Anna Paquin on winning an Oscar at 11 and what she wore

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, actor Anna Paquin.

How would you describe your style? I have two modes. One is my everyday wardrobe, my mum uniform of black on black on black. Then there are the photo shoots and red carpets where I get to play in high-end fashion closets. So even though they are on opposite ends of the spectrum, the same person who lives in black jeans, T-shirt and Converse sneakers also loves putting on beautiful, often confrontational, fashion and getting to play dress-up.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? I have a couple of wool jumpers from when I was about 10 years old that were handed down to me – they would have done the rounds through my brother and sister. I don’t wear them but I hang on to them because they make me happy.

And the most recent addition? I haven’t shopped for myself for years. Most of my clothes shopping involves my children growing out of something.

What would you wear …
… on a first date? I have no idea! I didn’t ever really date, and I’ve been with my husband for 15 years.
… on a plane? My favourite comfy Mother Denim black jeans, black T-shirt, black cardigan and J. Crew ballet flats – I’ve been buying the same style for 20 years.
… on the red carpet? I’ve worn some amazing designers but my favourite is Alexander McQueen – avant-garde fashion meets exquisite tailoring. I love that all his collections told a story. Sarah Burton has picked up where he left off.

What’s your favourite fashion era? I get to play with different time periods in my profession and there are things I do and don’t love. I like the 1950s for the sleek, tailored, clean outlines – Roland Mouret and Helmut Lang silhouettes, for example.

Do you have a favourite fashion designer? I love what Harris Reed is doing; it’s so cool watching a gifted young human take over the world of exquisite, convention-defying fashion.

What’s your favourite fragrance? I like Tom Ford fragrances, and not always the women’s ones. But nothing too strong because I’m mindful of the close proximity to others in my working environment.