What’s your fragrance of choice? I change fragrance every couple of years so that each one reminds me of a certain time in my life. This year – the best year of my life so far – it’s Creed “Original Santal”.

Any go-to jewellery? I don’t wear a lot, only my gold wedding band.

Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? A pair of OshKosh B’gosh overalls.

What was your first fashion moment? My first big designer purchase was a peacock feather-print suit from the Dries Van Noten boutique in Paris. I wore it when I won the People’s Choice Award at the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards in 2019 and to a small number of other special occasions over the years. That suit symbolises a lot, it’s become like a talisman.

And your worst fashion mistake? It’s so cringe. I was 24 and working in a high-stakes legal job as a judge’s associate. I was running late for work, so I chucked on a new knit dress and didn’t realise until I got there that it was excruciatingly, inappropriately short. I spent the whole day hiding in my office, tugging it down and trying not to bend over.

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What’s on your wish list? A red three-piece Camilla and Marc suit – oversized with an extraordinary ruched bodice and wide-leg pants – I borrowed for a book event. It was probably the best I’ve ever looked.

Is there anything you would never wear? A big white wedding dress. When I got married, I wore the same dress I wore on our first date.

Is there a current trend you like? I’m loving weird, chunky, blinged-up sneakers. Simone Rocha does the best.

What shoes do you wear the most often? Sneakers and black, Cuban-heeled boots from Tibi.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? I love Harling Ross Anton, who has a fantastic Substack called Gumshoe, a shopping newsletter about vintage and second-hand clothes.

What do you wear on a typical working day? Toteme houndstooth trousers with a singlet, oversized business shirt and Jillian Boustred knit.

And your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’ll be walking to the Old Fitz in Woolloomoloo for afternoon negronis in a miniskirt, tee and sneakers.

Bri Lee’s novel The Work (Allen & Unwin) is out now.

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