In our newsletter advice column, “Ask the Strategist,” we answer your most burning shopping questions by surveying friends, calling up experts, and drawing on our own personal experience. But we liked this week’s edition so much we wanted to share it with all of our readers. To get the next edition in your inbox, sign up here.
I am searching for a pair of black winter boots or shoes that don’t look the part, by which I mean: no sheepskin or other thick lining (my feet are always hot), no puffy outer insulation, and not hiking boots or duck style. What I would love is an ankle to mid-calf, low-profile, office-and-date-appropriate boot that is comfortable, water-resistant, and, most importantly, still has super-solid traction for snow, slush, and rain. So a regular fashion boot in sheep’s clothing (or not, as it were).
I live in London, where duck boots are not commonly worn. I have, in fact, always been baffled by their urban ubiquity when there are so many non-duckish winter boots available! Anyway, I have just bought these boots from Camper, which I think are exactly what you’re looking for. They’re mid-calf and leather with a decent tread: easy to stomp through slush, but not dorky-looking for a date. You can choose from brown, black, or burgundy. Plus if you sign up to the Camper mailing list before purchase, you’ll get 10 percent off. — Ailbhe Malone
Comedian Daniel Sloss wears these T-shirts onstage that have a red or black tag — sort of a mini-stripe — on the sleeve. What are they? I must know!
We reached out to Daniel Sloss’s agent, who is also his stylist “in as much as I buy black T-shirts on the high street when he needs them.” She said she didn’t know what brand makes this exact black T-shirt. So we hunted, scrolling through many pages of black tees online. We finally found the T-shirt from Levi’s (that red tab gave it away), but unfortunately it’s totally out of stock. Here’s a newer version if you don’t mind the tab at the bottom of the shirt instead of the sleeve. The overall fit should still be the same. — Liza Corsillo
After my husband asked me how it felt to be the “last person wearing skinny jeans in NYC,” I am searching for a new go-to brand and cut to upgrade my denim wardrobe. I want something I can buy in every wash (white, black, blue, grey), can be dressed up or down, worn with flats and boots and heels, and not look wildly out of date by next season. With the exception of that last criteria, my faithful Rag and Bone skinnies had carried me through for many years, and I don’t want to have to do this again for a while.
First of all, I will defend skinnies for a second: Sometimes, an outfit calls for something that’s tight-fitting! But on to your denim dilemma. For a straight leg, go for Levi’s Wedgies, which are the jeans we’ve written about the most. Re/Done’s High-Rise Loose has an even looser leg. For a flare, Mother’s Hustlers, which were described to me as “a far cry from the skinny jeans I was clinging to as an elder millennial,” will do the trick. And the Rolla’s Sailor Jeans are wide-legged without being bell-bottom-y. — Ambar Pardilla
What are the best headphones to work out with? I’m partial to the around-ears for the gym but then you can’t wear them with sunglasses when running.
I haven’t tested them with sunglasses, but Sony’s WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones are my go-to for workouts and long listening sessions. Their noise cancellation and sound quality are unmatched for the price. If you don’t want over-ears, Jabra’s new Elite 10 earbuds are comfy, have excellent noise cancellation, and are sweat-proof, so they’ll be safe on your runs. —Jordan McMahon
How do I put together a plus-size travel wardrobe? Going to Paris for ten days in December and I need to travel light. I’m not great at getting it all into a single suitcase, and I’d like some suggestions for chic and practical items. The struggle is real.
Universal Standard’s stretchy Kate Jumpsuit will get you far. You can even have a turtleneck underneath. And fellow Strategist writer Tembe Denton-Hurst’s Vince Pleated Pants will pay for themselves using price-per-wear rules, and they feel like “fancy pajamas.” —Ambar Pardilla
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