This holiday season, we’ve found the gifts that feel great to get and even better to give. Shop Well-Received, our collection of editor-approved holiday gift guides,hereand shop this gift guide on Pinteresthere.
Gone are the days when secondhand meant second-best. Climate-conscious shoppers are embracing circular fashion, luxury resale has become a favorite among trendsetters, and secondhand clothes and accessories have transformed into both acceptable and highly desirable gifts. This holiday season, more and more people are maximizing their gift budgets with pre-loved treasures.
Thanks to thrift stores and resale platforms like Depop, The RealReal, and eBay, you can score designer handbags and shoes, quality winter accessories, and cult pieces from beloved brands — all for a fraction of the retail price. Gifting someone a secondhand item may take a little extra effort — like knowing their style preferences and clothing or shoe size — but it’s a meaningful way to show you care about both them and the environment. “There’s a real romance in gifting something that has lived a previous life,” vintage seller Erin Murphy tells Refinery29. “With secondhand gifts, you’re gifting the story of the piece with someone who means something to you.”
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.
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All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
At this point you can assume every trend from the 2000s will have its day in the sun — but even amid this ongoing revival, the east-west bag showed its potential for much longer staying power this year. Pun intended.
Last year, Hermès smartly capitalized on this shift by rereleasing its trendsetting east-west Birkin for spring/summer 2024. A slew of horizontal styles followed, from Alaïa’s Le Teckel to Khaite’s Simona to Bottega Veneta’s Andiamo riff on the silhouette.
As a result, luxury resale destinations have seen a significant uptick in interest for pre-loved originals. On eBay, UK searches for the silhouette have increased by 150% this year. In its annual resale report, released earlier this month, Fashionphile reports that searches for Chanel east-west bags increased by 333%, while sales of Louis Vuitton east-west bags went up by 142% this past year.
“The bag appeals to consumers looking for a piece that transitions easily between casual and formal settings,” Landyn Tedrick, Fashionphile’s site merchandising specialist, tells Refinery29. “This versatility, along with its sleek and minimalist aesthetic, has made it a favorite among our younger consumers.” (Tedrick identifies Fendi’s Baguette as “the east-west bag’s biggest competitor within the luxury resale market” as “both bags offer sleek, compact designs perfect for transitioning between day and night, and both have experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to the revival of early 2000s fashion and celebrity endorsements.”)
The east-west silhouette is a happy medium between two dueling styles: the micro mini and the more-is-more shoulder bag (think: Jacquemus’ micro Le Chiquito and Balenciaga’s maximalist Cagole). Over on #handbagtiktok, savvy creators like @re.tyche and @celesta have praised its versatility.
The trend isn’t going anywhere in the new year. For spring/summer 2025, Jil Sander brought out embellished versions, while Louis Vuitton offered a strappy, vintage-inspired iteration. The endorsement of It Girls like Charli XCX, Kendall Jenner and Ayo Edebiri doesn’t hurt, either.
If you’re shopping for your first east-west, we’d point you to The Row’s Abby and Savette’s Symmetry Pochette, which serve quiet luxury realness with their minimalist detailing. Magda Butrym’s Brigitte Trapeze packs a subtle statement with its floral embellishments, while the bamboo top handle on Jil Sander’s Goji is a structural dream. @Celesta’s favorite east-west bags are her Dior Lady D-Joy and two Freja New York styles: the Caroline and the Chrystie.
From the silhouette’s easy styling to its various price points, the east-west bag makes a major case for becoming your next wardrobe staple — if it isn’t already.
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You can’t talk about holiday party style without talking about sequins. Packed with the glitz and glamour that reflect the essence of the season, there’s nothing quite like bathing yourself in all things sparkly when you want to get in a celebratory mood. Nowadays, sequins aren’t just for special occasions — they’re shoppable in practically every category, from swishy dresses and skirts to dazzling jeans, sweaters and even baseball caps to fulfill all your main-character desires.
Whether you prefer a more minimalist daytime approach to sequins, like pairing a bedazzled bodysuit with an oversized suit, or plan to go full Glinda with matching heels and accessories, scroll on to see how five Refinery29 editors are styling them from day to night this holiday season.
Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer
I love midi skirts because they’re so easy to dress up or down — the kind of piece I could wear all day by packing a different top in my bag for an evening swap. Though this sequin number naturally lends itself to nighttime outfits, it also pairs well with oversized T-shirts and trainers for the day. I’d wear this to a gig, festival or on a regular Tuesday when I want to add a touch of glam.
For night I’d let the skirt be the star by pairing it with a black crop top and boots for a work holiday party, a New Year’s gathering, a date night or a fancy bar. Also, sequins are timeless so I can see this lasting throughout the years. Plus, the chocolate brown shade is unique compared to the standard black sequinned dresses we see everywhere this time of year.
Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer
As a 5ft 2in gal, I’ve always struggled to find the perfect sequin maxi skirt of my mermaid fishtail dreams — they’re always way too long and trailing on the floor (and because of the sequins, difficult to hem). So I’ll settle for a mid-calf-length. Fortunately, I’ve found this nude Abercrombie & Fitch style, which comes in petite sizing. (There’s a tall alternative, too.)
I’m a maximalist at heart so this light, neutral tone is a little out of my comfort zone. But the sequins give it dimension and shine, so I don’t feel washed out. I love how it gleams gold in some lights and is more peachy-pink in others. For the daytime, I’ve leaned into darker tones to let the skirt take centre stage. (This cherry-black knit from Finisterre actually has tiny flecks of multicoloured yarn woven into it, so it lends itself really well to a lighter item.) I then added my trusty biker boots and my latest eBay conquest: a secondhand Mulberry bag.
For night, my inspiration was sugar fairy, Barbie mermaid princess, but in a 1950s starlet kind of way. There’s nothing more glamorous to me than sequins and faux fur so I added an old Topshop jacket, plus some more shine with a pink cami, metallic Mary Janes and a beaded bag to complete the vibe.
Ebony-Renee Baker, Fashion Editor
In my humble opinion, sequins should be worn year-round. Why should we wait until the holiday season to shine like the diamonds we are?! I’ve owned sequinned dresses, skirts and suits but never a bodysuit, so I’m loving the versatility of this Ba&sh one. For a daytime office look, I went for a ‘90s power-suit vibe, pairing my sequins with oversized separates and Air Maxes for comfort.
To transform the bodysuit for a nighttime look, I switched out the trousers for equally sparkly jeans, skinny heeled boots and a faux fur coat for warmth (and a different flavour of glamour). That said, you don’t have to do much to dress up sequins — I’d also pair this with a black midi skirt or wide-leg trousers for a holiday party or fancy dinner.
I was eager to style my favorite large-sequin mini skirt for the day, pairing it with an oversized grey sweater and metallic sneakers to complement the silver embellishments. I also threw on a metallic tote bag and added a pair of bright red socks for a pop of color that felt festive. I wore this out for flea market shopping, and felt comfortable (and not too dressed up).
For night, I recreated what I wore for my last disco-themed birthday party: the same sequin mini skirt with a black ruched, sheer-sleeved bodysuit that added drama and dimension to the outfit. I accessorized with silver puffy hoops and a diamond heart-shaped necklace that sparkled like the sequins. I think the chunky metallic heels were the cherry on top (or bottom) and pulled everything together.
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Drop everything: Aritzia’s Black Sale — dubbed Black Fiveday™ — is live, and it’s a shopping spree waiting to happen.
From November 26 to December 2, you can snag up to 50% off everything, plus a rare discount on the brand’s beloved Super Puff™ jackets. Whether you’re after slick workwear, party-ready fits, or those winning pieces that nail both vibes seamlessly, this is your chance to add them to your wardrobe. The only catch? The good stuff is already flying off the racks, so cart those faves ASAP.
Shop our edit of the top picks from the Aritzia Black Friday sale now before someone else beats you to it.
Aritzia’s Black Friday Sale: Best of Sweaters
From cozy, oversized turtlenecks to sleek, ribbed layers and bold cable knits in rich jewel tones, Aritzia’s sweater lineup is as versatile as it is elevated. Whether you’re after that effortless office-to-dinner look or a pop of festive color, these picks are ready to transform your cold-weather wardrobe — all for up to 50% off during the sale.
Aritzia’s Black Friday Sale: Best of Coats
From the Super Puff to the retailer’s best-selling tailored wool silhouettes, Aritzia’s outerwear edit delivers winter-perfect layers. These coats are as practical, luxurious, and up to half off.
Aritzia’s Black Friday Sale: Best of Tops
Amp up your top situation with statement-making styles — from flowy, tie-detail blouses to sleek, ruched tanks and striking off-the-shoulder silhouettes. Perfect for office days, festive nights, and everything in between.
Wide-leg trousers, pleated skirts, and tailored midis — Aritzia’s edit of pants and skirts on sale is packed with polished staples.
Aritzia’s Black Friday Sale: Best of Jackets and Blazers
Whether you’re power-dressing for work or elevating off-duty looks, Aritzia’s on-sale jackets deliver everything from sharp tailoring to cozy textures and versatile silhouettes.
Aritzia’s Black Friday Sale: Best of Athleisure
Stock up on athleisure staples crafted from the brand’s ultra-soft fabrics for your go-to workout, post-sweat coffee runs, or laid-back holiday lounging.
Aritzia’s Black Friday Sale: Best of Accessories
From snug beanies and puffer mittens to sleek belts and elevated bags, these on-sale accessories bring warmth, function, and a thoughtful finish to every outfit. They also make for fab fashion gifts!
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Angelina Jolie took seven months of voice lessons to portray Maria Callas in Pablo LarraÃn’sMaria. The titular opera soprano left an indelible legacy with her unparalleled voice — and with her elegantly bold style, which translated to the Oscar-winning actor wearing upwards of 50 exquisite custom-made gowns, recreated stage costumes, and chic late ‘70s ensembles to embody Callas authentically on screen.
Massimo Cantini Parrini, the film’s costume designer, worked very closely with Jolie, telling Refinery29 via a translator: “I brought suitcases and suitcases full of clothes and fabric samples, and we worked together over one full morning and an afternoon, so that I could understand exactly what it was that she needed to wear.”
Maria — the third film in LarraÃn’s trilogy on iconic women of the 20th century (Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana were past subjects) — sees Callas at the height of her fame in the ‘50s and ‘60s, as well as in her final days in 1977 Paris. Cantini Parrini dove into extensive photo and video documentation of the singer, meticulously recreating glittering ensembles that marked milestones in her life, such as meeting the love of her life, shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis (Haluk Bilginer), at a 1957 gala in Venice. Reimagining the event, Jolie-as-Maria swans into the ballroom in an impeccable replica of Callas’ black and white, silk-satin gown with delicate, pearl-dotted waistline.
The exacting, two-time Oscar-nominated costume designer (for Cyrano and Pinocchio) also made replicas of pieces in Callas’ famed jewelry collection, including a sizable platinum, ruby and diamond collar (a gift from her first husband, industrialist Giovanni Battista Meneghini, which sold at Sotheby’s for $280,000 in 2004), and a gold necklace with “charms that she collected throughout her whole life and always kept with her.”
“I was maniacal about [recreating history],” he says.
Ahead, Cantini Parrini breaks down the key costumes Jolie wears in the film to personify the legendary opera star and fashion icon.
Funeral Black And Heirloom Accessories
After her final stage performance of Franco Zeffirelli’s Tosca at London’s Royal Opera House in 1965, Callas retreated from her much-photographed public life. Because she left scant documentation to reference for her final years, Cantini Parrini took creative license to custom-design the singer’s circa-1977 wardrobe in the film. Armed with ample inspiration from her mid-century signature style, he contemplated Callas’ frame of mind during that period and deduced how she’d express her emotions through dark and neutral, monochromatic ensembles.
“I talked about this with Angelina and Pablo,” says Cantini Parrini. “These tones of black remind us [that these days are] leading up to her funeral.”
For her first interview and city stroll with documentarian Mandrax (Kodi Smit-McPhee), Maria wears sleek, polished and very guarded layers of black: a soft silk blouse, wide-leg trousers, a boater hat, gloves and a fur-paneled leather trench. “I was inspired by the last photo of Callas snapped in 1977. She’s furtively leaving her home because she didn’t like her picture taken,” says Cantini Parrini, who custom-made Jolie’s coat based on a vintage piece in his vast, designer-filled archive. (The production worked with PETA to source only vintage fur from the costume designer’s existing collections for Jolie’s costumes.)
Cantini Parrini brightened Maria’s somber outfits with small bursts of color, such as a red and gold silk scarf worn around her hair or casually tied around a green Gucci bamboo-handle bag. These feel like mementos of her more vibrant past, the happier times on stage and with Onassis. “I didn’t want her to come across as a widow,” says Cantini Parrini.
The silk scarves also have a sentimental meaning for the costume designer: “These were Hermès and Gucci scarves that actually belonged to my grandmother. I felt Maria would have worn these scarves because she used to wear these designers. I talked to Angelina about them — and there were very many scarves she could select from — but she chose to wear these.”
An Ode To Yves Saint Laurent
Maria, in failing health and emotional distress, visits the opera house in an attempt to recapture her now-faltering voice. Dressed in a crimson floral-print dress with a vest overlay and puff sleeves over black tailored pants, she mesmerizes the pianist and sound technician by belting out “Qui la voce sua soave” from her 1949 Venice performance as Elvira in Vincenzo Bellini’s I Puritani.
To create the more free-spirited but still controlled look, Cantini Parrini paid homage to the designs of Yves Saint Laurent, one of Callas’ favorite designers (and friends).
“Maria Callas wore [YSL] a lot in the ‘70s, especially with those trousers, because that was the fashion statement of the time,” he says. The print takes inspiration from the dynamic costumes of the Ballets Russes and the color of Cantini Parrini’s grandmother’s Hermès scarf.
The Transcendent Robe And Nightgown
Maria spends most of the time before her death from a heart attack at age 53 in her grand apartment at 36 Avenue Georges Mandel in Paris’ 16th arrondissement, where she ruminates on her celebrated past and torments herself by listening to recordings of her acclaimed performances, all while swathed in a tactile, floor-length robe. In the production notes, Cantini Parrini described it as “like her second skin, the thing that protects her and envelops her in the domestic sphere.”
The sweeping robe nearly comes to life with Jolie’s dramatic movements, as well as through the “very complicated” 3D manufacturing process involving wool and cashmere specialty yarns. “It was made in Rome with a specific type of knit that was done in the ‘70s,” says Cantini Parrini. “Angelina fell in love with it when she saw it, and she actually wore it during the first dress rehearsal.”
The alabaster white color of the robe nods toward ancient Greece, in honor of the American opera singer’s heritage, while the flowing silhouette evokes a high priestess. Underneath, Maria exudes fragility in an ethereal nightgown made of sheer silk layers, with a dainty bow and intricate lace embroidery at the neckline.
“I brought many [nightgowns] for Angelina to see, and this one was particularly beautiful,” says Cantini Parrini, who found the vintage piece at the Tirelli costume house in Rome.
Maria Callas’ Spectacular Opera Coat
With her final moments imminent, Maria directs her trusted butler Ferruccio (Pierfrancesco Favino) and housekeeper Bruna (Alba Rohrwacher), her only friends, to “put on nicer clothes — we’re going out to celebrate my life.” She throws a resplendent, red and gold brocade evening coat with plush, fur-trimmed cuffs and lapels over her ghostly nightgown.
“[In the film,] she’s in a state of mental confusion, so she decides that she’s going to wear the most beautiful piece of clothing that she owns,” says Cantini Parrini, explaining the combination. “I consulted with Pablo about this, and we came to the conclusion that, yes, this was the coat that she should be wearing that evening.”
It’s an especially important piece: The coat belonged to the real Maria Callas. (Cantini Parrini calls it a “secret” gift.) It isn’t the only item in the costume department that directly connects the film to the real-life legend — it didn’t make it onscreen, but Cantini Parrini pulled a brown dress from his archives from one of the singer’s favorite designers, Biki, which he had found in a vintage market. “In the hem,” he reveals, “I found this little piece of white fabric with the catalog number saying, ‘Designed for Ms. Maria Callas.’”
Maria will be in select theaters on November 27 and stream on Netflix on December 11.
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It’s time to roll out of bed, make yourself a hot tea, and embrace your hibernation era, because it’s officially cozy season. Right now, we’re pulling out our favorite loungewear, soft clothes, and warm accessories, plus adding new must-have fashion essentials to our winter wardrobe (that could also make for great feel-good gifts). On the roster: matching sets, cozy slippers, and buttery-soft leggings for lounging around the house or bracing the frigid outdoors.
We’re reaching for pieces from editor- and reader-favorite brands like Lululemon, Free People, Cozy Earth, and Bombas — and we’re more than happy to share them with you if it means you get to live your coziest life, too. So, read on to discover our go-to winter accessories and apparel.
“I prefer taking long walks during the fall and winter — I’d choose shivering over sweating any day of the week — and these super high-waisted, brushed-interior Vuori leggings help keep me warm even on the chilliest days. The fleece-like lining is so soft and cozy, and it makes these bottoms slightly thicker than your average legging. For the last two years, they’ve become my go-to’s for outdoor workouts and running errands.” —Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
“It’s a cozy gamechanger to swap your sock wardrobe from cotton to wool during the colder months. I love this cashmere-blend pair from J.Crew, which is available in several classic and fun colors — and is currently on sale.” —Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Partnerships Manager
“We’re big fans of Cozy Earth’s bamboo sleepwear around here — just read our team review if you need more proof. I’m very specific when it comes to pajamas: They HAVE to match, and the material has to feel soft enough to cocoon myself in, but not so toasty that I’ll break a sweat in my sleep. Cozy Earth’s buttery-soft fabric accomplishes just that, with a contrast piping that gives it that classic look. The temperature-regulating stretch knit is so comfortable that I often stay in my PJs on WFH days. ” —Venus Wong, Senior Writer
“After learning about the TikTok-approved scarf-to-balaclava hack, I became obsessed with balaclavas, which offer all of the warmth with none of the fiddling. I love that I can easily pop mine on my head whether I’m going skiing, running, or just walking around in the frigid NYC winter, and that it keeps me nice and cozy.” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
“I’ve been living in these lately, and something about the baby flares and chillier weather just feels so right. The slinky style of these leggings hugs every curve and is so comfortable. As a petite gal, I usually can’t wear flared leggings without the hem dragging on the floor, but Lululemon makes these Align ones in a variety of inseam lengths, from short to tall. I currently own two pairs, but am desperately resisting the urge to add other colorways to my cart.” —Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
“As soon as I set my eyes on these fluffy slippers (and then giddily felt them), I knew I needed them. The plush faux fur is so soft, and the cushioned soles are so squishy. There are several colors to choose from, and, while I debated between tan and burgundy, I ultimately opted for the color of the season.” — Victoria Montalti
“I would never have thought such a thin, half-zip jacket could provide such warmth, but New Balance nailed it. The heat technology is impressive, and kicks into action almost as soon as you put it on. I’ve worn this layered over a top and under a coat when going on autumnal forest walks, and it feels like there’s a little radiator on me. I also recently wore this to and from a rave, when the weather outside was freezing but the venue was roasting. (I had on a cropped vest and was sweating buckets.) Having this folded up in my bag meant I could arrive in style, without a puffy coat, but not compromise on being warm.” —Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer
“I live in sweats during the fall and winter seasons, but I’m always on the hunt for loungewear that seems a bit more elevated. This FP Movement set is great for working from home, but could easily transition outdoors for a neighborhood walk or coffee run. Did I mention it comes in 15 colorways?” — Kate Spencer
“As soon as there’s a hint of chill in the air, I don’t want to be wearing anything other than a fleecy sweatshirt. It keeps me warm and is super easy to dress up or down — but, most importantly, it’s fairly low-maintenance compared to sweaters. I’ve fallen head over heels for this velour pullover from Summersalt: The half-zip design and gorgeous olive color upgrades the look from comfy tracksuit to casual chic. It works as a set, with matching lounge pants or with jeans. I’ve been wearing this non-stop around the house and as a travel outfit to keep me cozy on flights.” — Venus Wong
“I purchased this lounge set as soon as Savage x Fenty’s holiday collection dropped. The Fair Isle-patterned cropped sweater and booty shorts are adorable on their own, but the pom pom over-the-knee socks are the real showstopper (and give holiday movie main character energy). I’m excited to don this set around the house, and to also wear the sweater out.” — Victoria Montalti
“Anything made from modal (a more eco-friendly alternative to cotton) is high on the snuggliness scale for me. This winter, I’ve been working from home in this LAKE matching set that clings to my body like a second skin. The fabric is so slinky and soft, and it’s excellent at retaining warmth while never making me break a sweat. I also like how it’s a lot less bulky than my regular fleece pieces. It feels like slipping into the most cocooning sheets after a long day.” — Venus Wong
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