Laura O’Grady: A week in my wardrobe

MONDAY

It may be the beginning of the week, but I am finishing up a long weekend trip to Italy. Today we are heading back to Dublin from Verona after spending a few days visiting my boyfriend’s family. We were going for lunch before our flight with his glamorous mum and grandmother, so I wanted to be comfortable but still chic. I chose a pink off-the-shoulder top from Cos, cream trousers from Mango and a pale blue bag which I bought in a little leather shop on a previous trip here. I added a pair of big silver earrings to balance the outfit, as I think delicate accessories would have made this look a bit too straightforward. My style is very simple by nature, so I always try to have small touches that can create contrast, like heaviness when everything else is light. Although I wouldn’t usually wear suit trousers on a flight, I also never really got into the habit of wearing leisurewear while flying. With work, I would often have to go straight to castings or a shoot from the airport, so I always choose my outfits carefully ahead of travelling. Linens and light knits would be my usual go-tos during the summer, but this wasn’t too bad for the relatively short trip back to grey old Dublin.

TUESDAY

Today I am heading into my agency, Morgan the Agency, to catch up with my agents after my break. Morgan has been representing me for over ten years, and I would have been lost without them and their constant support. They have been there for every stage of my life, including this current stage I am in, having returned to university after modelling full-time for ten years. I try to pop in as often as I can, as there is always some plan in the works that we can discuss. I usually choose a basic outfit, as is standard when meeting agents or clients. I am wearing a pair of jeans from M.i.h Jeans and a plain grey T-shirt. The jeans are a little too long, so they need a heel. These boots are from Stella McCartney, I think they were part of the SS13 collection but I don’t quite remember. A former agent in New York bought them for my fashion week castings, though I walked like a baby elephant in them initially because they are quite high. Often when going to castings, we were expected to wear skinny jeans and tank tops, but I prefer other jean styles now that I am older. Flares seem very 70s, but I think they are a flattering alternative to straight-leg or baggy jeans. Investing in some good quality denim, or shopping second-hand is my favourite route to go down. I purchased these jeans eight years ago and they have never lost their shape or colour. I used to buy a lot of denim on the high street, but the last time I tried that, the jeans split right down the bum while I was out and about, thank goodness I was wearing huge pants at the time!

WEDNESDAY

The highlight of today is my boyfriend’s birthday. Here, we were waiting to head out to a relaxed dinner at a lovely Thai restaurant, Baan Thai, to celebrate. I am wearing a vintage blouse which I bought in a little vintage store that I swear used to be on Abbey Street, but sometimes I think maybe it was a hallucination, as I hadn’t been in before and have never seen it since. I receive both compliments and looks of disgust when I wear this, I suppose because the ruffles are quite over the top. I like it though! It appealed to me when I bought it and I still wear it all these years later. I try to wear as much secondhand clothing as I can, there is a great thrill in bagging a great piece, and it is much more sustainable. This blouse is completely transparent, so today I am wearing a cami underneath it, but I have worn it when going out out before with just a cute bra underneath. My red trousers are from Pinko, which is usually one of my first stops whenever I go out to Kildare Village. I am also wearing pearl flower earrings, which were a gift, and Mary Janes from Massimo Dutti. I live in various iterations of ballet flats; they have been a constant staple in my wardrobe since I first watched Roman Holiday fifteen years ago and decided that I loved them. This pair have gotten quite worn since I bought them, but I think leather looks better when it starts to get a bit beaten up. I currently have my eye on a pair of silver Tabis from Maison Margiela, they are on my potential birthday wishlist for my next milestone birthday. I love the Japanese reference, and that they look classic from certain angles until you see them face-on. I think simple outfits are elevated by weird or unexpected elements, which I would like to play with more in my style.

THURSDAY

It’s Thursday, meaning we’re on the homestretch towards the weekend! Thursday is my favourite day to socialise because it makes the weekend feel infinitely longer. This evening, I have two PR events back-to-back so I needed to wear something that would bring me from day to night and suit different atmospheres. I also heard there is a ball pit at one of them (*interesting*) so heels, dresses and skirts were quickly vetoed. I went for these carrot-leg jeans from Bimba y Lola which have a dreamy seashell print, and a blue polo from Mango. I added these asymmetric earrings, one side has a giant pearl and the other has a chunky chain. I like that the asymmetry keeps the pearl/shell theme from becoming too literal. As the weather is improving, I decided to wear these furlane shoes from Vibi Venezia, inspired by Venetian gondoliers. When we go to Italy during the summer, I see so many women wearing these and I can understand why. Despite being velvet, they are light, airy, and surprisingly sturdy. If you visit Venice, you will see many different brands selling them, often stacking the different colours randomly to create a beautiful mosaic effect along the walls of shops. My favourites have always been Vibis though, as this burgundy pair were the first gift my boyfriend gave me shortly after we met a few years ago.

FRIDAY

Today I spent the morning catching up on emails and tying up loose threads ahead of the weekend, then I headed off to help host a ceremony with the Ireland-Japan Association and the Japanese Embassy. I knew that most of the attendees would be dressed up, but it was quite warm, so I compromised with cream suit trousers from Mango and a men’s oversized shirt which I bought in Vincent’s on George’s Street, finished off with some jewellry that I picked up in New Delhi. I like shopping menswear for certain pieces, as the silhouettes and quality are often superior. I lived in Japan for a little less than a year and worked with a lot of my favourite brands during that time. I like that Japanese fashion often leans into tailoring and gender-neutral clothing. Coming back and finding a community of Irish people who lived in Japan, and Japanese people living here has been lovely. I am very grateful to be here today, it is great to see all of the work done by the association to foster cultural exchange between Ireland and Japan.

Afterwards, I got changed into my favourite Aran sweater and baggy jeans to go for a long walk around Dalkey. Arans are my favourite jumpers, and I always say you can take me out of Ireland, but you can never take me out of my Arans! I buy a new one in Killarney each year, and this year’s choice was this apple-green version. It does feel quintessentially Irish, but also reminds me of that rich, bright green that was very popular in recent seasons. I always get these jumpers oversized, in the men’s section or the unisex line. 

SATURDAY

Happy Saturday! I am really happy it is the weekend, although I had a shorter week this week so I really shouldn’t be complaining. I am going to meet one of my best friends, Aly. I haven’t seen her in months, so today will be all about a long girlie catch-up over some wine. I put on this semi-transparent silk shirt from The Kooples (but which I got second-hand in Vincent’s on Georges Street for a tenner – wahey!) and this mini skirt from Zara. There are some colour combinations that I enjoy, one being lemon yellow and cherry red, so I finished this with some patent pumps. In the interest of transparency, I did leave the house and walk to the train station before turning back and changing the skirt. I was a bit overzealous about the potential for sun when I got dressed, but the day was a bit too grim. I will wear this outfit on my next holiday in July, though. 

SUNDAY

In all honesty, I was exhausted today. Things have been hectic but I struggle to sit still, so we decided to go for a long walk, get some nice pastries and do a bit of window shopping. I wore a comfortable outfit to bop around in. My grey jumper is from Naadam. They do great cashmere and wool for reasonable prices. I got a few pieces from them last year and have lived in them ever since. Years ago, a stylish older lady told me that she keeps all of her cashmere and wool in the freezer, as she doesn’t have to wash or launder them so often and so they keep their shape. I often use this hack, though my loved ones do go mad when they go to unload the groceries and the freezer is full of my jumpers! I wore black satin trousers from Mango, a bag I bought in Italy, burgundy adidas Gazelles and my boyfriend’s Brunello Cucinelli blazer, which I stole from him for the day. I am living in slick back buns at the minute because I tried to cut baby bangs into my hair the other evening, and let’s just say it didn’t go so well. As karma would have it, I ran into my hairdresser David right afterwards so at least he knows, has accepted my apologies, and I am still alive. I’ll end my Sunday by getting into my pyjamas as early as possible and reading a good book. I hate preparing for the week ahead on Sunday, the weekend is short enough, so I usually just scrape myself together as I go along. 

Photography by Laura O’Grady. We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.