Black and white is an easy color palette to fall into, especially with work wear, but the repetition can get boring quickly. Even a small dash of color, such as the scattered pink dots (see above photo) can the difference between boring and brilliant! Incorporating another color in a pattern will also help to give direction to your accessorizing. I added a pink scarf to play off the pink dots, but you could also pair it with a playful pink bauble necklace to further the dot trend or with a pink patent belt.

For those with a more adventurous side (and a looser dress code at the office), put the pattern in your skirt. Then you can add a crisp white oxford and a black cardigan for a fresh spin on your wear-to-work formula. If the extra pop of color is too much for you in a skirt, go for a bold black and white print and add your extra hue in your accessories.

When going out to dinner with friends, add some extra pizzazz to your Little Black Dress by layering with a printed cardigan instead of a basic black one. A little color and pattern make a big difference by breaking up the otherwise large block of color. Or if you have a job that requires you to wear a basic black suit everyday, you can make a quick costume change for dinner by switching out your suit jacket for a printed cardigan. It will instantly soften the look of your outfit and help you transition out of the workday mentality.

    Last week the New York Times posted a Room For Debate discussion about whether or not stilettos (and high heels more generally) are appropriate for the workplace. Contributors tackled the question in the context of health, style and professionalism, but what really stood out to me was that there isn't a consensus on what is appropriate footwear for women at work. We have many more options that our male counterparts which is great when trying to find a shoe that is comfortable as well as stylish, but it also means that we don't have an easy answer when we are trying to decide if we can or should wear a particular style. A black pump is a fairly standard pairing with a suit, but when does it become too high?

    My rule of thumb is that 3 inches is the maximum height for work and that platforms should be avoided in the office. Of course, there may be some exceptions, for example, some heels that technically have a platform front are designed or covered in outer material so that the platform is hidden. The biggest variable is your office culture. If you work at a fashion magazine, then chances are the norm will be to wear heels considerably higher than 3 inches and if you work in a law office you might feel that a wedge is too casual and that only a navy or black sensible pump will be acceptable. But regardless of your job, you should choose a shoe that is comfortable.

    Below the slideshow shows a few shoe options based on different office environments and dress codes, but only you know what will and will not be viewed as appropriate in your field. Let me know in the comments what you look for in a shoe for work. Do you rotate through several styles or wear the same one every day? Comfort or style (or hopefully you get both)? Are your shoes a bright and cheery hue or do you stick to neutrals? Share your thoughts as well as links to any shoes that you love for both comfort and style!

Cultivating your personal style can be a daunting challenge. So few of us fall into distinct style categories; we may love flannel shirts without being a hipster and polos without being preppy. But when we are feeling uninspired it can be difficult to be stylish when we don't really know what our personal style is. Here are a few style components that can be mixed to create your own unique look. Leave a few words in the comments describing the elements of your personal style.