in – a wide-leg trouser, soft sweater and Asics sneakers. … on the red carpet? I like an old-Hollywood glamour vibe.

What’s your favourite fashion era? It’s a split between 1960s mod fashion and the sleek minimalism of the ’90s.

Who’s your favourite designer? Phoebe Philo is cool. I love her archival stuff for Celine and what she’s doing now with her own label.

What’s your fragrance of choice? I like masculine scents – I’m always stealing my boyfriend’s. Tom Ford “Neroli Portofino” and D.S. & Durga “I Don’t Know What” are favourites. I also love Tom Ford’s “Soleil de Feu”, which smells like a holiday.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A perfect white shirt, a tailored black pant – I have an old Oroton pair I love – and a good pair of oversized sunglasses or classic black Ray-Bans, which can really make an outfit.

Any go-to jewellery? I’m a minimalist, so just gold hoops and a Cartier “Panthere Mini” watch.

Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? My mum made me a purple sequin fairy dress when I was about four and I wouldn’t take it off. I wore it with wings fashioned out of wire coat hangers and stockings, and I’d have a tantrum when it had to be washed. When I was a bit older, I went through a weird stage of loving cowboy hats. I think it came from Madonna wearing one in a music video; I was obsessed.

What was your first fashion moment? Winning Australia’s Next Top Model when I was 17 was a big moment. Afterwards, I went overseas and did some shows, but walking the Chanel runway in Paris was my first real pinch-me moment. It felt out of this world. I was like, “What? I’m just this little girl from Melbourne.”

And your worst fashion mistake? I went through a stage of wearing a lot of very tight neon in my teens.

Whether for work or play, Montana Cox “lives in” Chanel ballet flats.

What’s on your wish list? I’d like one of the giant pink fluffy bags from the Gucci Fall Winter 2025 runway show – so fun.

Is there something you would never wear? It’s controversial, but I don’t like Maison Margiela’s “Tabi” shoes. I’m also not a fan of big designer logos.

Is there a current trend you like? I’m obsessed with Saint Laurent’s oversized suits. Big ’80s power suits are such a cool look – strong but effortless.

What shoes do you wear most often? I live in Chanel ballet flats. I’m also loving a pair of Adidas “Japan” red-and-white bowling sneakers.

Who is your favourite fashion icon? I love Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s sleek minimalism. Whether it was a slight red lip or her choice of sunglasses, she looked cool and understated every time.

What do you wear on a typical working day? A vintage flare jean with a white tee, black blazer and ballet flats.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? You’ll find me in well-loved denim, an oversized knit and sneakers.

Montana Cox is a Witchery White Shirt x OCRF ambassador.

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