Actor Marlo Kelly loved this shoe so much, she bought three pairs
Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, actor Marlo Kelly.
Marlo Kelly’s style icons include Old Hollywood actors such as Lauren Bacall.
How would you describe your style? I like timeless, classic clothes with a bit of an edge.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? An above-the-knee tartan skirt with gold buttons from the ’80s that belonged to my mum.
And the most recent addition? A black velvet jumpsuit from Sézane.
What would you wear … on a first date? A black turtleneck with black pants and boots. It’s acceptable for any environment, and it won’t matter if I spill something on myself. … on a plane? Assembly Label fleece pants with a jumper from ski brand Halfdays and platform Puma sneakers. …on the red carpet? To the Emmys I wore a beautiful black Dolce & Gabbana gown. For my next red carpet I’d like to wear a suit with statement Jan Logan drop earrings and a heel.
What’s your favourite fashion era? The 1940s and ’50s. Whenever I’m pulling together a Pinterest board for an event, it typically has photos of Lauren Bacall, Katharine Hepburn and Grace Kelly from that era. I like that it’s strong, but also feminine.
Who are your favourite designers? I wear a lot of Australian designers such as Viktoria & Woods, Hansen & Gretel and Assembly Label.
What’s your fragrance of choice? “Rouge Smoking” by BDK.
What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? Assembly Label jeans, a black Viktoria & Woods blazer and black loafers.
Any go-to jewellery? I’m into layering rings. For instance, I’ll stack Jan Logan “Velouria” bands with its pink morganite and green amethyst “Calypso” ring.
Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? My first pair of shoes – leather with crystal daisies – sat on my bedroom mantelpiece for years after I grew out of them. And there was a velvet floral skirt that made me feel very grown up as a four-year-old.
What was your first fashion moment? I’d never worked with a stylist prior to the 3 Body Problem press tour last year, and the whole process of finding looks and picking outfits was really exciting to me. A favourite look was an MSGM chequered dress with a strong shoulder and tight waist – very 1940s Lauren Bacall.
And your worst fashion mistake? When I was 14, I went to a school dance in a coral-blue dress and I made all the accessories, down to my nail polish and eyeshadow, match. It makes me cringe.
What’s on your fashion wish list? I’m very intentional about what I buy. I tend to look for something for a long time because I plan to keep my clothes for a long time. I’d like a good caramel coat, but I haven’t spent much time looking into it yet.
Is there something you would never wear? Flesh-coloured pants.
Is there a current trend you like? Little cashmere vests – they’re so cute for layering.
What do you sleep in? A fleece pyjama set I got from my best friend’s bachelorette weekend. Wearing it makes me happy.
What shoes do you wear most often? Mary Janes. I have black, red and white pairs.
Marlo Kelly’s favourite shoe style is a Mary Jane.Credit:
Who’s your favourite fashion icon? I love how playful Cate Blanchett’s style is. To the 2022 Venice Film Festival, she wore a Schiaparelli black jumpsuit with flowers poking out like she was the bouquet in a black vase.
What do you wear on a typical working day? I wear a costume, but I can’t turn up to set in a tracksuit; I have to put on an outfit, even if it’s just jeans and a tee, so I feel ready to start the day.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’m in New York, where it’s cold and snowy, so it’s a brightly coloured sweater with flared white jeans and Dr Martens boots. I want to I feel like I’m wearing something fun, even if it’s grey outside.
Marlo Kelly is the face of Jan Logan’s 2025 “Calypso” collection.
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