Performance has always been ingrained in Nikkita Chadha. “As a kid I always had ants in my pants – just running around, very hyper and energetic,” she tells Stylist from her hotel room in Berlin. “Channeling all my energy into dance made complete sense.”

That’s the type of person she is: no matter who she meets or who she speaks to, you immediately sense the zest for life and chipper attitude that has seen her go from a “chatterbox child, nonstop moving and grooving” to an Oscar-winning actor and dancer. 

There has been plenty more moving and grooving, though, as Chadha is currently in full work mode. Ascending to stardom as a British South Asian actor and dancer, the 29-year-old has starred in Hollywood epics including Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, Disney’s live-action Aladdin and Marvel’s The Eternals. 

In addition to this, she’s also launched a glorious new autumn edit with Amazon Fashion. Walking us through her favourite pieces, Chadha reveals she is an advocate for “pared-back fashion”.

From JW Pei glitter-ball diamante bags and the chunkiest boots from Pepe Jeans to the much-beloved Salomon trainers, Chadha has all the essentials you need this season to make you look greater than you feel. 

“These are everyday outfits I can wear on a red carpet and also when I’m chilling in the park with Pebble, my pet poodle,” she says. “I’m constantly changing my style. Whenever I put on clothing, it brings the exterior part of my character to life.”

Ahead, we talk to Chadha about her style signifiers, her one royal decree and her ultimate fashion muses. 

“I’ve had so many red carpet looks but definitely the Eternals premiere. I wore this really gorgeous Indian jewelled outfit. It was my favourite and I just felt really elegant.” 

“I used to be an indie girl, so my earliest memory is wearing gig outfits. My friends and I would make ourselves look really cute with eyeliner, fake suspenders and we cut really short layers in our hair. That was my first moment of what style is – getting myself ready after school with make-up and accessories.”

“No one works and food is free. All restaurants are open and there’s unlimited food so everyone can try all cuisines.”

“It really depends on the mood; I think my style changes so frequently with the mood of the day or where I’m going. But ultimately, I have to feel comfortable in whatever I’m wearing. When I feel comfortable, I will usually exude confidence.”

“It was actually a Halloween costume for my dog on Amazon. It’s a Chucky outfit with curly red hair.” 

“The usual suspects – I love everything Rihanna wears. If I’m looking to wear something fun, my friends are really inspiring. Lots of my friends are drag queens and from the queer scene, so they always have the most incredible outfits. I’m overwhelmed with inspiration – on social media it’s constantly flowing in.”

“The girls and the gays: they always give me a boost.”

Images: courtesy of Amazon Fashion