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Home / Shopping
Shopping

What to Get the Most Fashionable Person on Your List

By Tina Chadha and Dobrina Zhekova on October 05, 2020

Chic gift ideas for the discerning fashionista.

© From left; Courtesy Shopbop; Courtesy Dior

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Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

Keeping track of trends, new collections, and limited-edition fashion collaborations is no easy feat these days. But we all have that one stylish friend on our holiday list who lives and breathes fashion. Understandably, it can be a little intimidating shopping for someone who looks flawless all the time and who we even sometimes take fashion cues from. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible to surprise and delight them, though.

Related: 17 Cardigans to Live In This Fall and Winter

So first thing’s first: start with the basics—whether you are shopping for a man or a woman, you could never go wrong with a gift such as a new pair of sunglasses or a beautiful coffee table book.

Then, let’s talk accessories: Who wouldn’t want to walk around carrying the latest it-bag or sporting a trendy pair of footwear? Whether it’s for the perfect street style look or a piece to match their favorite outfit, gifting your trendy friends a statement accessory is guaranteed to make them happy (and to want to show it off immediately).

Related: How Today's Tastemakers Are Channeling Style—Even During Quarantine

Beauty is also an important category. It may seem like there are no trends in skincare and makeup, but that’s actually not true. New designer fragrances and seasonal wellness or skin care products are always a hit with the fashion crowd.

So without further ado, here are the perfect gift ideas for every fashionable person on your holiday list.

 
Courtesy Mode Operandi

Deborah Pagani 18-Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Pill Link Bracelet

Bold links are one of the key trends this season. Deborah Pagni’s bracelet is an elegant and elevated take on the linked jewelry look, featuring 18-karat yellow gold and diamond baguettes. 

To buy: $10,000, modaoperandi.com

Courtesy Revolve

Dr. Barbara Sturm The Edit

Treat dry winter skin to a refresh with Dr. Barbara Sturm’s high-performance skin care kit for the season. The Edit contains three essentials: Hyaluronic Serum (for instant hydration), Night Serum (to boost skin’s nightly renewal process), and anti-aging Face Cream (to keep skin firm and fresh). Bonus: the trio comes in a chic red velvet pouch.

To buy: $450, revolve.com

Courtesy Live The Process

Live the Process Belted Rib Pant

Activewear is our everyday wear and Live the Process creates elevated, American-made workout clothes that go beyond classically cool yoga pants. The fitness or wellness buff in your life will feel strong yet feminine in these soft ankle-grazing pants. 

To buy: $268, livetheprocess.com 

Courtesy Moda Operandi

Spinelli Kilcollin ‘Nexus’ Set of Five Rings

You can’t go wrong with Spinelli Kilcollin’s lust-worthy rings. The innovative design allows wearers to stack the set on one finger or wear across several. The ‘Nexus’ features bands in polished 18-karat gold, classic silver, and moody rhodium-plated silver encrusted with white diamonds.
To buy: $8,000, modaoperandi.com 

Courtesy Aviteur

Aviteur Carry-On or Cristallo Weekend Bag 

Short trips are sanity savers, especially now. Help your most fashionable loved one escape in style with ultra-chic carry-on luggage from Aviteur. We are obsessed with the brand’s carry-on trolley, handcrafted by master artisans to look like woven wicker. Other incredible details include: “silent wheels” and an elegant, transparent handle carved out of a solid block of Lucite. Aviteur also just released the Cristallo Weekend Bag, a lightweight overnight bag with two zip compartments for your laptop, clothing, and accessories. The slightly larger Maxi Weekend Bag fits a few days worth of clothing, while still gliding into the overhead compartment.

To buy: Carry-On ($5,344); Cristallo Weekend Bag ($2,300); Maxi Weekend Bag ($2,700), aviteur.com 

Courtesy Shopbop

Brock Collection Ladies Woven Shirt Reserve

Yes, holiday celebrations are scaled back this year, but every fashionista still needs at least one dazzling number for Zoom parties or to feel festive with family. The Brock Collection’s feminine blouse—with a sweetheart neckline, ribbon trim, and showstopping jewel tone—is the just the right amount of fancy.

To buy: $1,320, shopbop.com

Courtesy Sephora

Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette

We might be wearing masks and covering our pouts for the near future, but that doesn’t mean our eyes can’t sparkle. Charlotte Tilbury’s limited-edition palette features four dazzling sparkly shades (from feminine pink champagne to seductive midnight) to create that festive look for socially distanced holiday parties or a Zoom hang with friends.

To buy: $53, sephora.com

Courtesy Minted

Minted Puzzle Birthday Bouquet I by Cyrille Gulassa

Put the phone down and enjoy a little creativity with the family, or as a moment of zen, zone out alone with a gorgeous puzzle. Minted just launched a series of art puzzles on luxurious matte paper—they’re so pretty you won't mind leaving them out on the table for all to enjoy.

To buy: $42, minted.com 

Courtesy Far Fetch

Bottega Veneta Cassette Padded Intrecciato Shoulder Bag

Just about anything that designer Daniel Lee creates instantly makes fashionistas’ must-have lists—especially his bags. This update of Bottega Veneta’s signature intrecciato weave—two strips of leather braided together—is crafted from plush suede giving it a soft, huggable effect. 

To buy: $2,700, farfetch.com 

Courtesy Matches Fashion

Simone Bodmer Turner Bridge Handled Vessel

Delight the design lover in your life with buzzy, Brooklyn-based ceramicist Simone Bodmer Tuners’ sinuous ceramic form. The collector’s item—whether filled with dried flowers or perched solo on a mantle or table—elevates any home.

To buy: $1,195, matchesfashion.com 

Courtesy Bloomingdales

Oribe Gold Lust

During the holidays, brands create festive packaging for their gift assortments, but Oribe’s really outdone themselves this season with a stunning collaboration with Native American artist Rowan Harrison of Two Tribes Pottery. On sustainable packaging, Harrison hand drew traditional indigenous motifs representing the beauty of the natural world. Inside the keepsakes, you’ll find the brand’s best sellers like the indulgent liter-sized bottles of Gold Lust Repair and Restore shampoo and conditioner. 

To buy: $295, bloomingdales.com 

Courtesy Net-A-Porter

Bottega Veneta Square-Frame Tortoiseshell Acetate Sunglasses

The hard lines of square-frame sunglasses are fitting for our times. Bottega Veneta’s statement sunnies are crafted from tortoiseshell acetate and feature gold-tone hardware and dark-brown lenses.

To buy: $440, netaporter.com 

Courtesy Net-A-Porter

Loewe Flamenco Ondas Leather Clutch

Have you seen a more interesting bag? The fashion-forward lady on your list will cherish designer Jonathan Anderson’s new sculptural take on his wildy popular Flamenco clutch. The bag (or work of art) features elegant pleats crafted from luxurious leather, inspired by waves. Poetic.

To buy: $3,600, netaporter.com 

Courtesy Nordstrom

Khaite Jo Stretch Cashmere Polo Sweater

She can take a break from her go-to chunky knit sweaters this season and rotate in a preppy polo knit. Sweaters with collars are having a major fashion moment and Khaite’s version, made from stretch cashmere has sold out in several colors already. Act fast, this cool style won’t last long and is the perfect update for her mostly at-home wardrobe.

To buy: $720, nordstrom.com 

Courtesy Net-A-Porter

La Perla Silk Satin Pajama Set

These pajamas are elegance and comfort wrapped up in one little box. La Perla’s gorgeous pajamas are cut from luxurious silk satin and feature a full-sleeve shirt and relaxed elasticated waist. But the true beauty is the glitzy gold color which feels ready for the red carpet even while lounging on the couch at home.

To buy: $440, netaporter.com 

Courtesy Matches Fashion

Jil Sanders Napoleon Pleated Leather Trousers

Oh là là, talk about sexy trousers. Leather pants are one of the key investment pieces this year and, well, always. This striking mid-rise pair features a flattering, eye-catching belt with a silver buckle and polished front pleats. Worn with a cashmere sweater, it’ll be her new winter uniform.

To buy: $4,250, matchesfashion.com

Courtesy Balmain

Balmain Bicolor Jacquard 1945 Baguette Bag

Balmain has revived a cult item this season—the “baguette” bag. The brand’s ultra chic version comes in black and white jacquard with gold-hued accents. Not only is this purse super stylish but it also does triple duty as a shoulder, crossbody, and a clutch bag.

To buy: $3,600, balmain.com

Courtesy Amazon

Dior Hats: From Christian Dior to Stephen Jones

Hats were an essential element of every Christian Dior collection and have become the quintessential symbol of French haute couture. This new tome, published by Rizzoli, pays homage to Dior’s excellence of savoir-faire and documents 70 years of millinery excellence and creative passion. The book also features an exclusive series of images and texts by Stephen Jones, the hand behind the house’s hats since 1996.

To buy: $51, amazon.com

Courtesy Saks Fifth Avenue

Bottega Veneta Padded Intrecciato Clutch

Another season, another It-bag by Bottega Veneta. The Italian house’s fringe-trimmed suede clutch is the statement accessory every fashionista needs in her closet (and her Instagram feed).

To buy: $4,500, saksfifthavenue.com

Courtesy Saks Fifth Avenue

Maison Francis Kurkdjian L’Homme à la Rose

Rose fragrances are usually created for women, but Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s newest creation proves that men, too, can pull off a rose-scented fragrance. It features Damask Rose from Bulgaria and Centifolia Rose along with woody, amber base notes, and a grapefruit accord.

To buy: $275, saksfifthavenue.com

Courtesy Saks Fifth Avenue

Bao Bao Issey Miyake Lucent Matte Tote

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Issey Miyake’s Bao Bao bag so it’s the perfect time to gift a loved one this architecture-inspired bag that has become the go-to accessory of design aficionados. The tote is made from triangular resin pieces and mesh fabric and has an adjustable top handle.

To buy: $595, saksfifthavenue.com 

Courtesy Royal Mansour

Goyard Bag Inspired by Marrakech

The American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property the Royal Mansour partnered with Goyard earlier this year for a collaboration that united both brands’ shared passion for travel and craftsmanship. The luxury French leather goods maker created a unisex bag, the Arabesque, exclusively for the iconic Moroccan hotel. The design is inspired by the wrought-iron Moorish latticework found in Royal Mansour’s spa. The green shade is a symbolic color in Morocco, representing love, joy, wisdom, and hope.

To buy: $4,678, By phone at 212 529 80 80 80 or at the on-property boutique

Courtesy Etnia Barcelona

Etnia Barcelona Yosemite Sun Sunglasses

When it comes to quality and unique eyewear, Etnia Barcelona is without equal. The idea behind the company has always been to create colorful sunglasses that stand out on the market. For that reason, the brand even creates its own unique hues. So this pair of sunglasses with hexagonal-shaped lenses will definitely please the fashion-forward person in your life who appreciates authenticity. The unisex style, made in Barcelona, is fitted with lenses in dark dusty pink hue that oozes a romantic boho vibe.

To buy:  $185, etniabarcelona.com

Courtesy Neiman Marcus

Nick Fouquet Scarlett Beaver Felt Fedora Hat w/ Feather Trim

Celebrity-favorite hatter Nick Fouquet creates his bespoke creations from his studio in Venice, California, using sustainably sourced beaver felt. And this cool fedora, called “Scarlett,” is no exception. It has a decidedly edgy yet stylish silhouette and features a couple of rustic accents—a  wheatgrass band and a turkey feather trim.

To buy: $1,275, neimanmarcus.com

Courtesy Ssense

Burberry Beige Check Regis Sneakers

Formal shoes, what formal shoes? Sneakers have now become du jour regardless of the occasion we are dressing up for. And this pair of Burberry kicks is the perfect combination of sporty and high fashion. They have a cool casual silhouette that includes chunky white rubber soles and a matching Velcro strap, but Burberry’s iconic check pattern in beige, black, and red puts their luxury origins on show.

To buy: $605, ssense.com

Courtesy Neiman Marcus

Etro Stained Glass Print Silk Scarf

What better way to freshen up an outfit than wrapping a vibrant silk scarf around the neck? The bold print for this Etro scarf was inspired by stained glass and will surely add a pop of color to a loved one’s outfits. And with so many ways to style it—tied on a handbag or draped around the collar—it’s a true multitasker.

To buy: $490, neimanmarcus.com

Courtesy YSL

Saint Laurent Rive Droite Zai Skis

The sports fan in your life who doesn’t compromise on style on the ski slopes will be all over these sleek Saint Laurent skis. The French house teamed up with luxury Swiss ski brand Zai on this pair of Swiss-manufactured wood ski and matching poles that will make your loved one the chicest skier in Aspen this winter.

To buy: $11,605, ysl.com

Courtesy Chanel

Chanel Hairclip

To paraphrase a very famous designer: fashion fades, Chanel is eternal. When it comes to holiday gifts—or any occasion gifts, really—for the fashion-conscious individual, Chanel is always a good idea. This beautiful hair clip features calfskin leather, glass pearls, and crystals set in strass gold. The brand’s iconic logo also makes a cameo.

To buy: $725, chanel.com

Courtesy Moda Operandi

Khaite Scarlet Cashmere Cardigan

This elegant (and best-selling) cardigan has Katie Holmes’s stamp of approval. The actress famously paired it with a matching cashmere bralette that had everyone talking. The cardigan has such a timeless silhouette and comes in three colors that can be styled with anything.

To buy: $1,540, modaoperandi.com

Courtesy Moda Operandi

Gilan Cintemani 18-Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Earrings

Gilan’s super chic gold earrings were inspired by an ancient Ottoman motif that symbolizes power. In addition to their unique shape, they are also set with white diamonds for an extra dose of sparkle.

To buy: $10,100, modaoperandi.com

Courtesy Shopbop

Aliette Les Salines Hoodie and Sweatpants

We may be hunkered down at home but that doesn’t mean we can’t look chic. This bold Aliette lounge set is for the fashionista who never compromises on good looks. Both pieces are made from cozy fleece and come in an eye-catching allover marbled print.

To buy: $295, shopbop.com/hoodie; $225, shobop.com/sweatpants

Courtesy Shopbop

Twin Fantasy Patterned Turtleneck and Leggings

This workout set will make anyone look forward to going to the gym. The abstract print on both the leggings and the turtleneck makes for maximum (fashion) impact.

To buy: $355, shopbop.com (turtleneck); $375, shopbop.com (leggings)

Courtesy Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana Sheath Dress with Leopard-Look Sequin Embellishment 

This fun Dolce & Gabbana dress has “holiday party” written all over it. All of the intricate sequin work and additional embellishments were made entirely by hand in Italy which really makes this stunner a piece of art.

To buy: $11,500, dolceandgabbana.com

Courtesy Hermes

Hermès Arceau Petite Lune Watch

This elegant watch is one of the finalists for the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève 2020. And it’s easy to see why. The stylish 38mm case is set with 70 brilliant-cut diamonds while the dial features a moon-phase display at 10:30 o'clock and a date display at 6 o’clock. The timepiece is fitted with a bold alligator strap.

To buy: $13,450, hermes.com

Courtesy Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton LV Volt Small Pendant in Yellow Gold and Diamond

This chic pendant is part of Louis Vuitton’s newest unisex LV Volt collection. It is crafted from yellow gold and features a small V set with a diamond that is integrated within a larger L.

To buy: $2,910, louisvuitton.com

Courtesy Prada

Prada Monolith Patent Leather Booties

Prada’s utilitarian take on the classic Chelsea boot is the perfect addition to the shoe closet of any trendy city dweller this winter. It is crafted from patent leather and sports a chunky tread rubber sole.

To buy: $920, prada.com

Courtesy Dior

Dior Book Tote

Say hello to your new carryall. Dior’s Book Tote was crafted in Italy from embroidered black cotton and has the company’s signature on the front. 

To buy: $3,400, dior.com

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