What a model wears when he’s off-duty, and one item he won’t

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

Model James Parr loves the fashion choices of Harry Styles and Jacob Elordi. Credit:

How would you describe your style? I don’t think there’s one word for my style; it evolves. It’s reflective of my self-expression and how I’m feeling.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? My mother’s wedding dress. She died when I was eight, so it’s very special to me.

And the most recent addition? A pair of pinstripe Tommy Hilfiger wide-leg pants that have become a staple. They’re comfy and casual but can also be dressed up. I love that versatility.

What would you wear … on a first date? I keep it chill in a button-up shirt, nice pants and sneakers. Nothing too over the top, you’ve got to save the best for last. … on a plane? Activewear with a hoodie and Birkenstock “Bostons”. … on the red carpet? I like to be different. I’ll wear a suit, but with shorts to make it a bit more fashion – and my Tommy Hilfiger loafers.

What’s your favourite fashion era? I like the ’90s, when people seemed to have fun with fashion. It was cool and casual. When I was younger, I loved the Spice Girls. They were very reflective of that playfulness – the five different styles within one group. It was a lot of fun.

Who’s your favourite designer? I like Melbourne-based unisex label Nofunovic – it’s masculine with a feminine touch.

What is your fragrance of choice? I mix it up between Jean Paul Gaultier “Le Male Elixir Absolu” and Hugo Boss “Bottled Elixir”.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A baggy trouser, a black Skims “wife pleaser” tank and my Millie Savage rings.

James Parr loves to dress unconventionally for the red carpet.Credit: Getty Images

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? It’s not something I wore, but every Sunday I’d go to church with my nan and she’d always dress her best. She’d wear a pleated trouser with a button-up, a cute little brooch and shoes with a matching handbag. They were my favourite outfits.

What was your first fashion moment? I grew up in a country town where fashion was limited. When I was 18, I started having fun with clothes, experimenting and buying stuff online. I remember walking down the street and everyone looking at me because I was wearing a white tee, shirt, trousers and loafers – a very boring outfit in a way, but for Cobram [Victoria], that was very different.

And your worst fashion mistake? Buying clothes that were too small – tees, button-ups, everything – because I thought the tighter, the better. On reflection, it did not look good.

What’s on your wish list? The perfect T-shirt. I haven’t found it yet – they’re either too long, too short, or not the right proportions.

Parr loves his black Salomon sneakers.Credit:

Is there something you’d never wear? Skinny jeans. Also, thongs. I’m Aboriginal and my whole childhood was spent running around the farm barefoot or wearing thongs. Now, I can’t go there.

Is there a current trend you like? I love how people are having fun with bright colours and getting on board with colour theory. I’m scared of colour, but I’m trying. I like mixing red with blue or pink.

What shoes do you wear most often? My black Salomon sneakers.

Who are your favourite fashion icons? I like how Harry Styles plays into his feminine side while keeping it masculine. He wears what he wants without putting a label on it. Also, Jacob Elordi, whose style is effortless but intentional; he’ll wear a shirt, jacket and army pants with a cute little Bottega handbag.

What do you wear on a typical working day? An oversized Uniqlo shirt and baggy pants. When I’m working, I’m in and out of other clothes so when I come back into my own, I want to be comfy.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’ll be in a Lululemon hoodie and shorts, reading in the park.

James Parr is an ambassador for The Push-Up Challenge.

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