mens style

The 2025 Rath-Approved Holiday Gift Guide

Welcome to my 2025 Holiday Gift Guide!

I’ve gathered 12 gift ideas for the man in your life: a mix of hard-working essentials and some splurgy non-essentials intended to delight the aesthete and the aficionado. Choose from three categories: Stocking, In-Between, Splurge. And if all else fails, and you'd like more tailored help, contact me.

Stocking

(clockwise from top left)

  1. Compact digital tape measure with fast, accurate readings, easy unit switching, and built-in memory. Simple, precise, and handy for everyday projects. ($37)

  2. A clean, masculine candle with a sculptural black vessel and a deep, woody blend of smoke, evergreen, and cedar. Refined, atmospheric, and an easy upgrade to any room. ($40)

  3. A classic 2-pack of Polo Ralph Lauren socks with subtle foulard pattern. Cotton-blend, everyday comfortable, and a simple way to add thoughtful, low-key style to his wardrobe. ($24)

  4. Compact 9-in-1 multi-tool pen built for everyday use — writes like a smooth pen and packs nine practical functions (LED light, ruler, level, bottle opener, screwdrivers, stylus). Durable aluminum construction makes it a solid stocking stuffer for guys who appreciate functional, well-designed gear. ($13)

Splurge

(clockwise from top left)

  1. Ralph Lauren Home Mixologist Bar Set in handsome leather, wool, and brass that combines classic materials with practical mixology tools. It’s a refined addition to his home bar or entertaining space — elevated without being showy. ($4995)

  2. A high-performance down Moncler jacket with an unexpected twist — a distinctive corduroy exterior that adds texture and depth. This piece is technically built for the mountain, but refined enough for everyday winter wear. ($3610)

  3. This Baume & Mercier Classima Automatic Chronograph Watch is a Swiss-made automatic chronograph that pairs refined mechanics with a clean, classic profile. The stainless case and suede strap give it a grounded, masculine feel, while the neutral palette adds a modern and understated element. This watch is an heirloom-quality piece that works for both everyday wear and elevated occasions. ($3200)

  4. A beautifully crafted leather Brunello Cucinelli duffel that blends rugged utility with refined Italian design. The rich grain leather and thoughtful proportions make it equally at home on a weekend getaway or as a carry-on, while understated detailing keeps the look clean and masculine. ($5700)

Somewhere in Between

(clockwise from top left)

  1. Billy Reid Coleman Oxford, a rich dark brown suede Oxford shoe that blends timeless dress-shoe roots with a modern, lived-in feel. Made in Italy with subtle burnishing and waxed laces, this is a refined shoe that works as easily with jeans as with tailored trousers, adding quiet style and versatility to his wardrobe. ($498)

  2. UGG Robe, a plush, hooded fleece robe that feels like a serious upgrade to loungewear. Warm, relaxed, and effortlessly comfortable — perfect for slow mornings or cozy evenings at home. ($148)

  3. This Paul Smith Corduroy Hat has a corduroy baseball cap with a tactile, classic feel and adjustable fit. Its rich texture and subtle detailing add a refined casual edge to everyday outfits. ($150)

  4. This Shinola Black Leather Belt is a finely crafted Napa leather belt with a matte buckle and signature lightning-bolt detail on the keeper. This belt has been a fan-favorite for my clients needing a classic black workhorse belt. ($175)

How to Combat Your Pattern Matching Fears

One of my male clients’ biggest fashion fears is combining patterns. So much so, that I often hear from new clients that they resort to only ever wearing solids because they’re unsure of how to mix and match patterns. In my opinion, that’s completely unnecessary (and unacceptable!). If you’re similarly stuck, try my inverse pattern matching rule. It’s easier than you think.

Above is the before — a white shirt with a burgundy stripe and a solid jacket. Easy and safe. But if you want to take it to the next level, you combine that pattern with a pattern that’s the inverse. So in this case, that would be burgundy with a white stripe. See below for the after.

White shirt with burgundy stripe combined with a burgundy jacket with a white stripe. It’s chef’s kiss and really that easy! Give it a try, and let me know how you do. And if you’re still confused, contact me for a complimentary consultation.

Yours in style,

Julie