ANNA BARNETT, CHEF + FOOD WRITER

Swapping a career in fashion for food, the now chef and food writer regularly contributes to national publications and hosts pop-up restaurants, brand collaborations and cookery classes. She talks to us about dressing post-pregnancy and what it means to be a modern cook.
 

“During my pregnancy, I felt like I really embraced my body in a way I hadn’t before.”

I’m a brand-new mum to twin boys. During my pregnancy I wore a lot of bodycon dresses, which was absolutely not my go-to style previously. Bizarrely it was liberating to embrace this new body, I wasn’t worried about the usual female hang ups, I was grateful to celebrate the curves, not conceal them. It was a precarious pregnancy so each week that we got through was a win, I was also very aware of how temporary pregnancy is and whilst my body was miraculously creating two little humans I was so keen to celebrate it.

“I dress around comfort - but not always practicality.”

Post-pregnancy it was all about getting back into my old jeans again and rediscovering my wardrobe. There was comfort in the notion that my body felt like my own again. 

I’d say I currently have two styles of dressing: day-to-day and then just a slightly more premium day-to-day. There’s a big sweatpant situation, for when I’m around the house or recipe testing and wiping greasy hands on myself all day long. Then there’s the pared-back investment pieces, plenty of knits, which I’ll wear again and again on repeat. 

I’ve somehow bypassed any postpartum practical dressing. Despite still navigating the breastfeeding minefield I am breastfeeding and I’ve been very impractical in my outfit choices; there’s no functional bras or tops with handy flaps, zips or poppers here so I’m constantly hiding a small child under an oversized knit.

When it comes to footwear, I love to walk everywhere (which is handy given I now come with a double, very impractical pram these days) so I live in a comfortable pair of trainers most days; the heels are firmly stored away right now!

“There’s no rules around what a modern cook looks like.”

We’re in an exciting time where everyone can be a cook. That image of a stuffy fine dining chef or a Fanny Craddock-type home cook has dissipated. If you’re passionate about food, then you are part of this story. That goes for eating great food too. You don’t have to spend a fortune to eat really exciting takes on cuisines. You can eat incredible food from food trucks and market stalls. The food hall or food market scene is thriving and I’m a huge fan of this low key way of discovering food.

“My taste in clothes matches my style of interiors.”

Our recent house renovations were purposely quite pared back. We worked with lots of plaster finishes and natural materials like wood and marble. This more muted backdrop means our home is capable of evolving with us and hopefully standing the test of time. We’ve dressed it up with statement pieces, like our incredible peachy marble dining table and the softest enormous mohair throw which took months to source and import. I take the same approach to my wardrobe. I have a foundation of everyday items like jeans and jumpers, which are my go-to pieces and mean I don’t have to think too much about what I’m wearing day to day. Then there are my investment statement pieces that I add into the mix, that I treasure (and have probably spent too much on) and feel joyful wearing.

“My most cherished item is my wedding dress - and I still wear it to this day.”

My husband and I did the legal bit of our wedding at Hackney Town Hall. I wore an amazing yellow Roksanda dress with green Manolos. I will love that dress forever - even covered in stains. It’s been worn with trainers, at various other weddings and pretty much any time I need a great frock to wear.

Recently I was given two of my grandmother's  rings. They’re big, colourful rocks - one is citrine and one is aquamarine - in beautiful art deco settings. Jewellery can really liven up any outfit, no matter how muted an outfit may be. I’m a fan of that contrast! 

Jewellery is such a great marker for moments in time, I have a bonkers and very impractical engagement ring which on a daily basis brings all the joy.