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    1. Fashion
    2. Fall fashion

    8 Chic Items That Would Impress Even the Pickiest People on Your List

    Make holiday shopping easier with these affordable finds.

    Nikki Ogunnaike's avatar
    By Nikki Ogunnaike
    Published 9 December 2024 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Nikki Ogunnaike wearing a navy blazer and sunglasses
    (Image credit: Tyler Joe)

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    Friends! How's holiday shopping going for you? Have you gotten started yet? Give any thought to what you'd like to give—or receive, ha!—this season? If not, let me help you out. I've been poking around Free People, our fab partners on this send, and found a bunch of items that would feel just…right…on anyone's shopping list. And 'tis the season, so Free People is kicking off its annual 12 Days of Giving, gifting 12 lucky winners 12 incredible prizes (and each prize includes a $500 gift card that you should most definitely put towards the below finds). Explore all the prize packages here and enter for a chance to win!

    Now, let me tell you about a recent favorite find, my platonic ideal of a winter going-out top. I was listening to the podcast Fashion People recently, and Lauren Sherman and Allison Bornstein were discussing how many of Allison's styling clients want to dress a bit sexier these days, to which I said absolutely. I don't know what it is, but I'm finding myself swapping out my typical blazer and jean combos for tops that show a little more skin. When I saw the Lady Lux Layering Top on the Free People site, I actually ordered it in two colors. I wore it on its own with jeans for a store opening party, but I can also imagine it layered under another top and worn with a knit skirt. Kinda hot, right?

    Nikki Ogunnaike

    Nikki Ogunnaike wearing Free People's Lady Lux Layering Top.

    (Image credit: Nikki Ogunnaike)

    Lady Lux Layering Top

    Intimately By Free People Lady Lux Layering Top
    $40 AT FREE PEOPLE

    We the Free Aster Straight-Leg Jeans

    Free People We the Free Aster Straight-Leg Jeans
    $98 AT FREE PEOPLE

    After picking out a couple of things for myself, I searched for items under $50—my general go-to price point for gifts—for others. A hat and scarf in a gorgeous shade of red will never disappoint.

    Coastline Beanie

    Free People Coastline Beanie
    $28 AT FREE PEOPLE

    Hit the Ground Scarf

    Free People Hit the Ground Scarf
    $48 AT FREE PEOPLE

    I also found some cozy items, which are always a hit (that should go without saying, but just in case!). I'm especially obsessed with the Malibu Surf Sweater Set—just imagine it with Uggs for a quick coffee run if you live in a warmer climate.

    Frankie Cable Sweater

    Free People Frankie Cable Sweater
    $98 AT FREE PEOPLE

    Luna Cardigan

    Free People Luna Cardigan
    $128 AT FREE PEOPLE

    Malibu Surf Sweater Set

    Free People Malibu Surf Sweater Set
    $88 AT FREE PEOPLE

    My last find rings in at $168, but all things considered, that's a great price for a solid black puffer coat. I love that this one has fun, funky sleeves. Reviews say the coat runs a bit big, so keep that in mind when you order.

    Solid Cotton Candy Puffer

    Free People Solid Cotton Candy Puffer
    $168 AT FREE PEOPLE

    Don't forget to check out Free People's 12 Days of Giving! Enter here for a chance to win.

    First time reading Self Checkout? Catch up on the past few weeks.

    Nikki Ogunnaike wearing a leather jacket and a black T-shirt

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    25 Under-$50 Gifts You Should Scoop Up Immediately Before They Sell Out

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    I’m Stocking Up on Gifts Ahead of Black Friday—Here’s What I’m Buying

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    Self Checkout
    Marie Claire Newsletter

    The ultimate daily digest for women of power, purpose, and style.

    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
    Nikki Ogunnaike
    Nikki Ogunnaike
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    Editor-in-Chief

    Nikki Ogunnaike is the Editor in Chief of Marie Claire US. She has previously held roles at Harper's Bazaar, GQ, ELLE, Glamour, InStyle, and Vanity Fair. She authors the popular Marie Claire newsletter Self Checkout. You may also recognize Nikki from her time as the host of Snapchat’s Online, IRL and IGTV's The Run Through.

    Based in Brooklyn, New York, in her free time Nikki enjoys running half marathons, learning about wine, and watching reality TV without an ounce of shame. You can follow her at @nikkiogun.

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