Wardrobing: Get that smart-casual techie London look

Q I'm moving to London in a few weeks to live with my girlfriend and her housemates, and I need some versatile clothes for job-seeking and going out. I work in tech, so I basically just wear jeans and hoodies. I'm in my 30s now and I want to look a bit more mature. I'm only bringing two bags over, so I need a few things that will do for after work as well as work. 
Daire, Meath

A The great thing about the tech industry is that you can wear pretty much anything, depending on the company, and get away with it.

It is not like banking, where the prominence of a pinstripe can cost you a job at interview (a friend of mine claims that happened to him; then again, it might also have been because he sneezed on the interviewer mid-handshake).

In the early days, you will be running about the place with a laptop, gym clothes (I’m based in London and every wannabe Peter Pan goes to the gym here), a Sainsbury’s meal deal and a pile of CVs, so you will need a man bag.

This doctor's bag from Topman is a good bet; smart enough for tailoring and casual enough for jeans.

Smart-casual will be your friend. Don’t ditch your jeans; just wear them with a shirt instead of a T-shirt and boots instead of trainers. I am begging you: buy a pea coat or a single-breasted mac. The former will go with everything, look good and keep the cold out. The latter will do all the same things, but in a lighter weight.

Japanese brand Uniqlo has several branches in the UK, but you could also order online for Irish delivery. Your girlfriend can thank me later.

Bag, €68 Topman. Convertible collar coat, £89 from Uniqlo.com. Chukka boots, €60 Next.