Decking the halls isn't the only thing to look forward to this holiday season. With summer and fall fashions in remission and a host of new looks to try out for the remaining winter and upcoming spring season, closets will most likely be getting decked as well.
Getting and giving clothes for the holidays is tricky. Everyone has received an awkward vest or two, so it's usually desirable to communicate specifically to family and friends exactly what you want. It sounds selfish, but there isn't much of a choice. After all, the jig is up with Santa.
So that leaves the question of what should be requested from mom and dad for stocking stuffers and beyond. Here's a guide of foolproof style gifts sure to provide for a joyous No?l (or eight crazy nights).
First off, stockings are small, so for a gift for a friend who has everything, tights are a good way to go. Not only are they versatile and functional, but highly stylish as well. They've more than replaced last year's tired leggings trend on the runways and streets.
Zac Posen teamed up with Wolford for a pair of high-fashion nylons priced at $50. Now defunct retailer Jasmine Sola has a wide variety of Michael Kors textured tights and Hue colored tights, starting at $14. This is definitely a great gift to give and receive. Tights are a multifunctional accessory: they come in all colors and varieties and can spice up your ordinary LBD (Little Black Dress) as well as keep you warm to boot.
Speaking of boots, this winter staple is a necessary part of every closet and should find its way under your tree or Hanukkah bush. The range and versatility of boots is unparalleled by any other shoe, especially in the Boston cold.
If you're looking for a great present that will have lifetime staying power, drop a hint about a great pair of Gryson flat leather boots for $795. The bursar has most likely already cost the parental unit hundreds this year, so a guilty conscience might force you to look into Steve Madden's selection of leather boots, starting at $120.
It's a well-known fact that keeping warm is a major priority in Boston. However, that is never a reason to sacrifice style. Most kids these days receive one large present, and then other smaller but practical gifts for the holidays from their parents.
It's a tough call what to request for that one huge gift, but this winter, the answer hails in the form of a great wool coat. Just in the way that we outgrew Santa Claus, we're also outgrowing those fleece North Faces so popular in the awkward middle school years.
This is why the coat is a style essential. It can effortlessly dress up an outfit, and as exhibited by the king of American sportswear, Michael Kors, it can be as useful in everyday life as an iPhone. Kors offers a range of coats, both long and short, with extra-warm linings in the mid-$200 range.
Simple-chic design giant Calvin Klein also offers a range of mature and debonair coats for winter for the same price. This might cause some parents sticker shock, but it's OK to splurge on a classic coat. Besides, this is the big gift, so live a little.
Lastly, a universally useful gift for any college student is a great pair of jeans. A jean collection can go everywhere from the classroom to the frat house basement and is in desperate need of constant reinforcements.
Unfortunately, convincing fathers that a $300 pair of McQ jeans is a necessity is a tough sell. However, even the cheapest Scrooge can't resist a sad kid on Christmas. So check out the new Barney's catalog and stock up on this season's neon and colored denim from Australian denim gods, Ksubi ($242), practical everyday and unisex styles from Cheap Monday ($65) and most importantly, the ever-popular Malik Wide Leg Jean from J.Brand ($235).
These suggestions are directed at the fellas as well. Don't think that asking for a million Wii games this Christmas will let you off the style hook. Everyone needs jeans, and before you get the four-year-old bootcut flares from Abercrombie, you'd better make sure you know what you want.
So when writing to Santa, it's important to keep all of these gift ideas in mind. When paired with some Tom Ford Aviators and a great piece of vintage jewelry you'll be set for the rest of the winter and well on your way to being fully outfitted for spring. There's no reason this holiday season shouldn't be all about style - oh, and Christmas cheer.
