Holiday shopping is never easy. As soon as you get back from Thanksgiving, you only have a few precious weeks to get through your gift list while attending holiday parties and wrapping up dreaded year-end work along the way.
Shopping is even more difficult when you have friends with taste. What do you get the man who can dress for every occasion? The stress is enough to make you want to just order a slew of Amazon gift cards and be done with it. Don’t worry. This year, we’ve got you covered.
If you have fashionable friends (or if your family is at a loss for what to buy you), this gift guide will help you find the perfect pieces for the fashion-forward person in your life, from comfy yet classy sweaters to the travel steamer you need to stay crisp and composed (on the outside, at least) throughout all your holiday events.
Check out all of Primer's Gift Guides:
Gift Ideas for Guys: Over 150 Gift Ideas You Can Actually Ask For
30 White Elephant Gift Ideas Under $30
The Coffee Lover’s Gift Guide
30 Gift Ideas For People Who Happen To Be Women
Red Wing Iron Ranger
The holidays are a great time to pick up those more expensive items that will become a part of your wardrobe for years to come. There are several reasons why the Iron Rangers remain one of the top names in boots: each pair of American-made, full-grain leather boots features Goodyear welt construction for outstanding durability and comfort. They’re also a versatile style, which is why we’ve featured them in a rugged outdoor Getup, a stylish cool-weather Getup, and a dressy-casual weekend Getup.
J. Crew Lambswool Fair Isle Sweater
J.Crew consistently sells modern, stylish takes on the holiday sweater. Make a statement in a handsome Fair Isle knit.
J. Crew Ludlow Tweed Blazer
Your parents might be happy that you’re looking to pick up a nice blazer. Why not encourage them to get you one that you’ll wear every time you get the chance? The tweed sport coat is the essential cool weather jacket; check out our 11 handsome and affordable options + how to wear them.
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Famed essayist David Coggins gives us a part how-to manual, part humorous commentary on modern society.
Puresteam Portable Fabric Steamer
If you ask for a travel steamer during the holidays, you’ll be using it right away. Whether you’ve got to get an outfit together for the big New Year’s Eve party or you just need to get the wrinkles out of a shirt before a long day of work, this is one of the best little investments you can make. Primer’s editor & founder Andrew never travels without his.
Chup Socks
Huckberry, $35 / Prime-eligible Alternative, $12.99
Handmade in Japan, Chup socks feature vintage patterns that look sharp peeking out of the top of your favorite boots.
Wurkin Stiffs Magnetic Collar Stays
There is power in a collar stay. If you’re going to go to the trouble of buying nice collared shirts, you might as well make sure the collar isn’t floppy and limp.
S-Zone Waxed Canvas Weekend Bag
We’re not saying that one of these bags will make holiday travel any easier, but you will feel more confident while you’re doing it. This random find became a Primer-Approved bag, and is a steal at the price. Watch Andrew's full review (and be sure to subscribe to Primer on YouTube!):
White Leather Sneakers
Shown: New Republic, $89 / Upgrade: Common Projects, $411
Our non-boot footwear of choice comes in a range of prices (and quality) on par with the materials and craftsmanship of fine dress shoes. We snagged this pair by New Republic by Mark McNairy for $40 from our Black Friday coverage. Make sure to subscribe to Primer's email to get notified about huge deals.
Clarks Bushacre Desert Boots
If you’re looking for something durable and stylish but not quite as heavy duty as Red Wings, this classic Clarks style remains one of the best desert boots on the market. We first gave them the Primer Approved badge in 2011.
KK&Jay Garters
Keep your shirt tucked in and your look crisp with a nice set of garters. Andrew wears them every time he speaks in front of an audience – high praise.
Brooks Brothers Vintage Mercury Dime Cufflinks
You’ll never regret asking for a nice pair of cufflinks. They come in handy, and having a pair that nods to your personality makes dressing up that much more fun.
Striped Pointed Tip Knit Tie
A slim, sophisticated knit tie is always in style.
Banana Republic Shawl Collar Sweater
Shawl collar sweaters are one of our favorite fall and winter essentials. Dress it up with a tie, or throw it on over a t-shirt with a pair of joggers as a hoodie alternative. This one is 100% super soft cotton.
Puentes Denver Skinny Tie Bar Set
A skinny tie bar is often just the thing to add the perfect finishing touch to your outfit.
Made to Measure Indochino Woodbridge Oxford Shirt
Not all dress shirts are created equal. A nice made to measure shirt can totally change your style game.
Fjallraven Greenland #1 Down Jacket
Fjallraven makes some of the best crafted and most stylish winter jackets out there. Named for an island mostly covered in ice, this jacket will get you through the holidays and the rest of winter, no matter how harsh it may be.
Patagonia Men’s Bivy Down Jacket
Patagonia makes great winter jackets and promotes fair labor practices. At a slightly lower price point, and no less stylish, this 100% Recycled Down jacket is designed to stand up to the elements.
Uniqlo Men’s Duffle Coat
Duffle coats are a trendy way to stay warm, and Uniqlo offers an affordable, cool take on the style.
Rogue Industries American-made Bison Card Case
Rogue Industries, $40 / Prime-eligible alternative, $39
Rogue Industries offers a great collection of American-made wallets in a variety of leathers. This style is sturdy, but super slim, so you won’t feel like you’ve got a brick in your pocket.
Banana Republic Plaid Wool Scarf
Nothing gets you through cold weather in style quite like a warm scarf. Fair warning: this is one style that your S.O. might try to claim.
Treasure & Bond Western Denim Sport Shirt
A denim shirt will add a rugged vibe to even a city slicker’s wardrobe. Layer it under the shawl cardigan for a cool yet cozy look.
What fashion-forward gifts are you giving (or hoping to get) this year? Let us know in the comments.
Need more gift ideas?
Check out all of Primer's Gift Guides:
Gift Ideas for Guys: Over 150 Gift Ideas You Can Actually Ask For
30 White Elephant Gift Ideas Under $30
The Coffee Lover’s Gift Guide
30 Gift Ideas For People Who Happen To Be Women
