LinkedIn photos, career fairs, interviews, the process of entering the working world and—depending on your chosen career path—the day to day of it can seem like an endless purgatory of white collared shirts and suit sets in navy, black and khaki. But workwear doesn’t have to be boring. short prom dresses for the job you want, without losing the style you have.

An important starting point is to learn the dress code of your workplace. It’s not uncommon for corporations to require or prohibit certain attire, i.e. black pants only or no shorts allowed. You need to be aware of the limits you will be facing when it comes to dress.

Fashion
Most dress codes are centered around modesty, which provides opportunities for playing with proportions and layering.

A tailored button-up on top can be paired with wide-leg trousers or culottes. Sweaters can be layered over blouses with collars peeking out, and strappy or off-the-shoulder dresses can be worn over turtlenecks for more coverage. Layering will keep you on par with your company’s dress code and gives you the ability to work many different elements into one look.

Look for interesting patterns and textures on office classics, like blazers and dress pants. H&M is one of my favorite places to shop for stylish, work-appropriate clothing. They also have great basics (think your staple black jackets and blue pinstripes). The retailer is currently selling straight-leg black lace pants for $25 and a flared-sleeve white blouse embroidered with a symmetrical rose pattern for $29.99. Look out for spring collections from your favorite brands, which almost always signal the release of floral prints and brighter colors in workwear.

To complete your work ensemble, look for fun accessories that can express your individuality and add a fashionable detail to even the most boring outfit.

Urban Outfitters has $14 silk square scarves in the cutest patterns, like dainty little florals and mushrooms, and abstract patchwork patterns in neutral hues paired with muted reds and yellows. These scarves or a statement necklace are the perfect accessory for plain work shirts. For something more subtle, try decorative hair clips like Modcloth’s “Luxurious Locks” and “Bee Prepared” hair pin sets, both $12.99.

Even with the wardrobe limits corporate America often presents us with, work fashion can still be made yours.

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