The ieStyle fashion debrief: Corina Gaffey's top ten looks from the night

The ieStyle Live catwalk showcased this season's top trends at City Hall Cork. Here, stylist Corina Gaffey chooses the top 10 looks she curated for the Irish Examiner event 

Laura wearing Zimmerman printed midi dress. Picture: Miki Barlok

From high-street to high-end and homegrown, ieStyle Live showcased a cross-section of autumn-winter trends, whatever your budget, for an audience of 350 people at Cork City Hall last week.

Finally, dressing up is back, but that doesn’t mean we need to forego comfort. The ideal autumn pieces to invest in are items that will bring a smile; you’ll love and wear on repeat and are comfortable. Unexpected details bring the wow, from oversized bows topped off on sparkly minis to exaggerated puff sleeves on chic jumpsuits. Coats are naturally an autumn-winter staple, and they come in many forms, the classic camel, chic cream, statement animal printed or a check one, complete with the fun detail of faux fur cuffs. 

When it comes to easy elegance, dresses still reign supreme for done-in-one dressing, from slinky fringe styles made for the dancefloor to full-on cascading frills. Lengths come short and sweet or chic and long. Maxis are made for the winter months, topped off with luxe layers and knee-high boots. In contrast, shorter styles are easily paired with ankle boots for an unexpected twist. Playing with contrasts and textures makes for interesting outfits, including teaming cosy knits and sumptuous leather. And the same goes for colour, pairing striking shades of hues together to brighten dull winter days.

Who knew pumpkin and iris could make a gorgeous combination? When it comes to colour this season, the motto is go bright, bold or go home. Just because it’s autumn certainly doesn’t mean colour is off the table. It’s fully encouraged, from dresses to accessories and everything in between. Any hue of pink will do, but so will emerald green, and zesty citrus shades.

1. Caoimhe Murphy pink organza babydoll dress 

Caoimhe Murphy pink organza babydoll dress. Picture: Miki Barlok

2. Day Birger Et Mikkelsen midi dress, Arnotts

Paula wearing Day Birger Et Mikkelsen green plisse pleated midi dress. Picture: Miki Barlok

3. Dries Van Notes zebra print coat & zebra print skirt, Parosh pink glitter polo neck

Grace wearing Dries Van Notes zebra print coat & zebra print skirt, Parosh pink glitter polo neck. Picture: Miki Barlok

4. FAO Millinery at Curated black hat, Ba&sh cream wrap jacket & leopard print midi dress

Aveen wearing FAO Millinery at Curated black hat, Ba&sh cream wrap jacket & leopard print midi dress. Picture: Miki Barlok

5. H&M at Opera Lane black sequin fringe dress

Danielle wearing H&M at Opera Lane black sequin fringe dress. Picture: Miki Barlok

6. Irelands Eye blanket honeycomb stitch sweater and Caoimhe Murphy leather skirt

Jess wearing Irelands Eye blanket honeycomb stitch sweater and Caoimhe Murphy leather skirt. Picture: Miki Barlok

7. River Island at Mahon Point orange coat, orange roll neck and pleated purple skirt

Jess wearing River Island at Mahon Point orange coat, orange roll neck and pleated purple skirt. Picture: Miki Barlok

8. Roksanda black puff sleeve jumpsuit, Samui

Paula wearing Roksanda black puff-sleeve jumpsuit. Picture: Miki Barlok

9. Savida green check coat, velvet cuff jumper, high waist skinny jeans

Aveen wearing Savida green check coat, velvet cuff jumper, high waist skinny jeans. Picture: Miki Barlok

10. Zimmerman printed midi dress, Brown Thomas

• ieStyle Live was hosted by The Irish Examiner in association with Clarins, Audi Cork and IrelandsEye Knitwear