Wear It Out: Fashion folk talk about ‘the art of dressing’ but it takes an art student to show how

This week, we meet NCAD student Shay Smyth. Art students are often the most brave with their fashion choices. If you can’t be exactly who you want to be in art college, then I don’t know where you could be. His look is effortless but definitely has a lot of thought behind it. He shows us how to put together his look by finding clothing in the most unlikely places.

Smyth’s style is so personal that it is only fitting to get a few words off him about how he puts together his look. You don’t have to spend a fortune to look this good, he says.

“I love mixing multiple textures of the same colour. I feel it allows me to wear vibrant colour but still look fresh and refined but also places focus on the qualities of the fabrics. I often wear found clothing (hat), I have lost it several times but it always comes back to me. I like the stories behind clothing. The jacket is borrowed from a friend and it is super-practical for cool autumn days.

The jumper was a gift for my dad that he didn’t like but I secretly loved; I’m so fond of the illusion of texture it gives. The pants were a gift, they are my favourite! The tiny repeat print and the reflective silky fabric give a luxurious yet comfy feel.

Finally, my Docs are my go-to shoes, they are casual and formal and at this point fit my feet like gloves. I still have marks from breaking them in!”

Top: COS, €75
Pants: Zara Basics, €28
Jacket: Barbour wax jacket, €6, Nine Crows, 5 Ormond Quay Lower Dublin 1 , shopninecrows.com
Hat: New Haven (vintage) Lucy's Lounge, Temple Bar, Dublin, €22
Shoes: Dr Marten, three eyelet, Chine Blue, Temple Bar, Dublin, €110

- Photographs: Katie McLaughlin Robinson