Blake Lively’s ‘A Simple Favor’ Press Tour Is a Lesson in Power Dressing

These Old Navy cardigans have taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. They come in multiple colors, they're ultra flattering, and they're super soft. The 53 percent cotton x 24 percent recycled polyester is like wrapping yourself up in a blanket, but it's not thick enough that you'll sweat through it. And to top it off, while writing this story, the Old Navy site is telling me 3,839other usersviewed this item today. Grab one while you can!

Target Cozy Knit Button-Front Red Cardigan

Target is always one of my favorite places to hop on a trend while staying within my budget, and its red cardigans are no different. This pick had midweight fabric (made with polyester, acrylic, and spandex) and I'm obsessed with the dimension the ribbed cuffs and tortoiseshell buttons add!

Prefer thinner fabric? This red cardigan has the same classy neckline but features faux pearl buttons that Blair Waldorf would be all over. The cropped hemline is perfect for all your high-rise denim, and considering this sweater comes to just $24, you might as well grab another color or the perfect pair of fall shoes.

I love a crew neckline, but if you're more a V-neck fan, Banana Republic has you covered. The split cuffs and rib knit is ultra modern, and the slim fit means it's perfect for layering. But my favorite part is BR's Responsible Wool Standard that makes sure the sheep themselves are protected.

I'm obsessed with this Zara single-button cardigan just for how unexpected it is. This is great for days you want extra color and dimension but you don't need the warmth of a sweater. The silhouette and square button are classy, but the asymmetrical look gives it a new age look.

If you're looking for a super bright red cardigan, definitely check out this Urban Outfitters piece. If you look closely, you can see it features just a bit of white or gray alongside the red, which makes the whole thing even more eye-catching! Pair with an LBD or my favorite combo: white tee, jeans, and sneakers.

Speaking of LBDs, if you need a red cardigan to dress up an outfit, this cozy sweater is great for any occasion. Despite the fact the cardigan is all one color, the different designs along the hem, collar, and buttons provide plenty of contrast. I'm a firm believer in "the devil's in the details," and these jewel effect buttons prove it!

If you'd describe your style as kitsch, this pointelle sweater will add the perfect dose of creativity to your fall outfits.The design (and four pockets) give it a super cute vintage look, but the cropped hemline and fitted silhouette make it modern enough to go with all the latest trends.

In need of a football game outfit? Something to dress up your grocery store look while staying comfy? This cardigan is what you're looking for. The 100 percent Grade-A cashmere just might make you feel like you're wearing pajamas, and the midweight fabric will keep you warm without leaving you overheated. And once it really gets cold, you can layer it with your favorite turtleneck!

If you're still in desperate need of warm-weather options, this short sleeve piece will give the illusion that you're wearing a cardigan without committing to a thick, fuzzy sweater. The cap sleeves and flayer hem are totally reminding me of all the peplum silhouettes I saw on red carpets this fall. The deep cherry color is also great for anyone who prefers toned-down shades.

Every time I see a piece from French Connection, it stops me in my tracks, and this red cardigan is no exception. It's relaxed, it's bold, it's adorable. I love the way the color of the buttons blend into the sweater, while the shiny material still stands out against the fabric. Wear it buttoned with just a bralette or overtop of a bodysuit! It goes good with everything.

Star Wars Rey Costume

Rey might be saving the Galaxy, but girl knows how to stay comfortable. With a tee, slacks, and fabric you may or may not be able to use as a blanket later, you'll stay stylish and relaxed.

Alien

This costume is like the perfect intersection between Willy Wonka and a highlighter. A unitard is basically like pj's right?

Golden Gate Bridge

Tee shirt dress? A must. Heels? Optional.

Ghost and Mummy Costume

While these costumes call for pants and a skirt, you could totally swap for sweats and a maxi dress for top-tier comfort. They'll make you wonder why you didn't think of wearing them last year.

Minions

Just when we thought we couldn't love overalls any more... They're also a great option for your next fall date!

The Incredibles

We love leggings too much to pass this DIY costume up. Get the whole family in on this one!

Fab Five Comfortable Halloween Costume

After this year's historic Olympics, you'll love wearing a Halloween costume with sweatpants. It's an automatic yes for us.

Vampire

Considering the main part of this comfy costume is a cape, you can wear whatever you think is most comfortable underneath.

Hermione Granger

A cardigan is one of our fall wardrobe staples, and you can swap out the white button down for a tee. Or you can pick from the dozens of other costumes Hermione wears throughout the films!

Bananas In Pajamas

You get to wear literal pajamas for this costume. What's comfier than that?!

Tinkerbell

Meet the Halloween alternative to the LBD: the LGD (little green dress). This is a great costume if your hometown won't be cold by October 31st.

Daenerys Targaryen

Which blue dress you pick for Daenerys can also pull double duty as Padme's nightgown from Revenge Of The Sith. We love a good deal.

Catwoman

A black tee and jeans is already one of our go-to looks, so this costume automatically gets a few extra points.

Hallie and Annie from The Parent Trap

Grab a sweatsuit and some quilted fabric for the vests and you've got yourself a nostalgia-approved costume.

Sushi

This costume makes us wonder why we never included pillows in our get-up before.

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

• Gifts for Him
• Gifts for Her
• Gifts for Foodies
• DIY + Handmade Gifts
• White Elephant Gifts
• Gift Sets

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.

When is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!