Need a new look? Learn how to modernise your wardrobe without discarding items that still have potential …
At various crossroads in a woman’s life, whether the arrival of a baby, the seismic change of bereavement, a milestone birthday, the challenges menopause can bring, or the excitement of starting a new job, there often comes a moment when she feels that her wardrobe no longer serves her. Enter Edel Kinane, founder of Tastemaker style consultancy, who helps women evolve their wardrobes, not by throwing everything out, but by reimagining them in a fresh, confident way. Edel’s approach is thoughtful, non-judgmental, positive and honest, she has a great sense of humour and many years working in fashion (she was previously Marketing Manager at Brown Thomas) has given her a wealth of knowledge and honed her own personal style.
The process starts with a phone call, during which Edel determines the gaps in your wardrobe and what’s working (or not working) for you. This is followed by a set of ten questions sent via email. These questions help her understand your personal style preferences, whose style you admire – celebrity or non – figure out which aspects of your body you are happy to accentuate, and discern your favourite designers or high street stores. Edel is emphatic: this process is not about throwing everything out, and certainly not about wastefulness. Instead, it’s about evolving your style. Her approach can help you transition from feeling “fuddy-duddy” to a cooler version of yourself – it’s about understanding what works for your shape, embracing modern codes, and elevating what you already own with some wellchosen additions.
The next step: a video call or an in-person visit, when Edel can get a look inside your wardrobe. “You might have an entire closet full of clothes, but you’re not sure how to put it all together,” Edel says. “I look at your wardrobe with fresh eyes, adding pieces that bring it all together. The goal isn’t to force you into a completely new style or to spend a lot of money, but to help you see what you already own in a new light. I want women to look amazing, not for anyone else, but for themselves. Ultimately it’s about confidence.”
“The idea is never to force a trend on a person, but to make sure you look and feel your best.”
Edel will show you how to modernise your existing wardrobe without discarding items that still have potential. She might suggest bringing a quality skirt back into use with new platform ankle boots or advise pairing a polo-neck sweater with new trousers with a cooler shape than the ones hanging in your wardrobe. And if you’ve recently gained or lost weight and are struggling to find clothes that fit, she’ll show you how to buy the right size without going on a (potentially disheartening) shopping spree. “The idea is never to force a trend on a person, but to make sure you look and feel your best.”
Edel is knowledgeable about the fashion landscape, and often suggests brands that reflect a modern, minimalist elegance – she loves The Row and Sacai, and is able to find pieces with a similar aesthetic at & Other Stories, Cos and Arket, for instance.
A personalised presentation with recommendations for a new look – shapes, colours and ideas for what to buy and where to find it – is included in the €600 fee. Links to specific items are included, but if they prefer, Edel is happy to join her clients for a shopping trip. With every store and boutique’s offerings etched in her mind, she ensures clients don’t waste any time or money in the wrong shops. A shopping trip with Edel is instructive and helps clients learn to identify the right pieces on their own.
Edel’s process is grounded in sustainability; she steers clients toward timeless pieces that don’t contribute to the wasteful cycle of fast fashion. She recommends mixing high-end items with pieces from H&M, Reiss, Maje, and Cos – brands that offer quality with accountability. She favours natural, breathable fabrics.
Tastemaker isn’t just for women who are struggling with their style – it’s also for those who have great taste but simply don’t have the time to shop or pull everything together. For clients with a calendar full of corporate events and meetings, Edel will quickly create a wardrobe that’s functional and stylish. But whether you work outside the home or not, Edel says it’s her experience that many women “hit a wall,” around their 50th birthday, unsure how to update their style. She, on the other hand, knows what she’s doing. And she will also, if asked, suggest a hair cut or make-up update that will further enhance your cool new look. Contact Edel at edel@tastemaker.ie. Find Tastemaker on Instagram @tastemaker.ie.
SEE MORE: How To Change Your Career At Any Stage
