A former fashion editor, Grace Cahill now specialises in editorial, commercial and event styling. Known for her soft romantic aesthetic, she tends to favour feminine fabrics in soft colours and fabrics. Here, she shares a week in her wardrobe.
MONDAY
Monday attire is usually the same formula – a jumper, leggings and comfortable footwear I tend to go for a uniform of soft, breathable, easy-to-throw-on staples with deep pockets in which I can stash the dog leads or my daughter’s belongings. I love colour in warmer months but tend to gravitate towards neutral shades when it comes to basics and leisurewear. I live in black leggings, a mix of white, black and Breton stripe tops with a chunky boot followed by a coat of armour to elevate the look. Today I’m wearing my beloved Barbour wax jacket, black leggings from Irish label Peachylean, a crew neck from Mango Committed with a vintage Louis Vuitton crossbody which fits my phone, wallet and keys perfectly. I threw on my Marks and Spencer’s suede Chelsea boots for running around because you just can’t beat the style and substance of their everyday footwear. I picked up the scarf in the men’s section at Zara as a Christmas gift for my husband but, admittedly, have reclaimed it as my own. Super snug and fluffy, it feels like the sartorial equivalent of a warm embrace (I’m hoping he doesn’t read this).
TUESDAY
It’s a day of preparation for a varied week ahead with a mix of work and admin to get through today. I have some calls to take followed by a press event so that calls for a hybrid of versatile smart/relaxed pieces. I wear cream jeans all year around and love how they elevate a slouchy knit and trainer but equally feel at home with a tailored coat/cardigan and heels. I’m in a stretchy wide-leg style from Isabel Marant, with a woven cardi from the M&S collection, ballet pumps from &Other Stories and a coatigan from Max Mara that I always root out in between seasons when the weather is likely to throw up four seasons in a day. The bag is the best Lemaire dupe, spotted and promptly thrown into my Mango basket.
WEDNESDAY
Hump day this week means running around as I’m prepping for a shoot before two city centre-based meetings. An equal measure of comfort and polish is key as I’m meeting suppliers and clients, picking and dropping off stuff, with my hands full in between. My go-to slim-fit jeans and a jazzy jumper or cardigan outfit combination along with a trusty Mac coat is usually a saving grace. This Wardrobe NYC trench was an indulgent splurge two seasons ago but I wear it all spring into autumn and love the length/weight of it. My jeans are M&S topped with a patch pocket cardi from &Other Stories (I also have it in cream) and embellished ballet pumps from Charlotte Keith. I rarely leave the house for appointments without my Prada crossbody. It’s four years old and owes me nothing.
THURSDAY
It’s shoot day and a little more glamorous than usual with the sun-drenched backdrop of the beautiful Castle Leslie Estate. Even on a dull grey day, the sun spills into the conservatory here – perfect for filming a spring tablescape. I’m speaking at an event next month on the art of hosting so a teaser of these images will be released soon in the lead up to it. Days on set are always fun but as a former fashion editor, I’m used to being behind the camera. Front and centre is not my comfort zone so I opted for a linen dress from Australian label Zimmerman. It’s the kind of aesthetic that I’ll feel most myself in – I always feel at home in a floral number and the colours of this blend perfectly with the bright, airy space.
FRIDAY
I’m meeting my girlfriends for an early dinner in town and definitely have a spring in my step with the lovely mild weather. It’s a dressy eve with a pre-cocktail in the Westbury Sidecar Bar via Hawksmoor Restaurant for dinner. One of my favourite colour combinations come spring is ivory and blush – I love the freedom of the shift style midi dress contrasted with the sleek tailoring of the blazer, both from Parisian brand Lou Lou Studio. My square-toe COS block heels finish off the look with a beaded vintage bag and Charlotte Tilbury lipstick. A little goes a long way.
SATURDAY
Today I’m driving west to do a site visit of a venue for an upcoming event and meeting the client there so I need to look smart. Luckily the concept of modern business wear has changed so much and now, tailoring is just one element of a woman’s work wardrobe. I prefer a softly structured aesthetic to sleek formality and tend to lean towards relaxed fabrics in beautiful shapes when I’m on duty. This tasselled knit and skirt combination from Zara is chic and comfortable and feels like a contemporary alternative to the classic silk blouse and pencil skirt. Add knee-high suede boots from Isabel Marant to break it up and the softness of a structured wool coat from Mango. As expected, I’m carrying another crossbody for ease, this time from Tory Burch. Business – but not as you know it!
SUNDAY
We’re off for a celebratory lunch at the K Club that I didn’t plan for! When I have very little time to get ready, I’ll instinctively reach for a dress in a feminine print. It’s bright but still a bit chilly today so I paired my favourite Zimmerman number with a wool trench coat from H&M (not pictured) and satin ballet flats from Pretty Ballerinas.
Imagery courtesy of Grace Cahill. We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
This is an updated version of an article originally published in March 2024.
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