By Stephen Pulvirent

Men have it easier dressing for the office.  Any guy can throw on a suit and tie or a sport coat and slacks and no one will think twice about what he's wearing.  Fortunately, designers at this New York Fashion Week have presented a lot of exciting clothes that are also office-safe.

The old saw that hemlines fluctuate with the economy is being tested. Even as the DOW flirts with 13,000, hemlines are slowing their upward rise of the last few seasons.  Luckily this season designers across the board seemed to favor office-appropriate skirts that fall just below the knee. Trousers on the other hand were ankle-skimming at their longest.  By keeping silhouettes narrow, they avoid looking antiquated.  A solid color is always safe, and you certainly don't have to style it as austerely as the runway shots above, but Billy Reid's black skirt with electric blue floral-paisley pattern is a knockout.