Work + Money

So you got up this morning and you put on your Uniform, the outfit that will carry you from carpool drop off to a meeting with a client to lunch with your boss to a two hour conference call in a FREEZING cold office, back to carpool and on to a playdate at the park and then out for dinner because it’s Friday and no one cooks on Friday night.

Right?

And at some point during your day, you have looked in the mirror and thought, meh. Because often that Go To outfit, that Uniform, the one you don’t have to think too hard about because you know it’s appropriate and comfortable, is kind of … well, kind of boring.

Right???

Let’s talk about accessories — specifically, jewelry. Because one well-chosen bit of bling can take that Uniform from boring to brilliant, without any extra effort in the morning.

Identify your go-to outfit. Do you fall back on a suit, or jeans and a great fitting graphic tee? The first step to successful accessorizing is having a good sense of what the foundation is.

Assess what you will be doing all day. I like a bracelet for a little extra something, but I spend a huge part of my day writing, and I always wind up taking the bracelet off to type. Don’t choose accessories that you will have to fuss with; pick pieces that will work for your work day.

Shop your jewelry box. What do you already own? Get everything out, including pieces you’re not sure how to wear, and road test them with your work wardrobe. I’m willing to bet that you have at least one piece — earrings or a necklace or bracelet — that you have completely forgotten about. Try it on, wear it around, think about how you can make it your own.

What specific accessories work well for work?

Necklaces. A necklace is the ideal office accessory; it doesn’t get in the way when you’re typing or talking on the phone, and it typically isn’t jangly or distracting in a meeting. Long necklaces are hot this year, particularly with tunic dresses, but as always, think about shape — yours AND your necklace’s. Girls with large chests should be cautious of the very long necklace, as you may wind up with your beautiful beads wrapped around one boob. Keep your length under control as well — the necklace should NOT pass the hem of your sweater or blouse, or the waistband of your trousers or skirt.

Mix a more conservative necklace (basic pearls, for instance) with a funkier outfit (tunic dress or skinny jeans and graphic tee). In the same vein, wear a funky necklace, something artsy and one-of-a-kind, with your crisp white shirt or twin set.

Earrings. A super easy way to add color and punch to an otherwise boring office uniform is with a really fabulous pair of earrings. Don’t be afraid to go big, but steer clear of anything noisy. You can opt for something dangly or a big button earring; look for shapes that compliment your face and hair. Girls with round faces are advised to steer clear of big round earrings; instead, choose long, slim earrings. Big earrings are terrific with short hair, or for days when you are pulling your long hair up.

At the very least, a simple pair of pearls or diamond (okay, “diamond”) stud earrings is an easy way to add polish to any outfit. And again, mix and match styles: with a suit, choose cool artsy earrings, and with your funky casual clothes, go with simple gold hoops or pearl drops.

Bracelets and watches. Think of your watch as an accessory, not just as a necessity (in other words, if I see ONE MORE woman in a lovely dress and pretty shoes and a digital watch with a nylon band I will CRY. I mean it). A watch doesn’t have to cost a mint to be pretty — Timex makes all sorts of cute women’s watches for under $50.00. Not a watch girl? How about a bracelet? Bangles are back this year — both Banana Republic and J. Crew are carrying inexpensive enamel bangles that add a little punch of color to any outfit. I always wear my watch and bracelet(s) together on my left hand, because I can’t stand to have anything on my right hand when I’m writing (odd, I know, but it works for me).

Rings. The big cocktail ring is back this year; wear it on your index finger to make a statement, for day or evening. Look for classic pieces set with gemstones or for funky plastic alternatives. Etsy has some great rings made from recycled buttons, for a cool retro look.

Store your signature pieces somewhere easily accessible, so that you can toss them on and go, without having to fuss or search.

Susan Wagner blogs about putting together a great work wardrobe that fits your life at The Working Closet and dishes out fashion advice for the yoga pants generation at Friday Style.