Alessandra Steinherr’s Perfect Wardrobe

The decision to move to London for an unpaid internship at Marie Claire changed my life. Taking the risk to go on my own without a safety net or certainty where it would lead, showed me that dreams are important, but the self-belief to take that step into the unknown is the key to achieving them.

An evening bag has to be compact but big enough for the essentials: phone, keys, lipstick, a small mirror and maybe a tiny perfume. I don’t want to feel like I’m lugging around my life, but I also don’t want to sacrifice what I need for the night. Bonus points if it has a detachable chain strap, so I can go hands-free when needed.

I definitely prefer flats over heels, but not ones that are completely flat – those hurt my lower back! I guess partly because I’m tall, I never mastered walking in heels, so I prefer a low heel – a block or kitten heel gives just enough lift to feel polished without the discomfort of a sky-high stiletto. Plus, I like to be able to walk everywhere.

When it comes to festive style, comfort will always be my priority, because I need to feel good to enjoy myself. I’m not much of a dress or skirt person, so I gravitate towards tailored looks, like a chic velvet suit, or mixing textures, like sequin trousers with a silk shirt. Polished, easy and just the right amount of festive.

I love jewellery that feels like an heirloom because there’s something so special and timeless about pieces that tell a story. Each piece feels like it has its own legacy, whether it’s a vintage ring passed down from my grandmother, a necklace I found on my travels or a contemporary design that has that same much-loved and worn feel.

The perfect red lipstick is the one you feel amazing in. Whether it’s a bold true red or a subtle berry, owning your look is what makes it perfect. My #1 advice is to always try before you buy – swatch it on your lips, if possible, not just your hand. The same red can look completely different once applied. Having said that, the Lisa Eldridge Velvet Ribbon suits everyone – it’s what I'm wearing now!

The pieces I always keep in my emergency make-up kit are: Natasha Denona’s Hy-Glam Concealer, Reeson’s Bronzing Balm, Refy’s Lip Blur, Victoria Beckham’s Satin Kajal Liner in Cinnamon, L’Oreal Paris’s Panorama Mascara, Rhode’s Pocket Blush in Freckle, and Vieve’s Invisiveil Setting Spray.

I’m sometimes asked if I would ever start my own beauty range, and to that I say, ‘Never say never.’

In complete honesty, the best way to get that flawless glow is to be consistent with skincare – hydrated, smooth skin reflects light so much better. I also follow this pre-party trick from my mother – she’ll always use a hydro-gel sheet mask just before doing her make-up for an event. For extra glow, I mix one part foundation (my go-to is Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation) with one part liquid bronzer (Makeup by Mario’s SoftSculpt Bronzing Serum is excellent) and one part luminiser (the best is Natasha Denona’s Hy-Gen Hydrating Primer Serum). And then apply with my fingers so it really melts into my skin. My top tip: always use a teeny bit less base than you think you need – your skin will look fresher and more natural.

My most-worn party piece is a beautiful gold necklace which belonged to my grandmother. She had such great style and designed most of the jewellery she wore.

I love a good jacket – I always have. My style hasn’t changed much since my late teens: blazers, tailored trousers, silk shirts, jeans – everything just a little oversized. I’ve always known what I like and don’t follow trends too closely. Of course, proportions shift in line with fashion (yes, I wore skinny jeans in the noughties!), but I pretty much dress the same way. Some might call it boring, but I just want to feel like myself, not costumey.

My New Year’s resolution is to finally get my driver’s licence! I’m so embarrassed not to have one.