If you're scrambling to put together an outfit for today that's stylish yet allows you to breathe after you've ingested unholy amounts of turkey and pumpkin pie, here are 7 forgiving tops to give you some ideas. Your belly will thank you.


1. Dramatic sleeves on this dolman sweater make a big statement—and take the focus away from your not-so-small tummy. Lc Lauren Conrad Dolman Sweater, sale $28 at kohls.com


2. This kimono top is the ultimate disguise for expanding waistlines with its distracting yet glamorous sleeves and low neckline. Lc Lauren Conrad Kimono Top, sale $33 at kohls.com


3. Here's a casual top that's unique enough to garner compliments, yet generous enough through the midsection to ensure you can eat to your heart's content. Pleated Knit Top, $19.99 at charlotterusse.com


4. An empire waist plus ditsy floral print equals cute coverage. Ditsy Floral Blouse, $21.99 at charlotterusse.com


5. Nothing distracts the eye quite like flashing, glittery sequins! Wear it with flats, jeans and a cardi for the big family gathering, then slip into heels for clubbing later. Sequin A-Line Top, $21.99 at charlotterusse.com


6. A gorgeous ruffle-detail collar will draw eyes up, up and away from so-called "problem areas." Ruffle Front Top, $44.50 at anntaylorloft.com


7. A classic tunic top exudes elegance, not to mention it's ridiculously flattering on all figures! INC International Concepts Top, Embroidered Bell Sleeve Kurta, sale $44.25 at macys.com

As someone who's always on the hunt for cute, cheap and classy party dresses that I can share with all of you, I was thrilled to find DownEast Basics. If I had to compare this store to other established brands, I'd say it's a cross between Boden and Anthropologie (albeit on a much smaller scale). At the moment, DownEast Basics carries a handful of dresses that could work for a variety of dress-up or dress-down occasions. And the best part is they're ridiculously affordable! Keep reading to see 5 party dresses I spotted on their site for under $45. Be sure to browse their cute cardigans and tops, too. Loves it!

Another perennial winter fashion favorite of mine is the Fair Isle sweater, that Nordic-style knit which conjures up images of Aspen lodges and hot toddies sipped on bearskin rugs before crackling fires. Pair yours with leggings, edgy boots and simple silver jewelry (like Hilary Duff) to balance proportions and keep your look modern. Keep reading for 6 super affordable Fair Isle-inspired sweaters under $60. Which would you wear?

There's something about tweed—a thick woolen fabric which originated in Scotland (thank you Wikipedia)—that makes one think of wintertime.

This cozy fabric with a classic menswear appeal looks chic, not stuffy, when juxtaposed against anything really feminine (think Chanel's iconic tweed jacket worn with pearls).

Stylehive has a round up of some decidedly modern, on-trend tweed fashions and accessories that are calling my name. See their slideshow here, and check out my tweed fashion-finds below for further inspiration!

Merona Wool Topcoat in Gray Plaid, $59.99

If there's one thing I love as much as boots, it's winter coats. While I won't hesitate to forgo style in lieu of survival, there are ways to look good while staying warm—and having a chic wool coat in your arsenal is one of them. Now to be completely honest, I'm not sure a Target coat will have what it takes to withstand a New England winter, but they sure are looking good this season. So I bought one as a sort of test. My gut says it won't be warm enough (I grew up in Chicago, after all), but we shall see! If you're looking for a second coat that you can wear with certain outfits, then definitely check out the offerings at Target. Here are some highlights, photographed by yours truly so you can compare the product photos with "real life." (Click any image to go to Target.com.) Who's loving Target's coats this year?

Merona Hip Length Wool Jacket in Black/White Houndstooth, also available in Camel/Gray. ($50)

Mossimo Black Wool Hooded Jacket in Dark Blue, $59.99. Also available in black, brown, black/navy and possibly other colors.