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 …

Zoe Jordan, Designer and Entrepreneur

“Growing up in the 1980s in North Oxford, among the academics and the Laura Ashley dresses, it’s safe to say I could spot my mum at the school gates. She was young, confident and sporty. Looks ranged from a neon thong over cycling shorts for the gym to an under-the-sea print Versace double combo, set off by a sassy Sinead O’Connor-esque shaved head, plus fringe.

She is the queen of the high-low mix, can style a look up or down, nail classic as well as modern and above all, she always looks comfortable – no shoes too high or tops too tight. She taught us to embrace colour, strong fun accessories are handy for travel and she generally doesn’t follow the trends, but there is a sophisticated elegance in her knowing her own effortless style.”

I have learned from her to make fashion fit in with my lifestyle, and that clothes should enable me, not hold me back.”

Alex Calder, Digital Creator

“My mother has always been a guiding light in the evolution of my personal style. Never flashy, always understated, her (and her own mother’s) love of good quality fabric has given me a wardrobe augmented by still-perfect 20th-century knits, silk scarves and coats. My own appreciation for good quality has deepened as I’ve gotten older and moved away from a youthful love of fashion and trends to a more enduring sense of eternal style, and of building a collection of garments that, once they take up a space in your wardrobe, could happily be enjoyed for decades.”

Pamela Uba, Medical Scientist and Miss Ireland 2021

“They say mom knows best and in the case of fashion and style a lot of my influences would stem from my mother. My love of glam definitely came from her as she is the ultimate diva. She certainly taught me to value quality over quantity. We are both magpies and love a bit of sparkle especially when going to an event. She could never understand my simple T-shirt and ripped jeans look. But with my busy schedule, comfort is key.”

Louise Stokes, owner, Loulerie jewellery boutique

“My mom was my first style icon. She helped guide me from a very young age on the importance of good investment pieces and having a few quality pieces I adore. It was all about buying less, buying better and a curated wardrobe, before that was even a thing. When I moved to New York I built my wardrobe from what I learned from my mom – even when I had no money as an intern I had a few key good pieces I wore on repeat. She helped me pick my first black wool suit to wear when I got a job in a big jewellery company. I always felt dressed for the part, even if I was winging it half the time!”

Christine Murphy, Knitwear Designer, Urban Aran

“My long-standing memory of my mother and style is when my aunts used to come to visit. After dinner they would move down to my mother’s bedroom to see the “style” and we would be ushered out. Quality was very important. Growing up, we were not allowed to buy frivolously and are still reminded not to do this. My mother’s style centres around fabrics that last. She has pieces in her wardrobe for years and I’ve benefited from her pursuit of quality. I have some great belts and skirts from the 1980s.”

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