Prepare in style for return to office life
ON THE PARADOX OF MODERN MOTHERHOOD AND FASHION FIXES THAT WORK HARD FOR EVERY DAY
ho knew an early morning dash for coffee could feel so close to normal again. I found myself sandwiched between half a dozen others in my old beloved Ballsbridge haunt Roly’s, waiting for a flat white, and I must admit it was oddly comforting.
As we all get to grips with the theatre of office life again, navigate rush-hour traffic, Montessori drop-off that winds up in complete hysteria (just me?) and pour words into a laptop from a desk not a messy kitchen table – I want to welcome you to whole new chapter of this column. This week feels like the right time to look forward and start afresh with a new kind of sartorial zest. For many, this transition will be a hybrid of their old and new lives. Whether you are back full-time in the office, working from home some days or hot-desking from anywhere, you want clothes that feel good and easy to wear. Think comfort but a level up, the sweet spot between relaxed and sleek without being too predictable. If you’re planning a return to your desk, here are some suggestions for mastering that smart/casual crossover.
Think of jeans as you would any other fabric and so many more options open up, with a new spectrum of smartness. The shape and cut are key to making them office appropriate so get both right and you’ve made your beloved high waists work as everyday arsenal. Darker washes tend to look a lot chicer in a stretchy straight leg or elongated flare, great with silk blouses and shirts with a softly structured blazer. I love H&M’s Conscious range and Mango’s buttery soft Committed edit for organic cotton styles that always feel flattering (and forgiving). They’re affordable, wash well and kinder on the planet.
This doesn’t have to mean power dressing. Now a great trouser and jacket combination can be anything you want it to be: A pleated midi skirt/double breast blazer or a softly structured shacket/ cropped jeans collaboration. The secret to relaxed tailoring with a modern twist is in the fabric. Choose softer brushed cottons, wool and twills that are are versatile and comfortable but will still look elegant and stand up in a board meeting or dashing to the school gates. I love
THINK COMFORT BUT A LEVEL UP. THE SWEET SPOT BETWEEN RELAXED AND SLEEK
Marks & Spencer, Massimo Dutti and & Other Stories for afforable seperates that feel really luxe and are easy to mix and match every day.
Every girl has a few crucial items she reaches for in the morning. Up there with a crossbody bag is a heel you can withstand a 8/9-hour day in. A sleek ankle boot ticks all the boxes or mules/quilted ballet pumps deliver the same comfort as trainers with a lot more grace.