Style is so personal that it can be hard to shop for the fashionable man or woman in your life. At the same time, there’s a thrill you get introducing your stylish friend or family member to a new brand or seeing their face light up at a garment or accessory you picked out just for them (It kinda lets you know your style is on point too.)
Since it’s officially crunch time when it comes to Christmas shopping, we put together this quick and simple fashion guide to help you get those orders in in time to make it under the tree this year — or at least in the mailbox. Click through for a mix of unisex brands and fashions that are funky, functional and sure to put a smile on at least one person’s face this holiday, even if it’s your own. Happy shopping!
The Jewelry Edit
You’ve probably never thought about your jewelry as a wardrobe before, but according to The Jewelry Edit, that’s exactly what you should be doing. The brand founded by Rosena Sammi blends sustainability, technology, quality, and longevity to help men and women personalize their jewelry collections. Shoppers are introduced to pieces from ethical, fair-trade companies all around the world who create one-of-a-kind statement earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings that suit your personal tastes.
D’IYANU
You’ve likely seen D’IYANU on your IG timeline and been struck by the gorgeous African women and menswear. This year, however, the brand expanded into athletic wear with a collection of joggers, leggings, track pants, performance t-shirts, hoodies, jumpsuits, and even matching tube face masks to help you get your steps in in style. Building on that successful launch, D’IYANU just released its Winter Collection with matching his and her kente print designs that will make for the perfect family Christmas photo. Yes, they’ve even got designs for the kids!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CFAQZ6xhnS8/
Spilt Milk
Less sun this time of year doesn’t mean skip the shades, you just have to make the hours count by looking as fly as you can between 10 am and 4 pm. Spilt Milk can help with its collection of titanium and metal sunglasses which come are crafted to evoke feelings of “humor, luxury and sensuality.” Available in a variety of frame styles and colors to suit your personal style, it’s hard to imagine fining just one pair of sunnies between the Magenta/Powder Pink Aspen shades or the gold Bora Bora option. The Sardinia black and yellow aviators are my personal fave.
Under Armour
This is a buy that mixes fitness and fashion. As part of its holiday launch, Under Armour dropped the Phantom 2 Metallic Running Shoes which not only help you perform your best, thanks to their design, but also tracks & analyzes your running metrics to help you become an even better runner. The sock-like fit provides stretch and support where needed while a molded midfoot panel adds necessary structure. The breathable fabric and zero gravity technology , however, ensure you aren’t weighed down when you hit the road. Plus the design just looks good AF. After a run, connect to the UA MAPMYRUN™ app to track your progress.
Cedric Brown Collections
If you’ve seen the kimonos Lady Mae wore on “Greenleaf” and secretly coveted them, you’re in luck. You can buy them yourself from the designer’s own Cedric Brown collections. In addition to the gorgeous ankle-length silk pieces, Cedric makes scarves, capes, pocket squares, and ties in brilliant mosaic patterns and other colorful designs. He’s even added face masks to the mix now so you can still look your flyest while protecting yourself and others from Covid-19.
Oji Royale
Did you ever think you’d see the day where durags were high fashion? Black-owned Oji Royale is slowly making it so with its line of velvet “crowns” in an assortment of colors. The brand also sells men’s apparel which includes tops and bottoms as well as outerwear like jackets and sweaters. Check out the luxury LA-based retailer online to shop its fashions.
Siranis Fashion
It didn’t take long for masks to become fashionable and functional, and Siranis is taking it to the next level with matching headwrap and mask sets. As the African fashion brand puts it, these duos are the perfect accessory when you want something “simple, elegant and fabulous.” And there’s plenty of variety to choose from, you can go bold and bright like with this black, white, and yellow Mali ModCloth print or black and understated with the Nera African Print.
Ruby Love
I’d say the days of period panties are long gone, but that’s not entirely true. They could be, though, thanks to Ruby Love. The Black-owned brand has already solidified itself as a go-to for period panties among women both straight and plus-size, and now its expanded into period swimwear and loungewear with the addition of boy shorts, sleep pants, and onesies that promise all-night protection from leaks, no tampon required.
Telfar
I don’t think we have to tell you Telfar has become the most coveted Black-owned handbag this year, but in case we do, there you have it. When the push to support Black brands gained momentum this spring, it was important to point out brands in the luxury handbag space as well, Telfar being one of them. Since that time, Telfar Clemens’ unisex line of accessories has consistently sold out and he’s begun launching exclusive collaborations like this one with Ugg.
Shop Pretty Pieces
A personal fave, Shop Pretty Pieces is an online boutique created by Nicole B that offers one-of-a-kind fashion for every occasion. Sizes range from small to 3XL while occasions to wear these designs stretch from a night out on the town to a Sunday morning church service and even a Monday morning meeting, as the website notes. You won’t be disappointed in the quality of items from this brand.
Cadeia
The only thing worse than having to wear a mask all the time is figuring out what to do with it when you actually get to take it off (during a safe, socially distanced brunch of course). Setting a mask down on a surface or throwing it in your bag isnt’t exactly sanitary or in line with covid best practices, which is where these cute mask chains from Cadeia become really useful.
The chains attach to your mask so you can wear it around your neck, and in between uses you can attach it to your glasses. The hardware comes in multiple colors and finishes so you can coordinate with any outfit and it’s cute though to wear alone as a necklace.
