Sally Nugent: The sports presenter is in a league of her own in classic pieces

How would you describe your style?

Simple.

I don’t like anything fussy or frilly. I prefer comfortable clothes.

Which colours and shapes suit you best? Loads of black – but you’re not meant to wear it on television.

I also like red, but I sit on a red BBC sofa, which makes things tricky.

I love really well-fitted jackets and simple, skinny-legged trousers or jeans.

As I’m 5ft 9ins it’s hard to find the right length clothes, as nothing short is allowed on the telly sofa.

Thankfully, more shops sell tall ranges now. 

Which is your favourite fashion era?

Now. I’m 46 years old but feel free to choose the clothes I like.

Years ago women of my age would dress like they were middle-aged.

Who is your style icon?

Emmanuelle Alt, the editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris.

In a good blazer, with skinny jeans, she looks effortlessly fantastic.

It’s best to look like you’ve not tried too hard.

I lived in France while studying for my degree, so appreciate French style and brands like Maje.

Which is your favourite high-street store?

I love Cos as their proportions are good for tall people.

There’s something quite architectural about their clothes – things can look weird on the hanger but look amazing once on.

Who is your favourite designer?

Stella McCartney, as she designs beautifully tailored coats and trousers, but they’re clothes women can move in.

You can run up the stairs inthem.

A couple of years ago I bought a black, one-shoulder jumpsuit, which was frighteningly expensive, but I’ve worn it loads and always will.

It works well on the red carpet, for family parties and out to dinner on holiday.

What do you like to wear at home, for relaxing on the sofa?

PJs.

As I’ll have been up for work since 3.40am, as soon as I return home I’ll take off all my make-up, have a quick shower then put them on to have another couple of hours sleep.

What is your best beauty secret?

I’m picky about what I use to cleanse my skin.

I don’t want anything nasty, so I’m religious about using Emmaline Tsui Cleansing Beauty Balm.

Produced locally in Cheshire, it’s made with essential oils and natural butters.

My favourite perfume is Diptyque’s Eau Des Sens.

Are you a fan of vintage?

I like vintage jewellery but not clothes.

What is your current favourite outfit?

Skinny jeans and one of my many silk shirts.

I like to add a fab pair of earrings.

I buy all my pieces from a friend, who runs a family jewellers called David M Robinson.

Everything from my 21st birthday present from my parents and my Rolex watch to my engagement ring are from there.

How much do you spend on clothes each month?

Too much. Around £200, as I have to buy clothes for work.

Viewers are really interested in what we wear. They tweet lovely, kind comments and ask where things are from.

I organise my wardrobe by putting pieces I’ve worn on the right-hand side, then lift outfits out from the left. 

What is your favourite accessory?

Sadie, my cavapoo.

What is the oldest item in your wardrobe?

A trench coat I bought from Sandro in Paris years ago. 

It cost a fortune but I wear it everywhere. 

What is the most expensive item in your wardrobe?

A really beautiful sheepskin aviator jacket from Reiss, which is so warm. 

I’m a big fan of coats as I often work outside and I walk my dog. 

And your best bargain? 

I love basic Topshop T-shirts, which I buy every summer.

The fabric is great. 

Are you a hoarder or do you clear out your wardrobe each season?

I clear out.

As I get so much stuff for work I could never keep it all.

The air ambulance shop where I live does very well.

How many shoes and handbags do you own?

I’m not a massive shoe person so only about 20 pairs.

I’ve three good handbags and lots of little clutches.

If I’m running round, I opt for cross-body bags so I can be hands-free.

What is your favourite piece of jewellery?

When I had our son my husband bought me a “blue for a boy” vintage aquamarine ring from an antique jewellers in Richmond, London.

Have you ever made a fashion faux pas?

When I was nine years old my nan taught me how to knit.

I made my own rainbow tank top out of scraps of her spare mohair wool.

It’s hideous but I thought it was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen and must have worn in every day for a year.

I still have it in my loft.

What is the one item of clothing you couldn’t live without?

I swear by polo-neck jumpers as it’s always freezing when I leave the house so early in the morning.

Uniqlo is great for bargain cashmere.

What is the best piece of fashion advice you have ever been given?

The American fashion designer Bill Blass once said, yonks ago, “When in doubt, wear red.” It really does work.

If you’re having a wobble the colour makes you feel bolder and more confident.

Do you have a work staple?

Winser London is great for comfortable, unfussy, good-length classic styles.

They perfectly fit our brief of not wearing anything that might give someone a fright in the morning.

I’ve also a great mac by Protected Species.

They’re a British company who make really high-quality, almost silky waterproof outdoor wear, which is great for wearing on TV and radio as the fabric doesn’t rustle when you move.