Your ultimate guide to What to Wear in Ireland
Let's be real, living in Ireland and looking glamorous don’t always go hand-in-hand. Honestly, when we moved back to Ireland I had no idea how to dress. We had come from the Caribbean so I only owned some outdated jumpers and jeans which became my staple “Mom” attire. Let’s face it, standing on the sidelines of a soccer pitch in a gale is all about warmth, or is it?
We've all experienced the "four seasons in one day" phenomenon too. One minute you're rocking a sundress, the next you're running for cover and your winter coat. That's why I decided to put together this ultimate guide to what to wear in Ireland, specifically for us locals and those expats like me who know the struggle is real. This is about navigating the Irish climate in style, whether you're heading to the office, the pub, or just braving the weekly shop. Let's dive in and build a wardrobe that can handle anything from a "soft day" to a surprise heatwave (fingers crossed!).
Finding Your Style
Before diving into your capsule wardrobe, it's essential to define your personal style. Do you lean towards classic elegance, bohemian chic, minimalist simplicity, or something entirely different? Understanding your style preferences will help you curate a wardrobe that reflects your personality. This took me a while to define, but I’ve narrowed it down to “natural chic clothing” - you can see some examples on my Pinterest board here.
Choosing Your Main Colours
Selecting three main colours can streamline your wardrobe and make styling easier. Consider your skin tone, hair colour, and personal preferences. Neutral tones like black, white, and grey are versatile and can be easily mixed and matched with other colours. Define if you prefer to work silver or gold jewellery (this may change during your life – in hot climates when I was in my twenties, I chose silver. Yet now in Ireland in my forties and fifties, I prefer gold). This will help to choose your colour palette.
If you adore gold, you likely have warm undertones in your skin. Think earthy tones like beige, olive green, warm browns, and even mustard yellow. These colours will enhance your natural radiance. In Ireland's colder months, a rich burgundy or deep teal can also look stunning with gold jewellery. When the weather warms up, try lighter shades like peach or coral.
Prefer silver? Your skin probably has cool undertones. Colours that suit you include blues, purples, cool greys, and even pinks. In the Irish winter, a vibrant emerald green or a deep navy will complement silver beautifully. As spring arrives, embrace pastel shades like lavender or mint green.
Building Your Seasonal Capsule Wardrobes
Living in Ireland, I have broken it down into two core wardrobe seasons - Autumn/Winter (usually from October - April), and Spring/Summer (from May - Spetember). Each year is different and you may find a surprisingly warm day early on, or an equally cool day midsummer. So despite calling it Summer, I keep some warm cardigans and pashminas handy for all seasons.
These are some examples of the kind of clothes that would suit fr each season. I pack away and store my clothes out of season too.
Spring/Summer Capsule
Bottoms: 2 pairs of jeans (light and dark wash, straight or boyfriend style), 1 pair of white linen shorts, 1 pair of floral-print trousers, 1 short / midi skirt
Tops: 5 t-shirts (various colours), 2 tank tops, 2 blouses (one patterned, one plain), Silk camisoles, 2 light jumpers
Dresses: 1 linen dress, 1 sundress, 1 wrap dress, 1 maxi dress
Outerwear: 1 lightweight jacket (e.g., denim or leather bomber), 1 trench coat, 2 cardigans
Accessories: 2 light scarves, 1 cap, 1 straw hat, 1 pair of sunglasses, 2 bags (a tote and a crossbody), lots of delicate jewellery
Shoes: sandals (leather or espadrilles, trainers, heeled sandals
Sleepwear: 2 pairs of pyjamas, 1 robe, 1 pair of slippers
Autumn/Winter Capsule
Bottoms: 2 pairs of jeans (dark wash and corduroy, straight or bootcut), 1 pair of black leggings, 1 pair of wool or tailored trousers
Tops: 5 sweaters (various styles and colours, some cashmere in colurs like grey, navy or burgundy), 2 roll neck jumpers (black, cream or a bright colour), 2 blouses (one patterned, one plain, or silky in darker shades like emerald or saphire), 1 wool dress, 1 knit skirt
Dress: 1 winter dress that you can layer underneath with leggings and long sleeve thermals, 1 straight black denim skirt,1 midi skirt (pleated or slip style in a rich colour or print), 1 wrap dress (jersey or wool blend)
Outerwear: 1 warm stylish puffer jacket (black or a deep jewel tone), 1 tailored wool coat (camel, navy, or black), 1 wool/corduroy blazer, 1 gilet, leather or faux leather jacket (black or brown)
Accessories: 2 wool scarves, 1 hat – beanie and/or fedora, 1 pair of gloves, 3 bags (a large leather, a tote and a crossbody), statement necklace and earrings
Shoes: Ankle boots (black or brown leather), knee-high boots (suede or leather), loafers (black or metallic)
Sleepwear: 2 pairs of pyjamas, 1 robe, 1 pair of slippers
Additional Items
Sport/Exercise: 1 pair of leggings, 1 sports bra, 1 workout top, 1 pair of runners
Aprons: 2 aprons for cooking and gardening
Storing Your Wardrobe
To maximise space and ensure your clothes remain in good condition, consider using vacuum bags or clothes bags for storage. Rotate your seasonal wardrobes to keep your clothes fresh and prevent them from becoming worn out. I bought some nice soft boxes In Ikea and then fold everything neatly into the box which goes at the top of my wardrobe. This includes slippers and pyjamas. It is so nice to find everything like new again in a few months.
Caring for Your Clothes
Proper care is essential for extending the lifespan of your clothes. Follow care labels carefully and consider professional cleaning for delicate fabrics.
Washing: Wash items according to care labels, separating colours and fabrics.
Drying: Hang delicate items to dry or use a low heat setting on a dryer. I also use a dehumidifier in the damp Irish climate to keep a healthy home indoors.
Ironing: Iron items carefully, following care labels and using the appropriate heat setting. Invest in a steam iron for quick smoothing.
Spot cleaning: For minor stains, spot clean with a gentle detergent and water.
Fluff removal: For winter jumpers, a fluff remover is a fantastic tool to have. I bought this one on amazon and it is great.
Dressing Up and Down
One of the benefits of a capsule wardrobe is its versatility. By mixing and matching pieces, you can create a variety of looks for different occasions.
Casual: Pair jeans with a t-shirt or sweater for a relaxed look.
Smart Casual: Combine a blazer with a blouse and trousers for a more polished appearance.
Dressy: Wear a dress or skirt with a stylish top and heels for a special occasion.
Aprons for WORK
Aprons are practical and stylish accessories for cooking. Choose aprons in colours or patterns that complement your wardrobe.
Activewear for Sport
Investing in quality activewear can make your workouts more enjoyable. Consider your preferred activities when selecting pieces. If you workout indoors or at home (like me), investing in a pair of good runners that are exclusively for workouts, will be a game changer for you.
Don’t wear activewear unless you are actually doing sport. I made a big error not long after we had moved to Ireland, at the school gate I asked one of the Mums if she had been doing yoga as she was in full leggings - she replied that it was just the outfit she had chosen for the day!
Looking Chic Always
Personal Grooming: Maintain a well-groomed appearance with regular haircuts, manicures, and pedicures. This is almost more important that what you choose to wear. As I mentioned at the beginning, that even if you are at the soccer pitch in a gale, if your nails are smart and you have some lipstick and glowing skin, you will still look fantastic in your beanie and big coat.
Posture: Good posture can make you appear more confident and stylish. Always remember to be poised and elegant. Workout regularly to have a strong core and this will help you to maintain great physical presence.
Confidence: Find you power and live through it, without being influenced by those around you. Wear your clothes with confidence, and you'll exude style.
Ideas to Look Good and Be Poised
Experiment with Accessories: Accessories can add personality and style to your outfits. Large pendant necklaces add a statement, or a vintage designer leather handbag in a contrasting colour.
Pay Attention to Fit: Ensure your clothes fit well for a flattering silhouette. Belts are important for shaping your waist.
Embrace Your Body: Love your body and dress in a way that makes you feel confident. Look in the mirror before you good out to ensure that your coat and shoes look well with your outfit too. Don’t forget to wear a smile!
Invest in Quality Pieces: Quality clothes will last longer and look better over time. They are also more sustainable and ethical as they are manufactured to last.
Find a Style Icon: Look for inspiration from fashion icons or influencers. They always have a defined style that reflects their personality.
By following these guidelines and tailoring them to your personal style, you can create a sustainable capsule wardrobe that is both stylish and functional. Remember, the key to sustainable fashion is quality over quantity and a conscious approach to shopping. I was inspired by my daughter when we went shopping together and she knew exactly what she wanted. She had a particular colour and style of item and even when I pointed out other cute tops, she said “No”, as they were not her colour or exactly what piece she had in mind. Essentially, she would rather buy nothing, than buy the wrong thing.
I hope this piece helps you to define your own style with some guidelines of how to look great and live well with less.