Spring has arrived so it's time to update your work look. Here are 10 ways to take your office wardrobe into the new season.
*Slideshow: Office make-up looks
*Slideshow: How to build a huge work wardrobe
1. Work in florals
There's no better time to embrace florals than in spring, and this season floral prints are in full bloom. Add some life to your work clothes with floral printed tops and dresses (capped or short-sleeved versions work best for work wear) and add a lightweight jacket and belt to make them office-ready.
2. Embrace lace
Lace needn't be kept for your lingerie draw; this season the prim fabric is showing up as outerwear. To keep lace looking appropriate in the office, source garments with lace trimming at the collar or sleeves and add a sharp jacket to counteract the sweetness.
3. Add some purple
This regal hue is set to be everywhere this season so inject some brightness into your working world. Purple shades look best teamed with neutral shades, so keep the rest of your outfit (and your make-up) toned down. Don't like the colour? Try orange or emerald green instead.
4. Inject in some ruffles
Ruffles will add some instant style cred to your work wardrobe. Make the look work by balancing ruffles with plainer separates and don't add ruffles to parts of your body you want to keep streamline. Try teaming a Victorian-style ruffle shirt with a pencil skirt and pumps for a dressed-up work look.
5. Invest in a pencil skirts
Pencil skirts are a must-have for any working wardrobe this season. Avoid looking too uptight by adding a V-necked top and long-line necklace, or seek out a coloured or textured version.
6. Accessories with metallics
Metallics have been allowed out during the day this season. But be careful; too much and you'll blind your colleagues. Stick to metallic accessories at work — think belts, bags and shoes.
7. The new sleeveless jacket
With the long line of a jacket and coolness of a vest, this trend is a great addition to your office wardrobe. Try layering one with a sleeveless top and slim-leg trousers.
8. Go sheer
Like lace, sheer fabrics can send off warning bells for the office. But add a base layer and they instantly become workplace-appropriate. So if you have a silk blouse that you're dying to wear to work, make sure you have a camisole to go under it.
9. Add some volume
Volume-heavy silhouettes and quirky shapes (such as puffed sleeves) can be tricky to navigate but they can work for the office. The key is to always team volume with streamline separates. For example, a puffed-up blouse pared with skinny pants and high heels will have you looking sharp.
10. Posh's pixie cut
Victoria Beckham's new dark pixie crop has given short hair renewed life this season. Book an appointment if you dare, but be warned: hair takes more than a season to grow back.
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