‘So many pictures of me with camel toe’: Why Sophie Monk regrets some fashion choices
By Georgie Gordon
Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, TV host Sophie Monk.
How would you describe your personal style? I’ve gone through so many phases. I look back at photos and think, “What was I doing?” Now I try to keep it simple and timeless.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? An apricot-coloured dress that I wore to sing at the 2003 Logies with Dannii Minogue and Bec Cartwright.
And the most recent addition? A black blazer that I got from a stylist. I’m not sure who it’s by, I don’t care too much about labels, if I like the look of something, I’ll get it.
What would you wear … on a first date? A pretty, floral dress – long or short – with wedges … on a plane? Skinny jeans, a singlet, cozy cardigan and sneakers … on the red carpet? I love a slinky red dress with shoe-string straps.
What’s your favourite fashion era? I like the 2000s. Some of it was terrible – hipster jeans should’ve been illegal – but it was mostly very cool and fun. I love that it’s coming back.
Do you have a favourite designer? Alex Perry’s dresses are just beautiful. For day to day, I like Ralph Lauren. I love the cardigans and the jumper-over-your-shoulder look. It makes me feel neat and tidy, which is the opposite of my life.
What’s your fragrance of choice? I’ve worn Chanel No. 5 forever. I started wearing it when I worked as a Marilyn Monroe impersonator at Movie World on the Gold Coast.
What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? Denim overalls, I have too many pairs. Also, white James Perse singlet tops and knee-high boots.
Any go-to jewellery? A pair of canary yellow diamond stud earrings that I wear every day.
Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? Yes, cream-coloured knickerbockers and matching shirt with a teddy bear on it. I remember my friend’s mum taking it off and putting me in other clothes so she could make the same outfit for her daughter, who loved it, too.
What was your first fashion moment? Being on the cover of Vogue Australia in 2004 was a cool moment.
And your worst fashion mistake? There are so many pictures out there of me with a camel toe when I’ve had my photo taken wearing leggings on my way to the gym. And I overdid the spray tan for the Aria Awards one year – it went orange and I looked like an Oompa Loompa.
What’s on your fashion wishlist? I don’t usually buy designer stuff, it’s not really my style, but I did just buy the new Louis Vuitton “Star Trail” ankle boots. I’ve only worn them once because I don’t know what to put them with. I also bought the LV “Hooded Wrap” coat and I’ve been wearing that everywhere.
Is there something you would never wear? No, I’ll give anything a go. Baggy jeans, for example, even though I know they don’t suit me. I prefer skinny jeans.
Is there a current trend you like? I like the whimsical, hippy look – a white dress and cowboy boots – for summer.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Sienna Miller puts everything together perfectly and her hair is amazing. Also, Brigitte Bardot, the headbands, the smoky eye, I love that feminine ’50s look.
What shoes do you wear most often? A pair of Prada wedge sneakers that I’ve had for about 15 years; I wear them to death.
What do you wear on a typical working day? For Love Island I get to wear things I would never normally wear: gorgeous gowns in bright colours that go with the brightly coloured house, which looks like a 2000s music video. It’s fun.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? Jeans and a singlet are my staples. If we go out for lunch, I’ll wear a long dress and wedges.
Sophie Monk hosts Love Island Australia season 6 on 9Now.
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