Economy of Style
A notebook on evolving trends, fashion sense and cents

A Sophisticated Wool Coat Elevates Every Look

Last fall, I said I wouldn’t buy a new coat. But, the coat trends for winter have been exciting my style sensibilities. From teddy coats to super cool puffers, I’ve been trying on new coats. I find myself, however, drawn to polished wool coats. When you throw on a sophisticated wool coat, it almost doesn’t matter what you’re wearing underneath. The resulting look is so chic.

sophisticated wool coat

What I’m wearing:

Theory coat (exact style in black, similar, similar) | Shirt (similar, similar)

 Madewell jeans (same cut, same cut) | YSL Toy LouLou bag

Booties (similar) | Fendi sunglasses (sale options) | Earrings (similar)

sophisticated wool coat

My sophisticated wool coat is a Theory one button wool coat (see it in black here). I found it in TJ Maxx for a steal. The color, fit, and sharp silhouette checked so many boxes. It’s become the topper that finishes my favorite outfits.

sophisticated wool coat

Doesn’t the coat make this basic combination of a white shirt and striped jeans look amazing? It set it off. I’ve worn it with sweatsuits, leggings, skinny jeans, and the final outfit is always sophisticated.

sophisticated wool coat

Location: Soulard, St. Louis

Related: Leather jacket 2 ways (here and here) | Trench coat 2 ways (here and here)

Find your sophisticated wool coat:

How to Balance The Oversized Sweater Trend

I love the idea of losing yourself in a cozy, oversized sweater. But, you can quite literally lose yourself in one depending on how you style it. When that’s not the goal, I rely on 3 styling approaches when rocking the very popular super-sized sweater look. I’m sharing them (and wearing a combination of 2 of them) below.

Oversized sweater

What I’m wearing:

Sweater | Faux leather leggings | H&M fedora (similar) | Trench coat | Booties

Lip: Pat McGrath ‘Elson 013’

1. Half tuck it

An easy and chic way to keep the size of your sweater in check is to half tuck it into your bottoms. And excuse to half tuck, right?

Oversized sweater Oversized sweater

2. Show a little shoulder

Draping a slouchy, oversized sweater off your shoulders (when the weather permits, of course) instantly adds balance. My style has a beautiful button detail on the high neck that can be unbuttoned. It’s such a chic finish.

Oversized sweater

3. Choose a cropped sweater

One of my favorite oversized sweaters this season is the cropped version (like this and this). When paired with high-waist bottoms, the result is a stylish and balanced ensemble.

Location: Country Club Plaza, Kansas City

Want more? See how I’m styling another oversized sweater here and an oversized sweater dress here.

Voluminous Dresses For Easy, Effortless Holiday Style

Go big or go home! Volume is having a major moment in fashion this year. From huge statement sleeves to oversized silhouettes, the bigger, the better. One trend that has particularly caught my eye is the voluminous tiered dress. I’ve added so many options to my Zara cart, but this green number was a must-have among all the voluminous dresses.

voluminous dresses

What I’m wearing:

Dress | Trench coat | Booties | Earrings | Watch (similar, similar)

voluminous dresses

My voluminous taffeta dress is from Zara. For reference, I’m wearing a size medium. I was instantly drawn to its “Bottle Green” color. The additional details, like its elbow-length balloon sleeves, v-neck, and asymmetric hem, sealed the deal for me though.

voluminous dresses

For an event recently (see an on-the-scene photo here), I wore my dress with a classic trench. This coat was an ideal topper because its golden beige hue complements the green well. The trench is also just the right length paired with the short dress.

I was attending a Kendra Scott event, so I thought it was fitting to rock my newest Kendra Scott earrings–the open Elle with crystals. Talking about size, I used to prefer the biggest Kendra Scott earrings, but since cutting my hair, I no longer like the look of larger earrings on me. If you like a more statement-making earring, this style is also available on the Danielle size.

How could I forget to mention that my favorite thing about voluminous dresses is how easy and effortless they wear. It’s like wearing a sack but making it fashion. Okay, that was a tad much, but you get what I mean. Needless to say this kind of silhouette is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.

Location: Lola Jean’s giveback coffee, St. Louis

voluminous dresses

Shop voluminous dresses:

How To Wear Fashion-Forward Sock Booties

I walked into Saks Off 5th recently and found the most stylish pair of sock booties. And, they’re on sale (shop them here)!!! These beauties pack a punch in their all-over leopard print. I wore them in a promo post on IG (see that post here), and I got so many DMs about them. I’m so thrilled, then, that they’re online now, so you can snag a pair for yourself. Did I mention that they’re on mega sale? Okay, good.

leopard sock booties

What I’m wearing:

Balloon sleeve top | Flare ankle denim | Leopard sock booties (on sale!)

Earrings: V studs, ball studs, ear cuff

I love that sock booties fit closely around the ankles. That just gives a high-fashion flavor to anything you wear them with. My strategy when styling them is to make sure that they’re on full display.

I wore them in a similar outfit to today’s recently, same top but with a mini skirt that let the shoes have a major moment (see that mini skirt look here). Today, I’ve paired them with ankle-length flare jeans (seen before here) that also allow the booties to shine. I also envision wearing them with sweater dresses (knee length and even midi length) as well as slip skirts.

sock booties

My balloon sleeve top is from Zara. Be sure to check out the widget at the end of this posts for  alternatives in the same rich red color.

By the way, leopard not really your thing? No worries, these boots also come in black suede and grey. All colors are on sale too. Sizing? They fit true-to-size. I’m a size 38, so I went with the 7.5, my usual size with this particular brand.

sock booties

Location: Library, Angad Arts Hotel, St. Louis

How To Style Fall’s Favorite Faux Leather Jacket

This post is sponsored by Specialty Retailers, INC.

As we inch closer to fall, I’ve been assessing my wardrobe needs for the season. A faux leather jacket has topped my list of needs. I’ve been contemplating getting one for a few years because it’s like a cool-girl essential. Besides, I adore the moto jacket style and nothing beats that look in leather. While I was in Tennessee recently for a Gordmans grand opening (learn more here), I shopped for one. I’m thrilled to report that the options were plentiful, fabulous, and affordable. Today, I’m sharing the gem I found.

Gordmans faux leather jacket

Gordmans Finds:

Faux leather jacket ($39.99) | Striped sweater ($16.99) | Pants ($8.99)

Blanket scarf ($9.99) | Block heel mules ($25.99)

Gordmans faux leather jacket

I shopped my entire outfit at the newly opened Gordmans in Dyersburg, Tennessee. The look started with the luxe-looking, faux leather jacket. The zippers. The silhouette. The color. The length. Every detail on this jacket looks so expensive, but it’s only $39.99 in Gordmans.

Gordmans faux leather jacket

Given the rich brown hue of the jacket, I decided to pull together pieces in that color family. And, oh my…I found the coolest things. My striped sweater blocked the best fall colors together.

The ankle length, chocolate pants strike the perfect balance between polished and comfortable.

My supersized blanket scarf is going to be my best companion when the temps start dropping. Its color/print combination, though, made it the ideal complement to my striped sweater. The combo is a fun mixed print.

The blocked heel mules are a such a cool find for fall. The almond toe shape makes this pair special. And, in taupe, these mules are so wearable.

I always find the best deals in Gordmans. See another recent find here. Then, go find your nearest store (locate your store here).