Going from work to the wine bar means being prepared

I HAVE A HUGE — SOMETIMES ENVIOUS — amount of admiration for those who formulate a work outfit that ticks all the transitional boxes at 8am. Navigating which way Irish weather will go (no matter how much I stalk the forecast) never seems to work in my favour so remembering sunglasses, and taking a handbag generous enough to squish an umbrella and an extra layer always seems like the safer bet. Coming into spring when evenings are longer, brighter and hazier though, everything changes. There’s always some event you wish you hadn’t missed. Curling up on the couch or dragging myself to the gym for the last yoga class is never as desirable especially when all my work-mates are measuring up different options for after-work activities. The chances of going home before your bedtime when rooftops bars re-open and there’s warm, magnetic, vibe about town, are very slim. Not only do we have to forethink office attire that’s weather resistant —because let’s face it there always a chance that it could rain — but in spring we have to forward plan an outfit that could potentially be dinner and wine appropriate. No pressure then! Some women have the art of planning and precision down to a tee. I, on the other hand , take far more time to get ready in the morning. Granted,I don’t need to worry about ladders In my tights or wearing thermals under my jeans but I instinctively know that my outfit will have to work harder. No amount of eyeliner or dingle jangle jewellery will jazz me up — I’ve tried. A good idea — one I use religiously — is to make a list the night before and follow it when you’re in a rush the next morning. This usually saves me from forgetting my toothbrush if I don’t have a spare one on my desk. Wear something that can be easily elevated - a tailored jumpsuit or a trophy dress that you can fit a turtleneck underneath for the office, teamed with a blazer or solo, once you leave. Anything in chiffon, lace or tweed is easy to roll up and won’t crease easily. Once you’ve decided what you’re wearing, make sure you’ve got the right underwear, a strapless or cross-over bra and spanx that will smooth over granny knickers that you forgot about. So many evening looks are ruined by the wrong, bulky bag so always take a mini evening clutch that can slip into a pocket of your bag. Another good idea is to slip any bling into the clutch so you always know where it it is. If what your wearing can’t be elevated or if you’ve something more posh to attend, then forget what you’ve got on and take a fresh change. This shouldn’t cause vast amounts of excess baggage, just an average size weekend bag that you can slip onto you shoulder, maybe even fit in your handbag and an idea of what you are wearing so you don’t over-pack and are left with space for shoes or a hair styler - the heaviest part of your inventory.

Make a list the night before and follow it when you’re in a rush