Styled By Niamh: Social media sensation Sian Walton opens up on her not-so Simple Life

As a child, Irish social media star Sian Walton had a very different career in mind for herself - and became an influencer almost by accident.

‘I am very much a big animal lover so I wanted to be a vet, but as I got older I hadn’t a clue. 

‘I knew there was something out there for me, though influencing just wasn’t a thing at the time,' Sian told Styled.

She said inspiration first struck when she found herself adrift after leaving school.

‘It was over 10 years ago. I was only 18 and had just left school, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. All my friends were in college, and I did a personal training course. 

‘I started sharing all my workouts, food and anything fitness related. A lot of gym selfies,' she laughed.

Sian grew up in the north Dublin countryside but went to school in Loreto on the Green in the heart of the city centre.

‘It was a journey every day, but I absolutely loved being in the city - especially growing up in the middle of nowhere basically. It was exciting and different.’

But she confided, she didn’t have many friends at school and ended up losing the few she had because of her hugely popular Instagram and Youtube accounts.

‘It was seen as “embarrassing” at the time. So that really pushed me, and I devoted all my time to posting online.

'I would post every single day.  

‘After 10 years I’ve definitely grown a thick skin. I used to be very shy and sensitive, and I’ve changed a lot by putting myself out there,’ she admitted.

‘There have been times in the past where I have been upset over comments.

'Although it’s not OK, I do think if you are getting negative comments - it just means you’re doing something right!’

However, she says YouTube is worse than Instagram for toxic comments.

‘I remember getting a comment on my YouTube channel telling me to go drink bleach. I think I was around 20 at the time. That comment has always stuck with me, she admitted.’ 

Sian - who credits her unusual name, which she ‘loves’, to her mum’s influence - grew up as the youngest of three, with her older brother and sister now living abroad. 

Her father, Philip Walton, is a professional golfer who took the winning putt in the 1995 Ryder Cup, so it's little surprise that she loves to hit the links. 

‘I do love to play golf - but just for fun! I definitely would love to play it more -  I grew up around it. My dad has taught me a lot, and I absolutely love to go to the driving range with him.’

The gym has, unsurprisingly, also been a huge part of her life over the last 10 years.

‘I wouldn’t call it a hobby, more of a lifestyle - I can’t imagine my life without it. Not just for the physical benefits but mentally also. 

‘It’s a complete escape for me and it always puts me in the best mood.’

Sian met her boyfriend and ‘best friend’, Brook Wright, seven years ago, and she currently works front of house at his new venture in Swords, The Brooklyn.

‘We met in a nightclub in town and just hit it off from there. We are complete opposites if I’m honest! I’m probably a bit too laid back and he’s super organised.

'They do say opposites attract. He has always pushed me to be my absolute best and to believe in myself at times when I haven’t,’ she said of his support.

For now, she doesn’t know what the future holds; she is just ‘taking it day by day’.

But despite her glamorous lifestyle, she does see herself on a farm one day. 

‘Growing up we had hens, a horse, donkey, cats, the list goes on… but I have always wanted to be on TV as well, so who knows!’

Style Notes

The Simple Life

Say what you will but fun fashion peaked in the early 2000’s. 

And few people encapsulated bright, bubbly fashion like the glamorous double act that was Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie in their mega successful reality show The Simple Life.

Pairing neon bikini tops and bandanas with the shortest of denim shorts wasn't out of the question, and flip-flops, low-rise jeans, even high heels for a day on the farm was par for the course.

Cowboy hats, hairbands, neck scarfs, and oversized, outrageous totes and sunglasses can all be used to give a nod to to the style icons if you don’t feel like going full-Paris.

I Dream of Jeanie

Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle jeans campaign has made denim the outfit du jour.

Denim can be both fun and functional - its beauty lies in the fact it’s versatile enough to be styled for any occasion.

The one thing to consider when choosing a perfect pair of jeans is that body type is all-important.

Skinny jeans are flattering for most body types, whilst barrel-leg jeans work particularly well for pear and hourglass silhouettes.  

Flares can be tricky to pull off so approach with an abundance of caution. 

But luckily for us ladies, high-waisted jeans have made a massive comeback and are generally flattering for all shapes and sizes.

Fest-Fabulous

The festival season is in full swing with Electric Picnic just around the corner. So here is a handy guide to all weather festival essentials.

Go wild and express yourself - just don’t forget to pack a good pair of wellies. 

It’s a time when you can let your hair down and discard the office day wear in favour of something fun, like hot pants and a cowboy hat. 

Flowy skirts and oversized shirts and sweaters look great in festival photos, and they have the added benefit of keeping you warm if it gets a bit nippy-which let’s face it, it usually does in Ireland. 

A good jacket is essential, preferably one with a hood, while a tote bag fulfils a dual purpose - they hold a lot and look great in pics.

Above all, don’t forget to pack SPF and sunglasses. The first is always essential and the sunglasses - well, hopefully you’ll need them!

Shot on location at Mrs Keane's Farm, North County Dublin

Photography by Evan Doherty

Hair by Jessica Dowdall

Makeup by Sarah O'Brien

Makeup assistant Molly Kehoe