Office attire can be very constricting, especially when the industry you’re working for is highly corporate. Unless you’re working for an advertising or entertainment company, you’re not free to wear shorts and crop tops at work. Make your office outfit interesting and fashionable with chunky heels, a bright coat, and a show-stopping handbag to fight a boring ensemble at the workplace.

1. Wedge Heels. Classic black pumps are a staple and they polish every look when paired with a blazer and pencil skirt combo. However, an all-black ensemble can be boring at times. Aside from pumps, what works just divine with a pencil skirt is a pair of wedge heels. They’re not just more comfortable than stilettos, but they also give a fresh and younger look on your whole ensemble. Choose one that’s made of suede material or with ankle straps. And if you can get away with color, choose dark ones that aren’t black (Bamboo Pamela wedge heels, $24.96).

2. Bright Coat. Dark colors typically constitute a highly corporate outfit. Even though you can’t wear something fun and bright at the office, always remember you can dress up and exude your fashionable side when you’re on your way to the workplace or when you’re going out for lunch. For spring, wear a trench coat in block colors ranging from pink, to apple green, yellow and orange. You may be old-fashioned underneath but you’re definitely one fashionable lady as soon as you step out of the building (Burberry London Single-Breasted Bonded-Cotton Trench Coat, £717).

3. Waterfall Blazer. When you can’t get away with a pink or coral blazer as much as you want to, make your typical black blazer extra special by opting for a waterfall-hem. Even if you’re wearing the classic black blazer, your style will be the talk of fashionistas because of its Victorian-inspired design and great-fitting cut. Pair a waterfall blazer with your favorite cigarette pants, pointy pumps and a sweep of bright red lipstick on your lips for that almost catwalk moment (Alexander McQueen Wool Blazer, $2,785).

4. Scarf. Scarves are great additions to any plain outfit. You know how a simple scarf can turn an ordinary basic tee-and-jeans get-up into something really chic and stylish. A silk scarf is a great addition to your top especially when you have a plain, round neck inner blouse. Another option is to tie your scarf on the handles of your handbag (Tiger Print Scarf, $8.70).

5. Handbag. If you want to showcase a striking fashion piece in your boring outfit, just carry a designer handbag. Louis Vuitton handbags are definitely classic statement pieces but younger generations are more inclined to choose colored leather goods than the usual monogram prints. If you’re a born New Yorker, this tip is already a no-brainer. For sure, you’ll find the chicest leather handbags from Michael Kors and Kate Spade (Saint Laurent Petite Y Line Top-Handle Bag, $2,490.00).

6. Lipstick. The right makeup at the office can instantly mean strictly business. Some businesses like airline companies require a certain makeup for their employees. Other businesses prefer the simple, natural look. Check your company’s guidelines to see if there’s a section on makeup and grooming. If they’re lenient, you can always put on lipstick shades ranging from nude to a touch of pink, to deep red and even a juicy orange shade. This is probably the cheapest yet easiest way to put a twist to your classic corporate ensemble (NARS Heat Wave, $26).