We’ve all seen movies and TV shows like The Devil Wears Prada, Girlfriends, and Sex and the City, right? Who hasn’t drooled over some of the wardrobes that characters like Miranda Preistly, Joan Clayton, Carrie Bradshaw, and Andy Sachs (post-makeover) wore?

Now who here dresses like that at least part of the time at your own job?

If you’re like me and work in a conservative industry (I’m in finance and it’s no wonder that a few years ago I veered to the left to become a stylist and makeup artist, albeit part-time) you likely have somewhat of a strict dress code. My dress code includes suits, nothing above the knee, pantyhose with skirts (although I’ve gotten away without wearing any in certain offices), closed-toe shoes (although I’ve gotten away with open-toes at certain offices), no cleavage, and hair must be dyed natural colors–you know BOR-ING stuff. I also see clients all day so I can’t walk into work looking like I’d actually want to (with facial piercings and bright pink hair….just kidding…lol), so I have to be conscious about what I put on yet since I’m a creative spirit I have to let my personality shine through my wardrobe.

So if you work in a similarly conservative environment, here’s what you do:

1. Think basics with a twist. Who says you must don the basic white button down blouse all the time? And who says it has to be white? Try pretty options like these under your suit jackets instead:

First row (from left to right):Miu Miu Pussy bow shirt at net-a-porter.com; Vivienne Westwood Red Label Popeline collar cotton shirt at net-a-porter.com; Vince Cascading ruffle blouse at net-a-porter.com; 3.1 Phillip Lim Smocked-bib tuxedo shirt at net-a-porter.com

Second row (from left to right):Silk Pleated Top at Banana Republic; BR Monogram Tuxedo Blouse at Banana Republic; Short-Sleeve Pleated Blouse at Banana Republic; Silk Pin Tucked Blouse at Banana Republic.

Third row (from left to right):Women’s Plus Lightweight Ruffle Tops at Old Navy; Women’s Tie-Waist Linen-Blend Tops at Old Navy; Women’s Cowl-Neck Tops at Old Navy; Women’s Sleeveless V-Neck Tops at Old Navy.

2. Don’t think a suit must consist of a jacket and matching pants or skirt. Think outside the box and go with different shapes and prints. Don’t be afraid to mix and match–force yourself to never wear a matching suit together again!

First row (from left to right):Marc by Marc Jacobs Tweed cropped blazer at net-a-porter.com; Vera Wang Tartan print jacket at net-a-porter.com; Oscar de la Renta Silk pleated sleeve jacket at net-a-porter.com; Matthew Williamson Cotton cropped jacket at net-a-porter.com.

Second row (from left to right):Marc Jacobs Chain detail bouclé jacket at net-a-porter.com; Vivienne Westwood Red Label Stretch wool blazer at net-a-porter.com; Textured funnel jacket at Banana Republic; Peplum jacket at Banana Republic.

Third row (from left to right):Cotton mandarin-collar jacket at Banana Republic; Crocodile cocktail jacket at J. Crew; Casette-tweed Marcel jacket at J. Crew; Crocodile cocktail cardigan at J. Crew.

3. Don’t forget to accessorize! Choose a big, bright bag over a brieface—it can hold all your belongings and it adds punch to your outfit.

First row (from left to right):Miu Miu Bow detail tote at net-a-porter.com; Miu Miu Matellasse tote at net-a-porter.com; Chloe Shelby shoulder bag at net-a-porter.com.

Second row (from left to right):Marc by Marc Jacobs City Bag tote at net-a-porter.com; Marc Jacobs Robert canvas tote at net-a-porter.com; BSweet at Steve Madden.

Third row (from left to right):BTina at Steve Madden; BSelma at Steve Madden; BHOTSTUDHB at Steve Madden.

First row (from left to right):Tayla at Steve Madden; Tantlize at Steve Madden; Fortay at Steve Madden.

Second row (from left to right):Bijoux Heart Stone embellished necklace at net-a-porter.com; Square Stackable Rings at Banana Republic; YSL Arty Dots ring at net-a-porter.com.

Third row (from left to right):Barrel Cuff at Banana Republic; Hammered disc snake necklace at Banana Republic; Coin Bib Necklace at Banana Republic.