We came this close to recommending a pair of wear-everywhere black ankle boots this week. Sorry! Given the state of the world, something just a bit more uplifting is in order. And if these slightly slouchy, over-the-knee suede boots from Saint Laurent don’t do the trick, there’s no hope. We like them best with a floaty chiffon dress that ends about two inches above the knee—the pairing makes us feel like Jane Birkin or Marianne Faithfull, instead of the messy 2020 version of ourselves that we’ve been presenting far too often. Empowering, sexy, and impractical in the best possible way … retail therapy at its finest. ($1,595; net-a-porter.com)

These days we’ve been buried in outdoorsy cable-knits and cashmere cardigans, but an indoor sweater that won’t leave you feeling stifled is an enticing proposition. Enter this short-sleeved style from & Other Stories. With a ruffled collar and cuffs, it’s finished with a sweet pointelle knit—charming over Zoom!—and a ribbed hem that keeps it all looking tailored. Consider it an alternative to a blouse (for a dinner party) or a jacket (for the virtual office). Better yet—an easy way to upgrade denim. ($89, stories.com)

It’s about time that Levi’s got in on the brisk business of vintage Levi’s. This week, the brand unveiled its first buyback-and-resale program. Now, simply return your used jeans to a Levi’s store and receive a gift card ranging from $5 to $35. Meanwhile, the pieces will be refurbished and sold at Levi’s SecondHand marketplace. If you’ve been struggling to find a gently distressed jean jacket, well, your time has come. ($30–$297, secondhand.levi.com)

If you find yourself watching the clock, counting down the seconds until 2020 ends, you should, at the very least, do so in style. Ralph Lauren’s recently dropped Polo Watch collection offers the perfect opportunity. Comprising four styles that all feature a painted interpretation of the logo, it draws on their sporty heritage as well as on English haberdashery and collegiate classics. Our favorite, for now, is this graphic style, made of stainless steel that has been lacquered in black. Guaranteed to look just as good on the tennis court as it does at the Polo Bar. ($1,750; ralphlauren.com)