Fashionista Gifts: 9 Rules to Shop (Successfully) for Fashion Girls

Updated on November 16th, 2022

Shopping fashionista gifts this year? Buying for style mavens can be among the biggest of your holiday challenges. They, like you, are particular about what they wear. And worse, it seems they already have every stylish piece known to man at their disposal.

Still, you can’t ignore a fashionista’s love of clothing and accessories. She prefers a style gift over something more generic, like a phone case or Starbucks gift card. So your job as friend is to make that happen. Set aside those feelings of trepidation, get into the fashionista mindset, and start shopping.

Read on for the essential rules of shopping for style-minded women, plus more than a dozen chic, affordable fashionista gift ideas.

The rules of buying fashionista gifts

Do buy one-size-fits-all pieces

The safest apparel gifts for fashionistas — and for everyone else, really — are one-size-fits-all pieces. Think cute beanies, scarves, gloves, plush robes, slippers, etc. Steer clear of specific sizes unless you are 100% sure you know your giftee’s size. It’s just too risky, since buying the wrong size is super awkward for both of you.

Do narrow it down by style

Odds are that if you’re buying her a gift, you know her style fairly well. Take your cue from what she normally wears. Is it the allure of faux fur and sparkling baubles that reels her in, or is she more about low-key, highly functional style with a purpose? Use that as your initial guide so you don’t waste time looking at items that she will likely never use.

Do gift shoes, if you dare

Shoes are in the high-risk, high-reward category of gifts. It’s tough to know how a pair of shoes will fit. If you get it right, though, your fashionista friend will be thrilled.

If you know her shoe size and her taste, you can find a winning pair within your budget. Think about what you know she likes and lean towards more forgiving styles — like UGG lookalikes, loafers, sneakers, and mules.

The beauty of this gift is that it’ll require lots of online shopping, and who doesn’t enjoy shopping for shoes online?!

Do give the gift of warmth

With cold weather on the horizon, there’s always good reason to purchase your fashionable friend something warm and cozy, such as:

• Knit wrap or poncho
• Chenille socks
• Cozy throws or blankets

It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but it should be a quality piece that won’t fall apart in the wash.

Do buy labels

Going for the big names doesn’t necessarily mean shopping for the most extravagant gift you can find. But it does mean you’ll benefit from searching for a budget-friendly something by her favorite designer. It could be anything, like:

• Chic designer sunnies
• A sleek wallet or clutch from her favorite label
• Designer earrings

Do invest in texture

The fashionista knows the difference between silk and satin, with her eyes closed. She wants a gift that’s made of luxurious, high quality fabric. Some ideas here include:

• Sherpa-lined, leather (or faux) gloves
• Silk pajamas
• Silk scarf
• Cashmere scarf or beanie

Do gift handbags, because a fashionista never has too many

Your fashionista friend has different purses for different occasions. There’s the tote bag for work, the backpack for outdoor fun, the clutch for fancy parties, and the crossbody bag for city sightseeing. Just to name a few.

Think about the handbags you’ve seen her carry. Is there one that’s getting a lot of use in the rotation? If so, you could add a similar style to give her a second option. Or is there something you’ve never seen her carry, like a bucket bag? That could be an opportunity to fill a handbag void she’s already feeling.

Know that purses can be difficult to wrap. If it comes in a box from the retailer, keep that packaging and gift wrap around it.

Do gift interesting jewelry

Try a jewelry accessory if you are not sure which staple fashion pieces she likes, or you want to keep your gift small. Lean into:

• Creative hoop earrings or drop earrings with an interesting design
• Dainty chain necklaces and bracelets
• Personalized pieces, such as an initial necklace

Don’t be afraid to get creative

The best gifts for fashionistas are those that let her explore. If you can’t splurge on something huge but want to do something special, put together a fashion gift tote instead.

This isn’t as tricky or outrageous as it sounds. Every fashion girl loves basics like:

• Soft white tees or turtlenecks
• Plain black leggings
• Cozy boot socks
• Neutral cardigan

Start with a few of those pieces and then add in something funky. Try an inexpensive statement necklace, or a sparkling clutch that’ll take her through the holiday party season. Or, if you’re really at a loss, think beauty and toss in a few multi-use color sticks or tinted lip balms.

Buying gifts for a fashionista isn’t hard. If you are still unsure, a gift card for one of her favorite stores is a good choice. This might not seem as personal, but — trust me — she will have fun using that store credit. You’re giving her a gift and an experience.

As long as your fashionista gift is thoughtfully put together and given from your heart, she’ll feel the love.

For more gift ideas, see:

• 15 Practical Gifts for your Cash-Strapped Friends
• 11 Fashionable Slippers to Gift This Year