AS we reach the height of summer and the – however distant – hope of rising temperatures, not everyone is getting time off work.

Many of us will be making the dreaded traipse into the office each morning and dreamily staring out the window to (well hopefully) the sunshine beyond.

But while there is no promise of sunny weather on the horizon, endless days peering at a computer will always be made much more enjoyable by a new outfit.

The workplace poses a problem, however.

On the one hand we want to embrace the season and make the most of the more revealing fashions, but at the same time maintaining a certain work-place modesty.

So nothing too Ibiza or you might just scare off the entire workforce before that early morning meeting.

The aim then is to be taken seriously and also keep up with the trends, and one statement brightly coloured piece will help you achieve this.

MORE TOP STORIES: Take a look at some of the midi-skirts which many retailers have on offer.

A particular favourite is this floral style by River Island for £60.

Sophisticated and flattering to all, it still makes that bold this-is-summer statement and the looser cascade cut will keep you cool.

If you fancy something more modern, a fitted pencil midi-skirt is a suitable office-environment alternative.

Matched with a plain white blouse or vest top, these skirts would be perfect for a day in the office and would look very smart paired with sunglasses and some classy sandals when swanning around town on your lunchbreak.

If trousers are more your thing, Warehouse has a pretty and practical pair at £40.

Office black but covered in a colourful floral pattern, these are the ultimate pair of power dressing pants and will make your legs look as though they go on forever.

The high waist is ideal for tucking loose-fitting camisoles into.

If you can brave it for an entire day, match with sandal heels to help you rake in the compliments.