Striving to look professional sometimes leads to snooze-worthy fashion. If your 9-5 uniform is putting you to sleep, inject some drama into your day with the quintessential work dress. When you’re not worried about competing separates it’s easy to look put together with virtually no effort, which is perfect for blurry-eyed early mornings. Add visual interest with subtle ruffles, lace and pops of colour. To keep things office-appropriate, avoid skinny straps, too-short hemlines and flimsy fabrics.

1. Irene Dress, $295, available at Teenflo
2. Sheer On Top Dress, $58, available at Kensie
3. Belted Soutache Lace Dress, $2,595, available at Michael Kors
4. Layla Leather Dress by Rag & Bone, $999, available at Jonathan + Olivia
5. Silk Ruffle Layer Dress, $84.99, available at Banana Republic
6. Tailored Shirt Dress, $298, available at BCBG MaxAzria

By: Sara Constantineau, Toronto

You should follow me on Twitter @sara_rochelle.

With all the party invites over the holidays, start looking now for the perfect outfit. I usually wait to the last minute and either everything has been picked through or my size is gone! Check out some hot finds from H&M, Teenflo and BCBG Max Azria in my newest video. Party in style ladies.

p.s. My dress and shoes are from BCBG Max Azria.

This LBD is updated with a strong shoulder with metal detailing. A close-up of the amazing shoulder below.$340.

Close-up of LBD above.

This stripped grandpa cardy is great for layering. $265.

Leather studded gloves. The perfect accessory for chilly days. $110.

Perfect sequin piece for daytime. $225.

This mink collar cropped coat is so chic.$525.

Love the mushroom colour. Great alternative to black.

These leather leggings have a stretch knit back for extra comfort. $395.

Lainey Lui from eTalk Daily, Laineygossip.com

Real estate guru Alexis Palkowski and Stylist Deanna Palkowski.

Every season starts with a checklist. Boyfriend blazer, check. Leather leggings, check. Everything else can be found at Oakridge Mall’s newest edition where top media, stylists and editors attended Teenflo’s opening party. This Paris retailer will fulfill all your fall desires. My fave is the strong shouldered black dress with metal detailing. I’m going back to grab one. Then my list will be complete. www.teenflo.com