Look the business: Boardroom style

Boardroom clothes should never make you look as if you have gorged on the latest issue of Vogue – you just need to adopt one key trend. Take inspiration from Max Mara's spring 2010 show: this outfit is smart and wearable. And note the colour: beige is massive this season
Photograph: Davide Maestri/Corbis/MaxMara

This skirt by Cos, on sale for £49, offers a similar muted elegance at a fraction of the cost
Photograph: PR

If you're doing a presentation, draw in the crowd with an interesting accessory or detail. A slick necklace, like this one from Whistles, will do the job. It costs £75
Photograph: PR

Shoes are a deal breaker. Again, keep things simple: avoid platforms or anything that exposes too much flesh. Flashing toe cleavage is a definite no-no. These black kitten heels by Jimmy Choo (£315) are elegant and practical
Photograph: PR

Men should also avoid flounce. Cravats tied like ties and fat tie knots will make your outfit veer away from the kind of efficient, clean lines on display at Calvin Klein Collection's spring 2010 menswear show
Photograph: Mauricio Miranda/WWD/Conde Nast/Corbis

Don't be afraid to combine a crisp white shirt (£39 from Cos) with a black suit
Photograph: PR

Team them with some classic black brogues, like this pair by Churches, costing £340. Don't even think of wearing anything square-toed or with Velcro. Oh, and make sure your socks match too
Photograph: PR