What you wear to work depends to some extent on the kind of work you do and the organisation you work for.  The organisation may follow a culture of formal or casual wear, so you will have to dress accordingly. For example, in the hotel industry, doing a front office or public relations job, you may have to be formally attired in a sari and cannot wear your favourite blue jeans. However, there are a few aspects to be kept in mind about what to wear to work.

Balance and moderation are two qualities to strive for. This means that your clothes should be right for the place and occasion. Secondly, your clothes should not be such that they attract undue attention. In some countries of the West, women are expected to wear formal clothes like a suit, consisting of skirt or trousers with a matching coat, the way men dress. The colours are also subtle, like black, beige, browns, navy blue and gray. These norms of a dress code are followed so that what one wears blends and conforms with what everyone else is wearing. 

Muted colours

In India, we may not dress in suits, but we can keep this principle in mind. For example, if you wear a low neckline or a tight, figure-hugging T-shirt, you are bound to attract attention for all the wrong reasons and certainly not for your work efficiency. The working woman should keep a few important aspects in mind:
Personal freshness and cleanliness are extremely important. Needless to say, you should bathe and apply a deodorant or cologne. Your clothes should be clean and not smell of stale perspiration. You also need to pay attention to details like hair removal, especially if you wear sleeveless kurtas, tops or blouses. This is an absolute must.

Be discreet about your clothes, avoiding low necklines, tight pants (especially if you are bottom heavy), or tight T-shirts and tops, or transparent see-through fabrics. Long tops should be fine with, skirts, jeans and pants. Your clothes should not be too fussy or have too many details, like frills, crystals, beads, etc.
Dupattas and saris should be worn in a way that they do not come in your way. Pin them up at the shoulders. If you have to keep fussing all the time to settle your dupatta, sari, or your clothes, it not only detracts from personal efficiency, but disturbs others.

Avoid loud and large prints. One-coloured outfits are best for work. You can always set them off with printed dupattas, or a scarf, if you are wearing western attire. Wear clothes with simple cuts and designs, but well-tailored and fitted.

Choose wrinkle-free fabrics, to maintain your look right through a hard day's work. Comfort is important, so you must wear what you feel comfortable in. But avoid very loose clothes. These make you look as if you are lounging at home and do not give you that efficient look.

Avoid too much jewellery. Jangling bangles and long dangling earrings are most unsuitable. A pearl chain with matching pearl ear tops would be ideal. Pearls give the picture of cool efficiency and sophistication.
Or, you can wear a string of matching beads. Avoid long chains around the neck. An elegant watch is just the right accessory.

Avoid very high heels at work. Here too, you should keep the comfort factor in mind. If your feet and back ache, you can hardly pay attention to your work. Also, they attract too much attention. Wear low-heeled and sensible shoes. They can look smart and elegant, especially if you co-ordinate them with your clothes. Get shoes in neutral colours like black, brown, beige, cream and gray.

Tie back your hair

If you have long hair, put it up in a roll or tie back in a pony tail. The pony tail is said to be making a comeback and this would be ideal. A low ponytail, tied with ribbon, looks quite attractive. Avoid keeping the hair loose. Long hair spread untidily over the back is most unattractive. You can also tie them back with a matching hair clip.
As far as the new trends are concerned, the more natural look in hair is making its way in, with a look of ease. The entire look is softer and more natural. The keyword is simplicity. The coming trend is that hair will be away from the face. So, even at work, by tying your hair back, you can be trendy. The predictions are that pony tails with ribbons and the velvet band may be making a comeback. If you have short hair, wear it softly and naturally layered. Even hair colour has become more subtle, with natural highlights.

Natural make-up

Make-up is also moving towards a more natural look. Use light tinted moisturizers, rather than foundation. No shine for work. The aim should be to project a sheer skin texture. Wear less mascara at work. You can go for dark brown or grey for eye liners and eye pencils. Lilac, mauve and dull rose would find favour for lip colour at work. Avoid the obviously outlined look for the lips.

Avoid very dark and intense colours at work. Use a light cologne or perfume. The scents you wear to work should not be too overpowering.

Open Sesame! If you want to look well groomed right through the day, your handbag is no less precious than Ali Baba's cave! As a working woman, you must know how necessary it is to refresh yourself and "touch up" your make-up during the day. Here is a checklist.

*Get some of the new cleansing pads or tissues. They are great for wiping off oil and sweat deposits from the face.
*One of the most important items is a powder compact, which contains pressed powder. It is very useful for touching up foundation, or even remove oiliness. Carry some tissues too. First dab your face with the tissue, to remove oil and sweat. Then apply the powder all over, or wherever necessary. 
nLipstick is, of course, a must. If you wish to touch it up after lunch, first wipe off with tissue. Apply powder on the lips and reapply the lipstick.
*Don't forget a small mirror, comb and brush. These are absolute musts for the hand bag.
*If you carry a small bottle of cologne to refresh yourself, you'll never be caught on the wrong foot.