Style Admirer - Double Duty

Double Duty

Seasonal trends are like ticking time bombs for our wallets. We want every must-have look in every must-have color, but drastic times call for drastic shopping measures. With the bevy of glorious trends for autumn and winter, we’re helping you maximize your purchases to get the most trend bang for your buck. We compiled six items that tap into multiple trends so you can stretch your dollar and still get some of the season’s hottest looks.

Mini Dress + Structured Shoulders
A bodycon mini dress is a going-out necessity this fall, and shape-forming structured shoulders are a nod to the ‘80s resurrection. Mix them together, and you’ve got a hot dress that’s sexy but not over-the-top. Wear it with gladiator heels and a boyfriend blazer for an all-around fashion-forward look. Dress by Topshop, $80.

Velvet + Leggings
The holidays are around the corner, and velvet has a way of spreading some fashion cheer. It’s a classic fabric that’s been getting lots of runway attention, making it as hip as it is elegant. When it’s applied to leggings, it’s a stylish (and warm!) substitute for tights. And let’s face it, tights aren’t particularly desirable for Chicago ladies waiting in the snow and wind for delayed public transit. Leggings by J. Cooper at Lord & Taylor, $58.

Sweats + Blazer
Fashion and sweats rarely go in the same sentence, but cotton sweats are heating things up this season. We’re all for fashion that’s comfortable, so as long as it doesn’t resemble gym clothes, we’ll take it. When our favorite garment, the blazer, sports the comfy fabric, we’ll wear it until it’s a pile of lint. Blazer by Blake Standard, $158.

Drapery + One-Shoulder
When a dress combines draped satin and a one-shoulder neckline, the effect is a beautiful and flirty frock that satisfies the trend craving while maintaining a sense of classic fashion. Drapery awed on the fall runways and the one-shoulder grabbed attention for its youthful appeal, so this elegant pairing is an inspired duo that will awe your friends as well. Dress by Foley + Corinna at Intermix, $360.

Sequins + Metallic
Sequins and metallics are two trends that put a little sparkle in our eye. From handbags to dresses to cardigans, they’re on every imaginable accessory and garment this season. Many of the items are designed for day and evening, so you’ve got some creative freedom. One of our favorite fall looks is a gold sequin tank under a matte black double-breasted blazer. Tank by Club Monaco, $189.

Booties + Over-the-Knee
We’re shocked by this boot’s versatility and practicality. Each zipper removes a section of leather, taking the height from over-the-knee to bootie in seconds – just zip and go! The silver zippers give the boot a trendy edge whether it’s in one piece or not. Boots by Kors by Michael Kors at Zappos.com, $550.

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Topshop, Lord & Taylor, Black Standard, Intermix, Club Monaco and Zappos

Tags: Accessories, Blake Standard, booties, Chicago Shopping, Club Monaco, Foley + Corinna, Intermix, Kors Michael Kors, Lord and Taylor, Over-the-knee boot, Shoes, Topshop, Trends, Zappos