Elevate His Style: 14 Upgrades to Gift Him This Christmas

With their sleek octagonal design and customizable face, these cufflinks elevate his business look while still working for weekend dinner. Crafted to balance sophistication with versatility, they add a subtle touch of personality to any outfit—whether paired with a crisp dress shirt in the office or a smart-casual ensemble on a night out. A small detail that makes a big impression, they’re the kind of accessory he’ll reach for again and again.

When I worked in retail, I learned the fashion styling rule of adding a third piece to complete a look. Adding a “third piece” or item in addition to the shirt and pants elevates and gives an outfit that “finished” look. A nice jacket is a great example of the third piece to layer on.

If you’re looking for a fashionable Christmas gift for your boyfriend, you cannot go wrong with anything from Sézane’s men’s collection, Octobre Éditions.

The Sezane Nelson Jacket is the perfect wardrobe upgrade in this category and essential for those in-between weather months. With its tailored fit, cozy texture, and earthy tone, it’s a versatile piece that pairs effortlessly with everything from sweaters to button-downs, bringing a polished touch to his wardrobe.

5 colors available

We know every guy has his go-to sneakers—but let’s be honest, most of them skew more “gym day” than “date night.” Help upgrade his everyday style with a pair that does both. These luxe leather sneakers offer the same cushioned, molded footbed he already loves for all-day comfort, but with a polished finish that instantly elevates any outfit. They’re the kind of versatile staple he’ll reach for on everything from weekend errands to dinner reservations.

If you’re hunting for a stylish yet affordable men’s fashion gift, consider this your answer. Trendy, practical, and undeniably wearable, they’re a gift he’ll use (and appreciate) for years.

3 colors available

A nice pair of Chinos in classic khaki or navy is the perfect go-to for a guy when he needs something nicer than jeans but not as dressy as a suit pant. As a timeless wardrobe essential, chinos pair well with a polo, blazer, or sweater, offering a look that’s polished and tailored without feeling stuffy. It’s truly a classic style gift for men that suits any occasion. If he’s a bit more fashion-forward style, get him a pair of relaxed pleated trousers, a style popping up at menswear stores everywhere this year. They’re a wonderful nod to dapper-looking men of the 1940s and earlier.

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Most men have that pair of jeans they love and reliably throw on to run errands or clean out the garage. I’m not knocking it—we love a favorite pair of jeans. But that should not be the same denim he wears to date night, the friend’s engagement party, or Thanksgiving dinner.For some easy closet upgrades to boost his style, consider updating his denim collection with a more tailored fit in a darker wash—perfect for pairing with a blazer or sweater and loafers instead of his usual T-shirt and sneakers. Jeans can be tough to fit, but Banana Republic and Tailor Stitch both have a great assortment of styles, fits, and washes.

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There’s something about a starched button-down that reads I am headed into my corporate meeting. If you’re looking for alternate shirt choices for dressing up that is less finance bro and more stylish bf, reach for one in a more relaxed fabric with no buttons on the collar. Tell him to leave the top button or two open. Pair with that nicer denim or relaxed chino and a loafer to complete the look of this wardrobe essential. Hello, handsome. One key to a successful closet makeover for men is choosing timeless pieces that can adapt to both casual and formal settings—and this piece does just that.

10+ colors available

White tees are a fashion staple I gift my husband every year because of the wear he puts on them throughout the year. And there’s a big difference between an old, thin, worn tee neckline popping out from under a sweater versus a crisp, thick cotton that pops. Last Christmas, I picked up this signature tee from Faherty for my husband, and he’s constantly reaching for it. The thicker material makes it not see-through, so it can be worn as a shirt under a blazer, as opposed to just layering it under sweaters, which he also does.

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This past spring, when I helped my husband refresh his wardrobe, the sweater polo was the piece that took him furthest out of his style comfort zone. At first, he wasn’t totally on board with it, but I managed to convince him to keep it. Now, after wearing it on several occasions, it’s the item he gets the most compliments on. Sweater polos look fantastic—they’re a dressier, more stylish twist on the classic polo, instantly elevating any outfit and wearable year-round. In my opinion, having at least one sweater polo in a classic color is a must-have staple for men.

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Upgrade his wardrobe with a classic polo that feels anything but basic. J.Crew’s long-sleeve polo in double-knit jacquard adds subtle texture and visual interest, making it a step up from a standard polo. It’s effortlessly versatile—perfect paired with denim or chinos for a casual look, yet polished enough to wear under a blazer. Think of it as the perfect hybrid between his favorite polo and a cozy fall sweater: stylish, comfortable, and ready for whatever the season throws his way.

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If he doesn’t already have a great lace-up boot in his rotation, the Captain from Thursday Boot Co is the kind of upgrade that quietly transforms his whole wardrobe. The clean silhouette adds a refined bite to everyday outfits, striking that rare harmony between rugged and polished. Whether he’s wearing denim or dressed-up trousers, these boots deliver a versatile, confident look that feels elevated without tipping into “dress shoe” territory. The Captain is perfect for the guy who wants something sharper than sneakers but still grounded and easygoing. It’s a holiday gift that ages handsomely, wears comfortably, and earns its place as a year-round staple.

10+ colors available

I don’t know what it is, but there is something about a man in a long wool overcoat that just screams handsome. If you’ve seen Peaky Blinders, you’ll know what I mean. This versatile coat is perfect for the colder months, bringing a touch of elegance to his everyday look. Whether he’s dressing for a formal event or simply layering over a sweater and jeans, a wool overcoat is a wardrobe must-have that never goes out of style. With options in classic colors like charcoal, navy, and camel, he’ll have a piece that’s both timeless and easy to pair with everything in his closet.

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If the Banana Republic version is out of your budget, try this budget-friendly option that comes in under $130.

Similar to the chino pant vs. suit slacks debate, it’s good to have a more casual blazer option that isn’t a suit coat for when the occasion calls for it. My husband often throws on his knit blazer with jeans and a tee for nights out, and again, the compliments just roll in. He’s a pretty casual guy, so this simple step of adding a comfortable, casual knit blazer just dials it up a notch without sacrificing comfort.

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If your man’s favorite sweats have seen better days, treat him to a serious upgrade with a pair of Vuori joggers. Trust me—you’ll appreciate seeing him in these just as much as he’ll love wearing them. I’ve gifted my husband Vuori joggers for pretty much every occasion over the last few years—Father’s Day, birthdays, Christmas—you name it. They’re that good. Soft, flattering, incredibly durable, and basically the gold standard of comfy-but-put-together loungewear, they’re a guaranteed hit every single time.

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You can’t go wrong gifting the magic of true cashmere—especially when it’s Quince’s famously affordable Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater. At just $59, it delivers an elevated feel that rivals sweaters triple the price. The newly upgraded cashmere is smoother, softer, more substantial, and less prone to pilling, making it a piece he’ll wear for years. Warm (three times warmer than wool), sustainably sourced, and endlessly versatile, this classic crew is perfect for everything from holiday dinners to everyday layering. It’s the kind of cozy, timeless essential he’ll reach for all winter long and well beyond.

10+ colors available

Upgrade his travel game with a bag that’s as smart as it is stylish. The Halfday Garment Duffel keeps his clothes organized and looking sharp, whether he’s heading to a long weekend, a destination wedding, or a business trip. The hanging compartment fits a suit, tux, or dresses plus a handful of shirts, while the rest of the bag easily holds folded clothes and shoes. Lightweight, carry-on friendly, and made from durable, water-resistant material, it’s the kind of travel bag that makes packing effortless and travel feel a little more elevated. Think of it as the travel upgrade he didn’t know he needed—practical, polished, and ready for anywhere.

9 colors available