Post after post, I try to feature sensible shopping, inventive wardrobe rotation, and purposeful closet purging. But sometimes a girl has to fall for a fashion flight of fancy and splurge on something she doesn’t actually need but truly (truly) covets. Like this feathery blue shirt. And it was easy and inspiring to build a brand new look around it — with mostly pieces I already own.

I hope it’s OK to say, but I love this look. And it came together almost instantly. For me, that’s usually a sign that I’ve styled something special — with minimum effort and maximum impact. And you know what? As good as it looks, it feels even better.

So…let’s start with this shirt. It’s a new fall design from tried-and-true J. Crew. And it’s most definitely not your ordinary button-up, thanks to fabulous feather-trimmed cuffs that add the perfect amount of drama. As good as you’ll feel wearing it, you’ll feel good for what it supports — because J. Crew has invested in Better Cotton’s mission to help cotton communities thrive while protecting and restoring the environment.

Next up? This Nili Notan coat I snagged from last year’s sell-out collab with Target. I don’t have confirmation. but I think this high design and highly priced version was the inspiration behind a much more affordable option. Too rich for your budget? You’ll find some affordable alternatives linked below.

This Fall, the slouchy boyfriend jean reigns supreme over the skinny leg. I’m not sure that look is right for me, but a bootleg jean is a flattering alternative. Especially in go-with-everything black.

For accessories, I stuck to a palette of classic black — a statement belt I wear again (and again) (also seen in this post and this one, too), transitional black straw bag (another closet keeper), and sleek, chic, and comfortable black ballet flats.

What’s your flight of fancy when it comes to Fall fashion? Let me know!

Coat: (old, Nili Lotan x Target) You can still snag it on Poshmark or check out this alternative.

Shirt: (J. Crew, 4 colors, size down) (Next post features it in white!)

Jeans: (Mother, old, similar with raw edge here) Super steal alternative here (in 6 washes!).

Belt: (Gucci) Also love this (reversible!), this (under $50!) and this (croc effect).

Bag: (old, Zara) Love this, this (50% off) and this (under $60).

Shoes: (J. Crew, some colors on sale) Super stylish, quilted, on sale option here.

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Photography by Kristin Moore-Gantz @artdirectthis.