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Trendy Gifts for Your Most Fashionable Friend

the best holiday gifts for your most fashionable friend
Photo: Brittany Sturrett | Credit: theSkimm
November 1, 2021

Maybe it's your cool Gen Z cousin. Or maybe it's the friend who somehow never seems to wear the same thing twice. If there's someone on your list whose style can only be described as enviable, we're here to help you find ’em a gift they'll adore. We’ve got clothing and accessories for every budget that they’ll wanna wear, carry or clip in ASAP. From timeless to trendy options, these will all make their already robust closet proud.

Want more holiday gifting ideas? Check out The Sleigh List — our guide to the perfect gifts for everyone on your A-list.

Dagne Dover crossbody

A lightweight crossbody bag to make getting from point A to B a breeze… 

Hands-free is the way to be. This crossbody is deceptively roomy and made with ultra lightweight material that can be comfortably worn all day. (Psst...the lining is crafted from recycled plastic bottles.) Dagne Dover has amassed a cult-like following for its durable travel bags. But we have a feeling your giftee will be a fan of the smaller version, too. ($100, Dagne Dover)

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A sweatshirt

A sweatshirt that’s the (ahem) cream of the crop…  

Size inclusive. Woman-owned. Sustainable. Ethically made. There is so much to love about Girlfriend Collective. Including this organic cotton cropped sweatshirt in the most perfect pale shade of purple. (It’s also available in three other gorgeous muted colors.) They’ll love it, you’ll love it. We won’t blame ya if you pick one up as a gift for yourself too. ($78, Girlfriend Collective)

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A sherpa jacket

A sherpa jacket to brighten up even the dreariest winter days… 

Outerwear, but make it an optical illusion. Every fashionable friend lives for a statement coat. And this one, available in five different designs, speaks volumes. Cut oversized and made from fleece, it’s the coziest way to jazz up a colder-weather look. ($99, Urban Outfitters)

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Athleta tights

Buttery soft leggings with juuust the right amount of compression…

Seriously. The fabric is supportive, but not constricting. Like a gentle hug. It’s also breathable, sweat-wicking, and quick-drying. Translation: these tights are perfect for the yogi, runner, gym rat or loungewear enthusiast on your list. Our fave part? The side stash pocket that can hold a phone, keys, mask, and other essentials. Btw, they’ve got lots of other great gifts where these came from. ($98, Athleta)*

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An elevated fanny pack

An elevated fanny pack that holds all the essentials... 

No one could have predicted the return of the fanny pack would be so strong. But here we are, with so many great options. The Lululemon version is great for walks or toting the essentials to workouts — but sleek enough to wear out to brunch after, too. It’s also made from water-repellent material, so their stuff will be safe no matter what the elements (or a spilled mimosa) bring. ($38, Lululemon)

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A pair of cute and comfy sneakers

A pair of cute and comfy sneakers made from renewable materials…

ICYMI, being comfortable is in. These Allbirds sneakers, available for both men and women, serve as proof. They’re also sustainably made — with materials like eucalyptus tree fiber and Brazilian sugarcane. Plus they’re totally breathable (see ya later, sweaty feet) and machine washable. Lightweight enough to hold up on long walks and cute enough to wear with basically anything, these kicks will become their new go-tos. ($98, Allbirds)

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Tie-dye sweatpants

Tie-dye sweatpants they’ll basically want to live in all winter… 

These upcycled Urban Renewal sweats are made with soft cotton fleece that’s been updated by hand — making each pair one of a kind. Whether they’re lounging in ’em, working from home, or running errands, now they have just one more reason to put off wearing jeans until spring. ($49, Urban Outfitters)

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Lunya PJ set

A chic PJ set with major Holly Golightly vibes…

Breakfast at Tiffany’s sold separately. This oversized silk tee and shorts combo is made from luxe, super soft, machine-washable silk that will make ‘em feel very glam. That’s right. Machine-washable. But that’s not all. It’s thermo-regulating, too. So their Zzz’s will be completely sweat-free. Plus it comes in the most flattering hues that sound as good as they look. Think: opulent green, meditative grey, and otium tan. Go ahead, grab a matching set for yourself. We won’t tell. Sweet dreams. ($198, LUNYA)*

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A delicate scarf

A delicate scarf that’s like a hug for your neck… 

Scarves? For the holidays? Groundbreaking. But this one is different: It’s made by Ezcaray, a longstanding brand that works with local artisans. Each of their pieces is made almost entirely by hand. This mohair and merino wool blend scarf is subtle yet statement-making. It’s colorful but somehow neutral, making it a perfect addition to your giftee’s winter wardrobe. ($85, Goodee)

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A sustainably made cashmere sweater

A sustainably made cashmere sweater that’s a timeless staple… 

Who wouldn’t be thrilled to be gifted a classic cashmere sweater? This tried-and-true option from J. Crew checks all the boxes (not least for coming in a handful of different shades of pink alone). Thanks to newer, finer fibers, its cashmere is now even softer than ever. Plus the brand supports sustainable agriculture. Yes and yes, please. ($118, J. Crew) 

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A pair of booties

A pair of booties to wear with just about anything… 

Soludos amassed a large following thanks to its cheeky espadrilles, but these effortlessly chic suede and leather booties are the real MVP. A self-proclaimed “all day foot hug,” they’ve been praised by reviewers for their comfort, and can be worn with casual and dressier looks alike. They also come with a hidden interior zipper to make slipping ‘em on and off a breeze. ($155, Soludos)

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THE nap dress

THE nap dress, a style that’s for so much more than sleeping...  

To the naked eye, this might look like a dress. But it’s not. It’s a movement. The nap dress took over our social media feeds, and fans of the style know that you can’t have just one. The brand has expanded to include tons of different colors and patterns, so there are plenty of options for their first — or second. ($125, Hill House Home)

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A gold bracelet

A gold bracelet that can be worn solo or stacked…  

This stretchy gold Baublebar bracelet has the look of a much pricier piece. Available with three different-sized balls, it works both on its own or paired with others in the collection to build a solid stack. Think of it as the adult version of a friendship bracelet your BFF (or anyone else) will actually want to wear all the time. ($30, Baublebar)

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A mini backpack

A mini backpack that makes a big statement… 

If your giftee’s go-to bags tend to be of the backpack variety, we have a feeling they’ll flip over this one. The small but mighty Herschel bag measures just under a foot high and comes in over 20 colors and designs (all, of course, with the brand’s signature striped lining). What it lacks in size it makes up for in storage and durability, and can be worn either on the back or by its handles. ($54.99, Herschel)

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A pack of mens socks

A pack of mens socks that’ll zhuzh up their outfit… 

In a subtle way. Socks are a no-fail gift for a reason: Everyone wears ’em and needs ’em. This colorful pack comes with four fun designs. Time to put their best foot forward. ($38/4 pack, Amazon)

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Colorful stud earrings

Colorful stud earrings that give serious ROYGBIV energy… 

These half-inch gold-plated studs add a pop of color to any look in the cutest way. The mismatched pair are replicas of the two color models used to produce a larger array of colors (RGB and CYMK). They’d make an ideal gift for the artist in your life, but they’re also just plain cool. ($21.50, Yellow Owl Workshop)

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Handmade barrettes

Handmade barrettes that are more than just eye candy… 

It’s clear to see these will soon become a favorite in your giftee’s hair accessory collection. These handmade hair clips, shaped like eyeglasses, are basically little pieces of artwork. But they’re not all looks. They’re made with an ultra grip to actually keep hair off of their face. So, you know, kind of also assisting with vision. ($15.95+, Grommet)

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The Amazon coat

The Amazon coat that’s perfect for chilly winter days … 

If they haven’t heard about the Amazon coat, which launched to virality in 2018 (and even inspired its own Instagram account), it’s time to introduce them. It’s still very much in fashion and very much available in a range of colors. And with a fleece-lined hood, windproof design, and duck down and feather fill, they’ll be shielded from the elements no matter what the season has in store for them. We’re also fans of its six — yep, six — big pockets. ($159.99+, Amazon)

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A customer-fave pack of masks

A customer-fave pack of masks in classic colors and patterns… 

We’re all going to continue wearing masks for the foreseeable future, so they might as well add to a look. These three-ply, cotton-poplin cloth masks come in colors and designs to suit everyone’s preference. (Not to mention they’re a bargain.) Pop a variety pack in their stocking so they won’t have to sacrifice style for safety. ($12.50, Old Navy)

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*This denotes a sponsored section. 

If you buy anything from this article, theSkimm may get something in return. Oh, and if something’s out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) when we published. Thanks.

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