Nine to five fashion

It’s that place where we spend eight hours a day, five days a week: for some it’s an office, for others it’s a boardroom, studio space, catwalk or kitchen.

It’s where we earn a living, build relationships and stake our reputations. It has even spawned its own series of buzzwords from ‘suited and booted’ to ‘Obama casual’, not to mention ‘dressed for success’ and ‘looking the business’. Yet somehow, its sartorial standing gets overlooked in favour of weekends and evening wear. Those in the know, however, understand that getting it right can be the cleverest career move yet. Annmarie O’Connor discovers what other people wear to work.

Andrea Roche: Managing Director, Andrea Roche Model Agency

Wearing: Tommy Hilfiger shirt, Hello Skinny jeans from Thewhitedoor.ie, Chanel pumps from BT

Personal style credo: Classic, feminine and practical.

How do you tailor your personal style to your role?

I work in the fashion world so it is important for me to always look stylish but not too fussy. I like to look smart but I am very hands on in the work that I do.

Six inch heels are not going to happen on a day-to-day basis.

What are your favourite trends for workwear?

A good black blazer is essential, but I would wear it with jeans for a more smart-casual look.

I love Warehouse: they stock perfect smart but stylish clothes to take you from the office to an evening out.

What’s on your workwear wishlist?

A Prada laptop bag, but I can live without it obviously.

Vikki Shorten: Public Relations Director and Jewellery Designer, VSL Jewelry

Wearing: Matt Doody jacket, Bastyan pencil skirt and lace top, Christian Louboutin heels, Hermes Birkin bag, VSL Jewelry: Tila cuff, Big Apple sterling silver necklace and fob.

Personal style credo? Elegant and classy during the week with more of an edge at weekends.

How do you tailor your personal style to your role?

I feel uncomfortable if I don’t have heels and perfume on when I am out of the house. I travel a lot so I always carry a pair of Melissa slip-on shoes in my handbag.

What are your favourite trends for workwear?

I dislike trouser suits and love pencil skirts with a nice shirt. This always looks so well. A good quality pencil skirt can be mixed with any shirt and will still look amazing. A great accessory is also a must!

What’s on your workwear wishlist?

I am in love with Irish design at the moment and my wish list has to include a Claire O’Connor dress, EssenC white woolen coat with three-quarter length sleeves and a Heather Finn cashmere wrap.

Meg O’Keeffe: Trainee Buyer Ladieswear International Buying Team, Penneys

Wearing: Peter Pan collar top, skirt, shoes and bracelet from Penneys, ring and earrings from Loulerie, Michael Kors watch, Miu Miu bag from Brown Thomas.

Personal style credo? Smart but stylish workwear is key, especially in a fashion environment, so chic and cool are my rules to follow.

How do you tailor your personal style to your role?

For a day in the office I opt for a classic pencil skirt, paired with a cool tee or silk shirt, and a smart blazer which seems to be a staple piece in my wardrobe.

For the days of travel I think street chic — a pair of comfortable pumps are a must, teamed with a pair of skinny jeans which this season will be mainly pastels. I’m a big accessory girl and believe that you can build up any outfit by adding some chunky jewellery and a statement bag.

What are your favourite trends for workwear?

Whilst I may not follow all trends, I do get excited when I’m attracted to a particular one. I try to adapt it with a tailored twist and a statement necklace for more of an edge. I’m certainly not classic, nor funky, but somewhere in between.

What’s on your workwear wishlist?

I have my eye on a solid colour slub-twill blazer. The shape is forgiving and I know that the colour will brighten up my wardrobe.