Who is this Karla Deras, and why have we never met? As we hurl ourselves into the holiday season, the designer of the Line by K has churned out some remarkably good dresses at terribly friendly prices. With long sleeves, a modest hemline, and a flattering bias cut, this minimalist satin gown is exactly the sort of thing that will help us soldier through the parade of holiday cocktail parties kicking off any minute now. The open back, complete with a bow, ensures that it has just enough drama to make the evening interesting. ($225, net-a-porter.com)

If air mail had its version of a royal warrant, we would give serious consideration to issuing one for Drake’s. Their timeless but perfectly updated pieces have a relaxed elegance, and, among the gents on staff, they’ve become trusted, dependable favorites. (More than a few have made the navy “classic spot” scarf an official piece of their cold-weather style.) Founded in East London in 1977, Drake’s is revered for its craftsmanship, with soft-shoulder jackets tailored in Italy, shirts cut and sewn in the U.K., and thick, smart sweaters spun in Scotland. For years, they’ve maintained a small shop in London, but this month they’re stepping into a new space on Savile Row, where you can count on them to continue doing what they do best: bring heritage style into the 21st century. Think of them as your secret weapon. (drakes.com)

We’re willing to bet that striped T-shirts are worn more frequently than the stripeless variety. Which means that, in all likelihood, at least one of yours is due for a replacement. This double-faced crewneck pullover from Alex Mill, the basics-centric brand from Alex Drexler (whose father, Mickey, once ran J. Crew) and former J. Crew design head Somsack Sikhounmuong, is the smartest one we’ve seen. It’s thin enough to be layered under cardigans, but not so flimsy that it can’t hold its own with jeans or cords. Dropped shoulders and a single, bias-cut chest pocket ensure that its look is far more memorable than those in its competitive set. ($85, birdbrooklyn.com)

Do not hold off on procuring this season’s snazziest waterproof, snow-crushing footwear until the weather catches you unprepared. Sorel’s new Ainsley Conquest ankle boots are made of leather and fortified with sealed seams, so that not a drop of moisture dares to reach even the outermost thread of your sock. Bonus points for the red laces, shearling trim, and general Wes Anderson vibe. ($200, net-a-porter.com)

Here in Manhattan, November arrived right on schedule. Light trenches are banished to the closet until further notice; down-jacket season has arrived. If you’re anything like us, you can barely stand to look at last year’s version, which was worn with minimum enthusiasm for what seemed like six straight months. But rather than make a four-figure investment in a replacement, do consider this stylish number from JW Anderson’s capsule collection for Uniqlo. (Important reminder: Anderson is also Loewe’s creative director and designer.) Slightly cropped and delightfully color-blocked, it’s right at home in city and country alike. If you’re tempted to buy it in two colors, we’ll never tell. ($140, uniqlo.com)