How to Accessorize for the Office

First thing's first -- jewelry. Rings, bracelets and earrings are the staples of the accessorizer's tool kit. Consider complementing any rings with a leather watch or bracelet on the other hand. Bracelets, whether worn solo or as a left-right pair, work best when paired with short sleeves. Since your wrists will often be resting on a desk, think about avoiding clasp bracelets. Elastic bracelets are not only more comfortable, but they'll avoid bothering your coworkers with the constant sound of scraping metal.

Your purse isn't just a good way to schlep around mints and makeup; it's also the most versatile part of your outfit. Even though your closet may be stuffed with pleather and nylon cases from your last regional conference, consider investing in a smart, elegant handbag. Even a lineup of two purses (one light color, one dark color) can go a long way toward complementing your overall attire.

The versatile silk scarf is always a good accessorizing choice. There are dozens of different ways to tie a scarf, and by spending a bit of time refining your tying skills, pretty soon you'll be able to serve up a scarf style to match any motif.

Shoes are the natural bullet point to any outfit. Whether you prefer pumps or flats, leather is usually your best bet. Black and brown work great for dark outfits, bone and teal for lighter ensembles. Simple and hushed is usually best when it comes to shoes. You might be able to pull off shoes with minor embellishments, but that's going to depend heavily on the rest of your attire.

Your most visible accessory, conveniently, is already attached to your head. A set of highlights, a few minutes with the curling iron or even a barrette is an easy way to completely transform any workplace ensemble. An office job shouldn't require that you put your hair into pause mode. Be open to changing your hairstyle with the seasons. A changing hairstyle denotes an open-minded, team-friendly woman -- both of which are very valuable professional assets.

If your accessories are slowing you down or turning you into a bruised wreck at the end of the day, it might be time to give them the heave-ho. Go for accessories that complement your clothes without constricting your ability to be an alert, productive and energized worker. Office fashion, fortunately, is one art you don't have to suffer for.

First off, don't be afraid to let your purse do more than hold makeup. Laptops, cell phones and PDAs -- there's a lot of equipment the modern worker has to carry back and forth between home and office. Make sure you pick up a handbag that has a sleek design while still maintaining enough carrying capacity to match your needs.

If your workday calls for 8 hours of hoofing it around sidewalks and down stairs, you might want to go for a pair of flat soles and save the pumps for a day at the desk. Or compromise with a pair of kitten heels. With a heel of only 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters), they'll give you the heel "look" without sacrificing your feet in the process.

If you're making an important presentation, the last thing you want is to be upstaged by your attire. Flashy earrings, 3-inch heels and gaudy necklaces can all become distracting. At the office, you're the main event, and your wardrobe should never be more than a sidekick. Your accessories work for you, and don't let them forget it.

Above all, stay safe! If your job is going to put you anywhere near spinning equipment, you'll want to make sure your loose ends are tied. Around heavy machinery, a low-hanging necklace is practically an invitation for a beheading. But even if the most dangerous machine in your office is a desktop computer, a poorly-planned wardrobe could still put you at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive strain injuries. Make sure your bracelets, belts and necklaces aren't constricting your air or blood flow. A slightly clunky or too-tight accessory can easily leave you feeling strained or ill by lunchtime.

Keep your imagination free when planning your outfits, but keep in mind that if your accessories get a little too bold, they could get you reprimanded -- or sent home.

Unless you clock in at Rolling Stone, nose piercings and visible tattoos are usually a strict no-no. The same goes for overt bling. There are moments when everybody is tempted to pull out all the stops and put on an Elvis-style menagerie of jangly jewelry. But remember: In most offices, jewelry should be seen and not heard.

It's a fair bet that your top drawer contains a pretty impressive headband collection. Headbands are fun and functional -- but they just shouldn't be in your 9 to 5 wardrobe. Looking youthful is good, but many accessories above the neckline will simply leave you looking girlish.

In many circumstance, a quick jet of perfume is the perfect way to add a second sense to your outfit. But in cramped, poorly-ventilated office quarters, even the gentlest perfumes can be akin to a tear gas attack on your coworkers -- especially those with specific allergies. With more and more workplaces going "scent-free," fragrances are gradually joining the martini as an indulgence best enjoyed outside of working hours.

Casual Friday! Time to let loose -- or is it? Use casual days as an opportunity to widen your fashion options, but don't go over the deep end. If anything, casual Fridays are when you're best positioned to hit a fashion home run. While your coworkers flit about in corduroys, t-shirts and faded jeans, you can knock them out with a smart, casual summer dress complete with matching shoes and handbag.

Got a sleek, sexy outfit for Friday night? Wearing it to work might be a great way to save you a trip home before hitting the scene, but be wary -- sleek and sexy do not an office worker make. If you need to duck around a commute back to your closet, simply bring your Friday night finest in a discreet garment bag. Once 5 o'clock rolls around, you'll be ready to slip into your evening wear like Superman in a phone booth.