Ask Magpie: Everyday Pants, Tops Under $200, + More.

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Q: Everyday black pants.

A: I love the Spanx perfect fit line — specifically their Kick Flare style. These run TTS and are slightly compressive but comfortable. They hold you in but aren’t uncomfortable to wear all day long. They also have other silhouettes if the kick flare is not your vibe, but I do love the way the kick flares work with a ladylike flat and cropped jacket as easily as they do with a dressy sneaker and simple knit. I am also really impressed with Talbots’ Montauk pant (seen here) — they have a slightly less dramatic flare than the Spanx, and they come in a petite length for fellow shorties.

For something more casual, these rib knit pants from Donni are selling out quickly and look ultra-comfortable. I like the way they’ve styled them up on the site with a button-down. And for leggings that can be worn during the day and not look athletic — these Splits59. They are matte and super flattering.

Q: Chic lounge sets for postpartum.

A: I would buy a few pairs of Aligns (so stretchy and comfortable) to pair with nursing tanks and longline cardigans like this, this, or this, oversized button downs, or this slouchy waffle henley!). If you want a fully coordinated I set, I love this Frank and Eileen (cape style top would be easy for lift-up nursing), this H&M set looks chic and comfortable, and am into this distressed Free People set (looks so loose and breezy!). These ribbed kick flares (you can coordinate with tanks/tops) when you want to dress up a little bit. And treat yourself to some fun slippers!

Q: Rain boots.

A: I love my “refined short” Hunter boots. They’re not as clunky as the classic style and I prefer the shaft height (especially since I’m petite!). I’ve also heard really good things about this minimalist-chic $25 Target pair.

Q: Black tie dress for wedding in December in San Miguel de Allende.

A: This Stine Goya, this Sruti Dalmia, this Veronica Beard, this Kahindo, this Rhode. Or anything Johanna Ortiz! Finally, have to plug this $160 stunner again. Great color options (especially love the emerald) and reminds me of Ulla!

Q: Options to easily “dress up” workout wear for school pick-up/city living.

A: Mix in non-athletic wear — throw an oversized sweater like this or this on over your leggings, add a statement baseball cap (drooling over this, will probably buy one of these), and/or layer beneath a non-athletic coat like this, this, or even this. I also think a dramatic vest like this or this layered over top can elevate a look instantly. One other tip: opt for a monochromatic look to tie everything together. All grays / all navies and blacks / all hues of green / all white/ivory/taupe.

Q: Pretty fall floral or print autumn dresses for work, flowy fabric and sleeves!

A: I love this, this, this, or this!

Q: Baby Christening in October. Nothing short – 2 months PP.

A: Congratulations! I love a rich, sophisticated fall floral like this, this, this, or this.

Q: Wedding day earrings under $1000.

A: Congratulations! I would buy these lab-grown white sapphire earrings from Dorsey. They’re real sapphires and so elegant. Look heirloom! If you want something more “statement,” Oscar de la Renta has beautiful options. Love the vintage appeal of these, but these flowers are spectacular, too. Nicola Bathie also has some fun options — this “baby’s breath” style is beautiful — and of course there is Rebecca de Ravenel (these are so gorgeous).

Q: A top to go with wide-leg, dark jeans for brewery rehearsal dinner out West. Under $200.

A: My Doen blouse would be perfect for this! I have in the burgundy. This Tuckernuck is also really fun, and feels very “Western,” and I own this Mille top in a few patterns and love the way it looks tucked into high-waisted denim.

Q: Pants for work that are more casual but not jeans. Not into the whole barrel leg trend.

A: I just ordered these in the hunter green myself. So sharp with some croc loafers! I also love a pair of cords, and think they dress up beautifully with a blazer or refined knit! What about these kick-flares in delightful, on-trend espresso brown, these wide legs in taupe, or these straight legs in olive? Finally, two pairs of pants I wear frequently that look great when styled up with dressier flats / blazer / blouse are Joe’s Cleo pants (see me styling them recently here and here) and Spanx’s black kick fits.

Q: A really nice housewarming gift.

A: A special ceramic from Stephanie Dawn Matthias, a Ralph Lauren mixing glass set (if they’re cocktail drinkers), or extra towels. Who doesn’t love/need extra towels? I love to gift the Matouk Auberges with the family’s initial on the front or Boll & Branch if the family is more modern in aesthetics.

Q: A pair of statement pants to wear out to dinner, but under $100.

A: These! With a slouchy knit!

P.S. On seeing your children as whole.

P.P.S. I just updated my Amazon shop.

P.P.P.S. A heart on stilts.