Miranda Tapsell on the puffer jacket she can't live without

How would you describe your style?

It’s pretty relaxed. I wear a lot of maxi dresses. If I’m feeling fancy, I love jeans with a collared shirt and a heel.

If I’m feeling fancy, I love jeans with a collared shirt and a heel.Credit: Johnny Diaz Nicolaidis

What is the oldest thing in your wardrobe?

A black-and-gold dress from Topshop in London that I bought for the premiere of The Sapphires in 2012. It has a full skirt that shoots out at the hip, very Mad Men.

And the most recent addition?

When I was acting in the play Black Is the New White in Adelaide, I didn’t pack anything nice for opening night. But I love op-shopping and I found a really cute blue dress.

What would you wear …

… on a first date? On my first date with my husband, I wore a very simple navy-blue dress and boots. I picked something I felt like dancing in. That’s the vibe you should bring to a first date.

… on a plane? I’ve made the mistake of wearing really tight jeans – so uncomfortable. So now I wear a maxi dress.

… to the Oscars? Oh man, I would go all out. I fell in love with Cynthia Erivo’s Versace dress at the Oscars: it was white, with a train and a lot of diamantes. You can’t go wrong with a bit of sparkle.

Miranda was fashion-conscious even as a small child: "I’d want to wear dresses out camping and hiking with my family."Credit: Courtesy of Miranda Tapsell

What’s your favourite fashion decade?

I’m quite nostalgic for the ’90s. I love the Adidas pants that button up, and what J. Lo and Britney wore in their music videos, and Destiny’s Child with the bandannas.

Do you have a favourite designer?

I love Oscar de la Renta.

And a favourite fragrance?

At the moment it’s Scandal by Jean Paul Gaultier. I’m also a big fan of essential oils – I love a bit of lavender oil on my pillow before I go to sleep.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you had as a child?

I was quite fashion-conscious; I’d want to wear dresses out camping and hiking with my family. My mum would say, “You are not wearing that out bush.” The thing I loved most was a fluoro-pink bomber jacket. It was very ’90s, and nylon, so not appropriate in the heat, but I insisted on wearing it.

What was your first fashion moment?

The shoot I did with photographer Hugh Stewart for Vogue Australia. It was the first time I thought I’d really gained traction with my career, and to be part of Vogue was a huge thing. I was wearing Louis Vuitton and Miu Miu. I felt like a movie star.

And your worst fashion mistake?

Attempting a fringe. My wavy hair has a mind of its own.

What are three essential items in your wardrobe?

Nike sneakers. I have lots of different colours. I am also obsessed with Tony Bianco heels and have many styles. And a Giordano puffer jacket – a Territory girl finally learnt how to keep warm in Melbourne!

What would you never wear?

I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing a onesie. I already look youthful enough – I don’t need people mistaking me for a child.

Who is your favourite fashion icon?

Lupita Nyong’o is my style queen.

What is your favourite look for a casual Sunday?

I usually end up wearing my yoga gear. I have a lot of tights from Bima Wear, a label run by female Aboriginal artists from the Tiwi Islands.

Miranda Tapsell’s book Top End Girl (Hachette Australia) is out on April 28.

This article appears in Sunday Life magazine within the Sun-Herald and the Sunday Age on sale April 26.