In My Style with Katharine Walker

The 25-year old from Hillsborough, Co Down hasbeen working on the frontline as a paediatric nurse in intensive care at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children for the past three and a half years.

The beautiful blonde has just moved into agency nursing in the past week as the NHS continues to deal with the ongoing coronavirus situation.

As Miss Northern Ireland 2018, the popular ACA Model went on to a Top 20 finalist in Miss World 2018 which was held in China.

When she isn’t working as a nurse or modelling, Katharine is also a blogger and a radio presenter on Cool FM.

Katharine took time out of her busy life to let Weekend readers into some of her style secrets.

How would you describe your personal style?

I would say it is relaxed day to day but when it comes to an event I love to go full glam!

Where do you find style inspiration?

I find a lot of style inspiration from local bloggers because I find them much more relatable than a lot of celebrities etc. Although I adore Kate Middleton’s style, I think she always looks so effortless and elegant.

Do you read fashion magazines and if so, which ones?

I don’t read a lot of magazines but I follow fashion blogs on social media, like Cosmopolitan. I like that they do honest reviews on products and clothing.

What is the best style advice you’ve received and who gave it to you?

Wear what you are comfortable in. I don’t suit strapless dresses or like wearing dresses that are particularly short, but I used to feel because that was what everyone else was wearing, then I had to too. But recently I’ve discovered long and floaty dresses are so much more “me”. I think it takes everyone a while to figure out what their personal style is.

What is your favourite fashion trend at the moment and why?

My favourite fashion trend at the minute is probably flares. I think they are so flattering and are just a bit quirky and different.

What’s the oldest item in your wardrobe and what is so special about it?

I’ve held on to anything that is personalised or a one off. I have all my old hockey shirts for any team or club I played for, or any event that I’ve taken part in, like the Belfast Marathon. And I’ve kept all my Miss Northern Ireland t-shirts and Miss World t-shirts. I don’t wear them because they’re too special to me to ruin but I can’t let go of them either!

And the most recent?

Most recently I have invested in a lot of maxi dresses. Not sure where I’m going to wear them but I love that you can dress them up or down! I also think that when they’re nearly done they’ll be useful on holidays as cover ups.

Do you keep things in your wardrobe that you haven’t ever worn?

Yes! I am the worst for hoarding clothes, because I always think you just never know when I might need that. But it turns out that the glittery sequined black hot pants I wore when I was 15, I haven’t needed since..

What was your worst fashion mistake?

Not sure if it counts as a fashion mistake, but wash off fake tan. I love a bit of instant tan to top up but relying on it solely can be dangerous!

What is your favourite item of clothing and why?

Most recently I got a pair of paper bag trousers from Zara. They are so so comfortable and come in all your usual colours. A nice change from jeans for daily wear.

What are your favourite colours for clothes and why?

I love bright colours, especially when it comes to active wear. I tend to avoid wearing a lot of pale colours unless I have tan on because otherwise I can look washed out.

What shoes do you wear most often and do you have a particular favourite pair - if so why are they your favourites?

For Christmas I got a pair of Kurt Geiger chunky white trainers and I absolutely love them! They’re so comfortable, they go with everything, you can dress them up or down and I think they aren’t too dissimilar to Balenciagas but don’t have the whopping price tag!

What accessories do you normally use?

My earring collection is pretty impressive. For events or a night out I will ALWAYS have on a big pair of bright coloured earrings.

I have a few rings I wear but they’re all sentimental, I’ve got them for birthdays etc. I think I love earrings because they always fit, and with work I never tend to have my nails painted so I don’t like to draw too much attention to my hands. My Apple watch is always a staple too!

Do you think you can be fashionable without spending a lot of money?

Absolutely! I think that’s why I love local bloggers, because they wear mostly high street brands and are so creative with the way they wear things.

I’m a big believer in it is how you wear something that makes it look good. If you’re comfortable in it and feel confident then I think that shines through!

What are your favourite local shops?

I was so lucky to be sponsored my Rosie’s Closet when I was Miss Northern Ireland in 2018. They always had me dressed so well. I got many cocktail dresses that are all so timeless and I know I’ll wear them again and again. They have such a huge range of dresses and suits etc. that there is literally something for everyone!