tktkktkt Photo: Christy Bush

If you’re looking for the most powerful hair dryer or the handiest chef’s knife, those things can be easy enough to find. Other objects of desire are a little more taste-based. What’s the next status water bottle or hand wash, for instance? Chris Black (he’s a partner at brand consultancy Public Announcement) is here to help, in the form of a regular column. If you have a burning question about the next fanny pack or Noah rugby shirt, drop us an email with the subject line “Ask Chris” at strategist@nymag.com.

Now that summer is over and it’s time to bundle up, I am looking for a clean pair of sweatpants. Something slightly elevated that can be worn out of the house, neutral enough to go with everything, and ideally less than $300. What do you suggest?

﻿First, we must tackle the most significant issue that comes along with this historically beloved garment. We have all seen it, some of us have even suffered from it: The Dreaded Outline™. Unfortunately, the humble cotton sweatpant can show off, well, more than you’d like to. It happened to Steve McQueen, and it will happen to you if you aren’t careful. I will suggest some chic pairs — but wear them knowing you must do your best to spare your friends, family, and colleagues from seeing more than they would like. Comfort can come with a price!

Dries Van Noten Slim-Fit Loopback Cotton-Jersey Sweatpants $295 Both of the above pairs are great, but this navy pair from Dries Van Noten is probably my favorite in the $300-and-under category. The key is the polished silver zippers on the pockets, which will ensure personal effects stay secure. There’s nothing chic about losing your wallet. $295 at Mr Porter Buy

I recently upgraded to the iPhone 11. It’s a lot larger than my old iPhone, and I’m terrified of a cracked screen. Can you recommend some cases that are sleek enough to fit in Levi’s 501 pockets, but also offer some protection?

﻿I hate phone cases, and have often said that they comprise the aesthetic of the device’s excellent design! But when your phone has three cameras and costs $1,000, you would be a fool not to protect it.

As we head into fall, can you recommend the chicest sneakers for women? I’m looking for pairs to wear while running errands/hanging with friends on the weekends, not for working out.

﻿Instead of boldly attempting to mansplain sneakers, I thought it would make more sense to once again call on my deep bullpen of brilliant and tasteful friends. To answer this query, I went all the way across the pond to tap London-based editor and consultant Emma Hope Allwood — who is currently the head of fashion at Dazed Digital, and a contributor to Strategist U.K. And I must say … she killed it. Emma, take it from here!

Aries x New Balance 991 Sneakers $285 Photo: Courtesy of the retailer A last gasp of dad-shoe mania, this version of the New Balance 991 by London slacker-chic legends Aries comes in winter-blues-busting neon yellow. [Editor’s note: These sneakers will be released on October 25, and you can sign up to “shop first” once they’re available via the link below.] $285 at Aries Buy

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