In each issue of Irish Country Magazine, fashion stylist and writer Cathy O’Connor meets women across Ireland with a unique sense of style.
What does style mean to you? It’s a question fashion stylist and writer Cathy O’Connor asks every woman feature in Irish Country Magazine’s My Style My Story series. The answers differ greatly. While some see it as a way to feel confident, others say that it’s not about following trends but instead being true to yourself.
Here, 5 Irish women share what style means to them.
Charlotte Doyle, County Tipperary
“It’s all about confidence; feeling happy in your own skin, knowing what suits your shape and embracing colour. No matter your age.”
Sandra Walsh, County Louth
“Clothes are a currency for confidence and wellbeing. Style is individual and wholesome. It reflects the wearer’s personality and appearance. Style is a wonderful way to express yourself, a fantastic acknowledgement of your personality, an outward shield of guarded feelings and a protective uniform of your vulnerabilities. It’s the first impression that the people you are meeting can hold on to and it’s your respectful nod to who you are meeting.”
Carmel Hayes:
“Style is how you put an outfit together, how you wear it and has very little to do with money. It’s the touches you add that lift an outfit, making it unique to you which become your personal statement. As Coco Channel said, “Don’t be like the rest of them darling”.”
Nkem Isede, County Dublin
“Style, for me, is a form of expression and a story of resilience. It’s been years of hard work overcoming insecurities that once whispered, “You’re not beautiful.” Through style, I found the courage to rise above that and choose confidence. Fashion became my passion and a gift from God, something I now see as a tool to inspire young girls to shine their own light boldly. My style is my voice, my armour and my testimony.”
Donna Gibson, County Down
“Style is not necessarily about following fashions or trends; it’s about owning how you look and about being unique. Be true to yourself and use your style and makeup to show up as you want to be seen. In my view, it is better to own it, rather than blending into the background.”
To see the full feature, pick up a copy of the latest Irish Country Magazine issue, on shelves now.
