Got a gala on the horizon? A big do you’re aiming to get gorgeous for, but, um, not quite sure of the look you want to aim at? No hassle: here’s the VIP guide to how to hone your style based on some of Ireland’s top celeb fashionistas. Who do you identify with? Read on to find out.
The glam gal
You live for the weekend, love fast fashion, absolutely follow trends and Friday night’s for drinks ‘n’ dancing. Plus, there’s no way you can be seen in the same outfit twice. What would the girls think!?
You drink at: The Wright Venue.
You listen to: Jason Derulo and Pharrell.
You love her look: Sosueme.ie‘s Suzanne Jackson’s bodycon looks are your actual life.
Shop at: Suzanne’s a huge fan of River Island. It’s a high street honey that’s hard to beat for frequent new merch drops, affordable splurges on must-have trends straight from the catwalk, and the accessory edit’s to die for. Whether you want sprayed-on skinnies, embellished detailing or sky-high heels, you’ll find it here, and have change for happy hour.
The offbeat beaut
Fashion’s your thing but you don’t want to follow trends or the pack. Good news: we’re finally moving out of satin Debs dress mode for events that call for formal fashion, which means you can keep your hipster sensibilities intact and still make a style splash.
You drink at: MVP, the Bernard Shaw and anywhere that’s just a bit off the beaten track.
You listen to: Haim and First Aid Kit.
You love her look: DJ Cici Cavanagh and TV presenter Sinead Kavanagh.
Shop at: Folkster, the boho brainchild of Kilkenny native Blanaid Hennessy, who set up her Dublin outpost in Temple Bar in 2014 and made immediate waves with a fashion buy that includes on-the-money kimonos, Miista and Jeffrey Campbell shoes, affordable accessories and one-of-a-kind event wear.
The party princess
If it doesn’t look like a bandage dress then honey, you ain’t interested. You like your fashion super-slim, super-short and accessorised with a heel that’s in excess of five inches. Thursday’s for tanning, Tuesday’s for a top-up and the weekend is for fun, fun, fun.
You drink at: Krystle, of course!
You listen to: The Saturdays.
You love her look: Rosanna Davison.
Shop at: Cari’s Closet is your spiritual home. A mecca for fans of bodycon, this Malahide boutique stocks hip-hugging brands like Forever Unique, Holt and Jovani. If you don’t want to shell out for a piece you’ll only wear once or twice, you don’t have to. They also offer a dress hire service on evening and cocktail dresses, so you can fake a wardrobe that’s twice the size.
The classic glamster
Grown up style’s your thing and you’re a sucker for a bias-cut floor-sweeping gown, a full red lip and a proper blowout that’ll stay put all night. When it comes to making an effort, you’ve got an iPhone packed full of A-list beauty and style contacts and you better believe you how to make use of ’em.
You drink at: Why, Lillies, natch. The Marker Hotel rooftop’s a good spot during the summer too.
You listen to: You’ve got a total soft spot for Celine and Mariah, and you don’t care who knows.
You love her look: Lisa Cannon is always on point on the red carpet.
Shop at: Got a lot of galas on the calendar? Don’t buy; rent. Limerick’s best-kept secret, The Ivory Closet, is a mecca for glam gals everywhere. A thoughtful buy and well-considered pieces mean celebs and models make a beeline for it during awards season. Get in early to get the nicest dresses from brands like Alex Perry, Rachel Gilbert and Sass and Bide.
