“Don’t overcomplicate things if you’re unsure what to wear,” says stylist Karen Mason, whose work has appeared in the likes of The Sunday Times, Jocks & Nerds and The Independent. “Keep it simple with classic styles in a neutral color palette.”

That fire engine red boiler suit? Maybe not today, mate. Instead, fall back on the old reliables, those fail-safe pieces that form the backbone of a wardrobe. “Classic items like a white Oxford shirt, a pair of jeans suitable for evenings out and smart trainers or brogues never go out of style,” says Ohyoma. “Build a foundation to your wardrobe with classic, unfussy and versatile pieces like these, and you can only ever go right.”

Of course, general pointers are all well and good, but what about the quick fixes? The foolproof blueprints for looking good wherever, whenever? First, calm down, Shakira. Second, if you really are at a loss, turn to these.

For The Corporate Office

Okay, so it’s not exactly mind-bendingly difficult to a make a call on what to wear when your coalface has a dress code that specifies one thing and one thing only. (That’s a suit, if you hadn’t already guessed.) However, there’s still a lot of room for interpretation when it comes to ‘business formal’.

Bring your A-game with a navy or blue single-breasted suit, a crisp white shirt, brown brogues or Derbies and a tonal tie in a slightly lighter shade of blue. Job done.

Key Pieces

For The Business-Casual Office

Welcome to the minefield. Watch your step, because getting caught wearing the wrong thing here can result in water cooler chuckles at your expense, and at worst lower your chances of a promotion.

It pays to play business-casual safe with a combination that leans smart-casual but lets you feel comfortable, without incurring the wrath of your boss. Try a white Oxford shirt underneath a neutral jumper in merino or cashmere, some dark- or grey-colored chinos and a pair of leather loafers for a look that’s professional, but not (that) boring.