Ask Magpie: Holiday Dresses, Commuter Shoes, + More.

Q: Holiday dress: midi, with long sleeves.

A: This Zara delivers. And under $150. Gussy up with glitzy heels.

Q: Any recommendations for a dress to wear to a bridal shower in November? It’s in PA at a country club. Hoping to keep it under $300. Thank you!

A: I would wear something like this, this, this, or this (at time of writing, marked down to $311).

Q: Black tie dress for March wedding in Paris.

A: Oo la laaaa. I would wear this. The peak of chic, and the tailoring is spectacular. Also love this Bernadette and this VB.

Q: Slip-on commuter shoes to/from meetings and office that aren’t heinous or too $$. Not flats/Rothy’s — something relatively supportive and neutral.

A: Hm. What about a Chelsea boot? Not exactly slip-on, but easy on/off, warm, comfortable, and very chic whether you’re wearing dresses or jeans. I have a past-season iteration of these Madewell boots that go with EVERYTHING. I love the way they look with jeans (even kick flares), cords, dresses. I’ve gotten so much use out of them — they were one of two pairs of shoes I brought on a trip to NYC last winter, because I even kind of liked how they looked paired with little cocktail dresses for evening! If that’s too chunky for you with the lugsole, try their Benning variation. Upgrade picks: Tory Burch or Loeffler.

P.S. My favorite work attire for the season here.

Q: November client event at Cipriani in NY.

A: I like the idea of this (also comes in all black) with a heeled boot (maybe snakeskin?). Also love a cropped blazer like this with some wide leg trousers or ultra-dark-wash jeans. And this head to toe look from VB.

Q: Black suede booties.

A: Splurge: Isabel Marant. Save: J. Crew.

Q: Oysters and champagne party outdoors the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

A: To quote Ina, “How fabulous is that?” I love this party concept! (What time? OMW!). I would wear a patterned turtleneck dress like this (I did order it — on its way to me now!) or this with booties. This feels “dressy” (appropriate for the fare) but still warm/comfortable. Depending on how cold it is in your neck of the woods, you could layer beneath a chunky knit (or this), a cashmere cape, or a proper top coat (still can’t stop thinking about this velvet jacket — a Magpie wrote to let me know she bought it!).

This knit dress could also work, but I’d want to gussy it up with some big sparkly earrings and statement booties of some kind.

Q: Basic long sleeved shirts for layering, both crew neck and turtleneck.

A: I feel like a broken record, but you need this pointelle tee in white and black. It’s one of those items that makes you excited for laundry day. I feel weird buying a third — is it too uniform-ish? — but it’s just divinely soft, a great weight (not too thin, not too thick) and I love the interesting/retro texture. I also already have been reaching for my fleet of tissue turtlenecks the past two weeks. I especially like my striped ones? Fun to layer under other striped knits. But, in general, I’m in your same boat. I need some more! At the top of my list: these Everlane henleys (does anyone else LOVE a henley tee?), these Vince tees, this ribbed Enza Costa, and these J. Crews (love the burnout / long cuffs for more casual).

P.S. I also have lots of my favorite layering tees here, but most are short sleeved.

Q: More holiday!!! Planning ahead.

A: Fellow anticipator here! A few recent finds: loving this satin mini with Gucci tights; this tartan skirt with a button-down or turtleneck; this velvet number; this sequined jacket; this bias-cut sequin skirt.

Q: Gift for seven year old boy – into STEM, science, robots.

A: This kit! I love the Klutz brand.

Q: What was the candle you recommended for fall?

A: Linnea’s Embers! I just burned the first all the way down — we lit it daily for weeks! — and re-ordered. Mr. Magpie loved it, too. It has good throw but not in a dense, perfume-y kind of way. You must try if you like Feu de Bois. Very similar but about half the price.

P.S. What is your emergency music?

P.P.S. On going from 1-2 children.

P.P.P.S. Cute dresses for little girls.