When it comes to clothes, mums and daughters often clash, and dramatically. But editorial assistant Rebekka O’Grady, and her mum, are pretty much in harmony. They reveal their loves and loathes

Great British Life: Rebekka and her mumRebekka and her mum (Image: Archant)

With family, a lot of things are hereditary: the same nose as your father, that annoying habit from your Nan – but for me, I’ve inherited fashion sense. My mother, Julie, 45, is a very stylish lady, and without her, I don’t think I would have developed the style I have today.

Fashion is about expressing your personality and as a mother-daughter duo, I think we achieve just that. My sister Saira, 19, is also brilliant at showcasing her individuality via her wardrobe. Together the three of us swap pieces from each others closets, ‘borrow’ jewellery and pass on items that we think the other would suit better. Conveniently we are all around the same size, so creating new outfits is that little bit easier!

I decided to delve into my mother’s wardrobe to find out more about what her outfits mean to her.

‘I like to think that I’m a fashionable person, but I don’t blatantly go out to purchase things just because they’re the latest styles. If I like it, I’ll buy it. I try to create a wardrobe with staple pieces, like my black Reiss dress,’ said Julie.

For many women, splashing out on an item from a higher end fashion label is worth it as you are paying for quality. ‘Everyone needs a little black dress that can be dressed up or down. It was bought for me as a present by my husband, Les, three years ago and it’s still in excellent condition. Comfortable but stylish, I know it will be in my wardrobe for years to come.’

Unlike my mother, I have only just invested in my first little black dress. In fact, my parents bought it for me from Topshop as a celebration gift for securing this job. I often stick to patterns and prints, so wearing a plain, block coloured outfit is a little strange. However, I always like to inject some fun into my outfits and like a magpie - big, sparkly jewellery always grabs my attention. A statement necklace can transform any outfit from drab to fab!

Style means being able to enhance your wardrobe, using even the smallest of items, to create a big difference. ‘I like to mix and match items,’ said Julie. ‘As an administration manager in the NHS, I don’t wear a uniform but I have to be smart. However, smart doesn’t mean having to sacrifice fashion or personality.’

My mother’s ethos has been instilled into me, and I love to wear my bold print outfits to work. The pink, tribal pattern Topshop dress is work-friendly, but still demonstrates my personality to people I meet.’

Julie added: ‘Having two daughters has changed my perception of fashion. Some items they have can be inspiring; I may not want that particular outfit, but it can give me an idea for something else. Rebekka loves floral and polka dots, and I’d never had anything spotty before I purchased my navy Hobbs dress. It’s a classic, flattering shape – accentuates my waist and hides those areas I’m not too keen on!’

For us clothes express who we are. We aren’t afraid to be bold and colourful, but we can be smart and sophisticated. Fashion for many people gives a boost of confidence to be proud of your shape and personality. As the legendary designer Coco Chanel once said: ‘Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.’

Top three high-street stores:

Rebekka

1. Topshop

2. New Look

3. ASOS

Julie

1. River Island

2. Next

3. Dorothy Perkins