Hey, I Like Your Style! Actor Selina Yang looks to ’90s films for fashion inspiration
IMAGE VIA @selina.yangg/instagram
AS TOLD TO DAISY HENRY
“Finding your own style and gaining confidence in what you wear takes time and lots of trial and error.”
We know personal style is a journey (I’m looking at you, Tumblr years) and our series Hey, I Like Your Style! dives into the fashion psyche of our favourite creatives. We’re talking the good, the bad and the 2007.
While the internet has made our fashion icons feel closer than ever before, even the most effortless of outfits came from a closet with some (well-dressed) skeletons. Clickable product tags, photo archives and lives chronicled in 30-second clips just don’t tell the full story.
For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.
There’s a brilliance behind the way we choose to express ourselves, and at FJ, we know every outfit has a story. This week, we’re taking a look inside the wardrobe of actress and model, Selina Yang.
Based between Melbourne and New York, Selina is an all-around creative. Her style has been through a few different eras, from Uggs and ripped denim shorts, to platform Uggs and boyfriend boxers (à la Bella Hadid). “It’s only recently, and I mean very recently, that I’ve stopped looking outward at trends and started dressing in a way that actually feels like me,” she says.
However, Selina’s not one to judge her past self. “Maybe falling victim to certain trends over the years was actually pivotal in getting me here.” Nowadays, her wardrobe is full of comfortable, casual pieces that carry a certain oomph. On repeat, she’s wearing local labels like St. Agni and Venory, while also manifesting a certain Bottega Veneta tote bag.
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Fashion Journal: Hey Selina! Tell me about yourself and what you like to wear.
Selina: I’m an actress and model currently living between Melbourne and New York City. I love wearing something that’s comfortable and casual, but has that little extra bit of oomph and makes people think you put in more effort than you did.
What has your style evolution looked like?
Growing up, I’ve definitely fallen into the trap of chasing whatever fashion trends were popular in the moment. The first wave of tall Ugg boots with ripped denim shorts had me following suit. The second wave involved platform Uggs with boyfriend boxers à la paparazzi photos of Bella Hadid eating pizza on a New York stoop, 10 years later. And I fell victim again (along with every single fashion girly on this planet it seems).
It’s only recently, and I mean very recently, that I’ve stopped looking outwards at trends and started dressing in a way that actually feels like me. The thing is, finding your own style and gaining confidence in what you wear takes time and lots of trial and error. Maybe falling victim to certain trends over the years was actually pivotal in getting me here. And who knows, maybe I’ll resist the inevitable third wave of the Ugg boots trend when it comes along, or maybe not.
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Take us back to those awkward teenage years. Do you have any fashion regrets?
I used to live in skinny leg jeans. I remember the day my mum bought me my first pair so clearly. I was around 12 years old and I put them on straight away and we went grocery shopping. To my surprise, I started to notice so many people in the markets also wearing skinny leg jeans. I was shocked because I thought I had discovered them!
I don’t think I regret wearing them per se but I definitely think I wore them way past their expiration date. I know they’re back in at the moment but no, I will not be following suit.
What are the most expensive and least expensive items in your wardrobe?
The least expensive thing in my wardrobe is a leather blazer I picked up from the thrift store for five dollars. The most expensive is probably this quilted Moncler down jacket the brand let me keep after shooting with them.
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What is the most meaningful fashion piece you own?
All the pieces my mum has kept for me from my childhood, as well as pieces I’ve worn on special occasions, like my graduation or my blue and gold dress from my 16th birthday. Each of these pieces hold a special memory of a different version of me, which I really treasure.
Who or what influences your style?
Films, especially any movie from the ’90s. I love dressing up as different characters. Also, my current style inspo and girl crush is Sarah Lihn Tran, the co artistic director of Lemaire.
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What fashion piece are you saving for right now?
Oh wow, I think this might be the first time in my life where I actually don’t have a particular piece I’m dying to own… what’s going on? A Bottega Veneta bag would be nice though (throwing this out into the manifestation void). But hang on, let me be very specific. A Bottega Veneta Hop leather tote in dark green, large. Thank you.
What are the wardrobe items you wear on repeat?
The Intimissimi boat neck cashmere modal tops (a wardrobe staple must) and my Playboy leather jacket I thrifted from Swop two years ago that has not left my side through any of my travels since. Truly a signature piece of mine.
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Who are your favourite local designers?
St. Agni and Venroy, hands down. Both brands create effortlessly refined, high-quality pieces that feel timeless yet modern. I love an elevated staple, something that’s minimal but still feels intentional and put-together, and they do just that! Their designs have that perfect balance between structure and ease.
Keep up with Selina here.
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