Ask Magpie: Work Bags, Pops of Red, and More.

If you want more Magpie, you can subscribe to my Magpie Email Digest for a weekly roundup of top essays, musings, conversations, and finds!

Q: More everyday fall outfit inspiration.

A: Saw the photo above and immediately wanted to recreate. Great oversized/boxy/swing jacket, ecru jeans, boxy bag, even the Birk bostons!

P.S. Other good posts to look to for everyday style: here and here.

Q: Wedding guest in FL in October. Bride requests no black, but no other dress code. Outside.

A: Assuming it will still be toasty then — I love this orange gown; the mixed silk material and slight rustiness of the color read autumnal to me but it’s still appropriate for warmer climate! Also love this shockingly affordable dress — again, has a seasonal vibe (especially in the emerald green or rust) but would be totally comfortable in warm weather. More of a splurge, but I’m obsessed with this dramatic Rhode, and Johanna Ortiz is always a great pick for Florida affairs. Finally, love this splashy orange-pink dress.

Q: A good mauve nail polish.

A: A horrible unhelpful but truthful answer: I basically never stray from white-pink (OPI Lisbon Wants Moor or Let’s Be Friends) or bright red (OPI Big Apple Red or Essie Really Red), but am motivated to try a vampy color Katie of Beach Reads and Bubbly has been wearing, OPI’s Yes My Condor Can-Do, for fall this year. I know I will probably regret it. Any time I’ve tried a darker polish, my hands look unrecognizable and slightly unwell to me. Ha! Does anyone have a better rec for mauve for this Magpie?

Q: A request for next time:  outfits for all of the upcoming evening fall social events on the cal. Adult-only, non-dress options? (e.g. parent socials, cocktail mixers, date nights in the city, etc.) thank you!!

A: My Parker Edit isn’t a bad place to start. I designed it for business casual environments but a lot of the outfits feel perfectly polished/sophisticated for events at school, date nights, etc (and are not dresses). I love the idea of a great blazer over a polished tee with statement jeans and great flats. This has been my uniform lately, or sometimes I swap in a polished cardigan (love this, this, or this) instead. Another good formula: silk slip skirt, textured sweater, great flats.

Q: Rain jacket – something unusual but versatile.

A: Love the ones from Stutterheim (select colors on sale here). They have a great, fashion-conscious shape and come in fantastic colors. I also think this gingham one from Loeffler Randall is fun and unexpected.

Q: Fall looks with spring/summer elements (white denim, florals, light pink).

A: I’ve been wearing white/ecru denim around the clock. I especially love this pair and this pair. You can make them feel autumnal with a simple striped tee like this or this and slides like this or sneakers like this. For the floral piece — Tuckernuck has some really great fall florals out like this and this, and Mille always does great fall florals (I own this Charlie top in several patterns — great for tucking into high-waisted white denim for a transitional look). Same goes for Emerson Fry — check out their Frances blouse! Well priced, in pink/floral patterns, and perfect for tucking into jeans.

Q: Need rec for bridesmaid shoes.

A: These! Won’t compete with the dress and will go with everything (and be re-wearable til kingdom come). Also available in black, gold, etc. If you’re after something with a lower heel, these ones from LR are fun but might not work with every dress.

Q: Black tie wedding gown in black — comfortable and danceable.

A: This is gorgeous, and the strap around the neck means you won’t be fidgeting to keep dress up while dancing! This VB is also a timeless knock-out — L.A. Confidential vibes!

Q: An updated work bag that can fit a laptop.

A: Splurge: Bottega or Metier. More reasonable: Cuyana, Naghedi, Little Liffner Option One or Two, this J. Crew (confirmed can fit laptop but note that the top does not zip — may not be great if you commute via train), or this Etsy.

Q: Bright red everyday clothing pieces under $200.

A: Love this! Pops of red are definitely trending this season. I like this oversized cardigan, these NBs, this slip skirt, these Vibi Venezias, this striped knit, and this beanie.

Q: Feminine but not frilly fall dresses, moody colors — under $200.

A: This Wiggy Kit (actually past season and therefore on sale) is on my shortlist for Thanksgiving/fall. You might also take a look at Doen. This is slightly over budget but I adore it.

Q: Dress for my presentation at a big conference — special but professional.

A: I love the idea of a CO shirtdress. Timeless, classic, elegant, tailored, but definitely has a point of view. This would make me feel like a million bucks — a boss-lady. I also just ordered this denim shirtdress from Tuckernuck. It’s super dark wash and very structured so the denim looks fresh, polished, and sharp rather than casual. Imagine with a suede Manolo-inspired mule like this. This shirting striped dress is also excellent and timeless — but the slightly longer ankle length makes it feel more dramatic in a good way. I also think this dress, with a simple black pump, would be fab.

Q: Autumnal hue suit for a conference at the end of October.

A: Bigger budget: anything VB, but how fab are these wool pinstripe trousers with matching blazer, or these plaid ones with matching jacket? WOW. Smaller budget: these BR pants and matching jacket are VB-esque but currently 40% off, making the entire suit under $300.

Q: A black belt for trousers without a large logo.

A: Nili Lotan, Refine, or J. Crew!

Q: Narrow bedside tables.

A: These ones from PB are only 16″ — love this biscotti color. Also love these cloth-wrapped ones from WS (18″). Have also seen these drawer-less ones styled beautifully in bedrooms.

Q: Comfortable/casual shoe with some heel to wear with wide leg jeans.

A: I like a boot for this job — something like this.

Q: My fiance’s birthday is next month, and I want to get him something special to commemorate the occasion.  He definitely appreciates luxury items, and is an avid hunter and traveler. I would love any and all suggestions, keeping to under 1K if possible (we have a wedding to save for!).

A: I always try to graft gifts onto interests. What about some great, upgraded hunting gear? A new Barbour or Filson field jacket, a Tom Beckbe hunting vest or waterfowl vest, new Muckboots?

Q: 60th birthday gift for a minimalist sister.

A: One of these incredible under-$100 cashmere fisherman sweaters (size up / be generous in sizing) or an LL Bean tote with her initials on the side. Those are my front-running gift ideas for sisters for the holidays! Can think of no woman who wouldn’t love one or both of those items.