My office does not have a dress code but I want to look professional. How do I do that without resorting to stiff button-down shirts or jackets?

Button-down shirts and blazer jackets are safe choices but they can get a little boring. If you have the advantage of being in a workplace with a more casual dress code, you can have plenty of fun dressing comfortably but professionally.

The trick is to make sure at least one aspect of your outfit is more formal.

Consider silhouette, for example. These two dresses from Club Monaco ($479, from B1-41 Takashimaya Shopping Centre) and J. Crew ( £86 or S$179, from www.theoutnet.com) feature abstract prints and colourful hues.

But the structured shape of the dresses - a short-sleeved A-line dress and a sleeveless shiftdress - ensures that they would not look too casual for work.

For separates, try combining a streamlined pencil skirt like this one from Topshop ( $89, from 01-05 Knightsbridge) with a simple sweater like this cashmere V-neck from Uniqlo ($39.90, from B2-38 Ion Orchard).

Colour, too, is another way to up the ante in terms of formality. Black and white is a graphic, crisp and classic combo.

Even with a more adventurous top like this voluminous-sleeved one from Moyo ($36, from www.zalora.sg), the outfit looks smart for work when paired with straight black pants like this pair from Mauro Gasperi ($229, from www.modajar.com) When all else fails, turn to the classic black pump, such as this pair from Nine West ($180, from 01-08 Wisma Atria), to elevate your look and give it polish.

~ LESLIE KAY LIM

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