Nicole's fashion factor

DON’T cha wish your wardrobe was hot like Nicole Scherzinger’s? After bursting onto the UK scene in 2005 with the American girl band Pussycat Dolls, Nicole has since enjoyed success as a solo artist and famously coupled up with Formula 1’s Lewis Hamilton.

Now she’s stepped into Kelly Rowland’s shoes as the new X Factor judge, alongside Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh and Tulisa Contostavlos.

And while it might be the contestants’ singing talents being rated and slated, Nicole’s style choices will be under the spotlight, too, so the pressure to get it right is greater than ever.

Unsurprisingly, she’s already bringing a touch of Hollywood glamour to the panel, and viewers have been promised designer gowns, big hair and plenty of bling once the live shows begin.

The A-lister, who is also the face (and fingers) of imPRESS nails at LittleBlackDress.co.uk, shares her best wardrobe tips.

How would you describe your style?

I can be quite daring with my clothes but believe that you have to feel comfortable and confident to carry off whatever it is you’re wearing.

What do you think is the key to a perfect dress?

I love a dress that’s fitted, classy, sexy and feminine.

Who are your favourite fashion designers?

I love Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli and Versace – brands that look very strong and sexy. For high street, I visited All Saints during my time in London and they had a fabulous selection of dresses and accessories.

What is your favourite red carpet look you have worn so far?

I’ve loved all the dresses that I’ve worn on the red carpet but one of my favourites has to be the black dress that I wore at the premiere for Men In Black 3. It was by Turkish designer Cengiz Abazoglu and I loved how elegant yet flattering it was.

You often wear little black dresses. Are you a big fan of the LBD?

LBDs are so versatile, which is why I think they’ve become one of my wardrobe staples. A little black dress can do so many things, I guess it depends what you accessorise it with. You can wear an LBD with boots and leather jacket for a gig, or accessorise with a clutch bag and killer heels for a night out.

Who is your favourite fashion icon and why?

I’ve always admired Marilyn Monroe. I think she looked fabulous whatever she wore as she knew her assets and how to best show them off. I also love Victoria Beckham’s style and think her dresses are amazing. I’m very inspired by my music and other artists in the industry such as Beyonce and J.Lo. Those ladies have fabulous bodies and definitely know their way around a dress.

What is your favourite body part to accentuate?

I like styles that show off my collarbone as I think your arms and shoulders are revealing – but not too revealing – and make you look strong. You will often see me wearing dresses that are open across the top. I think shoulders are sexier than cleavage. I wore a really cute LBD for my recent X Factor auditions actually.

It had a halter neck and A-line skirt which was very feminine but edgy at the same time.

And what body part do you dress to disguise?

I don’t like my thighs, the back of my legs or my knees – I never have. I wear clothes that show my legs in pictures and videos but not often when I’m appearing live. It takes time to really understand your body shape and it has taken me years to know what I can and can’t pull off.

Describe your relaxed daytime style?

My everyday style is very practical; often a pair of jeans, a blouse and a leather jacket, but I might make sure that the jeans are patterned, or wear a hat or thigh high boot for a twist.

I’ll accessorise according to my mood that day.

What about your evening dress-up style?

In the evening I love to look sexy but ladylike. If it’s a red carpet moment then obviously I’ll pull out all the stops, but if it’s a dinner or night out, I’ll wear a cute dress and accessorise with a bold lip and some killer heels.

What is your biggest fashion faux pas?

Before the Pussycat Dolls I was part of the girl group Eden’s Crush. I don’t know what we were thinking! We had trousers that were cut to make us look like the Incredible Hulk and we had to burst out of them. When I look back I wonder why nobody told us.

Have you got any outfits lined up in your wardrobe for your time on the X Factor live shows?

I’ve been so busy recently that I haven’t really had a chance to think about my X Factor wardrobe but that said, I’m sure there will be an LBD or two.

What about your beauty routine on the show?

So many people put time and energy into getting their hair, make-up and outfit just right and I see great nails as that finishing touch.

I’ve become the face of imPRESS stick-on nails and love them. I’m a very expressive person and am known to talk with my hands so they’re the perfect product for me. I can switch them up with each outfit so keep your eyes peeled to see which ones I’ll be rocking.