Actress Rosie Day reveals her fashion and style secrets

Award-winning actress Rosie, 22, has appeared in Outlander, Prime Suspect 1973 and alongside Sarah Jessica Parker in the film All Roads Lead To Rome.

She can be seen in Sky 1’s new family comedy drama Living The Dream and movie Down A Dark Hall. She lives in London.

How would you describe your style? Quite eclectic – bohemian, but at the same time sporty. 

What colours and shapes suit you best?  I’ve had my hair dyed every colour under the sun for jobs and it changes what colours you can wear. When I was brunette I wore reds and blues but now I have red hair, green and light pink suit me. I’m not sure I could pull off yellow with any hair colour though and my mum says that because I’m very pale I shouldn’t wear white. I prefer fitted jeans and skirts but love a baggy jumper or shirt over the top. Because I’m small I have to shop in the petite section. I can sometimes fit into kids’ clothes.

Which is your favourite fashion era? I’m a big fan of how the women looked during the Second World War – they were very put together. I like the hippy era, too, especially in America. 

Who is your style icon? The band First Aid Kit has a very cool, boho look, and I’m a massive Caitlin Moran fan and love her style, even though it’s a bit barmy. I also love what Elle Fanning wears. I follow her religiously on instagram.

What is the best costume you’ve worn for a role? My Outlander costumes. They were all handmade and each dress took about six fittings. They were the most beautiful – but uncomfortable – things. I think they’re now on display in New York. I also loved my costumes on the upcoming Down A Dark Hall film set in a boarding school. They were very St Trinian’s. 

And the worst? For one scene in Living The Dream they put me in a pink floral dress that didn’t fit me and looked horrendous. I got laughed at by the rest of the crew all day.

Do you own more high street or high end? More high street. The only designer clothes I’ve got are things Sarah Jessica Parker gave me when we worked on the film All Roads Lead To Rome. I have a great appreciation for designer clothes but wouldn’t naturally spend money on things like that. I like to wear them for events, though. You see why they’re expensive because they’re so well made.

Which are your favourite high-street stores? Adidas, Topshop and Brandy Melville – and Urban Outfitters is my shrine. My wardrobe is basically a teenage girl’s heaven. I’ve recently discovered Asos so I now do a lot of online shopping, too.

The actress’s favourite jeans were gifts from Sarah Jessica Parker, with whom she worked on the movie All Roads Lead To Rome. Her camouflage jacket is from Topshop

She loves her Topshop choker, the Frida Kahlo necklace from a flea market in Peckham and the woven anklet she bought at a Spanish market when she was filming Down A Dark Hall

She’s worn Dr Martens from the age of four. “I’ve six pairs,” Rosie says. The sandals are London Rebel and her trainers are Nike

Have you any favourite designers? I love Miu Miu, Vivetta and Gucci – they’re doing some really different, colourful things at the moment. I’ve a few independent New York designers in my wardrobe, too, though inheriting them. I’ve got a £700 pair of Fendi sunglasses but I’m too terrified of losing them to wear them – I lost four pairs of sunglasses this summer.

Do you own anything vintage? Yes, lots. I go shopping with my sister and Lesley Sharp, who plays my mum in Living The Dream, is also really into vintage clothes so we used to go shopping together when we were filming in Savannah in Georgia. The city’s got lots of great vintage shops. In London I love Rokit and Beyond Retro.

What is the oldest item in your wardrobe? A pink floaty skirt that belonged to my mum when she was about my age. It used to be in our dressing-up box but I now wear it as a normal piece of clothing.

And the most expensive item? The most expensive thing I’ve bought myself is an All Saints coat that was about £400. I’ve had it since I was 18 and it’s coming to the end of its days now, but I absolutely love it.

How much do you spend on clothes a month? Never more than about £100. I’ve become more into clothes and make-up. My best friend is a designer and we want to produce feminist T-shirts as a side project. We want to call the brand Power to the Top.

What has been your worst fashion faux pas? I went through a really terrible Avril Lavigne phase between the ages of eight and 14, where I just wore skater trousers, ties and black eyeliner. When I look back at the photos I wonder why my mum let me go out like that.

How many shoes and handbags do you own? I used to have about four pairs of shoes but I’ve acquired more. I’ve about 15 now. My mum put me in Dr Martens when I was four and I never looked back. I’ve got six pairs in different colours and patterns. I don’t have a handbag, just a couple of rucksacks.

What is your best beauty secret? Moisturise, don’t wash your hair daily and less is more with make-up.

What is the best piece of fashion advice you have been given? My mum has always encouraged me to wear what I want. It doesn’t matter what other people say or think. 

Living the Dream comes to Sky 1 and Now TV in November.