Did you know Galway is home to a number of amazing characters? Our lively city is packed with charm, colour, and some seriously interesting people, and we’d love for you to meet a few of them. In our series, Howya!, we shine a spotlight on the faces that make this place special. Next up is the fabulous Gayle Poppers, a true style icon with stories (and fashion advice!) you won’t want to miss.
Come say howya and get to know the heart and soul of Galway, one local legend at a time.
Q. Tell us about yourself..
I'm Gayle Poppers — a stylist, designer, and entrepreneur with a strong commitment to sustainability in fashion. As a mother of three, I’m especially mindful of the environmental impact of the industry, and I believe that great style should never come at the planet’s expense.
I work across editorial, commercial, and personal styling — curating looks, putting together shoots, styling events, and building visual stories. Whether I’m pulling pieces for a campaign, designing collections, or shaping brand aesthetics, my goal is always the same: to create beautiful work for people to admire.
Q. Could you tell me more about your background in fashion, and your time with The Irish Style Institute?
My experience in the fashion industry spans over 20 years, covering everything from design to styling. I got my start at 19, studying fashion design at GTI College here in Galway. From there, I expanded my knowledge by studying Fashion Business and Merchandising in Melbourne, Australia, where I gained a deep understanding of the business side of fashion and retail.
Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of owning and operating two bespoke independent boutiques, building a network of talented designers in Galway, and even hosting two successful fashion shows in the city. Most recently, I honed my styling skills at the Irish Style Institute in Dublin. This course provided me with the tools and knowledge to work as an editorial stylist, focusing on creating compelling visual looks and perfecting the art of styling for photoshoots and publications.
Q. What services do you provide currently?
I provide a range of services tailored to boutiques and businesses, including photography and content styling, social media and branding support, visual merchandising, and event styling. Additionally, I work as an editorial stylist, collaborating with photographers, brands, and magazines to create captivating visual stories.
Q. What do you love about your work?
What I love most about my work is how creative and ever-changing it is — no two days are the same. Fashion, for me, is a mix of art, style, and emotion. I love how the right outfit can totally shift how someone feels — more confident, comfortable, or just happier in themselves.
Visual merchandising is also a big part of my job, and something which I hugely enjoy. Creating spaces that look great and draw people in is so rewarding. Whether I’m styling a shoot, designing, or setting up a shop floor, I love being able to bring ideas to life in a way that people can really connect with.
Q. How can someone develop their personal style?
Developing your personal style starts with understanding your body shape and your most flattering colours. Different silhouettes and tones complement different people, so knowing what suits you is a solid foundation. From there, I always encourage wearing what you love and what makes you feel confident — personal style should reflect you, not just current trends. Once you know the basics of what works best for you, you can begin to build a wardrobe that’s both authentic and uniquely yours.
Q. What 5 pieces of clothing would you consider essential in your wardrobe?
My wardrobe is definitely not that of a ‘capsule wardrobe’! However the 5 pieces which are essential in any wardrobe would be;
- A good pair of well fitting jeans
- A blazer
- A couple of basic t-shirts
- A trench coat
- A leather jacket
Q. Why do you think sustainability is so important when it comes to the fashion industry?
Unfortunately the fashion industry has a huge part to play in our growing climate crisis. From the resources used to create clothing to the waste generated from over production, it's crucial that we find ways to make fashion more eco-friendly. There are many ways to become more sustainable with your fashion choices, but my favourite is shopping secondhand.
Buying pre-loved pieces not only helps reduce waste but also gives clothes a longer life. However, I know it is not always possible to find what you want or need secondhand, so renting pieces for events is also a great option, alongside buying only what you really love, buying less and not buying into trends.
Q. Could you suggest a few stores in Galway that are good options for finding long-lasting wardrobe pieces?
I do 80% of my shopping in charity shops to be honest. A couple of my favourites would be Cope and Vincents, it does take a bit of focus and searching at times to find what you want, but there are definitely, always some treasures waiting in the secondhand shops.
The Design House Barna is an excellent boutique for getting some wardrobe staples like jeans and t-shirts, along with more unique finds from brands not often seen on the High Street! Brown Thomas also, always a good option if you want to buy some quality long lasting pieces.
Q. Could you share any of your go-to tricks for putting together an outfit?
There's a number of ways to put together an outfit ‘effortlessly’, a couple of my go-to recommendations would be as follows;
1 - Using ‘The Sandwich’ concept
This idea is about colour repetition to create cohesion and visual harmony - think of your outfit like a sandwich:
Top (bread) – One colour (for example, a white shirt)
Middle (filling) – Contrasting or different color (eg: blue jeans)
Bottom (bread) – Same or similar colour to the top (think, white trainers)
This concept makes your outfit look balanced and intentional. The eye is drawn from top to bottom smoothly, which adds polish without much effort.
2 - Thoughtful Accessories
Accessories can elevate even the simplest outfit. A structured belt, a classic watch, or a single piece of statement jewellery can bring more depth to an outfit. The key is to not overdo it — one or two carefully selected accessories are often more impactful than many.
3 - Balance Proportions
The rule here is simple: if one piece is flowy or oversized, keep the other fitted. It’s all about contrast. For example, a slouchy sweater pairs perfectly with tailored trousers. This helps create a flattering silhouette and keeps your outfit feeling polished and visually balanced.
Q. How can you be contacted if our readers are interested in working with you?
The best place to contact me is via my Instagram @styledby_gayleita or email me at info@styledbygayle.com.
All photos courtesy of Gayle Poppers.
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