Sprezza for Madewell, a holiday guide
A few thoughtful gift ideas worth considering this year.
This is a paid partnership with Madewell Men’s. All recommendations and opinions are my own :)
Look, you’ve already seen my fall seasonal shopping guides and the gift ideas I published last week. I’ve got a bit more on the way this week. But before that, I have a holiday-focused one with my friends at Madewell.
If you’ve paid any attention to Madewell in the last few years, you’ll know they’ve done an incredible job quietly turning the men’s side into one of the more reliable brands out there.
So much of their product on the men’s side hits the perfect equilibrium of price and quality. And every season, they iterate on producing quality pieces that feel lived-in, versatile, and approachable.
So today, I’m sharing some standouts from their holiday gift guide that I love.
When it comes to gift-giving, my philosophy is twofold:
Whether it’s a stand-out piece or something that blends in, pick things that help other people feel comfortable and at ease.
Invest in products that the other person can get range out of. Will they wear that jacket daily or donate it after 1-2 wears? Focus on quality, not quantity.
Now, let’s unpack a couple of complete looks, and I’ll explain why I like them. Then, I’ll share a few individual, standout pieces and items that make great stocking stuffers.
Quick note
If you’re in NYC, check out their new Soho store, which opened last week. They’ll have everything you need from this list!
Address:
565 Broadway
New York, NY
A couple looks to consider
I love both of these looks, and here’s why:
They’re understated, yet they feel luxurious in their own way
They each offer a hero or statement piece that sticks out to the naked eye, but it’s not so crazy that the other pieces can’t shine, too.
These are attainable looks and help people feel comfortable in their skin.
Simple layering is the key. You want to have a solid base of layers so you can shed one when it feels appropriate. While walking into a holiday party with your raglan coat or a fancy restaurant with your suede jacket is nice, you don’t want to wear it all night, especially inside.
Where to cop
Where to cop
Standout pieces
Next, I've picked some standout pieces for those seeking something specific. These simple pieces punch above their weight—seamlessly integrating into an existing wardrobe while adding that extra touch of refinement.
I've also got a couple of smaller accessories that make perfect stocking stuffers or complementary gifts. These finishing touches can transform an outfit from good to memorable.
Where to cop
A few parting thoughts
The older I get, the simpler my wardrobe becomes, and I love it.
There’s an inherent beauty in finding what works for you and sticking to it. I draw a lot of inspiration from someone like Andy Spade, who notoriously took simple classics and remixed them a million ways. Somehow, he always looks so damn good, and there’s nothing flashy about it.
There’s something in there that we can learn from him.
Madewell’s product—right now—bears the same approach. Ignore the passing trends; focus on making great styles that are wearable, easy, functional, and look great. Their holiday collection gives you exactly that to work with.
Whether you're shopping for yourself or someone else, remember that often, the best items are ones that become your “daily driver”—pieces that will withstand wear and tear and age well.