5 questions with ... actress Troian Bellisario

If fans of mystery-thriller series Pretty Little Liars thought the drama was over after the big revelation of stalker A’s identity in Season 2, Troian Bellisario — who plays over-achiever Spencer Hastings — says that they’re only getting started.

“You would think finding out Mona is A would clear everything up for the girls and that life would go back to normal but it only makes things way, way worse,” the 27-year old teased when she was in town. Apart from being a control freak like Spencer, the high-school valedictorian also identifies with her character’s style.

“I like a lot of the classic lines she gets to wear,” she said. “She has a very old-school Ralph Lauren Americana vibe to her but I’m a little more down and dirty. I feel more comfortable in jean cut-offs than in a blazer.” FARAH DALEY

Do you get to give any input into the styling of your character?

Troian Bellisario: Mandi Line who is our costume designer totally trusts me and is really wonderful. She and I collaborate on a lot of the outfits and she’s really great about letting me alter Spencer to what I like.

Are you a fan of accessorising?

Not really. I love hats but as far as jewellery goes, all of my jewellery is very personal to me. I hate when people just throw it all on, it doesn’t make sense to me. I have a few rings and each one has a story and a few necklaces that mean something very much to me so when I put them on, I feel like I’m carrying that story with me.

What are three fashion staples every girl needs?

I think hats can make any outfit. You can be wearing a nothing sundress but you put a floppy hat on and it becomes really fun. I’m a huge boots girl. I own one pair of heels and probably 10 pairs of boots like riding boots, jodhpurs and ankle boots. I love putting boots with everything especially with shorts or skirts. I also love a good dress. I like a light, romantic dress I can just throw on with my boots and my hat.

What’s your favourite item in your closet right now?

Probably these Victorian black riding boots that I got at a flea market for around US$30 (S$37). They go with everything and are the sickest boots ever. They come up to my knees and they’re so comfortable I could wear them all day.

Any past fashion choices you regret?

I was actually thinking the other day how I used to wear my ballet tutus out with ballerina skirts over them and with a tank top and a blazer and call it a dress. I don’t really look back and think, “Why did I do that but why don’t I still do that?” I really need to get my tutus back and wear those. Maybe I’m a weirdo but I really liked wearing that.

Pretty Little Liars Season 3 will be premiering on WarnerTV this July.