SBS Newsreader Janice Petersen shares her stylish advice

Image: Janice Petersen, weeknight newsreader on SBS' 6.30pm news.

Do you work with a stylist?

We're blessed to have a great stylist Lesley Crawford who ensures we all look fantastic on air. I'll send her links to clothes I like online or we'll spend a morning every few months hitting stores until we find something I adore.

How do you keep personally up to date about trends and fashion?

I have a strong sense of what suits me and that's not always what's on trend. A sleek silhouette is a must. I get my retail fix by surfing online retailers at night once my daughter's sound asleep. Shamefully, I've developed a reputation for online shopping. The guys in the mail room reckon I'm their best customer...

How do you think your sense of style has evolved since becoming a TV presenter and throughout your career?

I only buy things I love and that make me feel like a better version of myself! Bold colours and simple lines work best. We get the most wonderful viewer feedback about my outfits which is lovely. On the flipside, though thankfully it happens rarely, someone will deem an outfit to be a commentary on the news of the day. It never is. I make no apologies for my fondness for great design. Wearing a drab suit each night doesn't increase the credibility or quality of the news. I think we get the balance right.

Image: For her on air fashion picks Janice loves this elegant Carl Kapp dress. 

What's your off air fashion uniform?

Anything that allows me to cycle with my little girl Odessa on the back of my bike! Mostly tees, tanks and high waisted jeans, vintage dresses and scarves in my hair.

How did you dress when you were pregnant (on and off air)?

We didn't buy maternity gear. I just went up one or two sizes. There are so many great styles that easily lend themselves to a beautiful round tummy. I still wear some of those dresses now but cinch them in with a belt.

What has been your favourite outfit you’ve worn on air?

There's no way I can name just one! I adore a deep red Roland Mouret blouse that I've had for a few years. I have a chinoiserie floral Mary Katrantzou dress that just screams "Spring". One piece that always gets compliments is a sleek, collarless white Carla Zampatti jacket. Simple, clean and fresh.

Image: Janice wearing Alexander McQueen

Who are your go to Aussie designers?

Willow for bold colours and draping, Scanlan and Theodore workwear with a twist, Michael Lo Sordo for bodycon punchy prints, Josh Goot for brights and edgy cuts, Aurelio Costarella for impeccable details and tailoring, Jayson Brunsdon for ladylike chic and like the Prime Minister I have a few Carla Zampatti jackets but disagree with Germaine Greer on the merits of them!

What fashion advice will you share with your daughter?

My two and a half year old is incredibly strong willed and has been choosing her own outfits for many months now so any advice of mine may fall on deaf ears. But I'd love her to feel that she is worthy of looking beautiful. For years I was too busy being a wallflower to even contemplate looking fierce.

What's on your fashion wish list for spring/ summer?

I'll be the one wearing bright, sunburst orange! I already have Josh Goot scoop leg dress, Karen Walker pants and Opening Ceremony sandals in that blinding hue. And as usual at this time of year I'm on the hunt for my Holy Grail bikini. I'm thinking it's time to extend my long time love of all things high waisted to the beach.

Image: Janice's favourite colour for this summer is sunburst orange. Here she's wearing her beloved bright orange Josh Goot dress! 

Five quick questions:

1. Pants or skirts? Skirts

2. Dresses or suits? Dresses

3. Heels or flats? Flats

4. Black or red? Red

5. Designer or High Street? Designer

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