Meet the Next Generation of Office Classics

26 years have passed since stuffy suiting and "commuter sneakers" were immortalized via Melanie Griffith's stellar performance in Working Girl. And as much as I enjoy a blast from the past, the days of ear-gazing shoulder pads, matronly pumps and clunky briefcases are long gone. Here, a fresh crop of office-appropriate staple taking their place.

WORK IT.

Leave it to Stella McCartney to tailor the perfect one-button suit in a textured navy fabrication, featuring tuxedo-esque lapels. Best part: Each piece can stand on its own, so feel free to wear the blazer with jeans the trousers with a curve-hugging turtleneck.

Melanie Jacket in Navy, Stella McCartney $1775

Jasmine Trousers in Navy, Stella McCartney $595

An otherwise prim silhouette gets a high-fashion infusion by way of subtle peplum and slightly sheer trim.

Jacquard Peplum Dress, Jonathan Simkhai $545

I'll be the first to admit that a classic white blouse is a wardrobe must. Although, this color block iteration is just as wearable yet infinitely edgier.

Contrast Placket Blouse, Chloe $796

Slightly sexier than its ultra prim sibling, this knee-length printed number boasts an exaggerated high waist--ideal for pairing with a top in a contrasting print.

Agnese Tribal-Print Skirt, Stella Jean $402

These mid-height heels work equally hard navigating the boardroom when worn with the aforementioned power suit as they do with a pair of skinnies during after-work drinks.

Suede and Patent Pumps, Prada $750

This fun chain-and-pearl choker is proof the classic single-strand necklace has come a long way from its time cooped up in your grandma's jewelry box.

Swarovski Pearl Choker Necklace, Fallon $425

The humdrum briefcase gets a totally modern revamp with minimal hardware, a masculine silhouette and on-trend color blocking.

Colorblock Top-Handle Bag, Marni $890

A sleek timepiece never goes out of style. This one begs to be layered with statement bracelets and won't cost nearly as much as its big-name counterparts.

Chain Metal Gold Watch, Larsson & Jennings $351

Introduce a dose of high fashion to the everyday with this badass Givenchy iPad sleeve.

Rottweiler iPad Case, Givenchy $335

Still believe diamond studs are the ultimate work-wear status symbols? Think again. This pair of pyramid earring is infinitely cooler, yet equally suitable for the office.

Diamond Pyramid Stud Earrings, Ileana Makri $2430

fall fashion 2014

HOW TO STYLE ALTUZARRA FOR TARGET

I've been waiting with baited breath to see the Altuzarra for Target collection and I am not disappointed. The cookbook is filled with the powerful feminine silhouettes he is famous for, in an array of fall-appropriate fabrics like velvet, jacquard and faux fur in deep reds, greens and pops of print. Here are 5 of my favorite pieces and how to style them for fall so that you're prepared for September 14th when the pieces will (finally!) be available at Target and Net-A-Porter.

Ankle Boot

This sleek stiletto boot will work with virtually every skirt in your closet, as well as skinny black jeans. I love the lace-up and buckled details with the croc-embossed leather.

Ankle boot in black, Altuzarra for Target $60

Style it With

Pair your ankle boots with an A-line skirt, peter pan sweater and versatile peacoat.

Teddy fur pea coat, Topshop $158

A line skirt, Courreges $550

Peter Pan sweater, Chic Nova $38

Embroidered Top

Whether you choose to play up the gold embroidery for evening, or channel the boho vibe for a casual weekend outfit, this feminine style is a home run.

Embroidered Blouse in Red, Altuzarra for Target $45

Style it With

For weekend brunch, team the blouse with relaxed jeans, a cross body bag and espadrilles.

Gatsby espadrilles, Soludos $48

Boyfriend jeans, Current/Elliott $365

Croc embossed crossbody bag, ZAC Zac Posen $375

Python Pencil Skirt

Switch your black pencil skirt for this printed version come fall. The neutral palette makes it surprisingly versatile.

Pencil Skirt in Python Print, Altuzarra for Target $35

Style it With

Temper the sexiness of the skirt with a nubby cardigan sweater and heeled brogues.

Boucle Cardigan, Toga $360

Laced Shoes, Jan Pierre $170

Vest Dress

Undoubtedly one of the biggest silhouettes for fall, the version of the long vest makes an excellent desk-to-dinner dress.

Structured Dress with Crane Embroidery, Altuzarra for Target $50

Style it With

Layer a thin knit turtleneck under this vest dress and finish with suede, over-the-knee boots and a structured carry-all for a work-appropriate look.

Small house bag, Givenchy $1995

Turtleneck, Pinko $87

Over the knee boot, Stuart Weitzman $590

70's Blouse

This filmy blouse with pussybow detail is a bona fide hero piece. Date night? Pair with dark denim and pumps. Work? Under a shift dress with flats. Interview outfit? Just be sure to layer it over a camisole and tuck is into a pencil skirt.

Swiss Dot Blouse, Altuzarra for Target $35

Style it With

When running around town for meet ins, team the blouse with pleated trousers, slip on flats and a sleek tote bag.

Vintage wide leg trousers, Guy Laroche $310

Leather bag, ASOS $155

Morgan brogues, Alexander Wang $953

Cocktail Dress

For a dinner party or cocktails, this form-fitting wine-colored dress is the epitome of evening glamour.

Wrap Dress in Red, Altuzarra for Target $40

Style it With

Wear with Old Hollywood waves, a red lip and gold pumps.

Albert pumps, Carvela $194

Cream lip stain in Dark Berry, Sephora $13

muses

Channel Lauren Bacall's Glamorous Style

A Homeage to the Late Actress

Today, I'm honoring the late Lauren Bacall for her legendary status as a talented actress, timeless beauty and her reputation as an inspirational style icon. Next time you need an outfit idea fit for a black tie event, look to Bacall's polished glamour for an ultra-elegant approach to evening dressing.


STEAL HER LOOK

Elegant Gown...This gorgeous gown complete with Bacall-esque cutouts will turn heads at any black tie event.

Roberto Cavalli Gown, $1395

Crystal Clutch...No evening look is complete without an eye-catching clutch covered in crystals.

Natasha Couture Crystal Minaudière, $298

Luxe Lipstick...Prep your pout with this Old Hollywood shade.

Marc Jacobs Lip Gel in Cabaret, $30

Party Pumps...Slip into these satin peep toe pumps next time your party dress needs a little lift.

Charlotte Olympia Satin Pumps, $850

6 cute summer maxi dresses

With these carefree, sophisticated styles, going to great lengths is a breeze!

H&M Long Dress, $35

This inky rayon number conceals a multitude of sins, thanks to an all-over batik print, flattering Empire waist, and easy cut. Its shoulder straps are wide, too, so you can wear your favorite bra underneath with no worries about exposing it inadvertently.

Ann Taylor Goddess Maxi Dress, $129

Your casual Friday secret weapon, this pretty and polished mxi is sophisticated enough for a relaxed workday but transitions beautifully after hours, should you be headed for, say, rooftop cocktails or dinner at a smart restaurant. Just swap flat sandals for heeled wedges and add statement earrings.

Kimchi Blue Dove Crinkle Gauze Maxi Dress, Urban Outfitters $129

Intricate embroidery and wispy layers of rayon fabric elevate a boho-inspired style from standard daytime fare to party-ready. A dramatically plunging open back keeps you cool on steamy summer nights.

Gap Cami Maxi Dress, $32

As simple as a dress can be, this streamlined rayon jersey column is all about comfort. The roomy bodice has adjustable straps, so you can customize your coverage, and the waist is elasticized.

Wallpaper Floral Maxi Dress, Loft $98

Here's how to get yourself put-together and out the door quickly to make the most of your weekend: Slip on a charming maxi in an engaging botanical print that minimizes the need for accessories. Tons of style, zero fuss.

Velvet by Graham & Spencer Sibley Dress, Revolve Clothing $127

What could be more perfect after a long day on the beach than this strapless style? Go bare-shouldered in the heat, then toss on a slouchy knit when the day cools. Flowy rayon camouflages a tummy or hips, while the cut up top works well for a smaller bust.

How to Style a Bright Dress for Day and Night

2 Foolproof Ways to Turn Heads

It's easier to invest in statement separates when you know that you can get plenty of wear out of them. Case in point, a bright, printed dress look gorgeous teamed with both off-duty bags and big cocktail rings. Check out how I'm styling the chic piece for both day and night wear. Trust me, it's worth the splurge!

THE HERO PIECE

Dressed up or down, this funky frock is totally worth the splurge. 

Jacquard Mini Dress, Milly $525


Wear To: Midday Cocktails

Cosmic Love Sunglasses, Shakuhachi $198
Flat Lock Shoulder Bag, ASOS $48
Marlene Sandals, Alexander Wang $495



Wear To: Dinner & Dancing

Crystal Nymph Ring, Mawi $273
Colour Icons Polish in Night Shock, Dior $25
Ladle Sandal, Aldo $80

The Best Dresses for Under $50

If, like me, you’ve been wearing your warm weather wardrobe for what feels like forever, but can’t justify spending a chunk of change on new pieces you’ll only wear until the end of September, fear not. I’ve rounded up some adorable dresses that won’t break the bank, but will put a smile on your sun kissed face. Bet you can’t choose just one!

Chambray

Sleeveless mesh denim panel dress, JVL $49; Sleeveless blue dress, ROMWE $30; Denim shirt dress, Uniqlo $50

Sportswear Infused

Black & ivory shift dress, Dorothy Perkins $39; Sporty jersey midi dress, Topshop $50; Ivory textured shift dress, Dorothy Perkins $39

Shades of Red

Western style suspender dress, Chic Nova $46; Red swing dress, River Island $50; Wide cut out maxi dress, H&M $40

Date Night

Black lace hem midi dress, Miss Selfridge %38; Jen square neck body con, Boohoo $16; Black maxi dress, H&M $50

Office Appropriate

Chiffon sleeveless dress, Uniqlo $40; Neon rose shift dress, The Hut $49; Sleevelss dress, H&M $50

The Blues

Print back tie slip dress, Joe Fresh $29; Blue boat neck dress, ROMWE $35; Blue paisley sun dress, New Look $39

Girly

Pleated skater vest dress, Choies $42; Nude neoprene midi dress, Dorothy Perkins $44; Sleeveless chiffon dress, Chic Nova $33

Summer's Evening

Strapless dress in red, H&M $50; Blue Contrast lace dress, Choies $48; Cut out maxi dress, River Island $50

Beach Friendly

Strapless maxi dress, AX Paris $48; Green Illusion maxi dress, Mossimo Supply Co $30

7 Cool T-Shirts for Summer

Patterns and embellishments give T-shirts a new twist.

Forever 21 3/4 Sleeve Linen Top
A summer essential, this linen tee is nice and breathable for weathering the heat outdoors, yet the longer sleeves provide coverage for the air conditioning.

To buy: $14, Forever 21

Saturday Striped Slip Neck Tee in Cotton Jersey
Capture the joie de vivre of French-girl charm with a jersey sailor style. Try it paired with cigarette pants and flats or with denim skinnies and a blazer: The neckline provides a slimming effect, despite graphic horizontal stripes.

To buy: $25, Saturday.com

Splendid Very Light Jersey V-Neck Top
The holy grail of white T-shirts: This top is flattering without being too fitted and ensures no embarrassing show-through. Best of all--the supremely soft made-in-America Supima cotton.

To buy: $52, Splendid.com

Gap Supersoft Ballet-Back Tee
Soften structured suiting while maintaing modesty for the office with the delicate jewel neckline and ballet sleeves of this pretty blush-toned top.

To buy: $23, Gap

Zara Viscose T-shirt Light
The breathable, paper-thin fabric of this chartreuse style allows it to hang like a silk top while imparting a laid-back edge.

To buy: $20, Zara

Massimo Dutti T-shirt with Transparent Embroidery on the Yoke

Look pulled together and polished in a flash, thanks to this T-shirt with an embroidered-silk overlay.

To buy: $55.50, Massimodutti.com

H&M Draped Top

Lovely asymmetrical draping and a neutral steel-blue shade make for one not-so-basic tee. A seasonless workday staple, it will pair beautifully with pencil skirts, trousers, and jeans alike.

To buy: $25, H&M