After words of affirmation, gift-giving is my love language. However, I will admit I'm a hard person to shop for. As a person who considers clothes, jewelry, and accessories a means to express myself, I can be very specific. My friends tell me finding gifts for me and other fashion lovers is the hardest. We seem to own every practical piece, have tried all the trends, and are already onto the next. That said, Refinery29 is dedicated to helping readers navigate life in a more informed — and stylish! — way. So I present to you a holiday gift guide for fashion lovers.
Here, you'll find silk loungewear, buzzy handbags, and cashmere staples. And while I know this fashion gift guide cannot satisfy everyone's aesthetic, I hope it'll get you, dear reader, inspired enough to gift (or receive) a few sartorial gems you haven't considered yet. Ahead, find the 18 best gifts for fashion lovers.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
As you wait to ring in the new year, enjoy what remains of 2023 with a sequin embellished baguette bag. The glittery Coach purse wants to tag along to all your holiday parties. While we're planning to leave a few things behind, this bag is coming with us into the new year.
Coach Studio Baguette Bag With Sequins, $, available at Coach
The Contemporary Pearl Necklace
When you think of pearl jewelry, the first person you may think of is your grandma. But this pearl necklace from Kendra Scott is strung for these times. It merges a trendy gold chain with a string of pearls for a piece that is anything but stuffy.
Kendra Scott Ashton Gold Half Chain Necklace In White Pearl, $, available at Kendra Scott
The Luxurious Silk Sleep Set
Because fashion shouldn't be restricted to waking hours, your giftee will adore an elevated pajama set. Eberjey also has released a holiday collection in festive colors and prints.
Eberjey Inez Washable Silk Long PJ Set, $, available at Eberjey
The Cozy Luxe Cashmere Beanie
Keep your head cozy in a soft, lightweight beanie this winter — there are five gorgeous shades to choose from. If you're looking for a full set, Jenni Kayne also has fingerless cashmere gloves and a fashionable shawl.
Jenni Kayne Cashmere Beanie, $, available at Jenni Kayne
The Comfy & Chic Travel Pant
The Alo High-Waist Pursuit Trousers are effortless and breathable. They are the stretchy travel pants that'll take you from the office to the airport. With a seamlessly flat trouser-inspired front, elastic waistband in the back, and relaxed fit, you'll want to jet-set off to your next vacay.
Alo High-Waist Pursuit Trouser, $, available at Alo
The Elevated Wedding Guest Dress
Step up your wedding guest game with a ruched one-shoulder dress in celadon green. Take inspo from the model and add a bit of contrast by cinching your waist with a white or black belt.
The Lululemon Belt Bag broke the internet for its sleek appearance and roominess. Now, the new edition is making a statement with its textured fleece for a cozy aesthetic.
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L Fleece, $, available at Lululemon
The Chicer, Sleeker City Boot
We know that pointed booties are nothing new. But, somehow, this ruby-red pair from Reformation manages to look more refined with its almond-shaped toe and glossy two-tone leather.
Abercrombie & Fitch Sequin Plunge Midi Dress, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
The Timeless Personalized Jewelry Necklace
Everyone should have at least one piece of jewelry that has their name on it, whether it's an engraved signet or a simple chain with a monogram charm strung on. Kinn allows you to customize your necklace, from the chain type, length, and number of letters for an heirloom piece you or a loved one will cherish forever.
Kinn Dear Kaia II Nameplate Necklace, $, available at Kinn
The Must-Have Silk Skirt
Quince is known for its collection of glossy washable silk attire. Gift a loved one a modern midi skirt in basil green that's as stylish as it is comfortable.
Quince Washable Silk Skirt, $, available at Quince
The Shamelessly Trendy Handbag
The fact that this handbag is called "Candy," is a banana-yellow hue, and is from Mansur Gavriel? We must have it. It's an expensive bag, but whatever, it's the holidays. Ask for what you want.
Mansur Gavriel Candy Hobo Bag, $, available at Mansur Gavriel
The High Fashion Coffee Table Book
While you pre-order our talented R29 fashion writer'sLittle Book of Bottega Veneta and wait for its release, explore the in-depth story of the legendary fashion house of Dior. The pretty-in-pink hardcover makes a lovely coffee table to gift to any Dior fan or fashion enthusiast for the holidays.
The Little Book The Little Book of Dior, $, available at Amazon
The Breakfast At Tiffany's Print
There are a number of legendary moments in Breakfast at Tiffany's. One of them is Audrey Hepburn wearing her Givenchy LBD and pearls while window-shopping with a danish in hand. Any true fan of the movie will recognize the iconic moment and adore this chic print.
Skims Knit Off The Shoulder Dress, $, available at Skims
The Starter Statement Ring
When it comes to ring folks, there are two main types: people who go big and chunky and those who do delicate and dainty. A fab in-between ring, however, might actually be able to please both camps. And these colorful ones from Monica Vinader are all-around classics.
Acne Studios Beige & Red Alpaca Check Scarf, $, available at SSENSE
The Fashion Person's Travel Essential
Those who feel naked without their jewelry know that keeping their collection tangle-free while traveling is its own unique stressor. Luckily, Mejuri's jewelry case keeps everything organized and easy to find.
Aerie has unveiled a gift collection of super-soft sleepwear in joyful plaid prints that'll put you in the festive spirit day or night.
Aerie Flannel High Waisted Skater Pajama Boxer, $, available at AE
The Vintage Jacket
The best part about scoring a new piece of clothing that has that worn-in vintage touch? It's a timeless item that you'll consistently find yourself drawn to despite all the new outerwear trends.
Shop
Free People Moxy Trapeze Vegan Jacket, $, available at Free People
The Not Your Dad's Sweater Vest
It's the sweater vest that'll have your dad asking where's his. Luckily, there's a men's version for him too.
Alex Mill Fair Isle Pullover Sweater Vest, $, available at Alex Mill
The Bougie Cashmere Cardigan
We love a cozy cardigan, but imagine a luxe version in lightweight, super-soft knit cashmere. Jenni Kayne offers a slouchy version in 10 additional colors in sizes XXS to 3X.
Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan, $, available at Jenni Kayne
2022's Most Popular Perfume
When it comes to doing "its one job," fragrance brand Phlur nails it. The brand's Missing Person fragrance is one of their best-selling items that is worth to invest in.
Phlur Missing Person Eau de Parfum, $, available at Sephora
The Meaningful Coffee Table Book
Pay homage to the late Virgil Abloh with the first book written about the designer after his passing. It explores his spectacular journey as the men's creative director at Louis Vuitton. Plus, the cover makes it a stylish coffee table book.
Assouline Louis Vuitton: Virgil Abloh, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Never underestimate the style power that a tailored beige wool coat can bring.
Greylin Bryce Brushed Oversized Coat, $, available at Anthropologie
The Exquisite Perfume Sampler
Phlur Discovery Sampler Set, $, available at Sephora
The Everyday Vintage-Inspired Jean
While Madewell offers the next must-have silhouettes the brand is most known for its collection of vintage bottoms. If you have a pair of jeans you've worn for ages replace them with an everyday pair of Madewell's classic bottoms.
Madewell The Perfect Vintage Jean in Ainsworth Wash, $, available at Madewell
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Minor spoilers forLessons in Chemistryahead. In Apple TV+’s Lessons in Chemistry, brilliant scientist Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larsen) turns her love of chemistry into a popular cooking show, Supper at Six. Following a rough start in episode five, the exacting culinary artist finds her recipe for success, teaching her fellow multitasking women how to prepare inventive meals — all while spreading the gospel of science. As she inspires her fanbase to dream bigger than the patriarchy-established societal standards of the early ’60s want them to, Elizabeth wears a cinched-waist lab coat, dazzling with emerald paillette and sequin embellishments (photo above) — a departure from the uniform of plaids she wore at the Hastings Research Institute.
Early on, costume designer Mirren Gordon-Crozier used the fall-favorite pattern to highlight Elizabeth’s status as the lone female lab assistant. Her dark A-line tartan skirts, plaid button-downs, and conservative knitwear connect her to the scientists, less capable men who bark coffee orders at her. Her all-business aesthetic also alienates her from the other women on staff, secretaries who dress in soft pastels with prim details, like scalloped collars and flouncy ribbons.
“I really wanted her to be differentiated from the other secretaries, but also fade away a little bit into [the crowd of] the male scientists,” says Gordon-Crozier. “Plaid is more of a traditionally ‘masculine’ print, also. It’s not like florals or ditsy prints.”
Plus, neither pattern style would resonate with Elizabeth’s regimented and analytic mindset, which prefers her music to be “predictable” and not “cluttered.” (Until her late soulmate and professional partner Dr. Calvin Evans, played by Lewis Pullman, warmed her to jazz, that is.) “Elizabeth Zott would be drawn to plaids, which are very angular, square, and [have] defined angles,” Gordon-Crozier confirms. “It’s a pattern that would sum up her personality.”
After Elizabeth is forced to leave Hastings, plaids take on a different meaning and illustrate the special bond between her and her daughter Mad (Alice Halsey), who’s likewise gifted, headstrong, and sharp. During a grocery store run, Elizabeth, in green-and-red madras pedal pushers, comforts Mad, looking adorable in a glen check wool coat. “Mad’s a little bit of a mini-me to [Elizabeth]… they’re so close,” says Gordon-Crozier. “She really looks up to her mother.” Mad’s Sherlock Holmes-ian mix of prints also feels on-point as the resourceful eight-year-old begins investigating the background of her father, who died before she was born.
At one point, Elizabeth supports herself and Mad by charging her former colleagues for problem-solving and perfecting their lab findings. Her new work uniform features pieces like a masculine-inspired argyle sweater vest, a green buffalo check shirt, and high-waisted pants. “At Hastings, it was a requirement for women to wear skirts… [so] it’s a power move in a way,” says Gordon-Crozier. “The [men] are asking her for help. She can wear whatever she wants. She doesn’t have to dress up for the men anymore.”
For the scene where Elizabeth demolishes the kitchen and rebuilds it into a laboratory, Gordon-Crozier outfitted Larsen in utilitarian jeans. The costume designer meticulously sourced “broken-in and lived-in” jeans from Etsy, eBay, and costume rental houses. “The best thing is getting that unicorn pair of jeans,” she says of mid-century design elements, like front patch pockets, side zippers, and ultra-high waistlines. “I was on the hunt for the most interesting worn-in jeans, hoping for ones with paint, ones with marks of character,” says Gordon-Crozier. “I really thought she would start wearing that kind of workwear garb when she’s doing construction on her kitchen.”
For more intimate scenes, like when Elizabeth imagines having a conversation with the late Calvin while sitting on her kitchen floor, Gordon-Crozier clad Larsen in a collegiate argyle knit (worn over a white short-sleeve shirt), cuffed dark jeans, and sneakers.
“I love vests on her and a lot of the scientists did wear a vest underneath their lab coats,” says Gordon-Crozier, who hunted through the boys section of thrift stores and costume houses for the look. “It does bring interest and texture to a bland white palette. But especially for her, it’s unique and you don’t see a lot of women wearing them [at the time.” Plus, Gordon-Crozier imagined that Larson’s character would shop secondhand (an activity that began gaining in popularity in the mid-’50s), which fits the scientist’s pragmatic values and tight budget. “That was my backstory to her choosing her garb,” says Gordon-Crozier.
After begrudgingly accepting to host a cooking show, Elizabeth struggles in a studio-mandated pink floral dress, featuring a capelet that restricts her hand movements and a frilly Pepto Bismol-hued apron during dress rehearsal. The later gets ditched when Elizabeth points out that “a lab coat has more surface area than an apron.”
As the show goes on, like its wearer, Elizabeth’s trademark apron-alternative undergoes an evolution, leading to the aforementioned bedazzled style, which bookends the series. For inspiration, Gordon-Crozier looked to the all-white haute couture room of the “Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams” exhibit. “It’s so beautiful. All these [test garments] are different shapes and silhouettes, but they’re all in one color palette,” says Gordon-Crozier. “That really gave me the idea to do these couture lab coats for her.”
The varying silhouettes of lab coats boast interchangeable and modular capabilities that even a non-fashion-minded character like Elizabeth would appreciate. For instance, the New Look-esque cinched-waist jacket features removable paillette-embellished collars (with coordinating sequin belts) in green, blue, and black. “We started embroidering her initials to give it more personalization,” says Gordon-Crozier.
In the finale, Elizabeth urges an audience member to follow her ambitions while looking commandingly chic in a longline monogrammed blazer-esque lab coat, with a silk chiffon scarf threaded through the lapels. “That was everyone’s favorite coat,” says Gordon-Crozier, who took inspiration from an early-’60s jacket with a “big grommet” on the collar. “You could tie the scarf, so many different ways as well, or put another color scarf through it. It’s very versatile, so that was the fun of it, too.”
The elaborate experimentation with her previously stark work attire also represents Elizabeth reaching a turning point where she can finally take a breath and revel in her accomplishments. “As a woman who was trying to blend into the background at work, she’s now able to peacock and have fun with it,” says Gordon-Crozier. “She can appreciate fashion within its restrictive form of the lab coats. We just wanted to show that she has a lightness to her as well.”
The result is a feast for the eyes.
Lessons in Chemistry airs on Fridays on Apple TV+.
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'Tis the season to thank everyone on your nice list, and who is nicer than mom? After an exhausting year of checking in on you multiple times a week (maybe even every day?) your mom deserves to end December on a high note — with a luxury gift. Fortunately, luxury gifts for moms don't have to break the bank. Countless styles from brands like Mejuri and Kate Spade are on sale, and we've rounded up everything from practical gifts to tiny indulgences she doesn't need but will absolutely love.
From the latest Dyson Airwrap in different colorways to some of the best K-beauty gift sets, we've rounded up the best luxury gifts for moms. So for once, don't wait until the last minute, and surprise your mom (or the motherly figure in your life) with a present she'll cherish forever. Just don't forget the handwritten card that'll bring her to tears.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Coach Studio Baguette Bag With Sequins, $, available at Coach
Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long (Ceramic Pop)
Introduce your mom to a new colored Dyson set that'll give her free professional blowouts at home. The latest candy-colored Airwrap is sure to bring a smile to her face.
Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long, $, available at Dyson
Kate Spade Pave Emerald Present Studs
What's cuter than a wrapped gift with a bow on top? These gorgeous Kate Spade emerald studs look like mini-wrapped gift boxes. While they're currently sold out at Kate Spade's main store, we've found them on the outlet site for a fraction of the original price.
Kate Spade Pave Emerald Present Studs, $, available at Kate Spade Outlet
Mejuri Duo Ring
Mejuri has amassed a selection of viral rings, such as the Croissant Dôme Ring and Charlotte Bold Ring. We've come to love the brand's latest style: the Duo Ring. For an extra-adorable touch, buy yourself a matching pair for an adorable mom-and-me gift.
Cashmere sweaters are not only luxurious to the touch, but they make the best holiday gifts. Jenni Kayne is home to some of the best heirloom styles, like this new slouchy turtleneck.
Jenni Kayne Cashmere Porter Turtleneck, $, available at Jenni Kayne
Away The Bigger Carry-On In Magenta
Away's new collection is filled with various travel accessories dipped in a radiant magenta. Your travel buddy — aka mom — deserves an upgrade for future vacays.
Away The Bigger Carry-On In Magenta, $, available at Away
Anissa Kermiche The Pearl Next Door 9-Karat Gold, Pearl, Malachite Bracelet
Whether your mom dabbles in pearls or rotates a few accessories, gift her timeless pearl jewelry she'll wear for years. The freshwater pearls, malachite stones, and 14K gold beads make this wrap-around bracelet a stunner.
Anissa Kermiche The Pearl Next Door Bracelet, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Duo Set
Help mom prep her skin for winter with luxurious skin care from Sulwhasoo. The Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Duo set is a limited-edition packaged gift just for the holidays, and it comes with complimentary gift wrapping. It's K-beauty at its finest.
Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Duo Set, $, available at Sulwhasoo
Jil Sander Saffiano-Texture Wallet
Farfetch usually doesn't offer free shipping, but right now, orders over $200 ship free. This chic Saffiano leather Jil Sander wallet makes the cut. The gold-tone plaque and fold-over top resemble a quaint letter — one from the heart, that is.
Jil Sander Saffiano-Texture Wallet, $, available at Farfetch
Burberry Giant Check Print Wool & Silk Scarf
A classic Burberry scarf can do no wrong in any fashion lover's closet. Present your mom with an elegant Burberry wool and silk scarf for a holiday gift that'll really pack a luxurious punch.
Burberry Giant Check Print Wool & Silk Scarf, $, available at Nordstrom
Cozy Earth Cashmere Tassel Throw
Add the missing puzzle piece to your mom's picture-perfect living room with a cozy cashmere throw. Various blankets are included in Cozy Earth's extensive sale, and this one is our favorite.
Cozy Earth Cashmere Tassel Throw, $, available at Cozy Earth
Oscar De La Renta Coralina Charger Plate
Invite Oscar De La Renta to the table with this floral charger plate. The style is inspired by a gown the designer made for a Vogue photo shoot in 2006. There's also a four-piece porcelain dinner set if you want to really gift a showstopper.
Mansur Gavriel's bestselling Candy bag has been released in a bigger size, which is perfect for moms who carry everything around and need a sturdy yet fashionable handbag to hold it all.
