A classic uniform for style and ease …
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 iconic Irish fashion designer Orla Kiely, Charlotte Temple From Magee 1866 and Henrietta Rix, co-founder of fashion brand Rixo to Irish interior designers Suzie McAdam and Róisín Lafferty, broadcaster Louise Duffy, Geri O’Toole of Geri’s Designs. Lorraine Keane’s pre-loved fashion finds, 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. In this instalment, we hear from stylist Lorna Weightman.
I’m a classic dresser – outerwear, a top or t-shirt and jeans. I might pepper this with the odd trend. This season, I’ve swapped out my go-to black knit for brown. I’ve always used this uniform method – a throwback to my corporate days working in a Big Four accounting firm when I had a strict dress code. I loved the tailoring during office days and that’s still very much part of my look now, but I tend to experiment more with shapes. My neat fit blazer has been swapped for an oversized one.
One of my first jobs in fashion was as a personal stylist, which I still offer both in person and virtually. The most rewarding part is when I’ve re-organised someone’s wardrobe to create outfits from clothes they already own. It often takes an independent (and trained) eye to help filter a person’s clothes. This has become such a popular service thanks to our collective focus on sustainability and on wearing what you have. Apps such as Vinted make it easy to sell pieces you no longer like or need. It’s only at that point that I recommend what someone might need to fill the gaps.
As a TV stylist, I get to try out trends all the time and it helps me curate pieces that I think the viewer will like. I’m constantly researching trends, fashion weeks and what’s popular online. My training as an accountant taught me to be meticulous and that’s something I carry with me in my career now. My take on trends is always to tread carefully – fashion may be cyclical, but it’s the classic pieces that always come back around.
Right now, a favourite piece in my wardrobe is this midi-length cream skirt from The Edit at Primark. I was never one to go for lighter coloured skirts or trousers as my priority is always shape and colour comes second. But the fit on the waist and hips is exceptional, with an almost perfect kick to give that flared effect.
My most sentimental piece is a vintage handbag that belonged to my late mother-in-law, Joan. She had a gorgeous selection of clutches and crossbody bags for occasionwear that I was lucky to be given. She kept everything in their original boxes and I do the same, so it’s in perfect condition.
One of my most worn pieces is this cream dress from Zara I got in 2023 when I just found out I was pregnant. It’s a shape I try to seek out: seams at the waist and a round neckline. I wore this in the early months of my pregnancy and then it went to my attic archive until Arthur arrived. Since then, I’ve worn it to so many events.
I also have a pair of Toteme black leggings that I got in Liberty in London in 2022, which were such a good buy. What sets them apart are the zips at the bottom, so they can be worn over shoes – I love this look.
The most recent item I bought was a black chiffon and velvet contrast mini dress from Topshop. I was a diehard Topshop girl in my teens and I spent a lot of time in London growing up, so I worshipped the flagship store on Oxford Street. When the new collection launched, I spied the dress that I’ll wear to a special hen party.
My biggest investment is my full length Belstaff wool coat; I got it after completing a really big project. I always think it’s nice to set a goal for a piece you really like. It was expensive, but it won’t date.
I love to rummage, whether that’s in a high street shop or somewhere quaint and hidden. One of my favourite boutiques is Nyles & Rafe in Dunboyne, Co Meath. I call it my “treat shop”! It has such a gorgeous mix of brands that tick all of my boxes as a stylist and a customer. You can find a solution to any wardrobe conundrum there. @nylesandrafe
My most hardworking accessory is my Coach Rowan Satchel bag that I use almost every day. It fits all my essentials, from notebooks to several packets of snacks I usually have for Arthur. It can work as a crossbody bag, which I love for days when I’m on the go as I’m hands-free. It has more than delivered for me.
I’ve been privileged to work with some of the most well known brands in the world. Several years ago, I was invited to London by Christian Louboutin for an event, which in itself was exciting. It was wonderful and over time I continued to collaborate with the brand. One of the most significant moments of my career was when Mr Louboutin sent me a Paloma bag as a gift. It’s my most treasured possession. Collabs happen all the time now, but back then it was such a special thing that made me feel very valued in the industry.
It goes without saying that Jonathan Anderson’s debut womenswear show for Dior SS26 was a triumph. If I could have anything, it’d be the “D” loafers. I think they’ll be a collectible.
I never leave the house without Trinny London concealer and the dual-ended brush from IT Cosmetics. The two combined never fail for touch-ups. I do my own make-up for my TV work, so I’ve tried and tested so many products over the years, but I’ve never found a concealer better than this.
