Having a career and being independent bring one a sense of personal fulfillment. They help in self-actualization.

While we all have days when the clock in the office can't seem to move any faster, and 30 minutes might feel like an eternity, the ultimate point is, you love your job, and you thrive on trying to excel in it.

Standing out at work involves many factors. While skill and dedication are key, how you package yourself is vital. This is not to suggest that you go overboard with an extreme ensemble such as an embellished long gown with full makeup for the workplace. This simply means taking proper care of how you look and feel, of wearing something appropriate for the workplace.

My office mate and I used to plan our work outfits because we believed that dressing up for the office would inspire and motivate us to persevere throughout the day. Making the effort to dress up for work can make all the difference. Feeling good about yourself and your appearance puts you in a positive disposition that starts your day right.

This is my list of tried-and-tested fashion and beauty essentials for the chic career woman.

Wear neatly fixed hair that will keep off your face and will not bother your vision. You will realise that making the effort to fix your hair is fundamental to looking chic in the office.

Hygiene is essential and says a lot about what kind of a person you are to your colleagues and clients. Keep your nails neat and clean at all times. If possible, visit your salon for a weekly manicure and pedicure. Nothing feels better than newly manicured nails. Also make sure to trim your eyebrows and keep them immaculately clean for a refined look.

A made-up look for the office is essential. To succeed, wear the part. Wear foundation or powder to guarantee that your face doesn't shine with grime, oil and sweat. Unless you are already blessed with porcelain and pore-less skin, this will also promise a flawless look.

Invigorate your eyes by wearing mascara. Elongated and thick lashes will give you bright-eyed confidence your officemates and bosses will not be able to resist.

Finding the right colour of lipstick and/or gloss is key to achieving stylish flair. Nude lips go well with emphasised eyes, while coloured lips stands out in minimal makeup.

Keep your breath fresh and minty, especially if you have a ton of meetings ahead of you, by having a handy toothbrush at all times. If that's too tedious, keep a small pack of mint candy, which you can conveniently pop before entering an important meeting.

Great shoes are important. An exquisite pair of high heels can indicate confidence and self- assurance. If the day has long meetings, wear comfortable shoes without compromising on style. Wear wedges if you like to make your legs seem longer and you want to look tall. You can feel comfortable and look smart in ballet flats or strappy flats.

Elevate a simple look with the use of striking accessories. Chandelier earrings go well with a beautiful flowy dress. Numerous bangles stacked on your arms complement high-waisted trousers and a feminine blouse. For an edgy note in your corporate look, you can line your fingers with oversized rings. No matter how addictive accessorizing can be, don't overdo it. In workplace accessorizing, less is always more.

Invest in clothes that fit you seamlessly. An impeccably well-fitting dress will give you a sophisticated and urbane aura that would boost your confidence. Nothing feels better than a dress that accentuates your assets and flatters your physique. Avoid purchasing items you hope will one day fit you, as chances are, it will take ages before you can ever wear it, if you ever do.

These days, a bag's value has gone past its practical benefits, as it has become a status symbol.

Your bag is a concrete representation of power and success. Allocate a budget for high-quality bag-your bag says a lot about your individuality and flair. Consider a bag's workmanship and materials before buying it. Think quality, not quantity.

Most important, keep your bags organised-cleanliness is imperative in keeping a classy and polished look.

You can create a spectrum of looks for the office with a mix-and-match approach. Your professional style does not have to be a huge financial investment in a vast selection of clothes, bags and shoes. Sophisticated style is in the details. With savvy fashion know-how, your cool confidence will certainly standout.