A good rule for office attire is dress for the position you want, not the one you have. (Which is why we always wear white sequins -- our dream job is at Dollywood.) But what exactly does that mean when your boss is more Susan Boyle than Devil Wears Prada?

Follow these easy -- but surprisingly laid-back -- dressing guidelines and you'll never be the target of co-workers' "What is she wearing?" water-cooler bitchiness.

Your Must-Have Wardrobe:

-A great suit, especially If the dudes in your office wear suits and ties. It doesn't have to be basic black, though. A skirt suit in navy, deep green or understated purple distinguishes you as stylish but still telegraphs the team-player vibe.

One trick if you're cash-strapped: Get one on clearance or at a discount store like TJ Maxx or Marshall's that's a tiny bit too big and have it tailored to a more modern style that suits you.

Click here for more advice on office dressing after the jump.

More Workplace Must-Haves:

-A few A-line skirts. Look for ones with embellishments like frills or embroidery near the hem.

-A puffed-shoulder shirt. It'll give you a hint of the '80s-power-suit style that was all over the spring runways, sans the linebacker look.

-A supportive bra and a few smooth-fabric thongs. 'Cause let's be honest, having a VPL is like posting an "Ogle Me!" sign on your bum.

-A boyfriend sweater you can belt when the AC is on overdrive.

-A blazer (a subtle pinstripe is nice, or seersucker in the summer) you can keep in your cube to upgrade from casual to polished.

-Dark denim for "smart casual" days (you know, as opposed to the "stupid fancy" you wear throughout the week).

-Menswear pieces like vests and high-waisted trousers you can intersperse with more feminine items like a ruffled-collar shirt.

-Simple studs in a fun color or gemstone and a pendant necklace.

Dress Code No-Nos:

-Anything too sexy. You want your brain on display, not your rack. When in doubt about a borderline piece, go with the conservative style.

-Head-to-toe designer look. Hate to break it to you, but when employers weigh who should get the ax in a round of layoffs, your Gucci could be a liability. Logo-laden clothes make you seem like you don't really need that paycheck.

-Open sandals -- as they say on "What Not to Wear," feet are the cleavage of the office.

-Lingerie-inspired or satin pieces.

-Shorts in general, but especially trendy paper-bag styles, which almost never look casual.

-Sleeveless shirts and dresses. Unless your name is Michelle Obama.

Tell us! How do you make your favorite pieces work during office hours? What fashion rules do you dare to break?