A Fashionista’s Guide to Gift Giving

The Fashion Stock Market here, your one and only source into the hottest style trends and fashion events. Holiday season is officially upon us, and you know what that means: it’s time to start shopping for your nearest and dearest. Some of us are blessed with the gift of giving, consistently picking the perfect gift for every loved one; others find themselves panicking in the aisles of Target or TJMaxx, unsure of whether a gift will be thoughtful or thrown out the second January hits. If you are the latter, there’s no need to fret. Here at the Fashion Stock Market, we know what’s trending and what’s not, so look no further if you seek gift-giving inspo. After all, what better present than the gift of style?

This cozy sweater will be a staple in your daughter or best friend’s wardrobe this winter, perfect for a cozy night in or a casual holiday brunch with the girls.

Photo: Pinterest

For the preppy girl in your life, you may want to consider buying a mockneck. I’m not saying it has to be the $130 Parke one that has sorority girls in a chokehold  (if you can afford it, by all means, go for it), but any version is bound to put a smile on your sister or girlfriend’s face. Consider customizing a mockneck through an Etsy seller, or thrifting one for the true 80s vibe that the trend emulates. This cozy sweater will be a staple in your daughter or best friend’s wardrobe this winter, perfect for a cozy night in or a casual holiday brunch with the girls. Go with whatever color your loved one likes best, but if you’re stuck, think chocolate brown, taupe, or wine red, colors that we are obsessed with this season. You really can’t go wrong with a simple yet effortlessly stylish mockneck, which is why everyone wants one this holiday!

Your dad or finance bro boyfriend would love to wear this on their next Zoom call or to happy hour drinks with their coworkers.

Photo: Free People

Similarly, quarter-zips are in this winter, though they were never really out. Maybe it’s silly to call something that’s been around for years a trend, but the recent quarter-zip versus sweatsuit discourse has many men investing in this fashion piece this winter. Yes, I know, there’s a lot to be said about the potential underlying message behind the shift, but in a strictly fashion sense, a quarter zip is a versatile classy piece of clothing. Your dad or finance bro boyfriend would love to wear this on their next Zoom call or to happy hour drinks with their coworkers. But this gift can be for anyone, really, from your business casual lovers to golf enthusiasts. On the flip side, a sweatsuit is a great gift for that person in your life who loves loungewear, either for a chill night in or a trip to the grocery store. Bumming it out has never been so stylish! And sweatsuits are not going out of style anytime soon, despite what naysayers may claim.

With temperatures dropping over the next few weeks and wind chill turning everyone’s cheeks pink, perhaps a giant, cozy scarf paired with equally as fuzzy mittens, or Aritzia’s SuperPuff, for that someone special you’re willing to spend a couple extra dollars on.

Photo: Pinterest

Fluffy, warm winter accessories are a must, for everyone from your coworker to your in-laws. With temperatures dropping over the next few weeks and wind chill turning everyone’s cheeks pink, perhaps a giant, cozy scarf paired with equally as fuzzy mittens, or Aritzia’s SuperPuff, for that someone special you’re willing to spend a couple extra dollars on. A fashion-forward winter hat for your adventurous friend is sure to please, whether it be a trapper hat or a fuzzy bucket hat. Some brands to consider are Anthropologie, Free People, and H&M, but really, every brand has their version of the perfect hat to keep your ears warm as the air gets cold. 

For your winter sport bestie, Arc’teryx can fulfill all your gift-giving needs.

Photo: Pinterest

For your winter sport bestie, Arc’teryx can fulfill all your gift-giving needs. On the pricier side, this brand provides quality products for the skier or snowboarder in your life, and they will simply die if you buy them a toque or headband from here. 

Your girly girl roommate would love you forever if you bought her VS pajamas, whether they be the classic pink stripes or something from the holiday collection.

Photo: Pinterest

With the return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, the brand has surged in popularity the past two years, with Y2K fashion lovers obsessing over the shows of years past. Your girly girl roommate would love you forever if you bought her VS pajamas, whether they be the classic pink stripes or something from the holiday collection. On that note, Roller Rabbit pajamas are an iconic gift for that person in your life who loves a good sleep set (I don’t care if everyone has them; they are so cute and chic!). Skims, Ralph Lauren, and Gap have stylish options as well, so there truly is something for everyone this holiday season!

For the true fashion girlie in your life, the Ugg Lowmels are such a statement piece.

Photo: Pinterest

If you’re looking to gift shoes to someone, here at The Fashion Stock Market we cannot stress enough the importance of a good pair of boots. My location of choice to find one? TJMaxx! Forget Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom–if you’re looking for an everyday boot to wear to the club or on a coffee date, the sales rack at TJMaxx has the cutest options. Of course, a designer pair is nice for those who live in luxury, but you can’t go wrong with a comfy, trendy pair on clearance (after all, aren’t we in a recession or something?). As for sneakers, New Balance, Adidas, Nike, and Puma are the place to be for the most on-trend styles. Coach just came out with their latest line of sneakers, and honestly? They look comfy for a designer sneaker! For the true fashion girlie in your life, the Ugg Lowmels are such a statement piece. I would actually fall to my knees if someone bought them for me this Christmas. They are in that comfortable middle ground between a basic, trendy shoe and something more outgoing and unique, and if Ugg is making them, you know they’re going to be comfy. And of course, ballet flats, kitten heels, loafers, boat shoes, and slippers are instant crowd-pleasers.

Honestly, I could go on for days, but here are some stocking stuffer ideas for that little something to put a smile on your loved one’s face: E Newton bracelets, customized claw clips, bubble letter necklaces, pilates socks from Lululemon, a Dior lip oil, anything from Van Cleef or David Yurman, a FP Movement keychain, bag charms, or ear warmers. 

Photo: Pinterest

That’s all I got for you, my dear fashionistas! As you shop for everyone you hold close to your heart, don’t forget to treat yourselves. The best therapy is and will always be retail therapy, so show yourself some self-love and buy that thing you know your fashion-confused parents are not going to think of. Unless you send them this article, of course. I’m signing off for the season. Have a Holly Jolly Holiday.

XOXO, The Fashion Stock Market

Cover Photo: Pinterest

Editor: Felicity Field