Here are the five wardrobe essentials every woman needs going into fall.

First gather your hair at the base of your neck and pull into a ponytail. Smooth out any frizz on top of your head. Back comb sections of hair in the ponytail to add volume. (FYI: The more you tease the ponytail, the bigger the chignon will be.) Then bunch up a piece, twist it up and around, and bobby pin it into place. Continue teasing and pinning small pieces of hair until you’ve created a balanced bun. Spritz with a light-hold hairspray to keep your style in place.

This low updo also looks fab when worn off to the side. Follow our how-to video to see exactly how to do it. Emma’s hair is fairly straight, so her style looks sleek and polished. But you wavy and curly-haired girls can wear it just as well! Use a salt spray to enhance your natural texture and then follow the same steps as above.

We’re halfway through summer, and, boy, is it hot. As much as we wish we could  lounge by the pool all day, we still have to go to work. Bring summer fun into the office with this easy ensemble. The classic pencil skirt gets a nautical-inspired update with this chic navy-and-white wrap version from Madewell. Pair it with a bright pink sleeveless blouse and you’re sure to stay cool. (Is the A.C. blasting in your workplace? Ditch your usual cardigan for a soft patterned scarf, which doubles as a shawl when you get cold.) Every working woman needs a fashionable yet functional bag, like this leather satchel, to tote her essentials to and from work. Slip on some Toms for your commute but step into these raffia-trimmed metallic sandals as soon as you arrive at the office. They’ll add a little edge to your look while the platforms make them easy to walk in.

blouse, Target, skirt, Madewell, scarf, Target, bag, Shopbop, earrings, J. Crew, watch, Nordstrom, bangle, BaubleBar, shoes, Nordstrom, sandals, Saks Fifth Avenue

That’s why we’re loving AnnaSophia Robb’s braided bangs with a twist. It’s the perfect no-fuss updo: You’ll get your hair off your neck but the easy braided bang is fun and fresh from the front.

Here’s how to steal this hairstyle: First, part your hair to one side. Section off the hair in the front (your actual growing-out bangs if you have ‘em, or what would be bangs if you don’t). Braid your “bangs” along the crown of your head, down to your ear, and then all the way to the end. Follow our how-to video if you need some help. Secure the braid with a clear elastic. For extra credit, take the front section on the other side of your part and twist that back. Now gather all of your hair, including the braid and twisted section and pull it back into your favorite bun or twist. Done! We promise the braid is super-fast once you get the hang of it, and you’ll be able to rock this way-cuter-than-a-pony style all summer long.

Every summer morning I wake up with the best of outfit intentions. I imagine myself in a breezy ensemble strolling the streets with an iced coffee, a canvas bag full of farmers’ market goods, and my guy on my arm. Then, I promptly reach for cut-offs and a tee and head to the grocery store. In an attempt to reform my uber-casual summer weekend ways I’ve been incorporating maxi dresses into my wardrobe. They are quick, stylish, and basically a full outfit in one garment. The key is to stick to a style that has a nipped in waist to give you shape. I love the patterned number above–it’s effortless chic to the letter–and you get extra credit for cool-girl accessories like a fedora and circle scarf.

dress, Nordstrom, sandals and hat, Modcloth, scarf, Sole Society, bag, Nordstrom, sunglasses, Ray-Ban, bangles, Dorothy Perkins

When searching for that special someone in the dating world, it’s always good to have an image of what he should be like. I didn’t start out by coaching women in their love lives; I started out coaching men. It’s funny when I think about it, because what women want from a man is what I was trying to teach them all along.

In any case, there are quite a few qualities that make a man great. In reality, looking for a guy who has these qualities is not as hard as people say. But if you want to have a higher chance of finding love, identify the ones that matter to you most and stick with them. In my personal opinion, all men should have these qualities and I don’t associate with nor respect ones that don’t.

1. He’s a gentleman. A great guy needs to be polite, respectful, considerate, and attentive to a woman’s needs. This includes classic gentleman behavior such as pulling out a woman’s chair, walking on the car side of the street and taking her coat. I personally believe that if all men were gentlemen, we would live in a better world. Today, this is far from the truth, so guys who do have this quality stand out. It’s also worth noting that great guys never cross the line of being inappropriate.

Read 7 more ideal-man characteristics at YourTango.com: Finding Mr. Right: 8 Qualities That Define A Great Guy

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• I Love You: 15 Ways Guys Say It Without Saying It
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— By Alex Matlock for YourTango.com

Wedding season is in full swing and that means you need a dress. Not just any dress–mind you–a dress that can transition easily from a day or early evening ceremony to a rocking all night party fest. Done and done. This little strapless number is quite the eye-catcher and with party-worthy metallic accessories it’s a fool-proof wedding season pick. This frock could even work for a beach wedding with some embellished sandals. Ah, our styling work here is done.

dress, Modcloth.com, heels, Dillards.com, bracelets, Baublebar.com, clutch, Aldo

Getting bored of the usual dinner and a movie date? Us too. There are plenty of other ways to get to know each other and strengthen your bond. That’s why we came up with these fun date night ideas you and your guy will both enjoy.

Sex: Expert Advice & Tips

From wine and beer tours to volunteering, these are exciting adventures you and your guy will remember forever.

Love: Tips & Expert Advice

From getting silly (and in touch with your inner children) to volunteering together, see all the creative ideas to spice up your date nights at YourTango.com: 25 Date Night Ideas That Aren’t Cheesy

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We’re super excited about Target’s latest collaboration, this time with FEED Projects, the humanitarian organization founded by Lauren Bush Lauren, to create the FEED USA + Target collection. The limited-time-only collection includes more than 50 products, from home goods to clothing to accessories, which will benefit Feeding America and fight hunger in the U.S. Each product displays the number of meals that will be donated to children and families through Feeding America when purchased.

You can bet we have our eye on this comfy and totally cute red fleece zip-up (above). At just $25, each fleece’s purchase provides 20 meals to Americans in need. Now that’s a shopping initiative we can get behind. Get yours, and other FEED USA + Target collection products, starting June 30 at Target stores and Target.com.

After tackling escalators and uneven pavement in heels, I learned the hard way that I should follow their lead. I now know I should wear what’s comfortable and wait to change into cute summer shoes at the office, but my feet are already covered in blisters. That’s why my first assignment—to cover the 125^th anniversary of first-aid kits—was not only a cool opportunity but also a fitting reminder to always have Band-Aids and other supplies handy!

While at the event, I picked up a few tips from the pros at Johnson & Johnson on how to assemble a first-aid kit. Oh, and I got to meet actress Maggie Gyllenhaal (that’s her, in white, with me), who served as a celebrity spokesmom on behalf of being prepared for emergencies.

1. Start with the essentials: Every first-aid kit should include plenty of bandages in different sizes, surgical or nonlatex gloves in case you want to protect your hands from blood, gauze pads, a thermometer, scissors, antiseptic wipes, pain-relief medication and tubes of antibiotic and hydrocortisone ointments.

2. Now personalize: Whether you’re an athlete, gardener, fashionista or mom (or even all of the above), be sure to include items that will help heal potential injuries specific to you. If you spend a lot of time in the yard gardening, for example, you might include aloe for sunburns and ibuprofen for back pain, while a strappy sandal enthusiast (like me) might throw in a friction block stick and moleskin to soothe blisters.

3. Keep allergies in mind: If a family member has seasonal allergies, keep a supply of over-the-counter meds like loratadine. For skin rashes or hives, stash some calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream and diphenhydramine antihistamine pills.

4. Create a list of contents: It’s easy to throw health-care supplies inside a container, but labeling every item and creating an inventory will help you find the essentials when you really need them. Tape the list on the inside of the lid and keep it updated as you replenish supplies. You should also include the phone numbers of your doctor and specialists so anyone who uses the kit can reach help if needed.

5. Have more than one: Assemble one first-aid kit for the home and think about doing a smaller, portable one to take in your purse or keep in your car—especially if you have active, accident-prone kids. (Aren’t they all?) You’ll feel more confident if you’re prepared, says Gyllenhaal. “Having a bag ready and filled with supplies makes me a more chill mom when things come up.”