Today Show stylist Caroline Downey shares some of her favourite trends and looks that she has seen so far this season.
The Today Show is back for Season 14, and I couldn't be more thrilled to be returning as one of the weekly stylists alongside Maura, Dáithí and Sinéad.
This week, I was back on with Sinead, and it genuinely felt like a little reunion — I haven't seen her since April, so there was plenty of catch-up and even more colour. We leaned into one of the biggest trends of the season: magenta.
It's bold, it’s joyful, and it’s exactly what our dark evenings are crying out for. And yes, my own outfit had a little "party season is coming" energy.
Look 1: The bow-back red (and magenta) moment — Kate & Pippa
My studio look from Kate & Pippa is the easiest route to Christmas-party vibes without the fuss. Think chic knee length at the front and then — surprise! — a gorgeous oversized bow at the back.
Add feather-trimmed sleeves and you’ve got a dress that’s equal parts timeless and fun. It’s beautifully loose-fitting (perfect if you like a little room around the tummy).
I wore red, as I find it really works with my colouring, Aoife wore it in that stunning magenta shade we’re all loving — she’s a bit taller than me, so the hem ran a touch shorter on her, equally fab and flirty.
I finished her look with magenta heels from Fabucci Footwear in Naas because if we’re doing colour, we’re doing colour.
Look 2: The pocket-perfect shift — Kate & Pippa
Staying with those strong magenta tones, we played with a Kate & Pippa mini shift in a bold print with feather-trim sleeves (yes, I’m having a feather phase — unapologetically!). What I love most is the mix of navy and black in the pattern. It’s a stylist’s dream because you can lean into either: black shoes and bag for polish, or navy for something softer.
Even better? It has pockets. The shift shape is a star for comfort; you can absolutely add a slim belt if you want definition, but I adore the straight-through ease. I popped on a navy heel from Fabucci to tie it all together.
Look 3: Suit up in magenta — Nicola Ross with Fabucci Footwear
If you watch the Today Show, you will know that I love a great suit, and this one from Nicola Ross is a head-turner. It comes in lots of colours, but the magenta is my favourite — vibrant, confident and anything but "just autumn neutrals."
The jacket’s long lapel and single button create such a flattering line, and the length works even on a shorter silhouette. The wide-leg trousers are beautifully elongating (hello, legs-for-days), and I like them skimming the floor for that on-trend, luxe look.
I kept it monochrome with a matching satin cami inside — block colour is magic for streamlining the body — and then had a little fun with a leopard-print shoe. Leopard is practically a neutral in my wardrobe; it plays brilliantly with red, pink, orange and, of course, all the classics.
Why these looks work
Each piece is easy to wear and super versatile — not just for now but right through the season. Comfort matters (we move, we dance, we sit!), and these shapes love all body types: the bow-back dress, the effortless pocketed shift, and the power-suit that lengthens everything.
If you’re magenta-curious, take this as your nudge. Add a pop with a heel, go full monochrome with a suit, or let feathers do the talking. Fashion should feel fun — and this week, it absolutely did.
