Mimic these colorful outfits when you're sick and tired of that plain old tailored suit and chiffon blouse combo you've been rocking since your first day on the job.
Floral shift
Floral shift
The shift dress is a workday staple, but a printed shift is a lot less common. Don't shy away from bold floral patterns, but instead anchor them with assertive accessories, like an edgy black pump and solid gold cuff. Bonus points for adultifying a cutesy Peter Pan collar.
Izabel London Orange Print Shift Dress (Debenhams.com, $44), Iro Staccia Open Suede Boots (YouHeShe.com, $704), Cutout Mini Cuff (SoleSociety, $35)
Plaid pants
Plaid pants
Some squares might say you can't pair a patterned pant with a fun top, but they are so wrong. A solid color works just as nicely, as long as the shade ties in with a color on the pants. Choose a soft silhouette to balance out tailored trousers, toss on a blazer and pair it all with a neutral bag to carry all your essentials.
Double Layer Peter Pan Collar Blouse (Bershka Israel, $35), Campbell Tailored Blazer (Whistles, $545), Vivienne Westwood Green & Black Tartan Tailored Trousers (ProfileFashion.com, $640), Sellas Small Shopping Bag (Tod's, $1059)
Shirtdress
Shirtdress
So your silhouette might need to be demure at the office, but that doesn't mean your color palette needs to sit down and shut up. On a hot day, pair a sleeveless coral shirtdress with a blue statement necklace and bring along a creamy jacket to shield from corporate air conditioning. Ground the look with a pair of black kitten heels.
Plain Sleeveless Shirtdress (Oasis, $76), Tencel Cotton-blend Jacket (Mango.com, $76), Kendra Scott Harlow Necklace (Cusp.com, $195), Kitten 50 Pump in Black Leather (Saint Laurent, $595)
Neon Skirt
Neon skirt
Update a boring old pencil skirt with a high-powered dose of neon brocade. Keep things simple on top with a silky, work-appropriate sleeveless blouse and gray blazer, while finishing off the look with a necklace and a pair of pumps in a complementary color. Instant style.
Turnover Blazer (Zalando, $205), Richard Nicoll Neon Color-Blocked Brocade Skirt (TheOutnet, $250), Nicholas Kirkwood Red Pointed Suede Pumps (Harvey Nichols, $665), Melanie Auld 3 Tier Pave Triangle Necklace (RevolveClothing.com, $163), Wilfred Free Moffett Tank (Aritzia, $24)
Pastel
Pastel
Afraid of saturated colors? Don't sweat it — just choose pastels. Muted colors are a wonderful way to spice up your wardrobe (especially in the spring and summer) without flying too far outside of your comfort zone. Pair tailored, patterned shorts with an accordion-pleat blouse and a white blazer. Black cutout oxfords anchor the entire look, while tiny gold rings add charm.
Linen Straight Blazer (Mango, $110), Accordion Pleating Tank (LookbookStore.com, $20), Printed Bermuda Shorts, (White House Black Market, $68), Lace Up Cutout Oxfords (MakeMeChic.com, $27), Thin Gold Stacking Rings (Etsy.com, $19).
Studded flats
Studded flats
A black pencil skirt is an office staple for a reason. It's chic and flattering and goes with everything. Add a whole lot of (subtle) edge to your work outfit with studded yellow flats, a red blazer and a chain link statement necklace.
Sharon Button Down Shirt (Alice & Olivia, $275), Buy Violeta by Mango Jersey Blazer (JohnLewis.com, $100), Heidi Pencil Skirt (Whistles, $145), Valentino Rockstud Flats (MyTheresa.com, $695), Chain Necklace, (BarbarelaJewelry.com, $30)
Check out more office-appropriate fashion
Classic workplace looks that never go out of style
Dress to impress: How fashion can affect your career
Shop this look: Business attire for alpha women