Upgrading from business class

As the temperatures drop, be sure to pick up a sharp signature trouser suit for your workwear wardrobe. Business casual is getting the cold shoulder this season as women return to the boardroom in a luxurious collection of upmarket, two-piece structured suits and investment pieces. The long summer of sartorial freedom when we flung on Bermuda shorts, floral dresses and tee-shirts has been replaced by a more regimental line of classic shirts, tailored trousers, tweedy checks and leather skirts.

This new wave of luxe trends reflects a more confident economy and stronger employment figures. Fashion designers are cutting their better cloths for a bonus business season.

The classic wool coat, beloved by many and afforded by few, replaces the ubiquitous padded nylon jacket. The investment is a wise one, as a good coat covers a multitude of sartorial errors.

For women, there is a resurgence in the classic stand-alone office dress in a silk or wool crepe fabric with all the elegance of a Roland Mouret number without the price. Designers Nicola and Caroline Kilkenny capture the hourglass shape that takes the hassle out of choosing what to wear.

It's the style of dress often championed by presenters – such as Keelin Shanley and Caitríona Perry of RTÉ – who choose striking shades of primary reds, pinks and blues to make an impact along with their attention-grabbing headline news!

For early risers who dread rummaging in their wardrobes for a decent office outfit, the trouser suit is another lifesaver. Fortunately, it will be the headline act for the office productions this autumn, leaving its weaker mini-skirted sister at the bottom of the ladder.

The commander-in-suit kicks into touch around the boardroom when it’s teamed with a sharp pair of ankle boots and a ruthlessly ambitious handbag. Khan in Blackrock has a deck of designer labels for divas who want to get suited and booted and great bags from Strenesse.

In big demand

The red Stella dress by NC Kilkenny is in big demand, along with the ebony Sandie dress with its asymmetric zipline from shoulder to hem. Handy for a quick stripping-off later at the gym.

Marian Gale’s boutique in Dublin is another port of call for business women who want a professional image that doesn’t distract from their corporate message. “We dress a lot of female barristers and solicitors who want classic collections too,” says Gale. “The black suit is always a safe bet.”

Be prepared to cut the mustard in darker shades of yellow along with tans, russets and sage greens.

Nicola Kilkenny of Sisters by CK is delighted with the response to their autumn-winter 2018 collection, shown in Arnotts. "Our customer prioritises style, elegance and comfort as opposed to keeping up with the latest fashion trends. We strive to create styles that will flatter a range of shapes and sizes, catering from a size 8 to a size 18."

Notable fans of Caroline Kilkenny include a wide range of Irish style icons from Aoibhín Garrihy to Mary McAleese.

Bring back the belt! No, not a slogan from corporal punishment supporters but the deal clincher for body-skimming jumpsuits and dresses. If you prefer to keep your midriff more concealed than revealed, pop on a wide-hemmed poncho over a slim skirt or a pair of flared palazzos.

The oversized tote bag is great for work as it effectively doubles up as a briefcase, a gym bag and a powerful weapon to ward off street muggers on the way home. The influence of high-profile women like human rights lawyer Amal Clooney brings the heavy-hitting handbag back with a bang and lots of corporate clout.

Irish designers from Niamh O’Neill and Aideen Bodkin to Paul Costelloe, Mary Grant and Edel McBride are experiencing a rush of sales as quality designs swing back into the city to meet sales targets and executive goal posts. Having spent the summer relatively footloose and fancy-free, it will make a welcome change to embrace the fashion trends of the new season.

The upsurge in the luxury designer trends, from mid-length leather skirts to cashmere coats means we all need one more accessory – a large bonus in our pay package!