4 minute read

In this week’s instalment of our Celebrating Midlife Style series, 61-year-old Cathy O’Connor, a fashion stylist and personal shopper, gives us an insight into her shopping habits and sartorial likes and dislikes.

Describe your style in three words

Fluid, intentional and easy.

Do you have a signature piece?

I don’t really have a signature piece as I love to dress according to my mood or to whatever the day holds.

How has ageing influenced your style?

In a positive way – now I dress to please myself and not others.

Has fashion become more or less important to you as you've aged?

I’ve been captivated by style since I was very young. I was the child who dressed up in my grandmother’s jewellery (of course, I wore all of it at the same time!), put on my mother’s high heels and happily click-clacked my way around the house. Style has been a cherished marker of stages in my life. As a teen, I remember my first pair of flares, which represented independence to me. I remember my first ‘expensive’ coat, which felt like an investment in myself and, as the years have passed, I enjoy style as a marker of self-expression.

Which brands do you shop most often?

I am a huge fan of the Danish design company, Coster Copenhagen. It creates collections that are a little quirky with a sustainable edge. For accessories, Melissa Curry Jewellery is my absolute favourite, as her pieces are always interesting. I’ll take any opportunity to support Irish designers, as they work with such passion for so little reward. Here’s to Landa Bags, WearWith cashmere, Grainne Maher Millinery, Electronic Sheep, Scribble & Stone, Vivian Walsh Jewellery, Kokoro Zenwear… I could go on and on!

What changes have you made in recent years to be a more conscious consumer?

Long before it was fashionable, I was buying pre-loved clothing. I really appreciate the quality and cut of great design and buying pre-loved is an affordable way to source good pieces, plus it promotes recycling. One of my more recent discoveries is the sustainable Irish brand Kokoro Zenwear. I love its distinctive design aesthetic and luxurious fabrics.

Have you ever fallen out of love with fashion?

I’m more drawn to style than fashion. While I love the initial arrival of seasonal trends, I tire of them quickly, as they soon become fashion uniforms with everyone wearing the same looks. For me, style is all about self-expression and celebrating the individual.

Did it take you a long time to discover your 'style personality' or have you always had a strong sense of this?

I have loved style since I was a child and that passion has never dwindled.

Cathy does casual chic as expertly as event glamour

How do you use clothes to influence your mood?

If I need a mood booster, I’ll reach for colour. If it’s comfort I’m after, then my choice will be soft, stretch fabrics. To up my confidence for a meeting, I’ll dress with more intention.

Do you have a style icon?

I don’t have a single style icon but I love those who are daring and individual in their sartorial choices; women like actress Tilda Swinton, singer Billie Eilish, centenarian Iris Apfel, Kildare Village personal shopper Jess Colivet, Coco Chanel and actress Diane Keaton.

Cathy showcasing her beautifully unique style at a Brown Thomas fashion event

Does your profession/job affect your fashion choices?

I dress for the day ahead. As I’m so lucky to work on various projects, I need to have a flexible wardrobe. If I’m on an outdoor shoot in winter, it’s all about staying cosy. If the job of the day is sourcing clothes, I choose my most comfortable pieces, and on those days when I’m going to an event, I welcome the opportunity to dress up!

Do you think traditional 'fashion rules' have merit or are they an out-of-date construct?

I’ve never really understood the need for or popularity of ‘fashion rules’. Who makes these rules and why? Style is about self-expression so why would anyone else dictate your style?

Bowerbird Pom-Pom earrings, €79 at Melissa Curry

Which item of clothing or accessory that you own always makes you smile?

Any Melissa Curry earrings!

Is there one item of clothing or an accessory that you'd desperately like to own (money no object)?

Anything cashmere – I love to wear luxury!

What do you love most about your own style?

I feel really blessed to work in the fashion industry and to have the freedom to dress as I please. I love styling the same piece in different ways, so that I can tailor it to my individual style.