Styled By Niamh: TikTok star Shanice Griffin on becoming a social media sensation

Forget Emily in Paris; now it's all about Shanice in the City - in the form of Dubliner Shanice Griffin.

A social media smash-hit and a chart-topper in the waiting, Drimnagh-born Shanice is going places. 

The eldest child and only girl in her family, Shanice tells Styled: ‘I grew up in the flats from a baby until a few years ago beside Memorial Park.'

She went to The Assumption Secondary in Walkinstown where her theatrical talents were quickly recognised and nurtured.

'I was a stage school kid growing up,’ admits Shanice. ‘And I loved it.’ 

'From the age of three to 16 I was dancing. It was my whole life until I injured myself and was out for a few years.

'When I was younger I actually wanted to be a professional dancer and tour with loads of singers. But the injury held me back.

'I always loved watching movies and musicals, and knew entertainment was what I’d love to get into!

‘Because I loved listening to music and dancing I chose it as a subject in secondary school.

'I used to sing in the shower and never thought I’d be good enough to sing in the real world just because of nerves - but I’ve really pushed past that the last two years and even have my own songs out now which is crazy.'

It was Shanice’s self-belief coupled with her devil-may-care attitude that saw her jump into the social media melee - and she's since since her popularity spike on TikTok to a massive 530,000 followers.

‘I’d say mine was steady growth.' says the ever-modest social media star.

'I started posting random videos on TikTok during lockdown and grew a following from that slowly but surely.

'The last few years however I’ve kind of started making different content and really trying to push myself out of my comfort zone.'

Shanice’s desire to perform and her ambitious side has seen her move into the musical sphere, where her vocal abilities soon caught the eye of music producer Ev Wilde.

‘I’d say it was the summer of 2023 when my music took off,’ recalls Shanice.  

‘I did a remix of James Blunt's 1973 with Ev Wilde and David Ryan. It started gaining a lot of traction on TikTok and not long after the song I got signed by a record label - which was wild to me.’

‘I am also in a girl DJ duo now called Miss Cartel. It’s been something that was in the works for some time but really excited to see where that takes us because I love making music with people, and the whole process of it really inspires me.

And not content with just being an all-singing, all-dancing starlet, Shanice harbours dreams to crack the acting world.

‘I would love to get into acting eventually. Television  has always been on my list.  

'I just never knew how to go about it but social media has given me incredible opportunities.’ Shanice told Styled. 

And lest you think it’s all glitz and glam, Shanice has a rather low-key favourite hobby.

'I am a sucker for a game of Sudoku,’ she laughs.

‘I know I probably sound like an auld one saying it. But I do try to set myself challenges to finish it at a certain time.’

Of her own personal style, Shanice says it’s complicated.

'I’d describe my style as confused,’ she laughs. ‘I dress like a tomboy in tracksuits for the most part. Then at least once a week I have an identity crisis and want to change my whole style up.’

In keeping with her down-to-earth nature, she admits her favourite wardrobe item is her faux fur Boohoo coat which she wears thrown over a tracksuit or slung effortlessly over a pretty little dress.

And even in the high-end sartorial circles of social media, she recommends daring to differ instead of blending in with the crowd.

'I’ve noticed that when you get too engulfed in what other people are doing you let yourself down. It’s more important to just be yourself and the right people will find you.'

Style Notes

LOVE BOMB

Coats are often the epicentre of an outfit but also one of the pricier wardrobe staples. So when choosing a new coat, think fashionable and flexible.

One such style of outerwear having its moment is the retro varsity bomber. Bomber jackets have been in and out of fashion for many years – and this season they’ve made a noticeable comeback as a street-style staple.

Everyone from casual fashion enthusiasts to high-style icons have embraced the bomber trend - with versions coming in satin padded bombers with ruched sleeves, to rugged jackets with multiple pockets and metal hardware for that Top Gun sartorial spin. 

WHAT'S YOURS IS MINE

Wearing your man's clobber has, by all accounts, become something of a TikTok fad.

But like all things TikTok this particular unisex trend should be approached with a cautionary eye.

There’s really no harm buying your significant other sometime like the aforementioned bomber jacket that you could also rock.

Or borrowing a cashmere knit that fits your fella perfectly but can look equally effortlessly slouchy stylish on you.

But when it comes to what's yours is mine, think elegantly slouchy - not scruffy.

BOYFRIEND SHIRT

The boyfriend shirt, aka a plain white loose-fitting shirt, is a season-defying evergreen trend. 

It's such a great piece to have in your (or his) wardrobe as you can dress it up, dress it down, or layer it!

It can be worn tucked in or yanked untidily out, buttoned up, or hanging loosely over a tank-top. In summer it can double as a de facto jacket shrugged over a dress.

And if it's just long enough it can be worn a dress belted at the midriff to give it that appropriate laid-back effect. 

However you wear your boyfriend shirt, you'll look effortlessly chic. And hopefully, so will he.

OOH, LA LA!

Long regarded as the ultimate in French chic, the beret is having something of a renaissance. But while there has never been a better time to wear the quintessential chapeau, berets can be hard to pull off effortlessly.

Synonymous with French icons from Brigitte Bardot to Françoise Hardy, the beret never fell out of fashion but it soared in popularity with the release of the hit series Emily in Paris some years ago. 

So how to wear berets?

Generally they come in two sizes, small and compact or large and loose. As to which works best for your face, smaller berets tend to work better for round faces while the larger styles suit longer shapes. 

Berets look great when teamed with a good trench coat or tailored blazer but they can also elevate a more casual look when paired with pleated skirts and sleeveless tops or even jeans for those who like a street style edge.

The only rule of thumb is when wearing a beret is to wear it with panache!

LOVE IS IN THE ‘JER’

Be your own Valentine this February 14th with styles to fall in love with from New Look, Selected, Parfois, Timberland, Schuh & The Card Gallery at Jervis Street Shopping Centre.

Photography by Leigh Page
Hair by Jessica Dowdall
Makeup by Erin Burke
Shot on location at Jervis Street Shopping Centre