Although the classic suit has not gone out of style, looking professional has over the years become more stylish, personable and versatile. This change in fashion is not merely a thirst for fashion, but a need for overcoming the hot and humid Asian weather. Wearing thick jackets for the women or suits for the men does not seem practical at all here.

Depending on the type of industry you work in, work wear can range from casual to smart business casuals or formal all the way. Perhaps when needed, a suit or jacket for meetings is encouraged. Some companies encourage casual Fridays although torn jeans and baggy t-shirts are not a good idea. Smart casuals or official company t-shirts are the norm. Dressing down does not mean coming to the office decked in your slippers and shorts, but rather, something that looks smart and makes you feel comfortable is the ideal combination to dressing down.

Many employees agree that an employee who feels comfortable with what they wear will be more focused in their work. On the other hand, if an employee feels trapped and hot in an uncomfortable suit or jacket, they are bound to find it hard to relax and get down to work.

Create a winning wardrobe.
A successful business casual look pairs items from traditional career wardrobe (jacket, button down shirts, blouses, classic shirts, etc) with comfortable classics (khakis, skirts, dress pants) to create a winning wardrobe. Use pieces from an existing wardrobe to mix and match with casual clothing.

Develop savvy (knowledge).
You have to read more about what business dress and business casual means. There are many books and magazines on the topic, fashion articles in the newspapers, fashion segments on television, and answers are to be found all over the Web.

Window-shop.
Go to the stores and window-shop to get a sense of the latest styles. Observe what the mannequins wear, particularly, at stores catering to business clothes.

Window-shopping also permits you to observe what others are purchasing, and gives you an insight into what your office wardrobe, similar to other employees in your own organisation, are likely to set you back (financially) by.

Keep the focus on the quality of work, not your fashion statement.
Leave at home anything that you might wear to the gym or beach. Avoid clothing that are too revealing and remember that fads are usually inappropriate. T-shirts with messages or logos on them other than your company is probably not a good idea. Choose colours that not only compliment you, but those that are able to create a professional, updated and stylish impression.

Pay attention to the fit of your clothing.
Men's pants should break just above the shoe. Shirt-sleeves should reach just beyond the wrist (closer to the thumb) and show a bit of the cuff when wearing a jacket. Shirts should be buttoned comfortably without pinching or leaving gaps.

Women who wear skirts to work should make sure that it's never too short. Unless you have super long legs, most skirts should preferably be 2 or 3 inches above your knee and no shorter. Pants should also be not too tight nor too baggy and should break above the ankle. Capri's or shorts should be saved for the weekends. Blouses or shirts should fit properly and not be too low cut or revealing.

Dress to the occasion.
Wear what fits according to your day's schedule. If you have a meeting scheduled with clients, you may wish to dress more traditionally. Perhaps keeping an extra jacket in the office for unexpected meetings is a good idea. Shoes worn to the office should be kept as simple as possible. Low heeled pumps or sandals for the ladies and black or brown leather shoes should generally suit most dress codes for both the men and ladies.

Consult a personal shopper.
When all else fails, don't feel embarrassed to enlist the help of an expert. Most popular and better-known clothing stores have "personal shoppers" or trained salespeople who are there to advise you. They will gladly help you choose and plan for a business wardrobe, paying particular attention to what is appropriate in your locale or region of the country. Make sure you explain a little about the background of your company and what is the general attire of your co-workers to the "personal shopper'.

Trust your instincts.
Male or female, reluctant shopper or not, experts say no matter what's appropriate, your chosen attire needs to fit well and you need to feel comfortable in it. If it doesn't, you need to keep looking. Shop around and try some stuff on. Use the mirror in the changing room to see what looks good to you and what feels appropriate on you. When you are finally satisfied, head to the cash register, settle your bill, and walk out.

Conclusion? Buy clothes based on what you look good and feel comfortable in, not just what is fashionable for work.