Nine-to-five jobs or even longer hours at work, cut-throat competition, overtime, targets and deadlines to meet — a working woman goes through all of these. Yet she needs to sport that 'just right' look to tide her through. Whatever she wears must spell class and attitude. How to do that in terms of jewellery, here are a few suggestions:

On a working day

Wear comfortable yet elegant pieces on normal working days. "Jewellery can get irritating at work. It should be worn so that you don't realize you are wearing it and can concentrate on your work alone.  It should give an uncluttered and neat look. The lines must be straight and formal.

For instance, bangles should be worn closer to the skin, with clasps may be, as against soft chain bracelets that are too 'feminine'. For the ears, if you must wear loops, wear them closer to the lobes," advises Mumbai-based personality grooming counsellor Shikha Singhal. There are people who order jewellery for work and also wear it to formal occasions and parties but party and wedding jewellery should never be worn to work.

For a casual look

The best ornaments to go with jeans are earrings and lots of finger rings. Wear eardrops or little danglers with a matching bracelet. If your office has a declared 'casual' day the jeans or any attire in denims is the best outfit to wear. Mostly it is on Fridays that people really get into the mood and sport a cheerful and energetic look. Pearls are ideal for such a mood and look. A pair of pearl drops and a pearl pendant looks very elegant.

What's in

It's not necessary that you should completely avoid wearing what's hot in jewellery. The colour white is 'in'- be it in gold, silver or diamond or platinum.  It is fun to combine the yellow and white looks and great to set diamonds in white gold. With time constraints, modern working women prefer pieces that they don't have to remove or change every day. So go for a delicate chain with or without a tiny pendant or for a string of pearls.

 Don't think that being fashionable about your jewellery will be a burden on your purse. Not everybody needs to have a diamond pendant or a platinum finger ring. You can wear jewellery made in gold, white or yellow, or go in for silver. Or try semi-precious stones studded jewellery to match the colour of your jacket skirt or go in for the bead jewellery when in traditional wear.

For those who want a bargain, check out the collection from Oyzterbay, Gili, Ganjam, Carbon and others who sell items priced at a price range starting from Rs 250. You could also select small diamonds set in silver or other stones such as amethyst, turquoise and jade. The best thing would be to go in for colours, be it stone or beads.

Play safe

Wear as much jewellery as it suits you but not at the cost of your life. "Why I wear light and inexpensive jewellery is because it's not safe to travel at night. I usually leave my office by 9 pm which is late by any standard. I feel insecure even if I am in a car," says Ratika who works in a PR firm. Going by bus, local train or any other vehicle can be dangerous for a woman all dressed up in her fineries.

Do’s & Don'ts

*Be simple and be sure to give a confident look
*Look out for changing and fashionable trends
*Follow your clothes
*Know the occasion and adorn yourself accordingly
*Remember it is work not a wedding
*Keep your jewellery interesting not interfering
*Safety first: watch out for late shifts
*Don't be a glam doll at work