The best time of the year is upon us once more. For some, that can only mean one thing: bright, festive, and maybe not-so-aesthetically-pleasing sweaters. However, this year, we're saying bye-bye to loud embellishments, Day-Glo colors, and cringe-worthy illustrations and saying hello to bright hues, Fair Isle knits, and just the right amount of sparkle.
This not-entirely-ironic tradition of ugly sweaters has gotten a fashion makeover for the ages — and not a moment too soon. Ahead, shop the best Christmas sweaters that you'll wear into the new year. There's not a single Santa in sight.
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. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
This isn't your grandma's cardigan sweater; it's a modern style from Alex Mill that frequently sells out. The Fair Isle design in navy and thyme green is reminiscent of vintage ski sweaters.
Alex Mill Hilde Fair Isle Cardigan, $, available at Alex Mill
Sleeper Knitted Cardigan in Flame Red
It wouldn't be the holidays without a bit of drama. Sleeper has rows and rows of whimsical knitted cardigans with its signature feather trimmings and faux-pearl buttons. For a coordinated set, the brand has metallic pajama sets that double as a captivating party 'fit.
Pilcro The Alani Sequin Cashmere Mock-Neck Sweater, $, available at Anthropologie
Torrid Pullover Crew Sweater
Christmas tree toppers don't have anything on you in this starburst crew. It's versatile enough to style with sequined or satin midi skirts. For something more casual, try Anthropologie's best-selling Colette pants.
Consider the Shopping team not as Santa's little helpers, but as yours. We're here to make holiday shopping as easy breezy as possible, from unique gift ideas for your hard-to-shop-for friends to surfing the internet for the best luxury presents for moms. Speaking of luxury — since it's the holidays and you might be in the mood to spend a little bit more than $50, we've curated a list of lavish presents that won't blow your end-of-year budget. Behold: luxury gifts under $100.
You'll find a splendid mix of home items like bakeware and martini glasses to ring in the new year along with the best fashion gifts, such as shimmering metallic slip dresses, jade green belt bags, and cozy sherpa-lined slippers. We've also cruised through Sephora's overflowing holiday gift sets and found covetable ones valued at over $500. If it all sounds too good to be true, it's not — click through to see it all. So happy shopping, readers. May your holidays be merry and bright.
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. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Allow your busy-bee bestie to fly through their never-ending schedule with a sleek jade green belt bag. There are two zippered compartments, so they can organize it as they please.
Replace your sister's worn-out cotton button-up with a washable silk one from Quince. The silky blouses are available in a plethora of rainbow hues and offered in sizes extra-small to large, with select colors in sizes 1X-3X.
Quince Washable Stretch Silk Notch Collar Blouse, $, available at Quince
Bombas Men's Sherpa-Lined Slipper Bootie
Allow your dad, boyfriend, brother, or roommate to make their morning coffee without having to walk on the icy-cold floor. These fluffy clouds are toasty warm.
Bombas Men's Sherpa-Lined Gripper Slipper Bootie, $, available at Bombas
Anthropologie Monogram Wrap Journal
If you're searching for a thoughtful gift, present your giftee with a faux leather journal monogrammed with their initial in gold. The leather wrap-around strap has a vintage flair, and all the color combos make it a classy journal they'll love.
Anthropologie Monogram Wrap Journal, $, available at Anthropologie
Cozy Earth Men's Stretch-Knit Bamboo Pajama Pant
While you find the best loungewear for all the gals in your life this holiday, don't forget the guys, too. Cozy Earth has stretchy Bamboo pajama pants that have received over 4.9 stars with 98% rate that people would recommend. Join the crowd, as the comments section is swimming with shoppers who have bought them for husbands, sons, boyfriends, and best friends.
Cozy Earth Men's Bamboo Pajama Pant, $, available at Cozy Earth
Madewell Layton Midi Slip Dress
Dress your giftee in the most dazzling dress. They'll be ringing in the new year with a glossy metallic satin slip dress, and they'll have you to thank. The drapey midi-length silhouette lets the wearer style it as a one-and-done party look or layer it with a cardigan or shawl.
Madewell Layton Midi Slip Dress, $, available at Madewell
Abercrombie & Fitch Men's Quilted Liner Jacket
Bundle up. We've found the best budget-friendly liner. With quilted outerwear easily reaching the $200 mark, we'll gladly take an equally luxe-looking one for less than $100. A&F's style has the perfect amount of roominess for a relaxed, everyday look.
Abercrombie & Fitch Quilted Liner Jacket, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
Free People Cozy Commuter Tote
Fuzzy purses are the ultimate winter handbag; everyone deserves a super soft one. Free People created an extra-large tote that easily fits your giftee's biggest laptop and other work belongings.
Free People Cozy Commuter Tote, $, available at Free People
Mikasa Party 10 oz. Stemless Martini Glasses, Set of 4
Decorate your giftee's sparse bar cart with a set of four stemless martini glasses that are sprinkled with festive gold stars and dots. The first toast is on us!
Mikasa Party 10 oz. Stemless Martini Glasses, Set of 4, $, available at Neiman Marcus
Lancôme Holiday Beauty Box
Give your mother the ultimate gift set with Lancôme's Holiday Beauty Box. The lavish set consists of 10 pieces of makeup and skin care at a value of $588. Who's ready to be mom's favorite?
Lancôme Holiday Beauty Box, $, available at Nordstrom
Shashi Gemini Drop Earrings
Mixed-metal jewelry is no longer a faux pas. Whether you like silver or gold, or you're always confused about which color suits you the best, these double-hooped drop earrings are a sophisticated pair to try.
Shashi Gemini Drop Earrings, $, available at Shopbop
Gisou Honey Glow Icons Gift Set
What better way to treat your bestie — or yourself — to Gisou's best products? The set includes the iconic Honey Infused Hair Oil, viral lip oil, perfume, and more.
Gisou Honey Glow Icons Gift Set, $, available at Gisou
Caraway Circle Pan (Duo Set)
Gift all the bakers in your life Caraway's Circle Pan duo set and watch their eyes light up in delight. The slick ceramic coating makes it easy to clean up and is durable for healthy, nontoxic baking. Plus, the pans come in a variety of gorgeous pigmented hues like slate blue, marigold, sage, and more.
Caraway Circle Pan (Duo Set), $, available at Caraway
Polène AirPods Case
Elevate your fashion-loving bestie's AirPod case with a high-fashion piece crafted from upcycled Polène leather. The quaint luxurious case has the thoughtful details of hand-stitched folds, a half-moon flap, an engraved snap, and a convenient key ring. This might just encourage them to take better care of their AirPods.
Gift your wanderlust friend the one thing they can always have more of. Pouches. Dagne Dover has made it easy with a 3-in-1 Hunter Neoprene Toiletry Bag. The puffy and water-resistant bag is available in an addictive saturated Ube purple and other attractive shades.
Dagne Dover Hunter Neoprene Toiletry Bag, $, available at Dagne Dover
Carhartt WIP Gabe Wool & Cashmere Logo Patch Beanie
For all the trendy gals and guys out there, gift them a wool and cashmere beanie with a street-style touch. The dusty brown makes it a versatile piece they'll gravitate toward on the daily, while the turn-up cuff adds a laid-back appeal.
Carhartt WIP Gabe Wool & Cashmere Logo Patch Beanie, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Bundle
Here's to glorious, restful nights of sleep. Brooklinen has created a luxurious Mulberry Silk bundle to feel like kings and queens year-round. Get a 20% discount on their cooling eye mask and ultra-soft pillowcase set for a limited time.
Personalize the set for each giftee, as you can mix and match with the various prints and colors, so everyone gets a unique set.
Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Bundle, $, available at Brooklinen
Madewell The Mini Bag
Party the night away with a little itty bitty handbag. There are three styles to choose from: an all-black one with a gold chain, this rhinestone embellished kind, and another in the latest silver hue.
Fashionable brooches are the latest trend of 2023, and we're gifting mom, aunt, and grandma a sparkly pink one. The elegant oval shape with a double halo makes it a stunner from even miles away.
Atelier Mon Pink Stone Brooch, $, available at Anthropologie
Jenny Bird Sylvie Anklet
If your roommate has been on the hunt for a subtle statement piece, we've found a beautiful anklet from Jenny Bird. Consider it a modern strand of pearls. There's also a built-in extender for a comfy fit and an easy lobster clasp.
Football fans have February; e-commerce editors have November. And, although our bias is glaring, we'll say it: Superbowl Sunday has nothing on this little late-November holiday known as ThanksgivingBlack Friday. For the R29 Shopping Team, the past month was a whirlwind of arduous deal hunting, discount scouting, and price cut tracking in honor of that extended holiday. But it was oh-so worth it. Why? Because, according to our anonymous shopping data, Refinery29 readers scored amazing holiday gifts, big furniture finds, winter wardrobe staples, coveted beauty buys, and more bestselling products for way way less all November long.
Despite the holiday shopping hysteria and BFCM bum rush, at the end of the day, nothing soothes a shopping writer's soul like a rare sale — especially when plenty of those sales are extended into mid-December. So, if you're like us, scroll on and rejoice. Not only are November's reader bestsellers gift-worthy, tons are still basking in the Black Friday discount limelight. From Hanky Panky panties to beginner-friendly pottery kits, holiday party dresses to puffer totes — the following 29 buys are some must-see scores (or, dare we say, touchdowns).
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 or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Dyson's cordless vacuums come in all kinds of shapes and colors and tend to a plethora of floor-care needs. The bestselling V12 is a reader favorite for quick, ergonomic clean-ups, thanks to its lightweight stature, single-button start, and flexible rotator. Plus, we can't forget about the main attraction: its angled light that illuminates dust so you can vacuum with maximum precision. (Psst, it still has its $150-off Black Friday price tag too!)
Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute Vacuum, $, available at Dyson
Anthropologie Bistro Tile Margot Monogram Mug
In November, we quizzed ourselves on the best gifts for our hard-to-shop-for friends. Based on our anonymous shopping data, when in doubt go the monogrammed mug route — especially when it's embellished with adorable bistro-style tiles.
Anthropologie Bistro Tile Margot Monogram Mug, $, available at Anthropologie
FP Movement Quilted Carryall
At first glance, a quilted puffer pouch doesn't scream "practical." But one closer look at this tote's spacious interior, extra-cushy shoulder strap, and secure top-zip closure, and it's an obvious gift for practical peeps.
FP Movement Quilted Carryall, $, available at Free People
Food52 Over-the-Sink Dish Drying Rack
If your sensible loved one likes their closet under their complete control, introduce them to Food52's undeniably clever over-the-sink drying rack instead.
Food52 Over-the-Sink Dish Drying Rack, $, available at Food52
Hanky Panky Assorted 3-Pack Lace Original Rise Thongs
We spotted Hanky Panky's cult-favorite undies over on super sale this Black Friday — and, as luck would have it, Nordstrom's still dishing out price cuts. Score the comfy 3-piece set for 33% off, just like plenty of readers did in November.
Hanky Panky Assorted 3-Pack Lace Original Rise Thongs, $, available at Nordstrom
Free People Vancouver Mock Neck Sweater
Another Black Friday fan favorite still going for less: Free People's quaint mock neck pullover. It features a relaxed, slouchy fit and soft ribbing that are both perfect for winter.
Free People Vancouver Mock Neck Sweater, $, available at Nordstrom
Rabanne x H&M Lace Bralette
Rabanne and H&M's collab bursts with party dressing inspo. And while we were dazzled at the array of sequin garments upon arrival, readers focused in on this stylish lace bralette — which would look quite nice under an oversized blazer at, you guessed it, a holiday party.
There's nothing like an accommodating crustacean that makes a house feel like home. Make sure to add it to your next Amazon haul — and into a loved one's stocking.
OTOTO Red the Crab Silicone Utensil Rest, $, available at Amazon
Castlery Jonathan Side Chaise Sofa
Our Affiliate Fashion Writer Vivien Lee found her official forever couch in November. Since arriving at her doorstep, not only has the Jonathan Side Chaise Sofa "become the couch of [her] dreams," but it's also become "a piece of furniture that will stay with [her] for years to come." Cart it for yourself and enjoy endless days of stylish, versatile comfort.
Castlery Jonathan Side Chaise Sofa, $, available at Castlery
Helix Sleep Midnight Luxe
The cons? It's a tad bit heavy. The pros? With this hybrid mattress, there are too many to count, according to one R29 editor and thousands of 5-star customer reviews. From relieving back pain to assuaging hip tension and taming restless sleepers all night long, the Midnight Luxe is quite the crowd-pleasing purchase. Score it now for 20% off at Helix's extended Cyber Monday sale with the code CYBER20.
Everlane's sale section never disappoints. Right now, for example, these relaxed jeans are chillin' out on the clearance rack for a measly $55 (aka, 60% off.)
Everlane The Slouch Bootcut Jeans, $, available at Everlane
Le Creuset Mini Round Baking Dish
Luxury isn't exclusively defined by price tags. In fact, you can score plenty of high-end gifts for your loved ones that cash in at *drum roll* under $50. For your favorite home chef who likes the finer things in life, we suggest leaving this mini $32 Le Creuset dish beneath their tree this year.
Cozy Earth The Plush Lounge Sock Set, $, available at Cozy Earth
Intimately Suddenly Fine Maxi Slip
Free People's gorgeous slip is perfect for summer sips, but we also think it looks swanky with the right winter jacket. Whatever the weather, readers carted the chic garment like crazy in November.
Intimately Suddenly Fine Maxi Slip, $, available at Free People
Tracy's Dog Licky Tongue Vibrator
Tongue vibrators are all the rage in this day and age. It's understandable – they provide swift and powerful orgasms with their oral sex-like sensations. If you're intrigued, check out Tracy's Dog aptly named device Licky. It features 10 licking intensities so you can find your perfect speed no problem.
Lulus Black Velvet Blazer Dress, $, available at Lulus
Lululemon Restfeel Slide
Lululemon debuted a fresh new take on holiday attire in November. Rather than subdued colorways for winter, the brand opted for dreamy pastels, rich burgundies, and all kinds of hues inspired by the lunar rainbow. Readers took a liking to the Restfeel Slide that was crafted to soothe your post-workout toes.
Lululemon Restfeel Women's Slide, $, available at Lululemon
Fly By Jing Triple Threat Sauce Trio
Looking to make your favorite foodie's taste buds tingle? Slide them this spicy sauce set from Fly By Jing (that just happens to be on sale for 25% off).
Fly By Jing Triple Threat Sauce Trio, $, available at Fly by Jing
Perfame Elixer No. 18
Or, if you'd rather cater to their sense of smell, look to Perfame. On its site you'll find a wide selection of luxury-inspired scents that go on sale for $49 on the regular. Make sure to cart Elixir No. 18 for any and all Le Labo lovers.
For our UK Affiliate Writer Esther Newman, this beginner-friendly pottery kit is one of the best gifts she's ever received. It comes with 4.4 pounds of premium air-dry clay, a step-by-step pottery guide, some clay sculpting tools, a bottle of paint, and more.
Simple Trending Simple Trending 3-Tier Metal Rolling Storage Cart, $, available at Amazon
Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage With Spinners
A durable and versatile luggage set that can survive even the roughest of baggage claims. One Amazon on-site reviewer explains, "it held a lot of clothing and shoes with packing cubes and shoe bags, the wheels made it extremely easy to wheel through the airport."
Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinners, $, available at Amazon
EMBthreadz Cornelia Street Embroidered Sweatshirt
You may have heard of this small underground artist known as Taylor Swift — well, there is plenty of creative merch inspired by her lyrics (and perfect for gifting) floating around the web. This adorable embroidered sweatshirt designed after one of the singer's popular songs, for example, is guaranteed to put a smile on the face of any Gen-Z Swiftie in your life.
EMBthreadz Cornelia Street Embroidered Sweatshirt, $, available at Etsy
Oura Oura Ring
Introducing one of tech's most stylish and discreet accessories: The Oura Ring. Tons of readers carted the wellness band — it tracks your sleep, steps, heart rate, and more — for its luxe appeal and specs in November.
One does not spot a soothing duck blob lamp in Amazon's inventory and not put it into a round-up. We scouted this mood-boosting gadget last month and were delighted to watch it make its way into Refinery29 readers' carts aplenty.
DuoMuo Retro Vinyl Player Holder & Record Coasters, $, available at Amazon
Svakom High-Frequency Personal Massager Wand
Amazon reviewers deem this wand the "queen of vibes." Blame it on its two motors, 10-speed simulator, or two detachable heads, but we think she's deserving of her crown.
Svakom High-Frequency Personal Massager Wand, $, available at Amazon
DKNY Be Delicious Orchard St.
DKNY's fruity fall scent made our Senior Writer Karina Hoshikawa swoon in October — so much so that she made it her November MVP. "I was obsessed with DKNY's iconic apple-shaped Be Delicious scents in high school," our Senior Writer Karina Hoshikawa writes. "I was gifted the newest version of the scent, Be Delicious Orchard St. (The name is a clever nod to a popular street in Manhattan's Lower East Side.) I'm already planning on repurchasing a smaller bottle to keep in my bag since it's my current fall scent; it's subtly fruity but with a hint of cedar — a decidedly grown-up (but still hip) version of my beloved teenage signature perfume."
