Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, nutritionist Jacqueline Alwill.
How would you describe your style? To date, it’s been classic with a relaxed edge. My wardrobe has timeless pieces that work hard; I’m not into fast fashion and I appreciate interesting textures and tailoring. I’m at a point where I’m asking some of those big life questions and redefining my style has been part of that. Now, I’m leaning more into colour. Dopamine dressing really does make you feel good.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A little Gucci bag a boyfriend gave me when I was 21.
And the most recent addition? A pink cashmere sweater and blue pinstripe cotton shirt from Jac + Jack. I love the quiet luxury of their designs.
What would you wear … on a first date? A silk cami, Henne jeans, a bomber jacket and Alias Mae kitten slingbacks. … on a plane? Linen pants, an oversized Anine Bing tee, Uniqlo cashmere sweater and Adidas “Gazelle” sneakers. … on the red carpet? A gown by Anna Quan or Christopher Esber.
What’s your favourite fashion era? I love the ease of the ’70s – they had great denim, silk shirts and cool tailoring.
Who are your favourite designers? I love Australian designers including Matteau, Deering, Jac + Jack, Sir and Alémais. I also love Boteh’s flowy, summery designs and VRG GRL is fun, feminine and edgy.
Do you wear fragrance? It doesn’t sit well with me. Being a nutritionist, when I’m thinking through my morning routine, I’m more “What food can I put into me to make me feel amazing?” than “What fragrance can I put on me?”
What are three essential items in your wardrobe? A beautiful shirt, a Camilla and Marc blazer and jeans – Zara, Citizens of Humanity and Henne all do good jeans for tall people.
Any go-to jewellery? A pair of Astrid Montague handcrafted gold earrings, Lucy Folk wrist cuffs and a Tiffany & Co mesh ring I’ve had since my 20s.
Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? I grew up on Sydney’s northern beaches and we spent a lot of time sailing on Pittwater. Mum had an amazing collection of sarongs from the Philippines and I loved the feeling of being wrapped up in them. She’d tie one up as a halterneck dress on me – it felt so special.
What was your first fashion moment? I don’t know if I’ve had a big fashion moment, but what I would say is that I’m really leaning into what this stage of life means and what fashion represents for me at this point. I’m beyond caring what people think now I’m in my 40s.
And your worst fashion mistake? In the mid-2000s, when I was living in Colorado, I got wrapped up in all the bad noughties fashion. I remember wearing distressed low-rise jeans with a brown biker
jacket, fluoro mesh heels and the worst haircut of my life – the hairdresser cut my bangs too short.
What’s on your wish list? I travel a lot and a Bottega Veneta “Intrecciato Duffle” bag would hit the spot.
Is there something you’d never wear? Stilettos. I’m almost six foot and I like to engage and talk to people, which doesn’t work when you’re really high up.
Is there a current fashion trend you like? I love all the suiting.
What do you sleep in? Silk or cotton pyjamas from Marcia Leone’s label, Not So Mumsy.
What shoes do you wear most often? Silver Adidas “Samba” sneakers.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Farrah Fawcett. She embodies that balance of femininity and strength.
What do you wear on a typical working day? Jeans, a beautiful knit and loafers. I’ll add a blazer for meetings.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? Adidas “Firebird” trackies, an Ena Pelly tee and VRG GRL camel-coloured bomber.
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