Take it from me, someone who’s notoriously hard to shop for: buying a gift for people who love fashion is not easy. For starters, fashion people have very specific taste — like really specific. (Ask someone in fashion to describe their style, and you’ll get a hodgepodge of references, all of which involve designers so niche that anyone outside of the industry will likely be hearing of them for the first time.) Unless they show you their desired item in person or send you a link to buy it online, it’s highly likely that you’ll end up ordering the wrong thing, even if the only difference is that one was the product of a fall ‘20 collection, and the other was from spring ‘21.
And yet, despite their pickiness, we love them, and they deserve a little something special during the holidays too, especially after a year like 2020. Luckily, there are some gifts that all of your fashionable friends will love. For example, a pair of loafers, AKA the only shoe style you’re going to see on Instagram until the first snowfall; a satin, printed scarf to be worn as a face mask, a head wrap, or, if your fashion friend doubles as a member of Gen Z, a top; and anything that’s tie-dye. A Connell Waldron-inspired chain will also do, as will a pearl necklace à la Harry Styles and Marc Jacobs. Of course, even with the 22 tried-and-true fashion gifts ahead, it’s best to be prepared for the worst — in other words, don’t forget to include a gift receipt.
Click on for fashion gifts to give your most stylish friend(s) this holiday season, all of which were chosen by one of their own.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Rosie Assoulin x Papier Rainbow Tulip, $, available at Papier
Comme Si Boxer Shorts
These just-launched white boxers from luxury sock brand Comme Si are a must for lockdown during the holidays.
Comme Si La Boxer Classica, $, available at Comme Si
This year, fashion is all about dressing to feel good. And in a pretty coral cable-knit sweater, who wouldn’t?
Banana Republic Factory Chunky Marl Mock-Neck Sweater, $, available at Banana Republic Factory
G. H. Bass Loafers
Just wait, your BFF (best fashion friend) will be styling these under-$150 loafers with a pair of statement socks and some cropped wool trousers.
G. H. Bass Women’s Multicolor Loafers, $, available at Amazon
Baggu Reusable Tote Bag
So they can look cool, be eco-friendly, and have a nice day this holiday season.
Baggu Standard Reusable Tote Bag, $, available at Urban Outfitters
KES Plaid Face Mask
For every sale of this plaid face mask, KES, an NYC-based indie label, will donate one face mask to a healthcare professional. Plus, it’s Camila Mendes-approved.
KES Sustainable Washable Face Mask, $, available at KES
ASOS Curve Faux Leather Dress
So they don’t have to worry about finding the perfect holiday dress to wear throughout the party season ahead — even if said parties will only exist on Zoom.
ASOS CURVE Curve Leather Look Square Neck Midi Dress, $, available at ASOS
Sleeper Pajama Set
This is the pajama version of the slouchy suits that were all over catwalks in New York and Milan. ‘Nuff said.
Sleeper “Sizeless” Pajama Set with Pants in Concrete, $, available at Sleeper
Aimé Leon Dore Keychain
For the fashion girl who pairs a sweatsuit with New Balance kicks and a baseball cap for a Saturday afternoon.
Aimé Leon Dore ALD Leather Key Fob, $, available at Aimé Leon Dore
New Balance 990 V5 Sneakers
“Worn by supermodels in London and dads in Ohio.”
New Balance Grey Made In US 990 v5 Sneakers, $, available at SSENSE
Prada Catwalk: The Complete Collections
Given that this holiday season likely won’t involve travel plans or a jam-packed party season, your fashion friend will be desperately seeking something to fill their time, which is why this 632-page book of Prada collections from 1998 to 2019 is exactly what they need.
Thames and Hudson Ltd Prada Catwalk: The Complete Collections, $, available at Amazon
Mejuri Gold Chain
Connell Waldron called. He wants you to wear a chain just like his.
Mejuri Baby Box Chain Necklace, $, available at Mejuri
J.W. Pei Handbag
This bag might look like a million bucks, but it’ll only cost you $49.
JW PEI Carly Saddle Bag – Brown Croc, $, available at JW PEI
Daily Paper Bike Shorts
Give them a little something to look forward to spring in.
Daily Paper Black Rebike Shorts, $, available at Daily Paper
COS Dickey
It’s like a sweater, but without the bulk.
COS High Neck Wool-Cotton Hybrid Collar, $, available at COS
Pêche Platform Loafers
Your BFF never has to know that these Gucci-esque platform loafers cost you less than $100.
Pêche Ako Loafers, $, available at Pêche
Zara Sweater Set
This three-piece knit set isn’t only perfect for quarantine, it’s also Katie-Holmes-approved.
Zara Limited Edition Wool Blend Knit Top, $, available at Zara
Zara Limited Edition Wool Blend Knit Shorts, $, available at Zara
Ganni Knit Beret
Winter beanies were so 2019. Introducing: the cold-weather beret.
Ganni Cotton Knit Beret, $, available at Ganni
Pyer Moss Face Mask
For your fashion friend that hasn’t stopped talking about the spring ’20 Pyer Moss show in over a year.
Pyer Moss Face Mask (Pack of 3), $, available at Pyer Moss
Eloquii Turtleneck Shrug
Whether it’s a turtleneck or a shrug, your fashion friend is going to love this knit hybrid.
Eloquii Turtleneck Puff Sleeve Sweater, $, available at Eloquii
Sandy Liang Socks
These tube socks are the ultimate combination of sporty and feminine.
Sandy Liang Sport Socks in Black, $, available at Sandy Liang
Birkenstock Boston Clog
You might not know that Birkenstock’s iconic Boston Clogs are back in vogue, but your fashion friend does, and that’s all that really matters.
Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed, $, available at Birkenstock
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