The ‘very expensive’ mistake this fashion influencer admits to making

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, fashion brand founder Sara Crampton.

On Sundays you’ll find Crampton wearing white jeans and a white tee. Credit: Getty Images

How would you describe your style? Effortless, neutral, refined.

Do you only wear neutral colours? I’ll weave in some earthy browns, deep greens and navy blues these days.

What is the oldest thing in your wardrobe? An IRO leather jacket I’ve had for about 10 years.

And the most recent addition? An off-white A.Emery textured tank top with a scoop neck and fringing at the bottom.

What would you wear … on a first date? A nice top, some bias black pants, maybe a little heel. I’d focus a bit more on my hair and make-up and add a pair of Lié Studio silver drop earrings … on a plane? I usually travel with my kids, so it’s a Matteau printed silk shirt that hides marks from little fingers, a pair of comfortable Harris Tapper elastic-waist pants and a slide-on sandal … on the red carpet? I loved the long brown Gucci dress Kirsten Dunst wore for the 2024 Academy Museum Gala. It was slightly off the shoulder with an open back. For that loose, elegant look with an element of surprise, I’d go with Esse Studios or Beare Park.

What’s your favourite fashion era? The clean lines of 1990s Calvin Klein resonate with my style.

Who are your favourite designers? I love seeing what Toteme creates. Locally, Matteau, Esse, Harris Tapper and A.Emery are very wearable.

What’s your fragrance of choice? I change it depending on my mood. Recently, I’ve been reaching for a Jo Malone jasmine fragrance.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? My black bias Harris Tapper “Irving” pants, loose white Slvrlake jeans and a white tee – St Agni is my current favourite.

Sara Crampton has been scouring second-hand fashion sites for Chanel slingback flats.Credit:

Any go-to jewellery? I don’t wear much – my wedding rings and a Jaeger-LeCoultre “Reverso” watch.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? There was a little white floral print dress that I just loved when I was about eight. I kept on wearing it as I got older, and it got shorter and shorter.

What was your first fashion moment? When I was 17, I wanted to be a fashion designer and I obsessed with watching all the runway shows on FashionTV. The Chloé 2005 runway collection, designed by Phoebe Philo, was my favourite. I loved everything but there was one sheer white dress with flowers, similar to my favourite childhood dress, that I decided to re-create. I made it, wore it to the races, and ended up winning Fashions on the Field. I thought, maybe there’s something in this for me.

And your worst fashion mistake? I wasted so much money in my early 20s buying logo handbags and shoes – very expensive mistakes.

Is there something you would never wear? I have publicly said I dislike mesh shoes, so I won’t wear them.

What’s on your wish list? I’m looking for a pair of black Chanel slingback flats on sites like Designer Wardrobe where you can get those pre-loved dream pieces at a more affordable price.

Is there a current trend you like? Trends are great because they can inject something new and exciting into your wardrobe – you just need to make sure they speak to your style. I love the deep chocolate-brown colour trend that’s been around for a couple of years now.

What do you sleep in? Jasmine and Will flannelette pyjamas in winter and a lightweight Deiji Studios linen set in summer.

What shoes do you wear most often? A.Emery “Turner” sandals.

Who is your favourite fashion icon? Elin Kling of Toteme is a good reference point. She’s minimalistic and I love that she re-wears her classic pieces.

What do you wear on a typical working day? Black Harris Tapper pants with my new A.Emery top and slides.

What’s your favourite off-duty casual Sunday look? White jeans and a white tee.

Sara Crampton is founder of online retailer The Undone and an ambassador for Designer Wardrobe.

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