It’s officially my favorite time of the year: gifting season. Nothing is better than sitting in cozy flannel pajamas, with Mariah Carey whistling holiday tunes in the background, as you jot down all the stylish items your loved ones (or, let’s be real, you) would want to see tucked under the Christmas tree.
As anyone who’s done it knows, coming up with gift ideas for the fashionistas in your life is no easy task. New TikTok-approved “-cores” seemingly go viral every time you refresh your FYPs, fashion weeks are relentless, and celebs cosign new thousand-dollar items every outing. How is anyone expected to keep up with the trend cycle?
That’s why we at Bustle took on the arduous, gargantuan task of whittling down the chicest goods to add to your list. From a Hailey Bieber-approved top to a polarizing jean silhouette, with a few closet staples sprinkled in, all 20 choices on this list are guaranteed to elevate anyone’s wardrobe. Even your Swiftie friend has a spot on this chart.
Ahead, you’ll find 20 fashion items to shop for your favorite stylish people. Play Santa to them or to you and embody main character energy in the coming year.
1. A Quiet Luxury Poncho
Capes, ponchos, and other shawl-type outerwear have been a burgeoning trend in the coat space since Sydney Sweeney donned a Chloè capelet in August of last year. Elegant and so on trend, the flowy topper is the perfect gift for quiet luxury enthusiasts. This particular style from Rag & Bone is reversible, featuring one solid-colored side (beige) and one plaid. There are several ways to style the cowl detail too, so it’s practically multiple gifts in one. Girl math.
2. A Gold Watch Ring
Who else is obsessed with wearing timepieces anywhere but the wrist? Rihanna, for example, has worn one on her ankle, while Taylor Swift rocked one around her neck. The easiest way to try the trend, however, is with a watch ring. It’s perfect for fans of a chunkier finger accessory or those who want to add new dimension to their stack. (It’s also my favorite accessory on men. Even Nick Jonas leaned into the look and collaborated with Fossil on sold-out styles.)
3. A Closet Staple
Tommy Hilfiger makes it easy to find the perfect holiday gift. This cable knit sweater is a wardrobe staple they’ll wear for years to come. Crafted from 100% cotton, this crewneck silhouette is designed with a classic, vintage-inspired fit.
4. A Classic Slingback
Everyone needs a slingback in their shoe rotation. The ’90s staple, which has experienced a recent revival, is the perfect cocktail of sultry and sophisticated. If you’re brave (and your feet are Superman-level invulnerable), consider high-heeled slingbacks and power strut into work or a dinner party with confidence. If you’re a little more blister-averse, consider a dainty kitten heel. I’m personally obsessed with this pair in sheer leopard print. The heel may be teeny, but the vibes are strong.
5. The Trendy Jean
If you’ve spent all this time sidestepping the barrel jean trend, it’s time to rip off the Band-Aid and embrace the style, because it’s not going away anytime soon. Thankfully, the curved silhouette actually looks good on anyone. If you (or your giftee) are a fan of the popular loose-leg jeans, consider a pair that’s ultra-baggy, like the above style from Levi’s, to make the silhouette change a bit easier.
6. For The Swiftie
Much like Swift herself, the Swiftie in your life has probably transitioned to a whole new Showgirl era since her latest album drop, rocking burlesque-inspired opulence (feathers, crystal embroideries, and spicy underwear included) or painting their wardrobes orange, the album’s motif.
For a more utilitarian and unexpected take on the orange trend, consider this organza sport top, which can easily be layered over what Swifties likely already have in their closet… until the next album rolls along. It’s the life of a showgirl, babe.
7. A Brand-Spankin’-New Tote
Some people prefer a refresh on notebooks, pens, journals, and other productivity tools when the New Year approaches. I suggest something much, much chicer: a new work tote. Tory Burch’s new Romy line is my current fixation, and I’m not alone. Michelle Williams, Emma Roberts, and Jodie Turner-Smith are also fans of the roomy carryall. I can practically guarantee that whoever you gift this to will love you forever.
8. A Dress Fit For A Royal
Ever since Meghan Markle rolled up to Paris Fashion Week in two Balenciaga satin numbers with a built-in reverse scarf/cape, I couldn’t stop thinking about how elegant she looked. So when I saw this dress from Reiss, which featured a similar scarf-slash-cape detail, it jumped to the top of my wish list. Wear it à la Markle, with the scarf pulled down your décolletage and slung over your shoulders, or rock it the way A-listers have been rocking the Old Hollywood-inspired reverse scarf trend. Or gift it to someone who’s royals-obsessed.
9. A Fun Necktie
Neckties used to be my go-to choice for men I didn’t know how to shop for. Now, they are some of the no-brainer purchases for me and my fashion-forward girlies. Thanks to the rise of CEO-core and sleek suiting, neckties have become the accessory du jour to spruce up and polish corporate-adjacent looks. Consider one with unexpected textures (like leather) or playful prints (like paisley) for it to really pop. Wear it with your fave crisp button-down and suit for a power look at work and beyond.
10. A Statement Knee-High Boot
Have a shoe lover in your life? They’ve probably already amassed a collection of knee-high boots. The one thing that may be missing from their spread, however, is a pair with embroidered florals — and that’s a glaring gap. Help them out with this pair from Larroudé’s collaboration with Markarian.
11. A Luxe Faux Fur Coat
Yes, the mob wife aesthetic is still going strong. So for the friend who thinks her life is an episode of The Sopranos, consider a fur coat that looks so luxe, you wouldn’t be able to tell it’s faux.
12. A Dog Lover’s Treat
Dog lovers enjoy nothing more than sporting their affinity for canines whenever possible. (It’s why brands like Marc Jacobs are leaning into trends that allow bespoke product customizations, such as painting pet portraits.) One piece that dog parents everywhere will love is this pink sweater vest from Ganni, printed with who is clearly the goodest dog of all the land.
13. A Must-Shop Collab
Old Navy recently collaborated with design behemoth Anna Sui for a collection infused with her signature design sensibilities (think: vintage-inspired, eclectic pieces with a ’90s flair). And it’s one of the collabs of the year you shouldn’t miss. Though the options are endless, you can’t go wrong with a midi skirt with a lace trim.
14. A Versatile Scarf
Scarves have recently emerged as the fashion equivalent of Swiss knives. They’re so versatile, they can be worn as headpieces, neck accents, and — it girls’ newest favorite way to wear them — as belts. Faves such as Elsa Hosk, Lola Tung, and Jennifer Lawrence have rocked printed ones around their waists. Now you get to encourage your loved ones to play and get creative with styling with one simple square of fabric.
15. A Chloè-esque Dress
The Chloè-fication of fashion is upon us. Free-spirited, feminine styles, including ruffles, tiered layers, and light-as-air billowy dresses, are trending again. To lean into the trend minus the designer price tag, consider this dress from ASOS, which fits the aesthetic beautifully.
16. The Coziest Loungewear
Style girls curate all facets of their wardrobe, loungewear included. So if your friend has got her going-out clothes covered, consider gifting her a pair of ultra-cozy sweatpants instead. This wide-leg pair from Vuori might just make her want to stay in more or rock athleisure in the wild. That’s what great sweats can do.
17. A Failsafe Party Dress
Is your calendar already brimming with holiday parties? If so, let me help with the guesswork of planning what to wear — at least to a couple of them. Consider this fit-and-flare floral knockout from Alice + Olivia. It’s an easy silhouette crafted in a luxe jacquard for easy sophistication.
18. Luxe PJs
True fashion lovers know style doesn’t sleep. So, if you have a fashionista in your life, consider gifting them some really nice pajamas. A matching set in a sophisticated neutral and luxe fabric is the elevated sister of kids’ printed PJs. Nothing screams luxury quite like coordinated sleepwear.
19. A ’90s Rom-Com Classic
The ’90s are so back, particularly the silk button-down that outfitted many a rom-com protagonist. Some fans of the revival include Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Elsa Hosk. And if they’re wearing the look, best believe it’s only going to shoot in popularity in the coming months. So get ahead of the style curve and snag one now.
20. A Statement Accessory
We all have that one friend whose accessory game is strong and envy-inducing. Pairing jewelry together is a skill only visionaries nail. Help them level up their jewelry game even more with a statement cuff. You can’t go wrong with a gold or silver piece with a bit of texture. They can wear it as is, stack it with other wrist arm candy, or cuff it over long-sleeved sweaters for a hint of bling.
