So how do you go about making your presence felt in the modern office: head-to-toe designer clothes, shoulder pads, high heels, lots of slap and a bit of cleavage to dazzle the boys, right? Wrong!

That may’ve worked back in the macho 1980s, but as offices become not only more female-dominated, but female-run the worst thing you can do is power dress as it is interpreted as domineering and over-assertive.

According to our research of women office workers for Very.co.uk‘s Back to Work range, the looks likely to earn respect and admiration among office colleagues are seasonal colours, not looking like you’ve tried too hard and the ‘easy glamour’ of Holly Willoughby. Meanwhile, Hilary Devey from Dragon’s Den who old-school packs shoulder pads to impress a San Francisco 49′er quarterback got just a 1% approval rating. The results generated coverage in The Daily Express, Daily Mail, Daily Star, Woman’s Own online, and Handbag.com.