Isaac Mizrahi for Target® Taffeta Couture Dress

.: Cocktail Parties and Swanky Affairs :.

While the LBD is always a safe choice (even for weddings), taking a little risk every now and again is sure to get you noticed. Choose classic shapes in unexpected patterns or colors.

The combination of navy (which we think is totally underrated), a full skirt and a square neckline will make this retro-inspired taffeta dress stand out in a crowd of tight black jersey.

A red cocktail dress is sophisticated and subtle in a flowing, pleated silhouette.

Shimmery gold and a rich-looking pattern mean this jacquard skirt is fancy enough for evening.

Subtle waist-defining detail and a twisted halter neckline make this dress demure enough to carry off bright Kelly green.

Women's Stretch Ponte Pleated Tank Dresses

.: All (Week)Day-Long Dresses :.

There’s nothing better than having a week’s worth of pieces you can wear all day, and pair with any of your shoes, bags or coats without worrying. We’ve found four that will make your Mondays easier – and won’t give the impression you’re in mourning.

Layer this pleated tank dress with a thin turtleneck for daytime; for evening, put a sequined tank underneath and break out the patent pumps.

A black blazer is a must for any office – wear it with jeans in creative industries (or on casual Friday) or with crisp white pants in a more corporate office.

We love the cozy-but-pulled-together vibe of a sweater dress – this one comes in two rich jewel tones, and the slightly-dipped neckline is work-appropriate but still feminine.

The black pencil skirt is also a must – just don’t pair it with the black blazer every time. This one has a thick, high waistband to keep a tummy under control and highlight a narrow waist.

.: Dressing for "The Man" :.

Dressing for a corporate environment in a fashionable manner can be challenging. How many different ways can you wear a black blazer, button down top, and black slacks or pencil skirt? Well it's time to get inspired, ladies!

Throw off your coworkers with an asymmetrical double breasted blazer with an oversized collar and notched lapel. Shed your blazer once you take a seat in your meeting and show off a chic and fitted tie-front white blouse. As for pants, regular old boot cut is boring. Go for one extreme (skinny) or the other (wide-legged). We recommend jumping on the wide-leg bandwagon in these K.A.7 trousers. Give yourself more reason to sit ladylike with your legs crossed in these detailed caramel patent pumps.

.: Dressing for Cocktails :.

For an after-work function or cocktails with co-workers, you can be a bit more daring in your appearance since you're not technically on the clock.

This shirred sleeveless dress will look great by itself while summer is dwindling away and even more fabulous under a blazer for fall. This croc leather black blazer will surely be your favorite fall staple. Pair with skinny jeans, white tee, and chunky jewelry on casual Friday or jazz up a pair of black trousers for a more sophisticated look. For covering up in colder weather (and in front of colleagues), our favorite leg-warmers are Spanx Tight-End Tights. Sport them with these chic patent platforms with a peek-a-boo toe and you're dressed to impress.

Amatokin Eye Cream

.: DIY Botox :.

What self-respecting woman doesn’t want to look her best? But that doesn’t mean she has to inject herself with toxic protein (aka Botox). So try out a few safer options.

Klein-Becker Amatokin Eye Cream not only combats wrinkles, but it helps lessen puffiness, dark circles, and discoloration as well.

For those of you who would like to try a whole new alternative to battling the signs of age, why not try a drink? Japan’s Toki is the first natural collagen drink that is proven to reduce fine lines and age spots. Originally used as a joint remedy, clients also reported an overall improvement in their skin.

The aptly named Poker Face releases your skin’s own natural muscle relaxers. A small amount applied to your triangle area will give you a boosted look for about two months.

Frownies gently detox your skin and retrain your muscles to take it easy, leaving you much less wrinkled when you wake up. Simply apply the pads to the parts of your face that are wrinkled. With time, the results will astonish you.

Crystalift Vacuum Microderm System

.: Peel This :.

Bring the dermatologist’s office to you with some at-home peels that won’t leave your face looking like raw meat.

The lightening and rejuvenating qualities of the Crystalift Vacuum Microderm System can be at the tip of your own fingertips, and for a mere fraction of the professional price. Lab jacket not included.

Therapy System’s Self-Adjusting Facial Peel Kit combats age, reduces lines, and improves tone, texture, and clarity. Six applications are included for a week of usage that will basically turn all non-believers into instant fans of the power of peel.

The Exuviance Skin Healthy Home Resurfacing Peel System both exfoliates dead skin while stimulating the renewal of cells, leaving you with a more youthful appearance.

Why lose time while getting an at-home peel? Kiehl's Overnight Biological Peel is as easy as applying it before you fall asleep… only to wake up with noticeably smoother and more vibrant skin.

Pixi’s Natural Mineral Kit

.: Touch Up Before Happy Hour :.

Flaky mascara, wandering lip color, and fast-fading cover-up are facts of life, even in an era of supposedly stay-the-day makeup formulas. It’s a good bet to keep doubles of a few essentials—basically, the makeup items you don’t feel like lugging around in your purse—for coloring and concealing touchups.

About the size of a Post-It pad, Pixi’s Natural Mineral Kit ($72) houses four complementary shadow shades, a powder and a cream blush, and two lip glosses, all in colors that are fluorescent light friendly and not too over-the-top.

After a day exposed to the elements, everyone could use a little pore purifying magic, and Freeze 24-7’s Freeze & Go Instant Smoother ($65) works wonders for on-the-fly minimizing.

When desk drawer space is at a premium, double-duty beauty goes the distance. Tarte's Enbrightenment ($26) is a dual-ended tube with a slick, shiny gloss pen on one end and a BriteSmile whitening wand on the other.

Sally Hansen’s Color Quick Fast Dry nail color pens ($8) help fix icky chips and peels and make between-mani maintenance a snap. And since the polish dries in a snap, you may even be able to get a full-ten manicure done in your downtime.

EZ4U 4-in-1 Facial Treatment Towelettes

.: Wake Up! :.

Occasionally, a stress-heavy workday calls for an emergency freshening up. Keep these refreshers on hand for quick pick-me-ups that can improve outlook and mindset.

If  you’re prepping for après-work cocktails and want a fresh start, EZ4U 4-in-1 Facial Treatment towelettes from MD Skincare ($35) are perfect for on-the-go cleansing. Each tiny packet contains one wet wipe that cleanses, tones, treats breakouts, and moisturizes, all without water or messy washcloths. Or spritz on some Skyn Iceland’s Arctic Face Mist ($35) for a welcome wakeup after a laborious day at the office.

It’s a bummer that only a couple drugstore brands make travel-size hair styling products. White Sands has attempted to remedy this dire situation, developing the Mini-Me Forever ($20), a palm-sized refillable container that can accommodate any of our favorite aerosol-based products.

Sitting mere inches away from glowing screen and squinting to make sense of tiny type are two unavoidable habits that do absolutely nothing for our precious eyes. Prevent the redness, dryness, and headaches symptomatic of computer haze with Rohto Arctic eye drops ($6).

Conquer your fears of coffee breath—sans the unsightly habit of gum chewing—by marking a toothbrush for office-only use. Elgydium brushes ($5) come standard with a sanitary plastic head cap, so you don’t have to worry about drawer-dwelling germs and bacteria getting in your breath-freshening business.

Nanette Lepore
Stuck On You Cotton Jacket

.: Indoor/Outdoor Jackets :.

One of the most valuable pieces you can have in a chilly-weather wardrobe is a versatile, mid-weight jacket – something to throw on over a cashmere tee for your commute, or to wear with a sweater and scarf in colder months. The four that follow are up to the task(s).

This cropped cotton jacket has a little hint of military style, with lots of buttons and a standup collar. 

A brick red jacket can be a welcome pop of color against a neutral colored fall rut.

The rayon-nylon-spandex knit lets you move around in this sleek black jacket, while the double-breasted front keeps it looking sharp.

A relaxed, slouchy take on the must-have leather jacket, this Charlotte Ronson number is a bit different in chocolate brown.

Alice + Olivia
Herringbone Pants

.: Pants in Wearable Cuts :.

With the reign of “the pant” this season, there are tons of wearable options on the market to choose from.

Alice + Olivia’s bootcut herringbone pants are a classic option for work; hem them to wear with flats for a respite from your high-heel routine.

These low-rise skinny pants are the LBD’s slightly tougher cousin this season. The slim silhouette works well for nighttime, or wear them with flats and a plain tee for day.

Wear a cropped pant with a tucked-in top to get the most length out of the shorter hemline. Flats are an elegant finish.

Dramatic but still work-appropriate, this wide-leg pant from DVF is anchored by a 2-inch cuff.

Urban Outfitters
Waffle Stitch Scarf

.: And What to Wear With Them :.

Fall lets you accessorize to your heart’s content. Gone are the sultry days of summer when an extra necklace meant something else sticking to you. Choose scarves, tights, and more to keep you warm and put together.

A cozy textured scarf adds a relaxed vibe to your daywear, and can stand in for a light jacket on those first chilly days.

Instead of solids or fishnets, try a pair of Spanx’s new textured tights (with the added bonus of Spanx slimming power, of course).

These candy-colored patent totes from Rain Couture are like an umbrella for your bag on dreary fall days. Instead of soaking through that basket weave, slip your handbag in one of these and it’s protected until the storm passes.

Now that we’re wearing pants and aren’t drenched in sweat just from walking a block, we can finally reunite with the Spanx Slim Cognito Bodysuit, which slims from mid-thigh to bra line. See, September chill isn’t all bad.

.: Flats :.

Flats are invaluable in the fall – they’ll take over your summer sandals’ job of getting you to work and around on weekends. .

.: Work Heels :.

Choose sophisticated shoes in a versatile color palette to create a perfect professional shoe wardrobe for next season.

.: Handbags You Can Fit a Change of Shoes In :.

Marc by Marc Jacobs
Shopper

We know how aggravating and expensive it gets to resole your heels and boots after just a few walks to work or a few trips out on the town. Time to get smart and save yourself all the shoe-repair fees. Get a big handbag that you can throw your heels in until you get to your destination. These bags are stylish enough that no one will ever know that's why you're carrying such an enormous bag – they'll just think you've got great style!

This Marc by Marc Jacobs Shopper ($398) is quite the head turner. Crafted of leather with a delicate sheen, and made with a platform bottom, it certainly doesn’t skimp on the luxury.

The Nine West "Bag Habits" Satchel plays on two tones for the look you see here. For $50, this adorable and extremely luxurious looking bag is probably cheaper than the shoes you'll put in it!

The Louis Vuitton “Neverfull" Bag ($735) gets its name for a good reason – it is a big bag. But, at 15 ½"H x 13"W x 8"D, it falls in our "small big bags" category. Yes, we agree it's a big bag – but never full? Just try me.

.: Big Handbags You Can Fit Your Life In :.

Banana Republic
Large Leather Tote

Going straight to work from the gym in the morning? Going out for cocktails and then to your guy’s place before getting up tomorrow morning and doing it all over again – all the while never stopping by home? Time to invest in something with which you can carry around numerous changes of clothing, shoes, makeup, and more – and fashionably we might add. There's no need for anyone in your office to say, "You didn't make it home last night, did you?" because you look like a wreck. With a carry-everything handbag, you'll have everything you need on your person.

The "walk of shame" look has gotten popular recently, but there is no reason for that to continue if you're carrying this leather tote from Banana Republic ($98).

If you're looking for something trendy to tote to the man's, try this Carlos Falchi Studio Shopper ($153). Measuring at 23" wide, this is one big buy.

Looking for something funky to set you apart from the crowd in a sea of black and brown bags? The Orla Kiely Stem Shoulder Bag will do just that for $133.

.: Because You’ve Been Afraid To
Lift Your Arms In Public :.

Those circles of wetness under your arms are just plain inconvenient. Running to the bathroom to stand under the hand dryer is kind of embarrassing, and lets face it, that thing blows hot air. Not helpful.

For a sweat-fighter stronger than your normal anti-perspirant, Secret Clinical Strength ($7) is the answer. You apply it at night – just like the prescription stuff – and voila, you wake up to a less-sweaty version of yourself.

Clinique Antiperspirant-Deodorant Roll-On ($8) is a great option if you’re averse to strongly-scented deodorants – this one smells like, well, nothing. Plus, the formula is clear and it really, seriously works.

If all else fails, attack the symptom, not the cause with Behind the Seams Pretty Underarm Protection ($10). Place these self-adhesive apparel shields on the inside of your top, and they absorb the sweat – not your shirt.

 

.: Because Your Face Should Look
Dewey, Not Drenched :.

The slip-sliding makeup story is far from new. We found some great cosmetics that work against the mid-day sweat slick to keep your face more gorgeous than glistening.

The oil-free formula in Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder ($19) won’t melt off your face, and after several hours of wear, skin looks luminous instead of shiny.

Prescriptives All Skins Mineral Makeup ($32.50) is sweat and water resistant, plus it has SPF 15 – a perfect choice for afternoons outside.

For those moments when mattifier and powder just won’t cut it, stash Boscia Fresh Blotting Linens ($10) in your purse to soak up sweat and leave you looking like you did at 9 a.m.