In Conversation With Tessa James

The UNDONE in conversation with Tessa James, the Australian actor whose style we are currently obsessed with. 

QUESTION ONE: What does a typical day look like for you? 

No two days are ever the same which is something that I really love and am lucky to enjoy. It can change between being on set, heading to an audition or just have a day to work on all the ideas swirling around in my head. Two things that are the same would be exercise and a coffee.

QUESTION TWO: How do you approach dressing in the morning? 

It depends on what I am doing for that day and the weather. But it is always simple, the simpler the better. I don't have a huge wardrobe but I have things I love, that are easy to travel with and that can pair back with one another. Which makes getting dressed in the morning a lot easier. QUESTION THREE: What's your favourite item in your wardrobe? 

It defiantly changes but at the moment probably my Céline shoes. They are black with gold studs and a wooden heel.

QUESTION FOUR: What's the one piece in your wardrobe you have had the longest?

I recently culled my entire wardrobe, which I love to do. My Céline tote bag is probably the pieces I have had the longest it was a gift for my 21st (birthday). 

QUESTION FIVE: Choose five words that best describe your style.

Simple, minimal, chic, understated, versatile.

QUESTION SIX: If you could only have five pieces in your wardrobe, what would they be? 

1. Acne Leather Jacket 

2. Dion Lee Black Tailored Pants 

3. Albus Lumen Francesca Dress 

4. MLS (Michael Lo Sordo) Tailored Shirt

5. MLS (Michael Lo Sordo) Silk Cami 

QUESTION SEVEN: What do you look for when choosing a piece to wear to a special event? 

Depends what the event is, but sometimes I like to go more extravagant than what I would when choosing a dress everyday. I wore a Gucci outfit this year that I loved - it was a mix of electric but still classic. 

QUESTION EIGHT: What are you most comfortable in? 

I really love a tailored pant, I live in pants. 

QUESTION NINE: What have you been obsessed with lately? 

As it has been in-between seasons I have noticed I had been buying a lot of shirts because I find they are a great classic piece and perfect for in between season. So I would say that's definitely my little obsession at the moment.

QUESTION TEN: Who or what influences you? 

Everyday I am inspired by strong women, especially the women around me. I love reading fashion magazines and I am inspired by art, furniture and mostly travel. 

QUESTION ELEVEN: What's the next look or trend you would like to incorporate into your personal style? 

I would really love to purchase a nice tailored suit. Céline Resort would be the inspiration. 

QUESTION TWELVE: What's your one signature piece that you always wear? 

Ance leather jacket. It has helped out in so many wardrobe situations and goes with everything. 

QUESTIONS THIRTEEN: What's your signature fragrance? 

Santal 33 by Le Labo, but I have recently been wearing Loewe. 

QUESTION FOURTEEN: Describe your morning and night beauty routine? 

I keep it super simple but consistent. I use Rationale morning and night and if I feel like wearing makeup for the day I'll use a combination of Rationale Skin Fluid C2 and RMS Un-Cover Up. 

QUESTION FIFTEEN: What's your greatest indulgence? 

 Travel, I love to travel. QUESTION SIXTEEN: As an actor, you get to delve into someone else's life and personal style. Do you ever take things away and incorporate them into your own style? 

It is one of my favourite processes of my job. To be able to become someone else and inhabit their lifestyle and personal style is so inspiring. I feel a huge sense of freedom when I inhabit someone else's life. I am sure with each person I subconsciously take away things.

QUESTIONS SEVENTEEN: When audition for a role what do you most look for in a character? 

I look for challenge, something that makes me fearful or nervous. When I am scared of something it is usually something I need to do. 

QUESTION EIGHTEEN: Traveling between LA and Sydney for work, do you ever feel your style shift with the different locations? How do your surrounding impact what you decide to wear? 

My style and wardrobe is very basic and simple. It is very easy to travel with and goes to a multitude of climates. I've found if my wardrobe is simple, basic and has good quality pieces, then I find it easy to dress wherever I am.

Paris is definitely a place where I feel inspired to experiment more and feel more comfortable with myself.

QUESTION NINETEEN: What makes you feel most at home? 

My husband.