Navigating a workwear wardrobe after months Zooming in a blouse and tracksuit bottoms requires a refresher course and, in some cases, a complete rethink. As more of us return to the office this month, fashion is playing its part to boost confidence. What to wear? For inspiration, see Finishing Touches on page 18 of THE GLOSS October issue, on newsstands now. Whatever you wear, a small bag is the must-have accessory. One of autumn’s key trends, these mini and micro marvels channel the fact that most of us downsized mentally, if not physically, and want simpler lives with less baggage. Consider The Minimalists – Josh Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus – who quit high-flying jobs, gave away all their stuff, shrank their social lives and gained a cult following on TV. Their new book Love People, Use Things talks about being “stuffocated” prior to launching The Minimalists website and blog and how they have become the gurus of “intentional living”. They advocate getting rid of one item per day, having a “packing party” and minimising one’s social circle, classifying relationships as “primary”, “secondary” and “peripheral”. It may sound extreme to some, but they say it has given them “clarity and confidence”. Devotees of intermittent fasting describe the same feeling in In The Fast Lane (page 60).

On the other hand, a less austere approach, with a little indulgence and a few treats, might be just what we need to ease re-entry anxiety. Trish Deseine believes all menu planning should start with pudding (page 52) for instance. Julie Dupouy finds wines to suit the rich tastes of autumn (page 54). Dior’s Cordelia de Castellane gives us a tour of her cosy, comfortable and decidedly non-minimalist home (page 68). And as the days shorten, small additions to our lives, from uplifting new scents (page 44) to engrossing books (page 66) as well as the prospect of an interesting Irish travel break or two (page 58) will help boost serotonin levels and as a result, our “collective effervescence” (see page 38). As for going out, there’s plenty to look forward to, from the 70th anniversary of Wexford Opera which returns to the National Opera House (October 19–31) to Dublin Theatre Festival (October 7–9) and even Ireland’s Biggest 90s Disco at 3Arena (on October 23), the latter an opportunity to put on some party heels and a ra-ra skirt (remember those?) and dig out that Blur T-shirt lurking at the back of the wardrobe. After a year spent doing less, we are all ready for more.

This month why don’t you …

BOOK: Dinner in The Morrison Room at Carton House; www.cartonhouse.com.

SEE: The still life paintings of Blaise Smith RHA at Butler Gallery, Kilkenny; www.butlergallery.ie.

WRAP UP: In the Inis Collection of Aran-knit throws in sea-green, ecru and soft grey; www.beowellness.ie.

GATHER LEAVES: In this wicker wagon, €995; www.hedgeroe.com.