FASHION:We gave five women across the age spectrum free range to choose any outfit they wanted from Marks & Spencer's winter collection and here's what they selected - with a little help from stylist
Catherine Condell
Teens
BECKY DONNELLY
Student, age 14
“This is really casual, which I love as I go for a laid-back look. I like all the pieces individually, but my favourite item is definitely the check dress, which would go with so many different things.”
Becky is dressed in MS’s newest Indigo collection, which features dressed-down denims and knits. The check-shirt dress can be teamed with leggings, jeans or worn with a pair of flats in summer. The quilted gilet with faux-fur hood adds a wintry touch.
Indigo quilted waistcoat €47.50, Indigo check tunic €40, leggings €13, Indigo chunky knit cardi €54, boots €109
20s
HEIDI O’SULLIVAN
Fashion PR consultant, age 25
“I’m mad about the colourful jumper dress. I like having a flash of colour for winter when everyone else is wearing grey and black. The funky 1980s jewellery sets it off perfectly. This could take me anywhere and would definitely get me noticed along the way.”
1980s disco is a big trend this season but can be difficult to wear successfully. Teaming some 1980s-style jewellery with a bold coloured jumper is a stylish way of carrying off the look in a modern way.
Limited stripe top €35, leggings €13, bangles €10 (set of three), pink necklace€13, purple necklace €20
30s
ORLA BRENNAN
Business consultant, age 32
“It’s the details of this outfit that I love, and its versatility. You can wear it for day or evening, and the warm colours complement each other – it’s a must for a winter wardrobe.”
Orla’s knit dress by Per Una has a fine stripe, which makes it flattering and easy to wear. The loose draped cardigan worn over the dress, also by Per Una, streamlines the figure. The lime picks up the detail in the dress and is a colour that looks great on darker skin tones.
Per Una draped green cardigan €60, Per Una striped knit dress €60, purple pearl necklace, €27, green necklace €20 each, tights €5.50, suede boots €67
40s
LUCY MALONEY
Former athlete, now full-time mother, in her 40s
“I just love the fit and cut of this bandage-style skirt. It felt flattering and the jersey is comfortable to wear. It comes in purple, which I might be tempted to buy as well. The trim detail was a fashionable twist and I think the top would also look great with jeans and flats.” Lucy is wearing a cerise jersey Per Una top with ruffle detail at the neck and sleeves softening the line. The jersey bandage-style skirt works well worn high on the waist, giving a 1940s twist to the outfit.
Per Una cerise pink top€40, black jersey skirt €35, patent bag €27, bangles €12
50s
LIBBY SHEEHY
Part-time model and make-up artist, age 54
“I loved all the outfits but particularly this dress, which was beautiful, and easy to wear. Your shape changes as you get older and I found that my outfit was ideally suited to both my age and body shape.” Libby’s greylinen shift dress by Portfolio is part of a range inspired by Parisian style. The cut of the dress is flattering and the contrast trim gives a smooth, sharp look. With the matching open-neck jacket and accessorised with a simple clutch and brooch, the outfit would suit many occasions.
Portfolio grey coat €95, and dress €67, satin bag €7, brooch €16, bangles €13
Styling:Catherine Condell
Hair:Michael Leong
Make-up:Christine Lucignano
Photographs:Alan Betson; Matt Kavanagh and Kieran Harnett
Location:The Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin
