When it comes to dressing for work, most of us with office jobs tend to fall back on those play-safe wardrobe staples: the black trouser suit, white shirt and a backup selection of stylish-but-plain separates. However, sitting at a desk all day doesn't mean you have to turn your back on the latest fashions - and as spring creeps towards us, it's time to lighten up in more ways than one.

This season sees high-street tailoring get a whole lot more relaxed: yes, the suits are still there, but many of them feature fun and fabulous details that give more than a passing nod to spring's hottest trends. Look for pretty ribbon trims, interesting buttons, loose-cut shapes and lighter fabrics that will see you through to summer. Try Next (www.next.co.uk) for a super-flattering linen jacket with wide tie-belt (£38) and matching wide linen trousers (£23).

The key to office fashion this spring, however, is to think beyond the plain white shirt. The easiest way to bring a tailored look up to date - without challenging any corporate dress codes - is to opt for a top in a different colour or pattern. Again, Next has a great selection - ranging from plain shirts in oh-so-now mauves and yellows to more laid-back Bohemian-style tops including jersey camisoles and crochet-trim vests.

Or go to www.kettlewellcolours.co.uk for a range of beautifully combed cotton tops in a fresh palette of cornflower, teal, leaf, magenta, iced aqua and oatmeal, available in three up-to-the-minute styles.

Alternatively, good old Marks & Spencer (www.marksandspencer.co.uk) is another one-stop store for a brilliant choice of relaxed tailoring. Beyond the suits and separates, there's also a superb selection of shift dresses, which will take you straight from desk to do. Wear them under a fitted jacket during the day, then pair with a cardi and add a string of beads for evening. We love Per Una's Aztec shift dresses and tribal beaded frocks for those who dare to be different - but not too different - in the workplace.