Dressing for work should be about presenting yourself professionally whilst maintaining practicality and comfort.

However, the aspect of dressing up is forgotten amidst our daily routine and so we fall into the dreary nature of officewear.

Thankfully, with simple changes you can overhaul your working wardrobe to make it vibrant, polished and professional.

Suits you Sir

The key to men's tailoring is to keep your silhouette sharp. Go for flat-fronted trousers as opposed to pleat tops, which add bulk, and a single breasted jacket that keeps the look lean and masculine.

Your capsule wardrobe should consist of a staple dark suit in black or navy that can be added to with low-key but interesting shirts, cufflinks and ties.

When buying a new suit, don't be tempted by anything too fashionable - a classic style will last. By keeping the jacket simple, you can break up the suit and wear components separately with other things.

Designer ranges at Debenhams and House of Fraser make well-cut, tailored suits with designer touches, adding a modern twist to wardrobe essentials such as shirts, trousers, suits and jackets with lush linings, hand stitching and buttons.

Fashion designers' use of black, this season's 'in' colour, demonstrates how with texture, contrast and detailing, simple shapes and colours stand out, looking sleek and polished

Workwear Essentials

n Go for trousers in black, grey or blue hues and add colour through accessories

n If you can wear denim to work, keep it smart in indigo with no distressed areas

n Invest in some well-made brogues, and go as pointy as you dare

n Use round-neck t-shirt and merino sweaters in all colours as day to day basics

n Wear a well-cut coat like a Paddington or peacoat-style to keep smart but with a cool edge

Women's Key Pieces

Fit is everything when you are talking about tailored work clothes, you must look smart while being comfortable.

For women, this is especially important. Trousers should be fitted but free of visible panty-lines, skirts loose enough to sit down in, and no gaping shirt buttons.

Classic women's trousers should be as long as possible, so they just hit the top of your shoe - you'll look sleek and leggy.

Try to get trousers with a crease running down the front of the leg, as these naturally hug your curves and slim the thigh. In a nice woollen mix, these will be your wardrobe staples for years to come, updating every outfit with a sharp look.

This season's 'in' shape, a feminine curvaceous silhouette, works perfectly for smart workwear.

A tailored shape is easiest to get through a fitted tulip skirt that kicks out at the knees, looking feminine but chic and very professional. Pair this with a nipped-in jacket and alternate between boots and heels, and your winter wardrobe is set.

Women's Workwear Essentials

n Wrap dresses, shirt and tops, tulip skirt

n Well-cut, black slim-leg trousers

n Chunkier high heels for easier height

n Fitted trench coat, clinch in your waist with a belt

How to look polished

n Opt for stud earrings or single bracelets.

n Beware of the comedy tie or cufflinks. Never funny.

n Choose structured handbag styles to project an organised image, slouchy handbags look sloppy.

n A polished image is in the detail: mani- cured nails, scuff-free shoes, neat hair.