A dress is the simplest possible wardrobe piece you can own. A really great dress can stand on its own or be worn with a jacket or sweater or shawl; you can change your shoes or your accessories and change your entire look. A great dress can take you from day to evening, and from work to weekend.

If you will primarily be wearing your dress(es) to the office, there are a few rules to keep in mind. Avoid anything very low cut (a deep V neck can be worn for day with a pretty camisole underneath) or very short. The best hem length is just below the knee; when you sit down, the hem will sit just above the knee. Anything shorter and you will be showing clients all your assets. If you get my drift. By the same token, steer clear of dresses that require complicated undergarments; it’s not professional to spend your day hiking up your strapless bra. As a general rule, if the dress requires strapless lingerie, it is probably not office appropriate.

So how do you know what dress IS appropriate for your office? As a rule, you can’t go wrong with a classic wrap or shirtdress, in a basic neutral. However, you can ALSO choose a shirtdress or wrap in a color or pattern; the more conservative style of the dress will balance out the color and pattern.

If you’re going from day to evening, feel free to wear a dressier dress, but look for something that you could wear with a jacket or sweater for the work day, particularly if you choose a sleeveless style. Finally, a more feminine silhouette in a neutral color is a nice bridge from day to evening.

Classiques Entier shirtdress, $198.00

BCBG Max Azria shirt dress, $180.00

Maggie London print matte jersey dress, $98.00

David Meister print matte jersey dress, $308.00

Jones New York Collection silk dress, $159.00

Michael by Michael Kors silk dress, $159.50

Max and Cleo poplin dress, $118.00

All dresses available at Nordstrom.com.