We Answered Your Wardrobe-Basics Questions
saved
Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your account’s‘Saved for Later’section.
Comment
Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers
In our semi-regularadvice column, “Ask the Strategist,” we answer your most burning shopping questions by surveying friends, calling up experts, and drawing on our own personal experience. In our Friday, September 13, edition, our fashion writersLiza CorsilloandAmbar Pardillaanswered your questions live in the comments. Over 50 questions were submitted, and here are some of our favorite answers. To read all the queries, scrollto the comments here.And to be kept in the loop about our next Q&A,sign up for the Strategist newsletter here.
Where can I find classy but approachable clothes for my six-foot-two husband?
claire.gunner
September 13, 2024 at 1:14 AM
Where could my 6'2" husband shop for classy but approachable clothes that he could wear out to, say, a nice restaurant? Something in between a t-shirt and jeans and a suit.
Also looking for petite-friendly tall boots (knee high or just below), with a heel no higher than 2.5"!
Our answer:
Saved
ViewWant to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale.
YesNew! You can now save this product for later.
lizacorsillo
September 13, 2024 at 5:11 PM
Madewell's mens clothing is particularly good right now and they nail the in-between-casual-and-dressy thing. I like this polo sweater because it has a collar but is comfy:https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-100009682-15734918?sid=stratlive09132024&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.madewell.com%2Fp%2Fmens%2Fclothing%2Fpolos%2Fthree-button-sweater-polo-shirt-in-merino-wool%2FNR733%2F
My twin brother is that same height and he's had a lot of luck with Quince in the last year. This pair of performance chinos have a good amount of stretch and come in multiple inseams:
quince.sjv.io/ZQoYmkWhere can I find stylish stretchy pants?
dwirls
September 11, 2024 at 4:41 PM
Is anyone doing good stretchy-waist pants (that don't look like pajamas)?
Our answer:
Saved
ViewWant to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale.
YesNew! You can now save this product for later.
Spanx The Perfect Pant, Kick Flare
From $158
From $158
lizacorsillo
September 13, 2024 at 5:00 PM
Ambar and I were just talking about how Spanx has gotten really good for regular clothing! She has this pair of stretchy pants that are very cute, professional, and don't cost as much as High Sport pants:https://fave.co/3XF88tV
They also come in a wide leg:
https://fave.co/3Zpp1u2Help me find jewelry for under $100!
nedra
September 11, 2024 at 10:16 PM
Affordable (under $100) jewelry for Fall, or at least brands you can find for cheap on eBay. I realized I know nothing about jewelry brands, and all the ones I see on fashion blogs are so out of my price range.
Our answer:
Saved
ViewWant to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale.
YesNew! You can now save this product for later.
ambar.pardilla
September 13, 2024 at 5:07 PM
I've gone down all sorts of jewelry rabbit holes, and Saks Off Fifth regularly comes up (especially on Reddit) as a good place to find things. Go to your nearest T.J. Maxx's jewelry counter — there's always lots of super-cheap pieces of reasonable quality. I once found a De Beers dupe there!
I’m a new mom. Help me find new jeans that fit.
caitlin.macnealm0y2zrr0
September 11, 2024 at 4:39 PM
I'm a millennial new mom, and I need new jeans that actually fit. What's a style and brand of denim that is stylish but comfortable enough that I won't hate myself while hanging out on the floor with my kid? I'm looking for something stylish but timeless enough that these jeans will last me a few seasons at least. Bonus if they are reasonably priced.
Our answer:
Saved
ViewWant to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale.
YesNew! You can now save this product for later.
lizacorsillo
September 13, 2024 at 4:56 PM
Madewell Perfect Vintage Jeans! They come in a ton of different washes, have just the right amount stretch, and look good on a ton of different bodies.
They also make a curvy fit that helps reduce waist gap:
https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-100009682-15734918?sid=stratlive09132024&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.madewell.com%2Fp%2Fwomens%2Fclothing%2Fjeans%2Fthe-curvy-perfect-vintage-jean-in-berdelle-wash%2FNO876%2FWhat are a good alternative to cheeky-style Tommy Johns?
linz.scanlon
September 12, 2024 at 3:01 AM
I loved Tommy John’s cheeky underwear but they seem to be phasing them out. Any good cheeky style undies out there? What about comfy push-up bras without tons of padding for days you need a little oomph? Spanx sold some through Nordstrom a few years ago but mine need replacing. Thanks!!
Our answer:
Saved
ViewWant to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale.
YesNew! You can now save this product for later.
ambar.pardilla
September 13, 2024 at 4:48 PM
Get a few tangas (a cross between a brief and a thong) from Skims.https://nordstrom.sjv.io/y2a4bv
And go for On Gossamer's aptly-named Bump It Up Push-Up Bra.https://fave.co/3ZihuwW
I want an inexpensive white button-down. Can you help?
lizzie.c.hart
September 11, 2024 at 4:02 PM
Women's white button down-- classic not too expensive for someone who spills on themselves a lot!
Our answer:
Saved
ViewWant to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale.
YesNew! You can now save this product for later.
$88
ambar.pardilla
September 13, 2024 at 4:18 PM
I literally wrote our guide to the best button-downs, so I have thought about them more than anyone probably should. I have been buying J.Crew shirts for a decade — the Garçon (tailored) and the Étienne (oversized) are the new ones now. I'm a big fan of Everlane's Boxy Oxford. Old Navy makes a nice one that's almost always on sale.
Can you help me find flats I can wear all day — with no blisters.
coolbeannes
September 11, 2024 at 10:24 PM
Office-appropriate flats + boots that are comfortable enough to wear all day without blisters.
Our suggestion:
Saved
ViewWant to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale.
YesNew! You can now save this product for later.
lizacorsillo
September 13, 2024 at 4:39 PM
Do you have a pair of Rothy's Mary Janes? I recently got a pair and wore them for the first time walking all over Manhattan all day without socks, not even the hint of a blister.https://fave.co/3XstQjg
They also make a few different pairs of boots that look dressed up but feel like sweatpants for your feet. (slippers for your feet?) They are comfortable!
They also make a few different pairs of boots that look dressed up but feel like sweatpants for your feet. (slippers for your feet?) They are comfortable!
And a commenter also suggests:
cathy91
September 12, 2024 at 4:02 PM
I've loved the Madewell Greta ballet flats I purchased. I felt comfortable enough in them that I took them on a trip and walked all day in them.
Does the perfect wfh sweater exist?
jenco2
September 12, 2024 at 1:17 AM
I’m looking for a couple new favorite sweaters. I still wfh, so I would like one that looks okay on Zoom calls. And another for the weekend that I can throw on when I’m running errands or wrangling my almost 2 year old. Budget preferably under $200 per
In this case, a commenter beat us to it (and we agree)!
crain81
September 12, 2024 at 7:41 AM
I also have a 2 year old and a one year old. I stocked up on Land’s End machine washable cashmere sweaters that don’t send me down an emotional garbage chute every time one of them wipes BBQ sauce/snot/yogurt on them.
Saved
ViewWant to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale.
YesNew! You can now save this product for later.
The Strategistis designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read abouthere. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
