Aoife McGuigan counts Kneecap, Gurriers and Jazzy among the musical artists she’s had the pleasure of styling over the years. She shares her capsule wardrobe essentials, best buys, and Irish brands to know.
Aoife McGuigan is a stylist and creative from the North of Ireland with a background in visual merchandising. Aoife specialises in commercial, music artist and brand campaign styling as well as costume design and wardrobe supervision within short film and television.
Aoife bases her work around Ireland and the UK, and puts a firm focus on championing Irish design and brands within her styling. Here she gives us an insight into her own personal style, her approach to shopping, and who she follows for fashion inspiration.
How would you describe your own personal style?
The first word that comes to mind when I think of my personal style is probably comfort. I generally opt for outfits I actually feel comfortable and confident in versus what might be considered trendy. Usually my outfits are very laid back and if I am going somewhere where there’s an excuse to dress up, I tend to accessorise an already comfy look with heels, layers and a fun bag.
What is your approach to clothes shopping?
My main approach to shopping, especially in the last year, is to be very selective and to purchase pieces I actually see myself wearing again and again, rather than an impulsive buy. I used to be really bad with shopping for the sake of it or because I saw someone wear it and had to have it. Now, I am much better at seeking out specific pieces I can easily pair with items I already own at home, or shop for pieces I see lots of potential in.
What are your thoughts on ‘haul culture’?
I am really not a fan of the fast fashion haul culture. There tends to be a sheer lack of environmental awareness and a sense of being “out of touch” behind these trends. I am all for popping into a high street store to pick a piece here and there as I do it myself, however, over consumption and binge buying is really not it. However, I do love to see charity shop and vintage shop hauls! Usually, with these types of hauls, I see creators showcasing ways to wear their new pieces, which I absolutely love. I think these can be used as a fun approach to promote more positive and conscious shopping habits.
Tell us about five capsule items in your wardrobe
It’s hard to pick five, but I would have to say these are my favourite.
- My Burberry trench coat from Myrne Collective
- My zebra print grab bag from River Island
- My pinstripe velvet blazer from Le Zeitgeist Flea Market in Phibsboro
- My cuffed denim jeans from River Island
- My green corduroy cap from Mobius
Your most hard working piece of clothing
Definitely my black puffa coat from Myrne Collective. I wear it a lot. Especially on outdoor shoots, as it’s my favourite warm coat. It’s been through the wars but it’s still going strong!
The hand-me-down you treasure
My dad’s old charcoal grey blazer would be my most treasured. I really don’t have many, but I managed to snatch it before it was given to the charity shop. It is a perfect boxy fit and has a nice oversized look to it.
The most quintessentially ‘you’ piece
I would have to say it’s a knit striped jumper my friend Caólum McCabe designed. I have stolen it from him on more than one occasion and I can safely say it’s me if I were a jumper.
The go-to shoe/trainers
Without a doubt my New Balance 1906s. They go with literally everything! There’s nothing I hate more than being on my feet all day on a shoot and having uncomfy shoes on. They’re a trainer that I can never see going out of style.
The does-it-all coat
This would have to be my leopard print coat from River Island. It’s my favourite coat to put on when I want to feel more put together, especially if I am wearing a very simple outfit.
The perfect jeans
I have yet to own a pair but I am really loving the new engraved jeans from Pellador. I have seen so many people wear them and they seem to be the perfect fit with a slightly baggy look.
The must-have knitwear
I will always stand by the fact that Myrne Collective have the best knitwear – their Guinness knits are vintage and hand embroidered with Guinness pints. Any time I need help sourcing a specific knit, they are always on hand to find the best fit and version for the client.
The everyday jewellery
Without a doubt, chunky hoops are an essential. I also love mixing metals and I recently purchased a pair of mixed hoops from Galway jewellery brand Mettle & Bloom as a gift for my sister. For me, they are definitely a staple earring.
The wear-everywhere handbag
My blue leather tote bag is definitely my day-to-day bag. It’s handmade from Italian scrap leather and fits my styling kit and so much more, I bring it everywhere I go.
The Sunday cosy casual look
I literally thrive on a cosy Sunday, so I would usually opt for my Adidas track bottoms given to me by my good friend Zeda, an oversized jumper and my Birkenstocks. Not the most fashionable fit but it’s very much me in my element.
The ultimate pyjamas
I am not really the most knowledgeable when it comes to pyjamas, however, Anthropologie pyjamas have caught my eye recently. They have the dreamiest sets with the nicest colours and patterns.
The party look essential
For me, anything silver makes a party look complete. I have a pair of silver heels from M&S that are my party essentials.
The most treasured piece
I have always considered my GANNI orange blouse my most treasured piece. I found it in a charity shop in Islington a few years ago in perfect condition with tags still on at a fraction of its original price. I was honestly thrilled when I found it and have worn it with so much since then!
The wishlist item
Literally anything from Simone Rocha, her pieces are absolutely incredible and it would be a dream to own something from one of her collections.
The vintage shop(s) to know
For vintage and charity shops, anywhere on Upper St in Islington has it all. I also really love Tola Vintage in Dublin, especially their designer store.
Who to follow online for style inspiration
I really love Tara Kumar and Niamh Webb O’Rourke. They have successfully found their niche when it comes to personal style and expressing themselves through clothes. They both can really put together amazing outfits with bold statement pieces and lots of colour.
Follow Aoife McGuigan on Instagram at @stylingwithaoife or find out more about her styling services at stylingwithaoife.com.
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