If you’re still dressing like you did in the 80’s, it’s time to retire that hair, makeup, or outfit… and instead embrace some new style inspiration. Anything older than 10 years, unless it’s a gorgeous, classic Chanel suit, is outdated — and it’s absolutely time to refresh your look.

SharpHeels Guideline – Know When it’s Time to Inventory your Wardrobe

Our favorite example is the classic comedy Nine to Five, released in 1980, starred Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton, and tells the tale of three working women, with diverse skills and personalities, who rally together to change a dysfunctional business. While the hilarious subject matter will never get old, and this is an entertaining film that should be watched over and over again, the styles these actresses wore in this 1980’s classic are definitely outmoded, and should not be replicated today. Instead, gain inspiration from how these big stars are dressing now – Scroll to the next image to take a look at our styles guides. and some of our favorite on-screen inspiration

Jane Fonda (age 76) here at the 25th Anniversary Special Edition DVD launch party for Nine to Five — looks chic and sophisticated (not to mention comfortable, which is the key to being able to pull off a look) in this all-white coat and white pants ensemble.

1. Theory Long Black Tuxedo Jacket 2. Black Shirt Dress (also in Plus size) 3. Knit Black and White Coat
Takeaway: A coat/jacket dress or a great shirtdress cinches you in at the waist (slimming) and makes you look modern and pulled-together.

Lily Tomlin(age 74) an Emmy- and Tony-winner, as well as being an Oscar-nominated actress, is pictured here at the same event as Fonda.  She looks both professional and absolutely appropriate for the event – while doing it with a casual ease.

1. Multi-Color Knit Cardigan 2. Long Knit Cardigan 3. Black Knit Cardigan
Complements (not shown): 1.  Skinny Ankle Pants 2. Black Skinny Stretch Pants
Takeaway: Try adding a non-bulky, knee-length sweater, made of lightweight material, over a blouse and black pants for this great look.

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Andie McDowell (age 54) plays Olivia Lockhart, a municipal court judge in Cedar Cove (Hallmark Channel).  Olivia lives in a small town in the Pacific Northwest, and her ensembles can be described as “comfortable chic with a coastal feel,” consisting of light scarves, navy blazers, large nautical totes, and casual khaki slacks.  Since it’s a small town, she bikes to work, so dresses in this easy-going look that still has plenty of classic flair, appropriate for a well-respected judge in a cozy small town.

Scarves: 1. Watercolor Scarf 2. Tory Burch Scarf 3. Tory Burch Jacquard Scarf  4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Pink Pop Scarf 
Blazers: 1. Cold Water Creek Blue Linen Blazer 2. Blue Striped Blazer 3. Navy Peplum Blazer
Totes: 1. Tory Burch 2. Tory BurchTote 3. Frye Tote 4. Fendi Linen Tote  (not shown)

Takeaway: We’re inspired by her casual yet sophisticated style that is suitable for her position, never overdoes it, and fits in perfectly with a coastal backdrop.

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Julia Louis-Dreyus (age 48) as Vice President Selina Meyer in HBO’s Veep.  A former Maryland senator and one-time presidential candidate, she often feels powerless, disregarded and dissatisfied in her position as second-in-command. Her relationship with the President is a strained one, and in her personal life, she is divorced with one daughter, while remaining  romantically entangled with her ex-husband. Despite these challenges, as befits the second-in-command of the most powerful nation in the world, her attire consists of power suits and flattering, form-fitting dresses.

Power Dresses: 1. Burgundy Dress 2. Black Cutout 3. Black Halo Jackie-O in Red 4. Black Halo Jackie-O in Black 
Classic Pumps: 1. Carlos by Carlos Santana Pumps 2. Via Spiga Patent Leather 3. BCBG Pumps

Takeaway: Her ability to look great after working 14-hour days is helped by her classic, simple “uniform” that lends her needed credibility and confidence in her less-than-ideal executive leadership role.

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Julianna Margulies (age 46) as Alicia Florrick in CBS’s The Good Wife.  Having spent many years as “the good wife” in a bad marriage, Alicia returns to work as a junior litigator at the firm of Stern, Lockhart & Gardner, where she finds herself at the bottom of the career ladder, trying to juggle home and professional life. Alicia is smart, independent, and excels at keeping a cool exterior. She is rarely ruffled and almost always thinks through what she is going to say, choosing her words for maximum impact or sting. Not surprisingly, for someone who projects an in-control demeanor, Alicia’s wardrobe consists of well-tailored power suits.

Blazers: 1. Elie Tahari Blazer 2. Alexander McQueen Peplum 3. Valentina RED Ivory/Black
Pencil Skirts: 1. Elie Tahari 2. Karen Millen  3. The Limited
Power Pumps: 1. Charles David Georgina 2. Charles David Gillian 3. Charles David Passion

Takeaway: Be inspired by her example and seek out tailored power suits to portray maximum  power and confidence.

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Dana Delany (56) stars as Megan Hunt in ABC’s Body of Proof – Dr. Megan Hunt, a medical examiner, is brilliant and driven.  A former neurosurgeon, Megan is eloquent and always impeccably dressed.  Over dressed for crime scenes and the morgue, but a perfect fit for Philadelphia’s high society she’s used to.

Bold Dresses: 1. Cobalt Sheath (regular & petite) 2. Maggy London Red Sheath 3. Maggy London Cubist Print 4. Cobalt Sheath (Plus Size)
Tailored Blazers: 1. Vince Camuto 2. Theory Lunai Blazer 3. Cropped Blazer

Takeaway: We’re inspired by her attention to detail and impeccable tailoring of every ensemble.

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