The usually casual and relaxed look of actress and mother Courteney Cox gave way to an elegant and sexy look after a photo-shoot at the Smashbox Studios in Los Angeles today (June 22).

Carrying a set of high heels in her hand, the small screen actress — who celebrated her 45th birthday last week — exited the studio in a lovely black dress and beautiful earrings.

Courteney can soon be seen in Cougar Town, an upcoming sitcom for ABC set to premiere September 23. Created by Bill Lawrence, the series sees Courteney playing a newly single 40-year-old mother with a 17-year old son.

And rumour has it Courteney and hubby David Arquette are returning for the fourth installment of the Scream fright series. No contracts have been signed yet but a host of other former stars from the horror flick are expected to make a return.