When she’s not playing the role of Hemali, a legal aid attorney and Gita Moodliar's older sister in the SABC3 soapie Isidingo, Krijay Govender is also a director and extremely funny stand-up comedienne. LEGiT went digging in between her two Master's degree textbooks and multiple awards and came upon a wardrobe that fits this extraordinary talent.

Describe your personal style.
I have never been dictated to by trends. I am a bit of a chameleon though. I can look like the dog’s breakfast when I am working behind-the-scenes and glamorous in front, when on stage. I am a functional dresser, rather than a stylish one, but I can be stylish when the function calls for it. I do enjoy classic stuff like palazzo pants and bell-bottoms. I stopped showing cleavage when I metamorphosed into a cow and realised that my breasts actually had a function. As I grow older I enjoy a more conservative approach to dressing too. People listen more to what you are saying, rather than focus on what you are wearing. 

What’s your number one tip for on-trend style?
Clean hair, lotion-laden elbows, fingers and toes. Add ironed clothes, mascara and a smile... none of it ever dates.

What’s the funniest, quirkiest thing you’ve ever worn?
A cell-phone suit, I was the life-sized phone. I was suffocating in that suit, no airtime!

Do you have an item in the back of your wardrobe that you’ll never wear?
Yes... my old varsity hot pants.

Heels or flip-flops?
Good gosh, both. Best practice is flip-flops on the way to the event and then heels from parking lot to the event. Heels and painkillers throughout the event, and Flip-flops back in the car. Then barefoot back home!

What is your most treasured fashion item?
My bra! There is no substitute for a good bra. She picks you but when you are down, the underwear isn’t too bad either.

Style vs. sense of humour: Which quality do you love most in a guy?
Style. My gosh, after a few years of marriage, when you have toddlers screaming and food burning, the last thing you want is a man who stands around cracking a joke...rather have him still look great. It reminds you why you’re still in it!

What are your first-date wardrobe staples? Which items make a fantastic first impression?
I could say a smile. But I think a classic dress that leaves a bit to the imagination rather than overexposed is a must-have. 

What's your go-to conversation starter joke?
You have to start with a bright and witty one. If he gets it, stay on and don’t joke again, you are on a date, not a comedy stage. If he doesn’t get it, cheque please! Life is too short to date or marry stupid men.

Image credit: whacked.co.za