Five fabulous tops to help you nail day-to-night dressing

I’m an introvert and a bit of a hermit if truth be told, but in the build-up to Christmas I’m as up for a post-work tipple as anyone. It’s the atmosphere rather than the alcohol that appeals to me (I’m a terrible drinker); the twinkly lights, happy faces and scent of cinnamon all make me feel utterly content.

As the season builds, so does my desire to dress up a bit more. The old cliché of day-to-night dressing actually begins to mean something and I find the best way of tackling the festive post-work drink is to simply pair a nice top with a pair of tailored trousers that morning. It’s not fussy, it’s office appropriate and it will work for a local pub as well as a cocktail bar.

The tricky bit, of course, is finding the right top. Here are five I think are boardroom-to-bar winners.

This colour is so good for pale Irish skin tones and a little less obvious than red at this time of year. I like the high neck as it’s nicely understated, so it balances out the glamorous sheen-effect fabric. This is such an easy colour to wear, as it works with black and navy as well as autumnal shades of camel and burgundy.

Satin tie-sleeve blouse, €52 at Topshop

The metallic detailing on this top is subtle enough to wear to work, and of course, wrap tops and dresses have always been a boardroom staple. The ruched detailing on the sleeves adds a bit of extra pizazz.

Glitter stripe velvet wrap top, €49 at & Other Stories

A small bit of glitter detailing is all it takes to make this knitted cap-sleeve top party-appropriate. It’s simple and uncomplicated and will up your weekend-wear game too when you wear it over a pair of jeans.

Top with appliquéd gem detail, €25.95 at Zara

Made from 100 per cent silk, this simple, but very pretty top, has five-button cuffed sleeves and a pleated neck. The pared-back design means you can be more playful with the jewellery you choose to wear. Although I would avoid a neckpiece as the pleated finish is a nice design detail to show off.

Oversized silk blouse with cuff detailing, €79.95 at Massimo Dutti

A white shirt always looks classy and chic and translates easily from day to night. This Peter Pilotto shirt has a lovely point of difference with its gathered front and piping along the cuffs. Make the most of your bare decolletage by wearing an elegant pendant necklace,

Ruched satin blouse, Peter Pilotto, €625 at net-a-porter.com