The bonds between a mother and daughter are unlike any other. They’re our first teachers, mentors and protectors. Our mothers have taught us (almost) everything we know – they are the living blueprint for navigating womanhood. So it’s no surprise that they have had a considerable influence on our personal style, too. We asked Irish women to share the style advice their mothers gave them, and to tell us how it has shaped their wardrobes …

Caroline Sleiman-Purdy

“My mother Maureen has always been an inspiration, a lady with a distinct sense of style, elegance and individuality. My earliest memory is of her giving me a kiss before going out for dinner; the scent of her Joy by Jean Patou perfume, the feeling of her silk dress against my skin, the glitter of diamond drop earrings.

“Her mantras, as I was growing up, included: A wardrobe is built over years; always buy the best you can afford. You wear the clothes, they should never wear you. Dress for the occasion and how you want to be addressed. Elegance is not about being noticed, it’s about being remembered.”

Claire-Laurence Mestrallet, Head of Jewellery & Watches, Adam’s Auctioneers

“My mother was and still is a huge influence on my style. She gave me a love for shoes, bags and scarves. Her longtime partner was in the cashmere business before retiring so we’re very sensitive to a good textile. From a young age, she taught me to look at quality over quantity and not to dress head-to-toe in one brand. She taught me what suited my figure, that a woman must always have her hands, hair and teeth impeccable. My father was a precious stone dealer, so I have always been surrounded by beautiful gems and by Mum’s jewellery so it definitely gave me a keen eye for beautiful pieces. Since we’re both rather classic in our style, we use bold jewellery to spice it up.”

Celestine Cooney, Fashion Stylist

“I believe the greatest gift my mother ever gave me was the freedom to choose my own clothes. I think there was a certain allowance for creativity in that … a lack of judgment on her part in what I put together. My mother will be the first to tell you I changed outfits five times a day as a kid, but it served to foster confidence in my own taste early on.

“I remember watching my mother getting ready to go out. Observing her, I grew to love her sense of ceremony in the rituals of dressing up for an occasion. Always colour and very feminine … hair curled beautifully to the neck … pearls or emeralds on her ears, throat and wrists and nail polishes in purples and reds. Always elegant and timeless. I think we both have that polarity between the practicality of more masculine-inspired daywear and ultimately feminine evening wear … there’s no middle ground with either of us.”

Lisa Lane, Founder, Well Double L

“‘Stand tall’ my mother would say. People have no idea I’m only 5’2” because I simply act taller. My mother was a dark beauty. She would line her eyes using a black kohl pencil then smudge. She wasn’t too precious about it. To this day, it’s the vibe I prefer. She loved a frosted pink lip that doubled as a blush and applied with her fingers. She made many of her own clothes, mostly mini dresses like the one pictured. She learned how to pilot a plane in her 40s. She wore high heels and French perfume every day of her life. As her mental health declined, she stopped caring about how she looked. She became completely liberated from vanity. I remember it was terrifying and almost freeing to witness. But she never went a day without perfume.”

Sinéad Bradbury, Performance Nutritionist

“My mother’s style advice is completely intertwined with her influence on me as a whole. Her ethos surrounding what to wear is entirely linked to how we, her daughters, should be looking after ourselves both inside and out. Skincare and SPF, local, fresh, quality food, lots of fresh air and most definitely well-cut ‘garments’. Investing and caring for these clothes is all part of the bigger self-care picture. Feel well and you will look well, says my beautiful, wise mama.”

Celebrate her on 27.03 with a gift of Butlers Chocolates. Available at Butlers Chocolate Cafés nationwide and online at butlerschocolates.com.