2point4 Children's Belinda Lang: 'I love charity shops'

THE 2POINT4 Children star is a pro when it comes to bargains and how to wear black

2point4 Children, star, Belinda Lang, fashion, secret, style, icon, Tricia Welch S MAG

The 2point4 Children star is a pro when it comes to bargains and how to wear black

Belinda, 61, is best known for her roles in the 90s sitcoms 2point4 Children and Second Thoughts, and is now appearing on stage in the musical Oklahoma!. She lives in London with her actor husband Hugh Fraser and they have a 26-year-old daughter, Lily.

How would you describe your style?

Simple and never fussy.

Which colours and shapes suit you best?

I prefer straight up-and-down styles to avoid drawing attention to my lack of figure. My wardrobe is predominantly black, jazzed up with splashes of colour.

We got married in a register office and I altered an old white suit. My mother was absolutely horrified how short it was

Belinda Lang

Do you have a favourite accessory?

I’m very fond of hats. I have a very small head, so they give a better proportion on top. 

What are your favourite fashion eras?

On stage, I love big, statement Georgian and Restoration period costumes. But in real life, I like the glamorous 30s and 50s and the tailored suits of the 40s.

What is your favourite high-street shop?

Oxfam. I love charity shops because you never know what you’re going to find. 

Who are your favourite designers?

The theatre designer Fotini Dimou and I’m a huge fan of Twiggy.

Who are your style icons?

My mother and stepmother. Both were incredibly glamorous. As a teenager, I rebelled against them, but subconsciously they’re a huge influence on what I wear. 

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These suede jackets are by Twiggy London

From left:

These suede jackets are by Twiggy London. “I always wear black, but Twiggy coaxes me into wearing more colour,” she says

A selection of Belinda’s costume jewellery. The diamanté cuff is a favourite by Twiggy London, the antique blue-glass necklace was specially made by actress Barbara Flynn, her blue bracelets and black-and-cream Liberty bangle were gifts from friends, while the earrings were inherited from her stepmother

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Belinda wears a jacket by her favourite designer Fotini Dimou with her favourite trousers

Belinda wears a jacket by her favourite designer Fotini Dimou with her favourite trousers, which were specially made for a stage role. “They’re such a great fit and look fab with a smart top and jacket,” she says

Are you a fan of your Oklahoma! wardrobe?

It’s not in the least bit glamorous, as my character Aunt Eller is a farmer and wears ugly overalls.

Are you a hoarder or do you clear out your wardrobe each season? 

I have masses of clothes and find it impossible to let anything go. I went to a panto-themed fancy dress party once and rooted out a pair of high boots, fishnet tights, a green velveteen jerkin and a voluminously sleeved shirt. A friend said, “You’re the only person I know who’d have a full Jack And The Beanstalk costume in the wardrobe.”

What is the best piece of fashion advice you have ever been given?

Stick with what suits you. 

Are there any old favourites you turn to in a wardrobe crisis?

Two pairs of black trousers that were made for me about 15 years ago for a part in a play. They’re such a great fit and look fab with a smart top and jacket.

How much do you spend on clothes each month?

Nothing usually. I’ll buy something special a couple of times a year.

What is the most expensive item in your wardrobe?

Twenty one years ago I went to France with my friend, actress Lindsay Duncan, and she introduced me to Agnès B. We were like kids in a sweet shop and I spent more in one go than I’ve ever spent before or since, including a black leather jacket that cost about £300. But I still wear it.

And your best bargain?

A pair of ridiculously camp crocodile boots I bought from a vintage shop called Trade for £2. 

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This Western hat belonged to Belinda’s father

From left, clockwise:

This dress is by Fotini Dimou

This leather buckle belt was a gift from Belinda’s father and stepmother, while the silk belts are by Fotini Dimou

Belinda’s cowhide bag is by Helen Pos for the Praha Collections by Hamels. Her hat and studded belt were charity-shop finds, while the sunglasses were a gift from her daughter Lily

This Western hat belonged to Belinda’s father, but she’s currently wearing it in the nationwide tour of Oklahoma!. Her cowboy boots were bought in America 20 years ago

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The actress models a sleeveless jacket and long skirt from Fenn Wright Manson

The actress models a sleeveless jacket and long skirt from Fenn Wright Manson. The bangles have been collected over many years and the earrings belonged to her stepmother

Who made your wedding dress?

No one – I’m such a cheapskate! We got married in a register office and I altered an old white suit. My mother was absolutely horrified how short it was. 

Do you have a favourite little black dress?

Yes, it’s a very simple Audrey-Hepburn style by Fotini Dimou.

What is your favourite piece of jewellery?

A knobbly silver ring that I inherited from my stepmother.

What item of clothing would you save from a burning house?

My jewellery would survive the fire, so it would be my warmest winter coat with a fur lining, inherited from my stepmother’s sister. I’ve had it over 30 years. I wore it in New York when it was minus five degrees and it kept me warm as toast. 

The national tour of Oklahoma! starring Belinda and Gary Wilmot runs until August 8. For venues and tickets, visit oklahomatour.co.uk.

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