The Playful Secretary Look

This season, the "playful secretary" look helps put women in touch with a concept that was forgotten for a very long time: the workplace chic. In other words, we're finally being told that we don't have to make any more style compromises when dressing for work, and that we're free to adopt this easy-to-achieve, work-friendly dressing style made up of figure-hugging pencil skirts, bow tie shirts, cashmere sweaters, trench coats and glossy patent leather pumps.

Everyone from celebrated fashion designers to high street shops have caught on and are giving this look a shot, helping ladies rock the fifties and sixties-inspired work-chic look by offering them playful combinations of high heels, knee-length skirts, colorful silk chiffon blouses, cashmere suits and belts that help emphasize the waist. Vintage items are extremely popular, so feel free to rummage in your mother's attic for valuable pieces such as bow-tie blouses, her pearls or some colorful clutches.

To capture the full essence of this look, it's imperative that you wear a skirt or a dress to reach down just above your knee. The playful secretary look doesn't match blouses with an empire waist - emphasized waists are all the rage in this trend. You need to create the illusion of an hourglass figure, so check out some of those fashionable wide belts or sashes and choose one that best fits you. When it comes to choosing the actual pieces, don't go for black or other conservative neutrals. Choose shirts in mint green, deep plum or marine blue.

A twin set with a tight-fitting under-sweater and a nice, form-fitting cardigan is an extremely good choice. Chose wool or cashmere pieces and add an oversize brooch or a string of pearls. Never hesitate to wear high heels, and go for feminine silk, chiffon and organza blouses. Wear a sheer shirt under a suit jacket and blend in two of today's hottest styles. Have fun dressing and wearing these clothes, and let your attitude show it.