Bland uniforms may be the default fashion option when it comes to office-wear, but you'll need to work harder style-wise to create a daily look that means business.

Dressing inappropriately is the biggest turn-off for employers, with 57 per cent turning candidates down because of their fashion faux pas, according to jobs board careerbuilder.com.

So whether you have to spruce up with smart suits or flaunt your creativity with individual pieces, dress to impress with a designated working style.

Want to stand out from your army of fellow 9-5ers? Match your wardrobe to your job description. "Professional dress is critical in business," says Lisa Talbot, personal and corporate stylist (lisatalbot.co.uk).

"The way you package yourself sends a message about you, your skills, and their organisation." Talbot adds: "Workwear does vary from one industry to another, for example, media, marketing and advertising operate in a more artistic, casual environment, so that what those workers wear will reflect their business."

Why not impress the boss with a job-specific workwear brief? Choose from the following tailor-made options...

BOARDROOM BABE

"Women executives and directors must represent professionalism, authority yet femininity," Talbot says. "At this level, investment pieces like suiting should be the perfect fit, cut and design."

Soften hard lines with pleats or frills to add femininity and use accessories to inject personality into bland suiting.

MUST-HAVES: Trouser or skirt suit, tailored mac, designer-inspired bag.

CREATIVE GENIUS

"The environment of a creative organisation tends to be more casual as their employees tend to be younger," Talbot explains. "They will follow and maybe even create fashion trends."

Individuality is the key. Opt for clashing prints, bold accessories and flashes of colour.

MUST-HAVES: Blazer, print dresses, statement jewellery.

OFFICE ANGEL

"All office staff are a representation of the organisation they work for, so it's important this is reflected in their business-wear," Talbot advises.

Invest in neutral separates you can mix and match daily with accent colour tops and accessories to vary your look. Play around with uniform-style trends such as military for a smart catwalk-inspired look.

MUST-HAVES: Tailored trousers, smart tops, bright heels.

WARDROBE ESSENTIALS

Don't exhaust yourself styling potential outfits before you've even started the daily grind; put together a corporate capsule wardrobe to choose from. Talbot lists her hard-working picks:

Smart tailored trousers: "Beware of turn-ups, they can give the illusion of a shorter leg."

White shirt: "Don't stop your sleeve lengths on the widest part of your arm as this will make your arms look bigger."

Skirt: "Look for the style that suits your body shape."

Smart/casual dress: "One-pieces are great for work or play."

Boyfriend blazer: "An on-trend staple. Single-breasted jackets are a slimming option."

Statement accessories: "Shoes, jewellery, belts and handbags add the finishing touch to any outfit."

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