Wear a bright fitted blazer, a slick of red lipstick and ALWAYS don heels: The simple wardrobe shakeups that will get you noticed in the office for the right reasons 

  • Simplicity is key when it comes to dressing to impress in the office
  • Choosing a minimalist approach to clothing can increase productivity
  • A simple blazer dress or bright blazer can make all the difference  

By Bianca London for MailOnline

Published: 06:28 EST, 28 April 2015 | Updated: 17:16 EST, 29 April 2015

Simon Cowell is rarely seen without a chest-baring white shirt and Nicola Sturgeon has a penchant for rainbow suits, but it seems that the mogul and politician are onto something - because choosing just one thing that makes you feel confident is the new power suit, according to experts.

Political Writer and author of The Science of Simplicity, John Haltiwanger, explains that simplicity is key when it comes to dressing to impress in the office.

Whether it's a plain black dress or a statement blazer, John emphasises that a simple approach to getting ready can make you feel more confident and therefore more successful.  

According to new research, simplicity is key when it comes to dressing to impress in the office - so from a bright fitted blazer to a simple black dress, a pared-back look can get you all the right attention

According to new research, simplicity is key when it comes to dressing to impress in the office - so from a bright fitted blazer to a simple black dress, a pared-back look can get you all the right attention

Using psychology to back up his theory, he said: 'We arguably spend far too much time concerning ourselves with the trivial details of our day, such as what to wear and eat. 

'Thus, from a psychological standpoint, choosing a minimalist approach to clothing can help diminish stress and increase productivity. It also might bolster your bank account, as you’d spend less on clothes.'

Simon Cowell loves chest-baring white shirts, which apparently boosts his confidence
Nicola Sturgeon is a fan of rainbow suits, and it seems she's onto something because choosing just one thing that makes you feel confident is the new power suit, according to experts

Simon Cowell loves chest-baring white shirts, left, and Nicola Sturgeon is a fan of rainbow suits, right, and it seems they're onto something because choosing just one thing that makes you feel confident is the new power suit, according to experts

Expert John Haltiwanger emphasises that a simple approach to getting ready can make you feel more confident and therefore more successful and the research revealed that a pair of heels are the key to boosting self-esteem in the workplace

Expert John Haltiwanger emphasises that a simple approach to getting ready can make you feel more confident and therefore more successful and the research revealed that a pair of heels are the key to boosting self-esteem in the workplace

His thoughts are backed up by research carried out by George at Asda, who found that a mere slick of red lipstick makes women feel more confident in the workplace, and a pair of killer heels are the key to boosting their self-esteem.

A staggering 80 per cent of the nation say they feel more powerful in bold colours and 20 per cent of us will always match ensembles for a polished look. 

The research found that a mere slick of red lipstick makes women feel more confident in the workplace

The research found that a mere slick of red lipstick makes women feel more confident in the workplace

Men are by far the most confident species when it comes to dressing. Just three per cent worry about what they are wearing and almost a third feel confident in anything compared to 14 per cent of women. 

When it comes to regional splits, Gloucester spend the least time on their appearance, Brighton is the vainest city, with the largest proportion of women spending between one and two hours getting ready. 

Liverpool has the largest fan base for red lipstick, while Swansea and Cambridge are flying the flag for lucky underwear.  

Victoria Beckham is a firm fan of wearing heels to work, left, at a UN conference and, right, on her catwalk

Victoria Beckham is a firm fan of wearing heels to work, left, at a UN conference and, right, on her catwalk

TOP TIPS ON DRESSING FOR SUCCESS  

  • Don’t stray too far from what you feel comfortable in
  • Stand out from the crowd is with colour. Try adding a bright fitted blazer to get noticed
  • If colour isn’t your thing, a simple black dress can be a great look all year round
  • Experiment with trends but know the styles that suit your body
  • Enjoy it! Getting ready in the morning should be fun
  • Plan what you are wearing the night before if it will take the stress out of dressing