With our lifestyles getting more casual than ever and the line between business and casual wear blurring in many workplaces, it's no wonder that we sometimes have difficulty determining what we should wear to work. There is a fine line between trendy and gaudy, sleazy and cutting-edge and just plain ridiculous.

Dressing inappropriately can put us in some extremely awkward situations and preventative measures must be taken. Here are some points to ponder:

Avoid wearing ill-fitting clothes. While you might not always be able to tell at first glance if a certain clothing item has the potential to cause an unwanted surprise, test it by moving around freely and checking to see if it throws up any problems. Fit is everything when it comes to tailored work clothes. Pants should be fitted, without traces of a panty line. Skirts, especially straight styles like the pencil cut, should be loose enough to allow you to sit down in comfortably. Jackets should be fitted as well as roomy enough, and blouses shouldn't have gaps between the buttonholes.

Avoid deodourant stains by using a clear deodourant.

When you wear white or sheer fabrics, your innerwear is bound to show — if you don't want it to, choose the correct colour of innerwear. Ensure your brassiere strap doesn't slip off your shoulder.

Don't wear distracting jewellery. Anything that jangles is distracting. This could mean huge hoops, chandelier earrings, an armful of bangles, big statement necklaces, or rings on every finger. Opt for studs or single bracelets.

When it comes to handbags, avoid anything slouchy, as they look sloppy. Choose structured styles that project an organized image.

Nails should look clean and be trimmed to a length that doesn't leave an observer wondering how you keep from stabbing yourself. Remember, most of what constitutes a polished image is in the details: manicured nails, fitting robe, scuff-free shoes, neat hair.

All women want to appear tall, but they must opt for a heel height that they can go through the entire day in. Or else, they will just end up plain uncomfortable and with a shooting pain in some part of the body.

If you are the kind who sweats excessively, invest in underarm pads. All you need to do is stick them on the stitching of the cuff line and they will soak up all your sweat.

However, getting dressed for the office doesn't mean leaving your personal style behind. Experiment and find out which style gives you the most polished, professional look.

BDST: 1655 HRS, FEB- 29, 2016
Edited by: Sharmina Islam, Lifestyle Editor