Breeda O’Connell on Confidence, Colour, and Style That Evolves With You

This week’s guest editor is Breeda O’Connell, a leading personal stylist based at Cork’s Opera Lane. With years of experience in styling and colour therapy, Breeda helps women of all ages feel confident and look their best. Here, she shares insights into her role, what inspires her, and her top tips for making the most of your wardrobe.

Helping Women Feel Good in Their Clothes

I work with women every day who want to feel better in their clothes, rediscover their personal style, or simply figure out what works for them now—and I absolutely love what I do. Whether you’re in your 30s or your 70s, personal styling isn’t about trends or rules. It’s about confidence, expression, and clothes that support your real life.

Creating a Safe, Supportive Styling Experience

Every session is different, every woman unique. Some are nervous—especially if it’s their first time working with a stylist and they’re stepping into the unknown. I understand that deeply. Even when I was training, I remember walking into a room full of aspiring stylists and feeling so intimidated. I’d always loved clothes, but being surrounded by others who looked the part was daunting.

That’s why now, I make it my mission to ensure clients feel like they’re with a friend—just one who happens to know how to dress them well. I go out of my way to make sure clients feel safe, supported, and never judged.

From Corporate Marketing to Colour and Style

My own path to styling began in marketing—I worked with JCD Developments, a major property developer, for years. But style and makeup were always passions in the background.

I have a sign above my desk that reads:
No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up, and never give up.
I had it long before I became a stylist, but today, it’s a mantra I share with clients too.

Starting a New Chapter After 40

When I turned 40, with my kids in Montessori and school, full-time corporate work wasn’t an option. I took a step back, and in 2019, I trained in style, image, and colour analysis with Joan Cashman. At first, I didn’t know if it would become a career or stay a hobby. But during lockdown, I moved my styling sessions online, gained experience, and it grew faster than I could’ve imagined.

That led to being offered the role at Opera Lane—and three and a half years later, it’s still one of the most rewarding parts of my week.

How Opera Lane’s Free Personal Styling Sessions Work

Opera Lane’s personal styling sessions are completely free and open to everyone who is ready to explore their style. It’s a great way to be introduced to pieces you might not pick up yourself.

The dressing room can feel vulnerable, and I take that seriously. My job is part expert, part motivator, and part sounding board. I listen carefully to what my clients say—and what they don’t. I often start by asking: “If you could leave with five perfect pieces, what would they be?” That one question opens up everything.

The Styling Process: Confidence in the Fitting Room

We browse shops together, but first I give clients 10 minutes to explore solo. What they’re drawn to tells me a lot—colours, fabrics, cuts. From there, I pull pieces that suit their body shape, colouring, and personality. Then the real magic happens in the fitting room.

Seeing a woman step out with her eyes lit up, standing taller, feeling great—that’s the moment I live for. You don’t need words. My goal is for women to leave not just with great clothes, but with a renewed sense of confidence.

Styling for All Stages of Life

Most of the women I work with aren’t fashion-obsessed. They’re real people who want real solutions. I meet women at all stages of life. Some are returning to work after maternity leave. Others are starting new jobs, celebrating a milestone birthday, or finally carving out time for themselves after years of putting others first. Life changes often spark style changes—and that’s a good thing.

Style Has No Age Limit

There is no such thing as a typical woman. One of my repeat clients is in her 70s. She sees me twice every season and has such a strong sense of self. Once, I dressed her in a cobalt blue coat with a pink beret. On anyone else, it might’ve been too much—but on her, it was perfect. It suited her personality.

You can pull anything off if it feels right for you. If something feels awkward or doesn’t align with who you are, then it’s not for you. In my opinion, style has no age limit—it’s about owning what feels like you.

Post-Pandemic Style Trends and Wardrobe Needs

Post-lockdown, many women are dressing up again—but life has changed. Hybrid work means we need versatile wardrobes. The rise of smart-casual, elevated comfort pieces, and outfit mixing is huge.

Fashion isn’t just about trends—it’s how we show up for life. When it comes to interviews or first impressions, how you present yourself has real power. Research shows we instinctively form opinions based on visual cues. If you want to show confidence and polish, a great outfit can set the tone before you even speak.

Booking a session with someone like me ahead of an important event or interview can be the edge you need.

Helping Women See Themselves Differently

The most common thing I hear? “I’d never have picked that up.” And yet, it ends up being the piece they buy. Because styling isn’t about forcing someone into something new—it’s about helping them see themselves differently, more clearly.

Understanding Personal Style Stories

Some women come in saying they’re open to anything, but deep down, they have a “style story”—a reason why certain fabrics or colours feel off-limits. Maybe they grew up in a conservative home, or someone once told them they “shouldn’t” wear something. I listen for those clues.

There’s a big difference between “I don’t like lace” and “I shouldn’t wear lace.” The latter usually stems from an old belief, not personal taste. My job is to gently challenge that and open the door to new possibilities.

Making Style Practical and Personal

When you see how flattering something can be - how it fits you - that story starts to change. I’ll always ask: Where will you wear this? What will you pair it with?
It has to serve your real life - not just look good in the moment.

I ask clients to tell me five pieces they can wear a jacket with, or places they’ll wear an outfit to.

Access to the Best High Street Fashion in One Place

At Opera Lane, we have access to the best high street stores all in one place, so I can pull from a wide range of styles, sizes, and budgets. I don’t work for any one brand and I don’t earn commission - so I’ll always give honest advice, with your goals front and centre.

Whether it’s building a work capsule wardrobe, refreshing your weekend outfits, or finding something special for an event, we can achieve a lot in just two hours.

A Style Session That Goes Beyond Clothes

So if you’ve been putting it off, consider this your sign. Opera Lane’s personal styling service is free, friendly, and flexible. You’ll walk away with more than just clothes—you’ll leave with clarity, confidence, and maybe even a new way of seeing yourself.

The saying “life begins at 40” really rang true for me, but I know women of all ages are constantly evolving. Let your wardrobe evolve with you.

To book your free session with me, visit operalane.ie.
I can’t wait to meet you.

— Breeda
Resident Stylist, Opera Lane