(Because what looks great online is not always what works in your everyday life.)
This is something I am so, so passionate about.
As a personal stylist, I made a conscious decision a long time ago not to focus on ‘shopping hauls’ online. Not because I do not love style, or because I do not want to share what I wear constantly —but because I know how easy it is for that to trigger a cycle I feel very strongly about.
I am all for inspiration and yes I adore spotting beautiful style online, but please please do not ONLY be inspired —without first knowing if it actually works for your body shape, proportions, colouring, and lifestyle.
And I am so against that.
Style is not about just being inspired.
It is about understanding.
Stylists vs Influencers: The Line can Blur
This is not a criticism—it is just an observation.
I have huge respect for fashion influencers, and many of them have incredible personal style. But the role of a stylist is different.
A stylist is meant to help you understand your shape, your needs, your personal preferences—and give you the tools to dress with clarity and confidence. And yet… what I am seeing more and more online is outfit after outfit, haul after haul, and a growing pressure to keep up rather than understand what works.
Before You are Influenced—Know the Basics
When I do post an outfit now, I try to include a little detail about why I chose it.
- Why that waistline works for my longer torso.
- Why I love that neckline, (I have a slimmer frame, but my chest proportions can be a little bigger for my dreams, not not everything that fits my waist, hips and legs will work and fit my bust)
- Why a particular rise of jeans work better for me than others (again long torso and not a very defined waist.)
Because that is what makes the difference.
It is not just a cute dress. It is a dress that is working with my body—not against it.
And this is where real style begins knowing what you are trying to draw the eye to and what you are trying to move attention away from.
Let’s Talk About Real Life Wardrobes
Instagram wardrobes often look amazing, but they are not always realistic.
The real you might need to:
- Chase after toddlers
- Sit at a desk all day
- Pop in and out of meetings
- Walk the dog in the rain
- Dress up for the odd dinner, wedding, or night out
- Get through five seasons in one Irish week
So here is the question I always ask my clients: Is your wardrobe built for your real life, or just for rare moments and aspirational outfits?
Here is How to Start Building a Real Life Wardrobe:
1. Audit your actual lifestyle
What are the main roles you play each week?
Are you a working mum? A busy professional? A mix of both?
Look at how you actually spend your time, this will guide how your wardrobe should be weighted.
2. Build a base of hardworking staples
Think quality over quantity. Comfortable jeans that fit well, a great knit, a flattering jacket, day-to-night dresses, and shoes you can walk in.
These are the pieces you wear 80% of the time. Start here.
3. Add personality on top
This is where you can layer in colour, prints, or trends, but from a place of clarity. You know your shape. You know your style. So now the “fun stuff” has a solid foundation to sit on.
4. Dress for your climate (and body temperature!!)
I know it sounds obvious, but it is amazing how many people buy clothes that do not suit our actual Irish weather or lifestyle. Choose fabrics and layers that work year-round. Style should always meet practicality. I find it soooo difficult dressing in a way I love in the winter because I AM ALWAYS COLD. So for me focusing on great basic layers to wear under tops I love, longline cardigans and trousers that work well with ward socks, is always something top priority for me when building my winter wardrobe. I really should be living in Portugal,. 🙂
5. Stop buying for imaginary lives
We all do it: the “one day I’ll wear this to…” dress. But your wardrobe is not a museum of future maybes. It is a toolkit for the life you are living right now.
Less is More (Really) - Here is the truth I always come back to:
Most women wear 20% of their wardrobe 80% of the time.
What would it feel like to love that 20%? To know it fits, flatters, and works for your day-to-day life? That is the wardrobe I want to help you build. Because getting dressed should not feel like performing.
It should feel like you.
Nichola xx