And the most recent addition?
A long kaftan from Uzbekistan.

What would you wear …
… on a first date? On my first date with my husband we went cycling so I wore lycra! If I was to do it over, it would be something that fits well but doesn’t look as if I am trying too hard, like a tailored top with jeans and boots.
… on a plane? A long black jersey skirt, loose top and boots. I take slides to wear on the plane and a big shawl to keep me warm and add a pop of colour.
… to the Oscars? A traditional Sudanese toub, blinged up with sequins and jewellery, to reflect my history and where I was born but also to bring a new style into the space.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child?
I loved wearing dresses as a kid even though I rarely wear them now. There was a tartan dress that I was in love with.

And your worst fashion mistake?
The ’90s were not a good time for a lot of people! I was wearing super-low-slung cargo pants with a hoodie and my dad’s sandals. I thought I looked really cool. My mum was constantly telling me to pull my pants up.

What was your first fashion moment?
When I was 18 I went to Paris for a three-week engineering course as part of my university degree. The airline lost my luggage and I just went to town! I was in this beautiful city with all these people around me who were interested in the way they put outfits together. I learnt what it meant to find clothes that work for me.

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Who’s your favourite designer?
Celine. I’ve always been a fan; my first expensive purchase was a Celine bag.

What’s your favourite fashion era?
The ’70s: big afros and bell bottoms, things that I can actually pull off!

Is there a current trend you like?
What’s cool is that a lot of the looks at the moment – long sleeves, high necks, long dresses – are hijab-friendly.

What’s on your wish list?
A Burberry coat. I adore a well-cut piece: no matter what your head space, you put it on and it completes you. Brother Vellies “Lauryn” loafers and “Grandma Stell” mules – I want all their things! I love that they’re ethical and sustainable in their practices.

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Is there anything you would never wear?
Some people can pull off a sack-like dress. I just look like a potato.

What shoes do you wear the most?
Timberland boots.

What do you wear on a typical workday?
At the moment, my work is a mix of speaking, broadcasting and writing. When I’m presenting,
a power blazer with patterned trousers and a statement earring. Working from home I’ve started to get a little luxurious with my lounge wear; there’s an English brand called Sunspel that’s all cashmere and Scottish lambswool.

What’s your favourite look for casual Sunday?
Patterned trousers from Collective Closets, an Australian brand by two African-born sisters, with a slouchy sweater and pink furry slides. A silk triangle headscarf completes the outfit.

Yassmin’s novel for young readers, Listen, Layla (Penguin Random House Australia), is out now.

This article appears in Sunday Life magazine within the Sun-Herald and the Sunday Age on sale February 7. To read more from Sunday Life, visit The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.