Gifting a piece of clothing or a fashion accessory is not quite as straight forward as you think. And its not just the sizing we’re referring to. Choosing clothing especially is rather personal as a person’s clothing choice is deeply tied to their identity. So, choosing an item for someone can deem an intimidating task.
The good news is that it may only take a little bit of observation and some strategic planning. Choosing a fashion gift will need the smallest understanding of the intended receiver of the gifts personal taste and if you want to crack someone’s style code to get a gift they will low, here are a few simple processes you can take.
Where to start
The best place to start is to observe what people wear on a daily basis. The best cues come from paying close attention to people go-to outfits. Do they gravitate towards clean minimalism, bolder streetwear, cozy classics and more tailored looks. Do they consistently choose the same jacket style like a classic varsity jacket or long puffer jacket, or is the consistent item a more relaxed fit like a hoodie or large sweater instead of a coat?
Take a look into their preferred silhouettes. Do they prefer more oversized fits, or do they lean towards cropped and boxy looks; all will help when choosing those final items out. Even the smallest details you get on someone can hep you understand what they feel most comfortable and confident in.
This step alone can narrow down your gifting options more than you’d expect.
Color also plays a major role in personal style. Some people lean heavily into neutrals like black, grey, beige, and white, while others embrace a more colorful aesthetic. If they rarely wear bright colors, gifting them a loud item might feel out of place. Matching their existing palette ensures your gift blends seamlessly into their wardrobe.
Pay Attention to the Brands They Wear
There are two types of people out there at the moment. Some that focus more on the brand of what they are buying and those that focus on quality. You will find that people tend to have a favoured brand even if they do not mean to.
Look out for the logos that someone is wearing or whether they tend to wear the same materials. For instance, some people may gravitate towards more cotton and natural materials over processes polyester.
This doesn’t mean you have to buy that exact brand, especially if its an overly expensive one. It does however offer you a look into the more structure style that they like as brands tend to stick to a certain design pattern.
Also, even if you can’t identify the exact brand, the overall aesthetic tells you what lane they shop in, sleek, casual, sporty, edgy, vintage-inspired, or trend-forward.
Look at Their Accessories and Footwear
Accessories are powerful indicators of someone’s fashion personality. Do they tend to choose a chunkier style of footwear or do they gravitate towards performance trainers. Jewellery is a personal choice as well, which is why there are so many variations of it. Are they drawn to gold, silver, minimal lines, or statement pieces? Scarves, bags, and hats can also give clues about the textures and shapes they prefer.
Accessories are also one of the safest fashion gifts to give because size isn’t a concern and they integrate easily into any wardrobe.
Ask Thoughtful, Subtle Questions
If the task does require more clarity, just ask them some casual style-related questions without making it obvious of your final intentions. You may want to try asking them which jacket they’ve been wearing the most and slyly tie it to yourself. Or ask them what a good brand or style of jean is best. Make the conversation feel natural but get enough that you gain some useful information.
If asking directly feels too obvious, talking to someone close to them, like a friend or partner, can also help you avoid guesswork.
Gifting a piece of fashion does not need to be intimidating. Once you get a general basis of what someone likes you can combine your knowledge to find a gift perfectly tailored to them. A gift of fashion can be deemed way more personal than you think and can be an example of true friendship.
The most meaningful fashion gifts blend thoughtfulness with practicality, offering something the receiver will enjoy wearing again and again. By taking the time to decode their style, you’re not just giving clothing, you’re giving a gift that reflects who they are. And that’s what makes it truly unforgettable.
Also Read-Master the Art of Paper Scoring Creaser Techniques