County Derry influencer and stylist shares her fashion tips and tricks

Influencer: Rosalyn Byrne

Instagram: @rosalynbyrnex (24.2k followers)

@styledbyrosalyn (6k followers)

Drumsurn native, influencer and stylist Rosalyn Byrne speaks to Aoife McManus about her inspirations, how she got started in the industry, what it takes to make it in the influencer world and her favourite looks of the year.

Q: Tell me a bit about how and why you got started in the industry.
I’ve had a love for fashion for as long as I can remember.
Even from a young age, I always enjoyed dressing up and experimenting with different styles. A few years ago, I decided to start sharing my fashion content on Instagram, simply because I loved it. Over time, I began to build a following and realised there was a real interest in what I was posting.
That led me to create my style page, @StyledbyRosalyn, where I focus on helping women dress confidently for their individual body shapes. I share tips on staying on trend, seasonal outfit inspiration, wardrobe management, and how to shop stylishly on a budget. I also regularly interact with my audience through question boxes asking what they’d like to see more of, whether it’s holiday looks, night out glam, or every day essentials. It’s become a platform not just for style, but for community and confidence too.

Q: What does fashion mean to you? Who inspires you?
Fashion, to me, is a form of self expression, it’s how I show who I am without saying a word. I draw inspiration from everywhere and everyone. I love glamorous styles, but I’m equally drawn to chic, casual, and monochrome looks. At the same time, I adore a bold pop of colour. My style is really a blend of all the things I love, and I enjoy taking little bits of inspiration from a wide mix of people, places, and trends.

Q: Who are your favourite brands/ designers?
For high street fashion, I love shopping at Zara and Mango, they always have such on trend yet wearable pieces. When it comes to designer brands, I tend to invest in statement accessories like shoes and handbags. I have a few YSL heels and bags that I adore, and I’ve always appreciated the timeless elegance of Chanel. One of my most treasured pieces is a stunning copper sequin Fendi bag I picked up in Paris last year, it’s definitely a standout in my collection.

Q: Have you worked with any brands and who is your favourite to work with?
Yes, I’ve been lucky enough to work with several amazing brands including Silk Fred, Nasty Gal, and Never Fully Dressed, to name a few. Out of them all, Never Fully Dressed has to be my absolute favourite. The team is incredibly kind and lovely to work with, and their designs are truly out of this world. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed styling their pieces and putting looks together feels effortless when you genuinely adore the clothes.

Q:What trends are you excited about at the minute?
Right now, I’m loving the scarf-around the jeans trend. I recently spotted a gorgeous pair in Zara that perfectly captures that effortless, European chic aesthetic. It’s such a classy yet laid back look that I think really elevates a casual outfit. I’m also loving the return of the pump shoe, I think it adds a subtle touch of elegance and sophistication to any look.

Q. What skills do you think you need to be a successful influencer? What would you tell someone who is thinking of doing it?
My biggest advice is just go for it. Don’t overthink it. Be genuine, be yourself, and throw yourself in the deep end. Authenticity is everything. The more true you are to yourself, the more people will connect with you. Don’t let the fear of other people’s opinions hold you back, if anyone has something negative to say, it usually says more about them than it does about you. Above all, be consistent. That’s the key to building trust and growing your presence over time.

Q: What do you love the most about what you do?
What I love most is the feeling I get when I create style boards and choose outfits for others and then to see their reactions. When they send me photos looking amazing and feeling confident in the looks I’ve put together, it’s such a rewarding moment. I often find myself thinking, “I did that!” It’s incredibly fulfilling to know I’ve helped someone feel their best through style.

Q. Have you encountered any drawbacks or is it all positive?
One of the biggest challenges can be dealing with judgment from others. People can be quick to form opinions, especially when you’re putting yourself out there. But I’ve learned that if something is your passion, you have to stay true to it. You can’t let other people’s opinions hold you back. At the end of the day, it’s your journey and doing what you love is what matters most.

Rosalyn’s favourite looks

Outfit 1: Long iridescent dress
I love this dress, the moment I saw it I knew I just had to have it, I got it on silk Fred. I adore the matchy Prada bag, I rented it from ‘By Rotation’ and paired it with silver heels and jewellery to keep it cool toned. 

Outfit 2: Two piece
This was a ‘Never Fully Dressed' two piece. I showed how to wear numerous ways, again nice pastel tones which compliment my complexion and hair colour, gorgeous satin fabric too which made it very luxurious looking.

Outfit 3: Blue dress
I got this blue dress on asos, my favourite colour of blue so I couldn't pass it, when I tried it on it was giving big bird feels so I went on the haunt for a belt and magically found the exact shade of blue belt on river island which had silver on it so again kept it cool tones and added silver knee boots, loves this quirky look, hair up as so much was going on.

Outfit 4: Monochrome look
This was from a trip to Paris last year so I made sure my outfits I packed were chic as the aesthetic there is so minimal but classy. I got this white two piece on H&M paired with a see through black tight & black roll neck, my old faithful black fur cuffed coat & black ysl heels & matching bag. Oh and I also wore black leather gloves, it was freezing and they also elevated the look.