Seven new ways to dress for the office (and feel great)

1. A crisp white shirt

Pretty up a man-style Oxford with a strand of ultra-feminine pearls and a simple cardigan thrown over your shoulders. Finish the look with a bright red lip and a sleek pony.

T by Alexander Wang shirt, $410. Theory sweater, $245, Holt Renfrew. Nadri necklace, $110, The Bay. Ring, $168, Club Monaco.

2. An A-line skirt

Look for unexpected details, like this modern leather waistband, to update your favourite office basics. Tip: A monochromatic palette is instantly slimming.

Jonathan Simkhai top, $355, Holt Renfrew. Skirt, Mulberry. Matsuda glasses, $450, Josephson. Nadri necklace, $110, The Bay.
Under $100 | Watch, $70, Timex. 

Beauty notes: Make a bold makeup statement with a bright, matte lipstick and matching nail colour. Leave the rest of your makeup on the neutral side with groomed brows and a coat of mascara. 

Get this look: Lise Watier Rouge Gourmand lipstick in Red Velvet, $22. Dior Couture Colour Nail Lacquer in Pandore, $25.

3. Punches of red

Show off your powerful side in this confident shade. To double up the sex appeal, pair a ruby top with a forever-flattering pencil skirt and red-hot pumps.

Holt Renfrew Private Label top, $170, Holt Renfrew. Skirt, $245, Judith & Charles. Shoes, $120, Nine West. Anne et Valentin glasses, $385, Josephson. Nadri necklace, $110, The Bay. KV Bijou bracelet, $250, Elle Hardware.

4. Wide-leg trousers

Go with the flow in a pair of high-waisted billowy pants. Make legs look extra long by choosing trousers that brush the floor (even when you’re wearing heels). Define your waist with a slim belt.

Top, pants, belt, prices available upon request at Michael Kors. Bracelet, $145, Club Monaco. Under $100 | Brooch, $45, Some Like it Vintage. Watch, $90, Timex. Ring, $85, Club Monaco.

5. Black and white

Nothing works better than this perennial colour combo. Play it up with an oversized graphic print.

Top, $225, Pink Tartan. Skirt, $298, Hugo Boss. Under $100 | Watch, $100, Timex.

6. Polka-dot prints

Want to have fun with a take-me-seriously outfit? Just add some dots! Want to have fun with your favourite jeans? Ditto!

Skirt, $160, Banana Republic. Under $100 | Jones New York top, $79, The Bay. 

Hair how-to: For the ultimate sleek updo, start by flat-ironing your hair. Then brush it into a tight, high ponytail. Wrap a strand of hair around the elastic (secure with a bobby pin) and finish with a shine spray. 

Get this look: Sebastian Shine Shaker Spray, $21.

7. Collarless pieces

The new power dressing is way less stiff and way more comfortable than you’d expect. Opt for soft silk tops, drapey cardigans and unstructured jackets — and layer, layer, layer. It’s classic and modern all at once.

Coat, $500, JNBY. Vest, $690, Dennis Merotto. Pants, $378, shoes, $358, J.Crew. Soixante Neuf Jewels necklace, $180, Elle Hardware. Mulberry purse, $1,200, Holt Renfrew. 

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