What to Buy Your Most Stylish Friend for the Holidays, Courtesy of a Fashion Editor

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Nothing is more intimidating than buying a gift for your most fashionable friend. You know, that friend. The one who sets the trends, rather than following them. The one who shows up to happy hour looking impossibly chic and effortlessly cool, while the rest of your group schleps in wearing wrinkled workwear. The one who always gets stopped on the street by strangers asking, “Excuse me, but where’d you get that?”

While even the bravest amongst us might shy away from buying such a friend anything remotely related to fashion, you shouldn’t. After all, you’ve got me (and all my years of experience as a fashion writer and editor)! If you’re looking for holiday gift ideas for your style-savvy sidekick, I’m here to help. I scoured the Internet for design-minded, fashion-forward pieces that’ll have your friend thinking of you as their most fashionable pal—so keep scrolling to shop my 26 editor-approved picks.

For the one who’s always misplacing their sunglasses…

Get your trendsetting pal a colorful pair they’ll never lose track of, like this sky-blue, retro-inspired wraparound frame ($120) from AKILA Eyewear (although anything from the brand’s versatile, eco-friendly offering will delight even the most discerning giftee). Buy any pair (made with biodegradable, renewable, plant-based cellulose acetate—a natural bioplastic made from the fibers of cotton or wood pulp), and AKILA will plant a tree for each one sold in partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects.

For the one who’s still working remotely...

Whether it’s a sleek brass pedestal that serves as an eyewear stand ($58) or a stunning puzzle ($98) that doubles as a paperweight, Craighill makes tools and curios meant to delight their sensibilities. If your style-savvy friend’s working from home, dress up their deskscape with some of these well-designed yet highly functional goods—including a beautiful, precision-machined brass pen ($98) that was manufactured in limited quantities for use in US embassies around the globe.

For the one who’s back in the office…

This uber-stylish take on the traditional lunchbox ($149) is the perfect place for them to stash their desk lunch. While its faux croc exterior (made from premium vegan leather) screams chic, its insulated interior is purely functional—and even washable and wipeable (you know, in case their salad dressing ever spills.)

For the one who meditates daily...

Beaded jewelry is having a moment—a by-product of the popularity of all things DIY during last year’s lockdown. Jump on the bandwagon with MaeMarie Wraps, which are strung with tiny, rare European glass beads and designed to offer a message of personal intention. When the wearer wraps the beads around their wrist, neck, ankle, or fingers, they’re supposed to set an intention for their desires—with the jewelry acting as a reminder throughout the day. Although the collection includes dozens of hues—like bright yellow to energize and gray beads for endurance—this multicolored version ($48) utilizes leftover beads and allows them to create their own interpretation. For 20% off, use code TQE20 now through 12/31/21.

For the one who commutes to work (and everywhere else) on a bike...

Bike helmets are, by nature, painfully ugly necessities. But after losing a friend to a fatal bike accident, founder Gloria Hwang devoted herself to developing good-looking helmets people would actually want to wear—naming it Thousand with the goal of helping to save 1,000 lives. Built with all the features needed for protection and performance—like a magnetic taillight and integrated MIPs technology as an extra safeguard against concussions and traumatic brain injuries—the brand’s elevated headgear is changing the game. But it’s the minimalist, vintage-inspired designs that will sell you. Look no further than the Chapter Helmet ($135) outfitted with an interchangeable visor, so chic cyclists can enjoy a new look every time. 

For the one who loves to throw dinner parties... 

Make sure your host entertains in style with this pair of stunning servers ($175), made with sturdy Korean birch that’s been carved and whittled down by hand. Founded by former Goop staffer Diana Ryu, Namu Home Goods curates an array of gallery-quality heirloom woodwork from Korea. Each collectors-worthy piece is designed to celebrate the wood’s natural beauty, possessing a refined elegance that absolutely anyone with an eye for style would appreciate.

For the preppy parent...

It’s not easy to make fleece look fashionable, but Dudley Stephens has made a name for itself with its fleece turtlenecks ($158) in tons of weights, textures, and colors. While the female-founded brand flaunts a range of polished pieces, it’s best known for these soft yet structured turtlenecks, which are classic, convenient, and easy to clean (a.k.a. perfect for busy moms who want to look put-together without worrying about food spills or wrinkled fabrics). Even better, Dudley Stephens is committed to sustainability, having repurposed over 4 million plastic bottles to make its recycled fleece.

For the one who’s one of a kind...

Nothing says “I put serious thought into this” like a bespoke gift. Enter: Hart’s custom charm jewelry (price varies). Although the boutique jewelry studio is based in Charleston, South Carolina, the team ships to anywhere in the U.S., as well as select international countries. The ecommerce site’s highly innovative drag-and-drop feature allows you to custom-design a 14K-gold-plated necklace or bracelet with ease, arranging letters, numbers, symbols, and zodiac signs as you see fit. The result is a meaningful, unique gift your bestie will love. (Even if they don’t, Hart is one of the rare custom jewelry studios that offers alterations—for $25, ship the piece back to them to rearrange charm placement, change the chain length, and more.)

For the one who needs a break from high heels...

Injected with air to make you feel like you’re walking on clouds, Freedom Moses’s double-strap slides might be the world’s most comfortable sandals. They come in just about every print and color imaginable—although my vote is for this goes-with-everything, tie-dye pair ($65) from the brand’s collab with designer Jonathan Simkhai. Supportive and stylish, these slip-ons are made from 100% vegan PCU material, which can be recycled at the appropriate facilities once it’s time to bid farewell.

For the one who likes a low heel...

M.Gemi’s square-toe ballet flats ($248) with a twist will do the trick. This modern style is built with a hidden wedge for a bit of a lift, so you get the look of a flat with all the comfort and support of a wedge. Plus, the shoes flex in half, making them easy to wear and pack. M.Gemi hand-crafts all of its footwear in artisanal Italian factories, working with luxurious materials (like premium calf leather) to create high-quality shoes.

For the one who makes hosting Hanukkah look like a breeze...

Via Maris makes stunning Jewish objects, such as slip-cast stoneware seder plates and handmade-in-Israel mezuzah scrolls, with a clean, contemporary approach—perfect for the design-focused home of your Jewish friend. This steel chanukiah ($155) is part of the brand’s range of meaningful, modern Judaica—reinterpreting the nine-branched candelabrum that’s an important part of observing tradition during the festival of Hanukkah. 

For the one who needs a little prayer right now...

Founded by a music exec, SAINT’s modern prayer candles evoke a sense of comfort and spirituality. Each of its beautifully packaged votives is named after a different saint—like the special-edition Saint Jude candle ($75), a rose and sandalwood-scented tribute to the patron of impossible causes. In addition to coming with a prayer, the candle wax includes holy oil that’s been blessed by both a priest and rabbi, as well as an embedded Italian prayer coin that reveals itself once the candle has burned down.

For the one who needs to upgrade their hair tie...

Scrunchies are back for good, no matter what Carrie Bradshaw has to say about it! Room Shop hand-makes supersized scrunchies ($25) in lustrous satin or slightly shimmery organza—as well as face masks, headscarves, and other colorful accessories—that have blown up on Instagram over the past two years. The brand’s covetable, collect-’em-all colors range from peacock blue to chartreuse—so there’s definitely something for everyone. (Hint: Cute scrunchies make the perfect stocking stuffers.) 

For the one who can make sweats look good...

Yes, you can give your most fashionable friend a hoodie. No, it can’t just be any hoodie. The key to gifting a timeless basic is to get one that’s made exceptionally well or reimagined in a unique, hard-to-find color. Brought to us by film-producer-turned-designer Myles Price, this classic style crafted from the highest-quality cotton checks both boxes. Knitted in the brand’s custom Supima Blended fabric, this soft, luxurious hoodie ($245) is one of the most sumptuous things your friend will own and comes in a range of excellent colors (although, for the reason mentioned above, I’m partial to Sedona).

For the one who’s all about supporting indie businesses...

Launched during the pandemic, Simone the Label is the brainchild of entrepreneur and designer Sydney Simone. The socially conscious brand offers a well-edited collection of jewelry, ranging from delicate numbers to statement-making pieces. (The stackable, stocking-stuffer-perfect Cuban Huggie ($39) is a little of both!) Supporting Simone the Label means you’re also championing a Black-woman-owned small business—which your giftee might appreciate as much as the gift itself. 

For the one whose favorite brand is Prada…

Built with thoughtful details like protective feet, a removable second strap, and an interior zip pocket, Italic’s structured satchel ($195) is made by the same manufacturer that works with Prada and Miu Miu, but sold for a fraction of the price that these fashion houses would charge. As purveyors of luxury unbranded products, Italic’s unique business model gives you unparalleled value—so you’re paying 50-80% less for the exact same quality offered by traditional high-end labels.

For the one who wants to look cute on the course...

Founded by two avid golfers with backgrounds in fashion retail and design, Byrdie Golf Social Wear makes golf attire that’s cute enough to go from course to cocktails. With contrasting gingham and floral prints, the brand’s chic, one-piece suit ($215) transitions from sporty to stylish with just a few accessory swaps.

For the one who makes a killer sangria...

Mociun may be better known for its fine jewelry, but the brand also curates an assortment of excellent home goods from emerging indie designers—like this playful pitcher ($215) by New York City-based Sophie Lou Jacobsen. Made from pink borosilicate glass with a wavy amber handle, this fully functional carafe is the easiest way to add style to your favorite fashionmonger’s living space. 

For the one who just got their third ear piercing...

Crafted with ethically sourced diamonds, these dainty studs ($300) are my favorite pick from diamond disruptors Verlas (more on them here!). The brand is fully committed to transparency—so much so that it offers a breakdown of the cost it takes to produce every single piece ($180 for these earrings, after accounting for raw materials, labor, and warehousing and duties), as well as what other design houses might charge ($1,562 in this case!).

For the one who never misses a Pilates class...

You might recognize MARYSIA from its scallop-edged swimwear—which was the suit to own when the label launched in 2009 (and still is!). For the first time ever, the brand is making activewear as part of its new Sport Clean line, featuring 100% recycled fabrics and its signature scallop details. Make sure your friend sweats in style in the Serena Top ($162) and Billy Jean Shorts ($162)—which infuse sporty silhouettes with MARYSIA’s feminine appeal. 

For the one who always has the best hiking fits...

Every hiking wardrobe needs an exercise dress, which, in case you missed it, is the latest activewear must-have. Eco-friendly Girlfriend Collective’s compressive, curve-contouring version ($88) comes with a built-in unitard, medium-support bra, and pockets. Better yet, it’s made from 79% recycled plastic bottles, and when your pal’s ready for a new look, it’s recyclable through the brand’s ReGirlfriend program.

For the one who can fall asleep anywhere... 

During the pandemic, Hill House Home’s Nap Dress®—a stylish house dress with elastic smocking, ruffled shoulders, and a tiered A-line midi skirt, so named because it’s comfortable enough to snooze in—became a viral Internet sensation. Now the brand’s released an all-new holiday collection, including its trademark style in festive fabrics and prints. Get them this burgundy velvet number ($175) that transitions seamlessly from cocktail soiree to sleeping in bed.

For the one who tosses and turns at night...

There’s nothing more indulgent than gifting a pair of luxurious pajamas, meaning everything from Lunya’s sleepwear line makes for a good present. I highly recommend the brand’s top best-seller—a machine-washable, thermoregulating set ($178) that helps its wearer maintain a comfy body temp while sleeping and comes in nine need-them-all colors.

For the one who loves the outdoors...

The U.S. is home to hundreds of breathtaking national parks, but if you’re a fashionista in the market for tourist gear from said parks, you’d be hard-pressed to find something you’d want to wear. Parks Project’s retro-inspired apparel—like this vintage-washed, garment-dyed tee ($46) that helps support the Yellowstone Forever Cougar Project—has injected our parklands with some serious cool factor. A portion of every purchase on the site is dedicated to a different conservation project or initiative; so far, the brand’s contributed over $2 million to promote, protect, and preserve public lands, all while keeping us stylishly outfitted. 

For the one whose style icon is Grace Kelly…

Manner Market has perfected the art of making silk scarves, using high-quality fabric from a small supplier based in China and hemming threads sourced from Japan. The versatile 25-by-25-inch square offers endless styling opportunities: tied around a ponytail, fastened under the chin as a headscarf, knotted around the neck, or wrapped around a purse handle. In a striped black-and-white pattern, this timeless style ($55) reminds us of something Grace Kelly (a.k.a. every fashionista’s classic style icon) would have worn in the ‘50s.

For the one whose style icon is Chrissy Teigen...

First she fed us. Now she’s dressing us. Made for sleeping, lounging, and cooking in, Chrissy Teigen’s full-length silk robe ($248) channels the star’s glam style with its dramatic flared sleeves and rich jewel-tone colors. Plus, it’s crafted from 100% mulberry silk—which resists wrinkles! 

Ready to wow your fashion-obsessed friend this holiday season? Get to shopping now (and thank us later)!