In the closet with actress Katherine Parkinson 

Katherine Parkinson loves wearing clothes and fashions from bygone eras [TESSA HALLMANN]

Katherine, 37, is best known for her role in Channel 4’s The IT Crowd and the BBC2 political drama The Honourable Woman. She lives with her actor husband Harry Peacock and their two daughters in south London.

How would you describe your style? I wouldn’t presume that I have a style because that suggests I’m stylish. But I like to reinvent myself and every few months, I seem to land in a different decade.

Which colours and shapes suit you best? With my colouring, I wear a lot of green and autumnal colours. I’ve always worn a lot of black, too, and I prefer a fitted bottom half.

Which is your favourite fashion era? I love the 20s but that look doesn’t suit me. Victorian and Edwardian styles are probably my favourite – I love a bustle.

Katherine is a big fan of vintage clothes especially from the Victorian times [TESSA HALLMANN]

Who is your style icon? I think Marion Cotillard is just beautiful – I love the French way of dressing.

You recently had a baby girl. Did your style change much during pregnancy? I discovered that it’s better to go for tight-fitting clothes rather than the kaftan-type stuff I wore for my first pregnancy. It’s more flattering – and you get seats on public transport.

Do you have any favourite maternity brands? Apart from a gorgeous dark-blue dress by Seraphine that I wore to the BAFTAs this year, I didn’t go for maternity clothes at all with baby number two. I think they’re a waste of money. Your pregnancy is over before you know it.

Katherine prefers flat shoes over heels as says she likes to do a lot of walking [TESSA HALLMANN]

Do you own more high street or designer? High-end high street for everyday but designer for occasions.

What are your favourite high-street shops? Oska, Brora and All Saints. I like all the shops on London’s Marylebone High Street, too.

Do you own anything vintage? Collecting vintage clothes and jewellery is a passion, although I hardly ever wear any of it. I buy a lot from Palette, a shop I discovered when I used to rehearse in Islington.

This colourful snood is by Brora, while the brown-patterned Nordic jumper is by Gudrun & Gudrun [TESSA HALLMANN]

You recently appeared in the spy thriller The Honourable Woman. How would you describe your character’s wardrobe? Rachel is pregnant for most of the series – as was I – and as she is quite well-off, she dresses well. It was a lesson on how to dress when expecting.

What is your all-time favourite character costume? I loved the Victorian clothes I wore in a BBC comedy called The Bleak Old Shop of Stuff.

How much do you spend on clothes a month? I don’t want to work that out – it’s too much.

What is the most expensive item in your wardrobe? Probably my wedding dress, which was about £1,300 second-hand. A couple of my One Vintage items are quite expensive too.

This elegant black dress and bolero are from Palette, a vintage shop Katherine discovered in London [TESSA HALLMANN]

How many shoes and handbags do you own? I’m not really into shoes and bags – I spend so much on clothes as it is – but I like walking so I wear a lot of flats.

Have you ever made a fashion faux pas? Definitely, but who cares if you’re enjoying yourself?

What is the best piece of fashion advice you have ever been given? Kristin Scott thomas taught me that it’s better to have a few really nice pieces rather than lots of things you never use – and to wear navy blue.  

In the Club continues on BBC1 at 9pm on Tuesday. The DVD of the honourable Woman is out tomorrow. 

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