These Irish women of every age always look cool and original – and far from frumpy. What’s their secret? …
Fiona Leahy
A former fashion editor, event designer Leahy’s wardrobe of maxi dresses is as impressive as the parties she plans. By wearing a maxi dress out of context to lunch or a business meeting, rather than to an evening event, she turns convention on its head and makes this look her own. @fionaleahydesign
Shelly Corkery
Brown Thomas Fashion Buying Director Shelly Corkery is the undisputed leader of the all-black fashion brigade, but always keeps it light and modern with accessories or a fun tee. Bring a dependable black suit up to date this season by choosing a relaxed, slightly slouchy style – and wear with trainers. @shelly.corkery
Róisín Murphy
Described as an “art pop queen,” the London-based Irish singer songwriter’s party-ready music is mirrored by her exhibitionist fashion choices, especially for live gigs and on tour. Murphy’s undone hairstyles and quirky jewellery keep her look contemporary. Murphy wears a Balenciaga coat. De-frump outerwear by choosing an innovative or technical fabric like this bubble bouclé. Photograph via Matches Fashion. @roisinmurphyofficial
Anne-Marie Tomchak
The ex-Vogue digital editor is co-founder of the non-profit ShareJoy, which sells pre-loved fashion to support mental health initiatives, and CEO of the sustainable tech company Design Tracker. Tomchak says living in London for over a decade influenced her style. “Although I’m still drawn to classic pieces like trench coats and shirts in a muted palette, I wear a lot more streetwear and practical footwear now.” She de-frumps her working wardrobe by swapping power suits for jumpsuits, (pictured) and blouses for deconstructed white shirts. @amtomchak
Clodagh Shorten
Founder and director of Samui boutique, Cork, Shorten favours oversized silhouettes, a pop of red lipstick and cool footwear from Good News London. She is faithful to the labels she stocks: Dries van Noten, Rick Owens, Sophie D’hoore and Dorothée Schumacher among others. She dyed her hair peroxide blonde during lockdown: a style update to emulate. A sharp new cut is the perfect way to switch up your hairstyle for an all-new you. @samuicork
Maria Black
The Copenhagen-born Irish designer’s aesthetic is reflected in her contemporary fine jewellery (stocked at Seagreen and Selfridges). The brand’s ethos is all about exploring and embracing individuality. Black updates classic prints, such as polka dots, with asymmetric necklines and makes a strong case for wearing single earrings. Maria Black favours interesting cuts in classic fabrics and patterns. @mariablackjewellery
Orla Sheridan
The personal stylist and fashion tutor at Galway Technical Institute, Sheridan also has a masters in corporate strategy. As a conscious shopper, she believes in versatile pieces, in neutral colours. She de-frumps daytime dressing by pairing white jeans with great blazers or one of a few well-chosen investment coats. Orla Sheridan opts for neutral tones. Dressing head-to-toe in neutrals may sound daunting, but it’s an easy way to elevate your look. @orlasheridanstyle
Aoife McNamara
Whether wearing blouses or slouchy suiting, the designer of eco-conscious luxe label Aoife Ireland, Aoife McNamara, believes in the de-frumping power of colour – fluoro pink, powder blue or lime green – accessorising with matching shoes or white trainers. @aoifemcnamarax
Susie Lynch Barrett
Jewellery designer Barrett wears fabulous Colin Burke knitwear, and accessorises with her own jewellery designs, layering velvet chokers, leather pendants and single earrings. Socks worn with flat Mary Janes are another style signature. She chooses voluminous silhouettes and adds new season, on-trend flats. @tired_always
Cathy O’Connor
The fashion stylist plays up her silver-streaked hair (often with mad accessories), while denim and leather are her style staples. She believes: “The greatest thing you can have in your wardrobe is attitude: whatever you feel like wearing, wear it and do not second-guess yourself, because if you feel like you, you should not look like someone else.” Cathy O’Connor uses accessories to change an outfit’s style and mood. Amp up any casual look with a pair of statement sunglasses. @cathyostylist
Sarah Romoli
Style consultant Sarah Romoli’s de-frumping advice is firm, forthright and inspired by time observing older Italian women (her husband is from Florence) with their bold jewellery and accessories and confident attitude. This season choose wide-leg jeans that work with your shape, she advises, a trench coach and updated accessories: Romoli favours platform loafers with socks or amped-up, high-trend sneakers. Athleisure is a no-no! Dressing in unfussy clothes makes a look modern. Commit to good fabrics and a great fit.
Katie McKeever
The owner of the Vogue-endorsed accessories brand Beaubea is partial to wearing sequins and a white fedora, while favourite labels include Rotate Birger Christensen, Cecilie Bahnsen and Zimmerman. McKeever’s youthful approach to dress lengths and volume give her wardrobe an enviable edge. McKeever loves vintage-inspired accessories, juxtaposing modern pieces, like this puff-sleeve Rotate dress, with a 1960s-style bag for a fresh, original look. @beauabea
Danielle Galligan
Actor Danielle Galligan likes to wear the pants. The 28-year-old Irish actress and poet got her big breaks in Game of Thrones and Netflix series Shadow and Bone. De-frump wide-leg trousers with a coordinating blazer and statement earrings. @daniellegalligan_
Vanessa O’Connell
The Irish model, who is signed to an agency in Milan, has clearly channelled the Italian love of neutral and monotone colours and this muted palette is the key to her minimalist, modern style. She incorporates fashion trends via her accessories, from shoes to sunglasses. @vanessa_oconnell
Nikki Creedon
Owner of iconic Dublin 4 boutique Havana, Creedon has always championed new and avant garde Irish and international labels including Simone Rocha. Her personal style is defined by texture and pattern. Creedon loves to layer, while her spectacles from Optica, Dublin add a finishing touch. Blue and green should never be seen? Step out of your comfort zone and de-frump outdated combinations à la Creedon. Choose new, unexpected colour pairings. @nikkicreedon
Sophie Anderton
Model and honorary Irishwoman Sophie Anderton, who recently married Count Balinska-Jundzillova and lives in Wicklow, champions Irish designers such as Louise Kennedy, Laura Chambers and Caroline Duffy. With minimal accessories, Anderton ensures her look is contemporary. Anderton also has a stylist on speed-dial when needed. @sophie.anderton
Mouchette Bell
The 62-year-old Irish-Nigerian editor and model, who worked for Italian Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Tatler in her 20s, recently popped up in campaigns for Emilia Wickstead and Harvey Nichols. Her most cherished accessory is confidence. “Now that I am older, I feel less nervous and that I can be myself.” Bell does not shy away from shimmer, and when wearing sparkle, keeps accessories to a minimum. Bell makes an effort to dress up every day. @mouchettebell
Holly White
Regardless of what she is wearing, the Irish style and wellness blogger believes that luminous skin and choosing the right colour to enhance skintone are key to de-frumping. She has no interest in fast fashion; instead she chooses sustainable classics. Holly White’s favourite colour is fire engine red. @hollywhite.ie
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