Ask Magpie: White Tees, Navy Trousers, + Ecru Jeans Under $200.

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Q: A well-made, quality white crewneck tee since J. Crew’s quality went downhill.

A: Have you tried Uniqlo’s viral $15 tee yet? It’s excellent. The fit is slightly snug and a tad cropped — you can still tuck into jeans/pants, but it’s not long enough to get, like, a slouch going (and I’m short!). I took my true size (XS) and it fits perfectly. I know some of the reviews suggest sizing up but unless you’re between sizes, I’d stick with your true size. It’s a lovely, thick cotton, which I like with certain outfits and not with others — sometimes I prefer a thinner material so it’s easier to tuck / no added bulk. Anyhow, you can see me wearing mine with my SLVRLAKE jeans here — scroll down a few photos. When I’m after a thinner, more fitted look, I love this spendy Leset tee. You can see me in it with my Zimmermann skirt here. This has a 90s Jen Aniston vibe — it’s ribbed and ultra-fitted. I’d size up if in question. I took an XS (my true size) and it’s fitted.

If you’re looking for something between the two — thinner than Uniqlo, less fitted than Leset, I would try Leset’s Margo style. I’ve not yet tried it but I know it has a cult following and it’s a bit more versatile/low-key. I’ve also heard good things about the pieces from aptly-named Perfect White Tee.

P.S. I did a roundup of some of my favorite layering tees here, too — but most are striped.

Q: Everyday sweaters under $200.

A: This Jenni Kayne everyday sweater (seen above with my Grace jeans and Birks) is REALLY good, and available in four chic neutrals (but somehow $155 here, in the color I own it, versus $185 here). I love all the details — the neckline, the cuffs, the heather color, the side notches, the length, the slouchiness. It feels perfectly untailored. I took an XS and it has a great oversized fit. I also love my La Ligne “Mini Marina” ($195 — take your true size) and this Alex Mill cardigan is currently in my cart. Love a pop of color!

More favorite transitional knits here.

Q: Going to Palm Beach next weekend. Need outfit ideas for dinners and a yacht birthday party.

A: Oo, have the best time! The brands that immediately sprang to mind were La Double J (yes and yes), Alemais (I wore this to my son’s birthday party!), Rhode (mmmmhhhmmm), Sika, Zimmermann (oui et oui), and this knit Ulla J.

Q: Tops to pair with wide-leg navy trousers.

A: If you’re looking for pattern, I love this VB or this Doen. If we’re think boss-lady vibes, a striped button-down like this or this. For “quiet luxury,” pair with one of these slim-fit ribbed henley sweaters, and layer another knit around the shoulders. Also love with a slightly front-tucked chunkier sweater, like this or this. Or, pair with a polished white tee and a striped cardigan like this.

Q: Lightweight toddler snow boots, preferably that open wide for my thick-calved boys.

A: I got my children these ones from Kuling last year for that exact reason — I love the look of the Bean boots but they are so darned hard to get on my kids’ feet. They can just slide their feet right in. (You can see our colors here.). Hunter also makes a sherpa-lined rainboot that could be worth a look. I love rain boots for their pull-on ease!

Q: Ecru jeans under $200.

A: These remind me of my SLVERLAKE Grace ones but are $130! And don’t sleep on Madewell jeans — I own many pairs at this point and think they nail fit/silhouette really well. I love these and these.

Q: Fall shoes for work with a small heel, not clogs and not too dressy.

A: I’m obsessed with Manolo Maysales in a rich fall hue — you can get the look for less with these (I own and can vouch for the flat version of these from the same brand) or these. So classy but not too dressy.

Q: How would you style black suede Western boots?

A: I’m mostly excited about pairing with floaty/moody floral dresses, like this or this. Will also look amazing with straight-leg jeans tucked in and finished with a cropped blazer.

Q: Clogs that aren’t Birks — good for school drop-off.

A: One of my girlfriends swears by the ones from LR, and they’re on sale here and here! I always think she looks SO cute wearing them with floaty dresses and jeans alike. Swedish Hasbeens are iconic, too. If you’re after more of a mule style, I love the look of a suede style like this or this.

Q: Easy fall knit dresses — casual work, school dropoff. Wore the same Mango dress 100x last year.

A: I am probably the wrong person to consult with about knit dresses — I LOVE the look on other people but every time I order one, I feel like it just adds bulk / clings in weird places, and I’m constantly tugging/resituating? I guess I prefer something with more structure…although I do own and love this lightweight one from Doen. I think the mini length makes it easier for me to wear or something? Anyway, that side-rant aside, the ones I have been loving and contemplating are this 525, this Cara Cara (maybe the thinner knit is more my speed), this G. Label, this Staud, and this Doen.

Q: Everyday ballet flat under $100.

A: I’m obsessed with Schutz’s Arissa style. I own in two colors.

Q: Some comfy fall outfits that are nursing friendly. On leave until January.

A: Congrats, mama! I would treat myself to some high-end athleisure to pair with nursing tanks/bras, and then invest in some fun longline cardigans that you can throw on over nursing tanks and leggings, too. I love this, this, this, and this.

Q: Outdoor school picture day looks for toddler girls under $100.

A: This with a big navy bow! Can’t get over that dress…Also love this, this, this, and this.

Q: Low profile / no show socks to go with the Sambas.

A: This is the only pair of no-show socks I’ve ever owned that actually stay put.

P.S. My fall fitness wishlist and household must-haves.

P.P.S. A playlist for a dinner party.

P.P.P.S. Still enjoying these summery cocktails…