Maggie Alderson no longer ‘wastes’ her money on this designer item

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, writer Maggie Alderson.

Maggie Alderson’s most cherished items are her father’s cashmere cardigans.Credit: Andrew Crowley for the Telegraph

How would you describe your style? It’s a high-low mix of new, second-hand and what I call “me vintage” – designer pieces that I’ve had for longer than 20 years.

What are the oldest things in your wardrobe? A black velvet opera coat from the 1920s and my dad’s cashmere cardigans. They are my treasures.

And the most recent addition? A pair of dark denim wide-leg jeans. I’m trying to limit my new garments to six a year; I’m at three already.

What would you wear … on a first date? A leopard-print Moschino blazer with Gucci tailored pants from the 2000s, one of my silk blouses with a necktie, a pair of mad trainers and one of my good bags from the days when I used to waste money on designer handbags. … on a plane? I like to be elegant. I’ll wear chinos with a chic sweatshirt, a blazer and silk scarf. My husband always wears a suit. … on the red carpet? A silk dress by Alber Elbaz for Lanvin.

What’s your favourite fashion era? The ’90s was great for fashion. Tom Ford for Gucci was the epitome of it. That red velvet suit was a moment.

Who are your favourite fashion designers? John Galliano, Alexander McQueen and Phoebe Philo.

What’s your fragrance of choice? Grandiflora’s “Magnolia Michel”.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A cashmere stole, a nylon cross-body bag and a good tuxedo jacket.

Any go-to jewellery? I don’t like the ownership thing of a wedding ring, so I bought myself a Tiffany eternity ring. Also, a pair of fine gold hoop earrings and my Tag Heuer diver’s watch.

Alderson bought herself a Tiffany & Co ring in lieu of a wedding band.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? We had the most incredible dressing-up box. There was this green velvet 1950s cocktail dress and I’d put together a whole Cruella de Vil look, with long black gloves, a fox fur and cigarette holder.

What was your first fashion moment? The moment I was born; I come from a family obsessed with clothes. But the moment that expanded my consciousness was when I was seven and my mother took me to the Biba shop in London. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven.

And your worst fashion mistake? When I was 13, I wore a bright red Laura Ashley smock with a yellow polo neck and yellow and red stripey socks and clogs, like a boiled sweet.

What’s on your fashion wish list? I’ve bought a second-hand silk chiffon Pucci-type print dress to wear to a seriously fabulous fashion party and there’s a Missoni belt I really want, with big chain links in exactly the colours of the dress.

Is there something you’d never wear? Real fur.

Is there a current trend you like? I like double denim, but I’ve always worn it. I’ve had to defend double denim my entire adult life.

What shoes do you wear the most often? Nike trainers.

What do you sleep in? Cotton nighties from Louise Mitchell in [Sydney’s] Double Bay.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Tom Ford. He could sneeze and it would be stylish. When I used to attend the shows [as a magazine editor], he’d come out at Gucci holding a tumbler of scotch and wearing a velvet smoking jacket, and we’d all die of swoon.

What do you wear on a typical working day? Loose chinos, an ancient T-shirt, socks and Birkenstocks.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? A rock-chick look to go to the local pub: camo cargo pants, my Guns N’ Roses tour T-shirt, a dark denim jacket, leopard-print scarf and platform Birkenstocks.

Would You Rather (HarperCollins) by Maggie Alderson is out now. Her newsletter, Style Notes, is on Substack.

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