Old Navy has something for everyone when it comes to affordable, stylish outwear. Classic trenches, puffers and peacoats will please your sensible side in neutrals like black, beige and white. Or, go for bold, bright colors to boost your mood when the weather takes a turn for the worse. (At these prices, you don't have to worry about growing tired of, say, a flashy fuschia or attention-getting green.) And, you'll have money left over for coordinating scarves, hats, and gloves. Keep reading for more of our favorite picks. Thanks to reader Alexandra for the tip!

[Above: Old Navy Pique Wool-Blend Coat in Beet Sugar, also available in Siberian Blue, Black, Green Envy. $89.50]

Amazing boots at incredible prices—it's moments like these that make us forget we have a budget! Here are 10 great pairs for less than 50 dollars.

[1. Above: Killer heels and a textured reptile print makes these shoe boots boss. Taurus Patent Boot at Forever21.com, $26.80]

I am obsessed with boyfriend cardigans, in part because I freeze during the winter, and these extra long sweaters cover my lower back and keep me warm. They're also fashion-y and a more grownup alternative to all the hoodies I wore during my college days. Beyond that, they are sold everywhere which means you can score them at very reasonable prices, and they are incredibly versatile so you'll get plenty of wear out of them. And that makes them a great value.

Whether you like boyfriend cardis for the warmth, or you just love the look, here's some inspiration for how to wear them. Are you a fan? How do you wear yours?




A. Unbuttoned, and belted (Twelve by Twelve)
B. Unbuttoned, over a belted tunic or dress (Mossimo for Target)
C. Buttoned and belted, over leggings, with ankle boots. One of my favorite silhouettes this season. (ASOS)




D. Layered over a dress, this is a great way to winterize summer frocks. (Urban Outfitters)
E. Partially buttoned, with jeans (Simply Vera Vera Wang)
F. Layered over a crisp white blouse, and cinched with a belt, boyfriend cardigans can look polished and perfect for the office. (Marciano)

A dolman sleeve is a type of sleeve with a very large armhole and tight cuff, and they are incredibly popular for sweaters, shawls, wraps and jackets this fall. They lend themselves to comfy knits and add Eastern-style drama to what would otherwise just be a snug way to bundle-up. Nothing wrong with bundling yourself in a cocoon of warmth during frigid temperatures, but it's nice not to look like a snowman, if possible, and that's where the dolman sleeve steps in, for us at least. We became converts to this trend last winter and love the modern-hippie-folkloric vibe they sort of give an outfit, and we highly recommend you give it a try.

Finding the right silhouette for your body shape is key. While the dolman is an especially forgiving shape for large upper arms, they can swallow-up ladies with shorter torsos. Avoid turtleneck styles if you're petite, and pick thinner, drapey fabrics over chunky knits for a slimmer look. I usually layer mine over a long-sleeve, tight-fitting tissue tee that's the same hue but a different value than my dolman, ie. charcoal gray with light gray. And pick a narrow, fitted pant for your bottom half. The most current trend I'm loving is pairing your dolman sleeve top with skinny jeans or leggings and fab boots.

Get your dose of dolman sleeves with one of these affordable, fashionable finds...

Above: Dolman Cowl-Neck Sweater, also available in white, grey, black, red or raspberry, Express.com, $69.50



INC International Concepts® Belted Dolman-Sleeve Cardigan Sweater
$89.00


Free People Textured Dolman Cardigan, Tobi.com, $108


Dolman Tunic, Forever21.com, $19.80


Dolman Cardigan by Penélope & Mónica Cruz for MANGO, ref. 73212725 at mangoshop.com, $119


Dolman Sleeve Tunic, also available in brown, ShopBarbara.com, $44

Madewell, J. Crew's younger, more affordable line, has a fall/winter collection that makes me smile. If you were to give me everything in it, right now, I would be golden. I could cruise through the colder months in style and comfort. But since that's not going to happen, I have to review their looks with a more critical lens. The problem is, I've never actually been to one of their stores, so I can't attest to the quality of their clothing, and at these price points ($88 for a cardigan; $110 for skinny jeans), quality is the key factor for me in determining whether or not these duds are a good value. There's no e-commerce yet at madewell1937.com, but you can order old-school by phone.

What I love, from the images at least, are the glorious boots, the edgy takes on modern classics, and the crisp use of color. I especially love how they pair colors of the same shade but different intensity together - always a smart look. Or, pairing complementary colors such as yellow and purple to punch up neutral basics. I also love the concept of a more affordable J. Crew (I know, I need to hit the outlets!)...but Madewell is still pretty pricey. I imagine Madewell's target audience has the means to shop at either, but J. Crew needs a place to groom their future customers, and their customers need a place to start so they can graduate to J. Crew.

I know some of my readers are devoted J. Crew fans, so I look forward to hearing what you have to say about Madewell. And if anyone can comment on the quality, I'm dying to know.