I live in New York, where my ideal weekend looks like scouring the streets of SoHo for sales or combing through one of Brooklyn’s many flea markets for the perfect retro jacket. And I’ll admit, shopping for myself is sometimes a bit too easy. But when it comes to gifting, I often find myself stumped.
How do I find a piece that signals I’m up to date with the trends they’re watching but won’t land in their new year’s closet cleanout? This year, I asked the experts for help – stylists, fashion writers and content creators. They shared 27 of the best women’s clothing, shoes and accessories to gift this holiday season. Most of their recommendations are items that they have personally owned for years and have lasted through trends and regular wear. They also shared tips on how to style these pieces in an outfit. (And yes, I want to raid all of their closets.)
From a viral, gen Z-approved chunky knit sweater to a timeless pair of gold hoop earrings, our list features gift ideas for both the friend who’s building their capsule wardrobe and the sister who shows up to every family gathering in full glam.
Fair warning: these recommendations may tempt you to purchase an extra for your own closet.
All prices current at the time of publication.
Gifts to get bundled up in
Damson Madder hooded scarf
Last Christmas, I asked for one of the Damson Madder knitted hood scarves, and it’s been the perfect staple as an anti-umbrella commuter. They’re practical and effortlessly chic. Reni Balogun, @renibalogun, fashion content creator
Clòimh mohair-wool beanie hat
As one of the newest items in my wardrobe, this has already gotten considerable cost per wear, and best of all, it’s made and hand-finished with 100% natural materials, including 59% mohair blended with wool. I love how chunky the yarn is and the variety of colors. Andrea Cheong, @andreacheong_, author of Why Don’t I Have Anything To Wear? and fashion creator
Aritzia cashmere triangle scarf
When in doubt, give the gift of comfort. This chic scarf from Aritzia is a crowd-pleaser. It comes in a dozen colors, is made from 100% cashmere and can be worn as a scarf, around the waist or pinned into a makeshift skirt worn over pants. Trust. Lauren Caruso, @laurencaruso__, freelance copywriter and brand consultant
Apparis faux mink collar
This warm and fluffy faux-mink collar feels like the real deal. I like to layer it atop a full-length pea coat or longline leather jacket for a little visual interest. It makes every winter outfit feel that much more Upper East Side, if that’s what you’re going for. Lauren Caruso, @laurencaruso__, freelance copywriter and brand consultant
Gifts for those on the go
Undo hairware No 4 claw clip
My No 4 clip, designed with a high-tension spring to keep the clip in place and made from polished resin, is still just as strong as when I first got it (which I cannot say for other trendy claw clips). To me, that justifies the price, and I can confidently say if something ever happened to mine, I would rebuy it in a heartbeat. Justeen, @justeen.irl, content creator
Hyer Goods zip wallet
I have been using the Hyer Goods zip wallet (made from leftover luxury leather) as my everyday wallet for over three years now. I even purchased one for my mom after she pointed out how much she liked mine. Lindsey Rempalski, @lindseyrem, content creator
Veronica Box loafers
These loafers can last over 10,000 steps a day and have left me blister-free. I love wearing these Mary Janes all year round, especially with fun socks and skirts. I’ve worn them for years and still love them. Kate Glavan, @KateGlavan, content creator
Either/Or Mary Jane shoes
I have them in black and red, and have even taken them both to the cobbler to add a thin rubber sole because of how much wear they’ve gotten over the years. They’re sleek, comfortable, chic and go with literally everything in my closet. Justeen, @justeen.irl, content creator
Arcs London Little Hey bag
When it comes to accessories, I love nothing more than a practical but cool-looking bag, and the new Arcs AW25 collection has exactly that – featuring adjustable drawstrings that allow you to compress the bag and an interior zipper pocket. The large Hey bag is my most-used one, and this season I think I’m going to add the little Hey bag. Sarah Harding, @sarahhardingstyle, fashion content creator
Cozy and chic gifts
Front General Store mohair socks
I’m a regular at Front General Store, a shop in my neighborhood in Brooklyn, and they have the best sock selection. This mohair pair would be so cute peeking out of a loafer, and warm socks are always an amazing gift in my book. Alyssa Coscarelli, @alyssainthecity, content creator and consultant
J Crew Rollneck sweater
Maybe you have seen these sweaters all over your social media, and I am here to tell you that their hype is real. I have two and I can’t wear them enough. It fits perfectly oversized and will be something you can wear in most places [for] most of the year. Lauren Owens, @laurenowens, fashion content creator
Commbi clogs
I wear my Commbi clogs everywhere, and the suede material makes them look so elevated that, even though I feel like I am wearing the most comfortable slippers, I don’t look like I am. Lauren Owens, @laurenowens, fashion content creator
Tasman Ugg Slippers
I adore my Tasman Uggs. They are the perfect autumn-winter shoe staple for coffee catchups with the girls or cozy market days. Reni Balogun, @renibalogun, fashion content creator
Kosa Jersey knit nightdress
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I wear this knit nightdress as a nightgown, but I think it could work perfectly well as an everyday dress too. It’s sewn by a brilliant independent artist in Oakland, California, but the real miracle is the fabric. Get this: the cotton is undyed. That cotton is just naturally green or brown. Avery Trufelman, creator of Articles of Interest podcast and newsletter
Reformation cashmere boyfriend sweater
Three years ago I started investing in 100% wool sweaters and I never looked back. They are more breathable and hold their shape better than polyester blends. I have tested out a lot of knitwear but always come back to Reformation’s. The cashmere sweaters are so thick and buttery, and the boyfriend sweater is one that I can always count on to feel and look good in. Lindsey Rempalski, @lindseyrem, fashion and lifestyle content creator
Gift these capsule wardrobe staples
Le Bon Shoppe dress socks
The perfect elevated dress sock. They come in a wide variety of colors, and the ribbed texture feels so luxurious. I gifted them to my sister and myself last year for Christmas. I like to wear the bright red ones as a pop of color with my everyday black loafers. Lindsey Rempalski, @lindseyrem, fashion and lifestyle content creator
Leset white T-shirt
My favorite white T-shirt is slightly cropped and boxy. It goes with everything and the quality has held up after many washes. Jacqueline Chiu, @jacquelineyschiu, consultant and stylist
Commesi tube socks
These socks are not too thick or thin and never slide down. I love wearing them with loafers and sneakers alike. Jacqueline Chiu, @jacquelineyschiu, consultant and stylist
Alpha Industries bomber jacket
The hardest-working pieces in my wardrobe are always jackets, and in particular I love a bomber jacket. They’re versatile and go with pretty much anything, and give a thrown-on cool vibe to an outfit. Sarah Harding, @sarahhardingstyle, fashion content creator
Monica Vinader hoop earrings
When I want to elevate a look without much effort, these Monica Vinader Tapered Small Hoop Earrings, made from recycled gold, are my go-to. Elizabeth Joy, @consciousstyle, fashion content creator and owner of Conscious Fashion Collective
Sézane Serena high heels
If, like me, you’re constantly looking for a smart shoe that’s able to elevate a work-from-home outfit, these leather burgundy heels have been doing the job. They’re comfortable enough to walk in and are a solid option for that price point. Andrea Cheong, @andreacheong_, author of Why Don’t I Have Anything To Wear? and fashion creator
Statement piece gifts
Ersa Fibers colorful top
I love supporting small businesses and think the print is so cute and eye-catching. I appreciate that the sleeve length and top length can both be customized. Sam Millholand, @snittybipkins, style and lifestyle content creator
Peachy Den midi skirt
This skirt has become a staple in my wardrobe because the silhouette is so flattering. Long skirts can be intimidating to style, but I find this one never fails because of the flowy design. Kate Glavan, @KateGlavan, content creator
Nettle Studios linen top
I love how classic yet fun this top is (the curvy hem is my favorite part). It looks good unbuttoned over a T-shirt as well as buttoned up and worn under a sweater. Sam Milholland, @snittybipkins, style and lifestyle content creator
Kujten triangle scarf
As someone who has been adding scarves to outfits all year round, it feels worth it to invest in something that is pure comfort (made with 100% cashmere) but also incredibly stylish (stunning color selection). I know several people with them, and I’m very into neck scarves, regularly including them in my outfit formulas. Lauren Owens, @laurenowens, fashion content creator
Mosquito tapia comb
A chic hairpin like this 1920s-inspired comb makes for the perfect small gift. It’s made to order from recycled cellulose acetate. Lauren Caruso, @laurencaruso__, freelance copywriter and brand consultant
Giddy Up Goods dress
I purchased a dress from this brand a few years ago and still constantly wear it! The made-to-order quality is so nice, and you’ll get tons of compliments while wearing it. Sam Milholland, @snittybipkins, style and lifestyle content creator
