For those trying to climb the career ladder this new year the workwear wardrobe is vital for interviews, presentations, and sales pitches — so dress for success. It only takes a few seconds for a potential boss to make a judgment call based on your appearance. So, make sure you present the very best version of yourself.
And what better time to start thinking about sprucing up the wardrobe than Christmas when there is more choice than ever and lots of bargains to be had? And this season as the pre-Christmas shopping frenzy ratchets up a gear — many of us will spend less cash on cheap glitter ‘n glam and splash out more on long-term, luxury purchases that are kind to the environment and ecologically friendly.
The focus is on buying less but buying better — clothes with a conscience. Energy bills may have chewed into our shopping funds, but less is more when it comes to our wardrobes. Investing in upmarket festive pieces for the office and new year will withstand the test of time.
Fortunately cutting our budget does not entail chopping the arms off a shirt or lapels off a jacket. Update a winter coat with a special scarf or a handwoven pashmina in cashmere or lambswool. Team it with a matching beret or hat and transform last year’s look. You will be amazed at how quickly a dramatic Donegal or vivid Paul Costelloe scarf can deliver a makeover. So, snap up a couple of stylish weaves from Blarney Woollen Mills, a checked wool version from the Inish Meáin range or a Donegal merino wool for a present for an office friend too.
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For executive menswear, one of the key purchases for 2023 is a versatile single-breasted jacket or classic blazer that goes with chinos as well as denims. The tweed heritage look is having a rebound in fashion as it gets snapped up by Hollywood A-listers.
Choose a winner from a renowned designer stable such as The Tweed Project or pick up a gem at Louis Copeland’s sale which is always worth exploring. A swift bargain hunter’s virtual rummage around Louis Copeland’s website reveals a wine heritage blazer in pure wool flannel that has been reduced from €600 to €299, plus a jacket by Maurizio Baldasso and Paul and Shark labels.
Magee menswear also has a 40 per cent reduction outlet on its website with lasting yarns like the rust and oat tweed blazer jacket in a lovely heather shade reduced to €269.
For a three-piece suit with plenty of wearability, check out an original plaid combination in a navy and pale blue fabric at Magee. It’s the kind of suit that adds character to your wardrobe and has flexible options too. The jacket could be worn as a blazer over navy chinos at the weekend or the trousers can be worn to work with a knitted sweater.
A key purchase for women for 2023 will be leather boots. They tend to be a priority purchase although with the demise of skinny jeans you will need ankle boots to wear under flares as well as knee highs styles. River Island has a nice pair of leather boots that go well under faux leather trousers. Aim for a quality pair so your feet don’t melt in drastic plastic
If you want high-quality leather with practicality, look no further than Marks and Spencer. They have a super pair of mid-heel leather and suede boots in the €155 bracket — their ankle boots cost less as you might suspect, and retail at about €70. The fact that you can actually walk in these styles from car to bar in comfort is another advantage!
The ubiquitous Uggs are back in town! Apparently, rumours of their demise were greatly exaggerated. On a positive note, their fleecy wool lining really keeps your feet warm and looks fine with jeans — but they are ugly with skirts or dresses. Try wearing them at home for post-work comfort.
Arnott’s of Henry Street is one of our last large inner-city stores with affordability central to its success. The basement area is an Aladdin’s cave of deals on all sorts of items, especially in the fashion section.
They also have a good section for Barbour menswear — the quilted rustic gilet is always a safe purchase as are waxed jackets. The Dune footwear store is there as well with Chelsea ankle boots for men along with laced and slip-on Gibson shoes that go with most suits and trousers.
For women, Mint Velvet has classic black trouser suits at Arnotts or in Dundrum Town Centre. For a festive coat with lasting appeal, Caroline Kilkenny’s red coat at Arnotts will take you from the office to St Stephen’s Day races and back. Tailored trousers in cigar shapes team well with fine knit sweaters, frilled blouses, tie-front shirts and striped culottes.
The retro office image is also in demand — with tweed knee-length skirts worn with Argyll socks and an Aran jumper for the chic geek. Slip on a pair of laced brogues to deliver a matched country look.
Woollen tank tops are back in vogue for men worn over a checked shirt or T-shirts. Team this woolly gilet with a pair of plaid baggy trousers and an oversized bomber jacket.
The over-the-shoulder leather satchel also makes for a more serious corporate approach than smaller man bags that hold very little.