A wardrobe filled with nostalgic, notable and unexpected treasures …
Tales From My Wardrobe, a style series from THE GLOSS community, is a love letter to favourite pieces and hard-earned investment buys that all have a story to tell. From Irish designer Orla Kiely’s wardrobe being as print-heavy and joyful as you would expect to handmade clothes with sentimental value, this is your chance to take a sneak peek into the most treasured possessions of some of the most stylish women in Ireland, and read all of the meaningful stories behind them.
SEE MORE: Tales From My Wardrobe With Mary Phelan
Here, interior designer Suzie McAdam lets us into her thoughtfully curated wardrobe, where you’ll find pieces that hark back to her favourite era: the 1970s.
I’ve often found that my personal style echoes the way I approach interiors – rooted in a love for history, storytelling and the unexpected. I’m drawn to silhouettes with a sense of bohemia: vintage references, tailoring or pieces that feel like they’ve lived a life before arriving in my wardrobe. Even the most contemporary designs I gravitate toward tend to carry that thread of nostalgia.
My everyday look follows a kind of uniform. I reach for denim, usually with a ’70s cut or subtle print, and pair it with a statement blouse or shirt. It’s a formula I return to again and again.
Evenings are where I let things shift. I relish the ritual of dressing up, leaning into pieces with a touch of drama, whether it’s a bold neckline, texture or a silhouette that plays with proportion.
Right now, the favourite piece in my wardrobe is a feather-trimmed two-piece from La DoubleJ. I adore their use of pattern and colour, so it was genuinely hard to choose as so much of the collection speaks to me. I fell for the green silk immediately. Even though it’s quite dressy, I wear the trousers separately too, so it feels more versatile than a dress. It always lifts my mood when I put it on.
One of my favourite recent pieces is an Etro jacquard corset with an almost Elizabethan neckline. I wore it to the Creators Awards in Paris this January, paired with a silk skirt and velvet Jimmy Choo pumps. It felt theatrical and romantic; the kind of outfit that transforms how you carry yourself for the night.
The most sentimental piece in my wardrobe is my grandmother’s fur coat. I know fur can be a contentious choice, but for me it’s about heritage and sustainability. This coat has been passed down through generations and I had it carefully reconditioned, so it could continue to be worn and cherished. It holds so much history and warmth, both literally and emotionally. I bring it out every winter with a real sense of connection to her.
I love to wear a hat, no matter the season. In summer, it’s usually a wide-brimmed straw hat; I have a soft spot for styles from Anthony Peto. In winter, I tend to reach for a classic wool trilby as it’s such an easy way to add a bit of character to an outfit.
In addition to these go-to brands, others include Alligne, Ulla Johnson, Ganni and Maria De la Orden. Right now, I’m lusting after Simone Rocha’s so-called coronation dress.
For fashion treasures, I love the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen in Paris, better known as Clignancourt. It’s a dream for vintage lovers with rails of silk blouses, embroidered jackets and the odd couture piece tucked between the chaos. You have to dig, but that’s half the joy. I’ve found some of my favourite pieces there, often from dealers who know the history behind every button and seam.
As for the least “fashion” thing I own, it’s my Barbour coat; with two young boys and a dog I spend a lot of time in the rain, so it becomes a necessity! @suziemcadam
SEE MORE: A Whimsical And Historic Home In Dublin
