30 Best Preppy Gifts That’ll Make Anyone Feel Like Old Money by Jake Smith

While plenty of retailers would have you believe that they’re basically the definition of prep, actually tracking down the best preppy gifts can be a challenge. (Doubly so if you didn’t grow up around that very specific part of American culture.) But whether you’re shopping for a monogram-happy friend or a pastel-obsessed tween, we’ve done the legwork for you, and all you need to do is click “add to cart.”

Sure, regular gifts for women, presents for husbands, and gifts for teens will work just fine. But if you’re trying to impress someone who goes through multiple pairs of Sperry shoes in a year or knows the difference between Ivy and prep, it pays dividends to get a little more specific in your shopping. From pearl earrings to floral pickleball paddles, trendy toiletry bags to embellished sweaters, these are the very best preppy gifts to give everyone this season.

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Kule Small Tennis Club Tote

Kule’s sporty tote bag features a detachable shoulder strap and plenty of room for tennis rackets—but it’s also a perfect everyday bag, for that matter.

A Best Friend Gift Is Hard to Define, But Here Are 20 I’d Give Mine by Samantha Weiss-Hills

I’ve made a tradition (and sport) out of dreaming up the pitch-perfect list of holiday gifts for my best friend. I like to think of it as a lighthearted reflection on the past 365 days, of our experiences together and everything she’s had going on. Last year, it was all about the big changes—a move, a new job, and all that comes with that. This round, it’s about settling in and finding her groove, whether that’s making her apartment feel like home or jet-setting for work travel in style. So if I had one giant box to fill with presents for my BFF, these are the 20 I’d put in it. 

Gifts to Maker Her LOL

We both value a little giggle, so I would want to throw in a few things that are guaranteed to make her laugh. I know she’d get a kick out of a pasta-shaped candle, made by party and snack store Big Night with London’s Nata Concept Store. Ever the sock enthusiast, she’d appreciate and chuckle at a set of Kule smileys in goldenrod. A goofy 500-piece puzzle will scratch her jigsaw itch, and I’d poke a little fun at her commitment to hydration with an oversize insulated water bottle. 

The Women’s Line Smile Socks, Kule ($30)

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The 21 Best Striped Sweaters Are True Wardrobe Staples by Halie Lesavage

Because one striped sweater isn’t quite enough

The saying that “you can’t have too much of a good thing” definitely applies to the best striped sweaters. While I swear by a single camel wool coat each winter and named a straight-leg denim pair my all-time best jeans a decade ago, I can always create space in my closet for another Breton stripe knit.

From oversize turtlenecks with black and cream stripes to cashmere pullovers with thick, sunset-tone shades, the best striped sweaters of 2023 showcase the infinite styling potential of a well-placed line. Decades ago, knits streaked with cream, black, navy, or camel stripes cemented their status as eternal wardrobe essentials with help from icons like Jane Birkin. All they needed were a tailored jean and one of the best ballet flats to look put-together. Fresh twists are so much more than neutral-on-neutral crewnecks, however, so there’s enough variety to justify ordering more than one knit. Nowadays, “most sweaters can be very flattering and at times even sexy,” stylist Alexis Badiyi said. “For something unexpected, I love styling against the traditional feeling of a striped sweater, that to me can feel a bit preppy or buttoned up.” Out of the ordinary sweaters like Acne Studios’ dip-dyed oversize knit or the sensual slim fit of a Khaite polo sweater are evidence. But if you want to go the French girl route with your stripes, classic options from Sézane and Kule will have you covered.

Read on for the 21 best striped sweaters that are so essential, you may have to shop more than one. Each one was chosen based on its fabrication, fit, shopper recommendations, and my own testing—and each one can be worn a different way.

BEST STRIPED SWEATER OVERALL

Kule The Betty

$298 AT KULE.COM

BEST STRIPED SWEATER OVERALL

Kule The Betty

$298 AT KULE.COMCREDIT: KULE

Kule’s striped sweaters have a habit of working their way into my conversations with other editors. It’s half because Kule has one of the widest ranges of stripe colors to choose from, half because the sweaters keep their fresh-from-the-box quality even after dozens of wears. (The same standard applies to the brand’s best T-shirts.) Kule’s stripes have even landed on Oprah’s Favorite Things list.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colors: Cream/navy, navy/cream, black/cream, heather gray/navy, cream multi, and more

The Classic Sailor Stripe Sweater Is a Fall Fashion No-Brainer by Madeline Fass and Kristina Rutkowski

Striped sweaters have long been a wardrobe staple and every well-balanced closet deserves at least one. Long ago, the graphic navy and white striped Breton was the style du jour, fashioned from the original designs that members of the French navy wore in the 1800’s. Through the years, these striped sweaters became extremely popular and were made iconic by stars such as Brigitte Bardot and James Dean in the 1900’s. And today, nautical-inspired striped sweaters take on a more contemporary feel, available in many shapes and colors, making them a perennial favorite among designers and Vogue’s own fashion editors alike.

Fall makes for the perfect time to invest in these striped knit pieces. Who doesn’t need a cozy, everyday staple as the weather starts to change? Fortunately, in recent years, brands such as La Ligne and Kule have popped up on the market, basing their entire fashion lines on the concept of reinterpreting the classic stripe in the contemporary space. Designers like Khaite and Toteme always offer striped styles each season, crafted from luxe fabrications like high-quality cashmere and wool, while even budget-friendly brands like Everlane and J.Crew consistently carry a well-made version that won’t break the bank.

This season’s selection is extremely excellent as well. From a variety of stripe widths, to alternative silhouettes such as polo tops and collared cardigans, the options are limitless. Since the allure of classic stripes is rooted in effortlessness, that means these sweaters can be styled with extreme ease as well. Whether a chunky pullover speaks to you, or something more fitted fits the bill, you can still pair one with practically everything in your fall wardrobe—say, your favorite denim, trench coats, or designer boots. As such, these stylish graphic knits are sure to be one of your most worn items this season.

For an everlasting cool and casual look for fall, shop this season’s lineup of updated striped sweaters below.

KULE

The Betty sweater

$298

KULE

Is There Anything Better Than a Cashmere Sweater? Shop 40+ Styles for Luxe Layering by Laura Jackson

Sweater weather is in full swing, and what better way to celebrate than by slipping into of the best cashmere sweaters on a crisp day? Their soothing softness might be the extra dose of comfort you need right now, whether you’re layering up for an office commute or snuggling up at home on the weekend. And while the best cashmere sweaters for women have a reputation for having a high price tag, direct-to-consumer brands have given the covetable piece a more approachable price point, starting at the $100 mark (not to mention these affordable steals make for fabulous holiday gifts). 

If you’re unfamiliar with the material, cashmere comes from the fluffy undercoat of cashmere and pashmina goats and has been used to make yarn, textiles, and, of course, clothing for centuries. Unlike sheep’s wool, cashmere is softer and more supple, cementing its place as a luxury staple in your wardrobe. When shopping for your choice of cashmere, there are a few helpful tips to consider: First off, determine what type of style, warmth, and weight you’re after—this will be a defining factor in your sweater’s durability over time. And finally, if possible, try and get a good look at your cashmere choice in person to check for any pills, test out its touch and feel, and inspect for any loose threads in the stitching. And when it comes to caring for your cashmere, avoid any unwanted visits from moths by always washing by hand.

What’s even better is that many designers and direct-to-consumer brands like Everlane and Stella McCartney have committed to ethical and sustainable cashmere practices so that you can not only look good in your cashmere of choice but feel good about it too. Below, we’ve pulled together a handful of stylish sweaters to invest in. This mix of classic silhouettes will stay fresh season after season and includes yummy oversized turtlenecks from Vince and Allude, crewnecks from Tory Burch and The Frankie Shop, alongside perfect polos from Alex Mill and Toteme and cult-favorite cardigans from Khaite and Proenza Schouler. Festive Fair Isle finds that easily transition from the streets to the slopes are also up for grabs. 

Whether you’re planning for a winter weekend spent in the snow, snuggly staying put in the city, or just simply looking to treat yourself or a loved one this holiday season, here are 44 of the best cashmere sweaters to consider that are as chic as they are cozy.

Boat Stripes

A statement striped sweater should be a staple in your winter wardrobe—or any wardrobe for that matter. Of course, Everlane’s striped cashmere classic is at the top of our list, though, the options from Kule, Anine Bing, and Extreme Cashmere are equally desirable. Think beyond nautical summer fashion and style yours for winter with suede boots and a chic camel coat.

KULE The Betty sweater $298