The pair of jeans this dancer wore every day while on tour
By Georgie Gordon
Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, dancer Emily Seymour.
Credit: Pedro Greig
How would you describe your style? Sporty chic.
What is the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A Saucony jumper of my dad’s. It’s very oversized on me but so comfy.
And the most recent addition? A pair of platform uggs. I wear them with my pyjamas at home, or with jeans to do errands. I also recently bought my new favourite heels, a pair of classic black pumps, from the SJP By Sarah Jessica Parker store in New York City. They’re super chic.
What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A pair of indigo-blue Dissh jeans – I took them on a tour recently and wore them every day. Also, a cream or black blazer and comfy sneakers.
A Panthère de Cartier watch is at the top of Emily Seymour’s shopping list.
What would you wear … on a first date? An off-the-shoulder dress or a black silk slip with knee-high boots … on a plane? I travel a lot for work and usually go for a matching tracksuit with a trench coat and my heaviest black Alias Mae boots to save the weight in my bag … on the red carpet? A long dress, to elongate the body, in a bright colour. I like Christopher Esber and Dion Lee.
What’s your favourite fashion era? The ’90s for the big jumper, oversized baggy jeans look.
Who are your favourite designers? I love supporting Australian designers such as Bianca Spender, and Laura May from Nagnata. I value Nagnata’s sustainability – they use organic and renewable materials – and as a dancer, athlete and Pilates instructor I just love how it fits the body. Leelo Active is another Australian label I feel confident in, and you can easily dress pieces up by putting a blazer and boots on.
What’s your fragrance of choice? I only wear fragrance when I’m going out; it’s a waste when I’m sweating all day in the studio. At the moment, I’m loving “English Pear & Freesia” by Jo Malone.
Any go-to jewellery? A gold and diamond necklace my boyfriend gave me, and a Hermès bracelet.
Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? I loved anything pink when I was young, and there was a floral bikini I was obsessed with when I was 13.
What was your first fashion moment? I did all styles of dance growing up – jazz, tap, hip-hop, contemporary, lyrical and ballet – and the studio was also a modelling agency. I remember doing a fashion show when I was about 14, getting my hair and make-up done and walking down the catwalk in heels, feeling like a beautiful woman.
What’s on your wish list? I’m coveting a Panthère de Cartier watch.
Is there something you would never wear? No. As a dancer, I’m always wearing random costumes, so I’m pretty open to everything.
Is there a current trend you like? The ’90s blazer-and-bike-shorts look. I also love that you can wear a sneaker with any outfit, dressed up or down. Comfort is key for me.
What shoes do you wear the most often? New Balance “1906” sneakers or Adidas “Sambas”.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Hailey Bieber’s confidence and unique style resonate with me. She effortlessly combines comfort with high fashion and adds a touch of sophistication to casual looks.
What do you wear on a typical working day? For rehearsals, it’s a Nagnata crop top and Adidas trackie pants tucked into Nike socks.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? Even though I’m in activewear every day, I still turn to it for the weekend. So it’s Lululemon “Align” flared leggings with a jumper and my ugg boots. Unless it’s hot and sunny; then I’m in a bikini all day by the beach.
Emily Seymour is touring nationally in Silence & Rapture, presented by the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Sydney Dance Company, August 2-19.