Women on television are definitely having a (long-awaited) moment. TV shows comprised of full female ensembles or strong female leads are grabbing critics’ attention and changing the idea of what a typical female role is. No longer is the supportive wife left standing by, watching her beloved husband leave for battle; she’s out there kicking as much butt as her male counterparts and looking stylish while doing so. And what better time to see these seriously fashionable ladies at their best than this month as the freshly premiered dramas pick up steam? From the courtroom to the delivery room, these powerhouse women have tossed aside the boring blazers and typical tops and opted for standout designer duds. A couple of episodes in, and you’ll be rethinking your idea of workwear.

From left: Michael Kors sheath dress, Pono Alchemy Ana ABS choker, St. John Collection dress, Escada leopard coat, Kenneth Jay Lane pearl necklace.

Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski) in The Good Wife If I can be as poised and as put together as Diane twenty years down the line, I'll have done something right in my life. Costume Designer Daniel Lawson perfectly represents Diane's balance of sophistication and modest strength through a carefully curated wardrobe of streamlined sheath dresses and textured blazers, with a heavy emphasis on over-sized chain link necklaces or intricately beaded brooches. Fun fact: Lawson has stocked the costume closet with about 250 power suits by the likes of Versace and Hugo Boss just for Diane herself. Throw all that luxury on Christine Baranski’s statuesque figure and you’ve got a power lawyer who inspires good style and grace at any age. Want to follow suit? Check out Daniel Lawson’s collaboration with British-based clothing brand number 35 to bring a little elegance into your everyday attire.

From left: Escada scalloped jacket, Alexander McQueen fitted military jacket, Salvatore Ferragamo cashmere coat, Giorgio Armani degrade-print jacket, dress gloves by Dorothy Gaspar.

Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) in Scandal Until your daytime wardrobe can rival this protagonist’s bedtime wardrobe, you have little to boast about. Lyn Paolo, costume designer on one of ABC’s hottest shows, drapes Kerry Washington a.k.a Olivia Pope in creamy cowl-neck sweaters and wide-leg silk pants for lounging around in the evenings, putting our snowflake-patterned fleece onesies to shame. And to add further insult to injury, Paolo outfits this powerhouse crisis manager in a multitude of sumptuous clean-cut coats fresh off the runway and elbow-length gloves for a day look—a pairing most of us could only justify for a visit with the Queen. Paolo prefers to mix and match pieces to create unique suits with strong architectural details in soft neutrals that prevent Pope’s look from becoming too uptight. If you'd love to get the Scandal look, but consider Alexander McQueen and Burberry to be a little out of your reach, revel in the news that Paolo and Washington have combined forces with The Limited to release a beautifully curated collection inspired by Olivia Pope herself, with all pieces under $300.

From left: Carmen Marc Valvo dress, Karen Millen skirt, Chanel bag, Smythe coat.

Mindy Lahiri (Mindy Kaling) in The Mindy Project Thirty-something OB/GYN Mindy Lahiri is proof that there are zero excuses for boring office attire—with the exception of reasonable heel heights, of course. Lahiri’s self-deprecating yet confident personality is complimented by her youthful pairing of charming prints and stoplight colours amped up to doctor status with a rich brocade coat or her favourite quilted Chanel handbag. Mindy Kaling, who plays Lahiri, collaborates with costume designer Salvador Perez Jr. to source, tailor and style the playful, ladylike outfits that have captivated viewers for three seasons now. By mixing unexpected lower end pieces with high-end staples, such as a Helmut Lang leather jacket over a French Connection co-ord, as well as creating custom-fit pieces, Perez Jr. and Kaling make this garish eclecticism work. If our doctor had the same taste in sequined floral sheaths as Mindy Lahiri, we wouldn’t have such an aversion towards doctors’ appointments—something the healthcare system should consider. Perez Jr.'s partnership with BaubleBar is now available for sale, and if his work on The Mindy Project is any indication of what the collection will bring, expect a glamorous assortment of heavily jewelled necklaces and earrings. For more style news and advice, visit our Style Desk blog.