Before there was Instagram and Pernille Teisbaek to find outfit inspiration, there was TV and Cat Deeley. Since the late ’90s, the model turned presenter’s style has been on my mood board of people I want to dress like. Here’s the thing about Deeley’s wardrobe: It’s consistently great and rarely has a wobble. Since the days of Chums, CD:UK and Ant and Dec to presenting So You Think You Can Dance in L.A., where she now lives, Deeley’s outfits are the kind of clothes I can imagine wearing. Her wardrobe isn’t full of avant-garde fashion or boundary-pushing looks but classic pieces that last. Sometimes they’re more cool-girl outfits, but Deeley wears them in such a way that it seems anyone can wear them. They’re not terrifying to try out; they’re approachable, even when she’s in one of her trademark minidresses.
Off the red carpet, she’s all about tailored coats, great pairs of skinny jeans and T-shirts, but on it, she loves a knockout mini or a minimal gown, which is always accessorised with her favourite strappy sandals. While she’s definitely more private than other celebrities, she’s still a fashion favourite, as over the years she’s regularly appeared on the front row of Burberry and is long-time friends with designer Matthew Williamson. Her other go-to labels are Isabel Marant and Anine Bing—brands that offer classics with a twist. Unlike other TV stars, she hasn't suddenly become grown-up with her fashion choices; she's developed her personal style over time. So from the ’90s through to the early ’00s up until literally last month, you’ll see pieces in Deeley’s wardrobe that work from then until now.