How to take your work look from boring to brilliant.

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Can't figure out how to tastefully break up the monotony of your office attire? Here, 6 ways you can punch up -- or shake up -- your conventional office look.

Add color, color, color! If your outfit is neutral, adding a dash of bright is the easiest way to transform your look. "Don't be afraid of color," says Sean Krebs, style expert for Gap. "Add a splash under your favorite blazer, cardigan, or blouse. Gap has a wonderful eyelet trimmed cami ($19.50) which comes in a rainbow of colors that would be a fun finishing touch." You can integrate color with oversized bags, bright belts, long necklaces, colorful scarves, fun earrings, or lots of bangles. Here are some color combos that work well in the office:

If you're wearing: Brown
Try: Cobalt blue or turquoise jewelry

If you're wearing: Black
Try: A thin yellow belt and yellow heels

If you're wearing: Navy
Try: Red bangles and earrings

If you're wearing: White
Try: Wooden necklaces and bracelets

Integrate your favorite weekend pieces. Personalize your work look with a taste of your out-of-office style. Bored with cardigans? Try your yoga hoodie jacket over your collared shirt instead. Pair funky sneakers with trousers (as long as they are a sleek style and not too scuffed). In many offices, especially on Fridays, you can trade your traditional black pants for a pair of nicely cut jeans. Wear with an interesting jacket over a fitted T-shirt, metallic jewelry, and low heels.

Don't worry about matching pieces, colors, or even fabrics. It's so much more modern to mix and match. That doesn't mean you have to throw out your suits; swap out your separates and pair with something new. Your standby navy suit trousers look new and nautical when paired with a white linen jacket. You can also mix spring's neutrals -- khaki, green, marigold, and even burnt orange -- together in any combination.

Make your mark with hosiery and shoes. Steer clear of nude or plain opaque tights. When you're wearing small net fishnets or lace patterned hosiery, even the blandest outfit will look modern and a little flirty. Below the ankle, impress your coworkers with an unexpected pair of shoes. Long gone are the days when only black and brown worked in the office. These days, brightly colored shoes will add spice and drama to any workday outfit. Here, a few of our favorite combinations.

If you're wearing: A black suit
Try: Cobalt blue heels

If you're wearing: A pearls/cardigan/pencil skirt combo
Try: Bright pink ballet flats

If you're wearing: A brown dress
Try: Red heels

If you're wearing: A gray suit
Try: Silver metallic kitten heels

Invest in a few unique pieces to pair with office wear. Stuck in a super conservative office? You'll have to add individuality with coats and bags, which can easily be shed for a more buttoned-up look. Opt for a cream, green, magenta, or colorful print coat. This spring, trenches in bold shades are available in many stores. In addition to your colorful outerwear, Krebs reminds us again about the importance of finishing your look with a fabulous purse. "Splurge on a great 'investment' bag or tote," he says. "Find a bag that you absolutely love and you will end up using it forever. Pay attention to the quality of the bag and make sure the leather, hardware, and finishings will stand the test of time."

Try the big trend in office wear: the shirtdress. "One of the season's hottest items is an updated version of the classic silhouette," says Krebs. "The look is feminine and polished -- and perfect for the office."

Originally published on LHJ.com, March 2006.