Statement necklaces and workwear don’t usually belong in the same sentence, however, you can make your own (fashion) rules when you wear the brightest piece of jewellery. Instead of wearing your plain and conservative studs, gravitate instead to Diana Broussard’s chunky chain necklace. Bold is always beautiful when you wear it with finesse. Wear it with a shift dress and work-appropriate sneakers (like these 10 pairs) for a street style-inspired take.

It’s the new year and it’s time to leave your basic black pencil skirt behind, along with those grey staple pants. Instead, beeline for this work-appropriate but playful blue skirt from Mango. Swathed with eyelets and scallop edges, it gives the work staple a flirty cocktail-friendly update as you can easily wear it in and out of the office.

Long sleeved striped tops aren’t just for the kids. This Sesame Street-esque top gets a runway-ready spin thanks to Topshop. Strut your way to the water cooler by rocking all colours of the rainbow. Pair this with a pencil skirt, hoop earrings and kitten heels to score 10/10 in the fashion stakes.

Sitting around for 10 hours barely leaves you any time to work out, especially if you want to hide your post Christmas food baby. In place of stuffing yourself inside your Spanx, let your tummy hang loose by hiding it underneath with a billowy tie-neck dress. Not only will you look slim, the midi-length helps you fake extra inches to give you the illusion of longer legs. Pair this with loafers and a messenger bag for that menswear-inspired spin.

The days when you carry two bags are out and over thanks to Proenza Schouler. With the NY label’s XL tote bag, you can finally stuff in your happy hour dress and shoes as well as your portfolio, notebook, pencil case and iPhone charger. Red may look like a scary colour to work with, but you can wear it with almost any print, hue and texture. Pair this with a wide leg trouser, pussy bow blouse and ballet flats.

If you are unsure of trying out the rainbow look, do it in small doses. American “It” girl label alice + olivia gives the rainbow trend a sporty kick with a tri-coloured waistband. When paired with gathered sleeves and a crew neckline, it’s playful, yet conservative enough to wear it in austere office environments. Pair this with high-waisted pants, a dainty necklace, watch and mules.

As one of the most basic primary colours, you cannot overlook the power of yellow. Thanks to their loose silhouette, these silky Tibi culottes are very office-appropriate and sleekly luxurious for those 6pm cocktail runs. Wear these with a fitted top and ankle-strap shoes for the perfect work to cocktail outfit.

Demna Gvasalia never fails to know what we truly want: Versatile shoes that are always on-trend. Although sock boots are always seen as a trendy piece, the fuchsia hue steps it up a notch for an extra dosage of high fashion to your work outfit. Wear these with cropped wide leg trousers, blazer and a blouse.

Finding the perfect work dress is as challenging as finding the right shoe. Since most work dresses can look easily dated, go for a timeless classic from Vivienne Westwood. Although the designer is best known for her punk rock ethos and unconventional silhouettes, this royal red beauty is office-friendly as it can keep you warm and help you fake the flawless gym-toned silhouette. Not to mention, it’ll keep you ‘happy hour’ ready after 6 p.m.

It’s already the second week of the new year and we say that it’s the perfect time to knuckle down and start fulfilling your resolutions. This includes your wardrobe update. Leap your foot forward with Pantone’s colour of the year. Due to its blue-based undertones, these Charles and Keith sandals will be easily wearable to the office.

This story first appeared on www.herworldplus.com

Like this? Check out the cool Asian fashion brands you need to know, the fashion Instagram accounts to follow in 2018 and the paddlepop colours that fashion girls are loving now.