The holidays are right around the corner and who better to ask about the best way to shop and what to score than Eva Chen. We caught up with Chen, the editor-in-chief of Lucky mag (a.k.a. The Shopping Bible) at the opening of the new Coach store on Fifth Avenue in NYC. Here are her tips for holiday dressing and shopping.

Q: What’s a holiday outfit that’s easy but chic?

A: If you don’t feel like getting too festive, you should wear an elevated version of what you’re comfortable with. So, if your favorite thing to wear is leather leggings and a big sweater, make it leather leggings, a big sweater and a pair of great heels. A red lip or fun nail is always an easy way dress up your look.

Q: What’s your ideal gift to give this season?

A: I think a timeless bag never goes out of style. My favorite bag is the Coach Legacy Duffle. It’s the perfect bag. It’s shaped like a bucket. My mom had one and I stole it from her — I love my mom’s vintage Coach bags. They age so well. You can also get any of the bags at Coach monogramed for free.

Coach Legacy Duffle Bag, $398.

Q: What are the IT colors this winter?

A: My three favorite colors right now are forest green, aubergine, and pale pink. I think secretly I’m an elf from Lord of the Rings. I love forest green so much. Aubergine is dark reddish purple-y kind of color — it’s not quite oxblood of last season. And then a pale ballerina pink is great now, too. I love mixing the dark and moody with a softer, feminine shade.

Q: What’s your shopping philosophy?

A: I’m about mixing high and low; it’s about finding the best from every brand — whether it’s vintage, on eBay or in an actual store. It’s every tier, high and low, because that’s how I shop.

Eva in black and white faux fur Asos coat | Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Q: What’s the must-have accessory right now?           

A: The best accessory is a small aubergine clutch or pouch. One that has a convertible strap is ideal.

Coach Legacy Hasp Clutch in Haircalf, $268.

Q: What’s the one style rule every woman should break?

A: Winter whites. I hate it when people say you can’t wear white after Labor Day. Who wrote that rule? White looks so chic and fresh during the winter. Also, you should break the rule about thinking that there is a rule. Rules in general are made to be broken.