Five things I know about style: Zooey Deschanel

1) I love getting dressed up and shopping, but I don't follow trends. My style fluctuates: it's whimsical and feminine. When I was little, I was a really girly girl who didn't like to wear trousers. I just wore party dresses all the time with patent-leather shoes. 2) At school the kids wore hippy dresses from thrift stores, and people made their own clothes. I've always enjoyed wearing old-fashioned clothes. I try to do a bit of research before I travel so I know where to uncover vintage finds. 3) Know what suits you. Now I understand proportion and recognise the shapes that look good on my figure. I try to stick to classic pieces. I don't go to a lot of fashion shows or pay attention to what other people are wearing. 4) The red-carpet thing of premieres and parties is probably my least favourite part of my job. I do this because I love to act. All that other stuff may be glamorous, but glamour, by definition, is all just a circus. 5) You don't have to wear expensive clothes to look good. Growing up in Hollywood meant there were a lot of film stars' kids at my school – but no conspicuous wealth. It wasn't cool to show off that you had money. She & Him's album, Volume 2, is out now