- Astrid York
irreverent gift ideas for the niche hot girl in your life [2023]
We've done the work so you don't have to.
** all prices in this editorial are correct at the time of publishing
The 'fashion girl' or 'niche hot girl' as TikTok creator's Alina Kossan and Marina have both respectively put it, can be the hardest person on your list to buy for. "You can't just buy them a random dress or a random sweater" puts the latter, "because she knows exactly what she wants to wear and she doesn't want to get random stuff that she doesn't actually like".
It's true, whilst I don't conform to these particular labels, I too am a girly with a wish list, that she doesn't necessarily want to share with everyone who might be interested in buying her a gift (because that's tacky and we all like surprises). But, once in a while it would be cool to get a gift that understands my niche sartorial choices, even if, lets face it, they're not that niche.
At the core of it, a fashion girl wants a gift that nods to her knowledge of brands, designers and trending aesthetics OR is an irreverent take on culture in a hot way.
I've rounded up a list of 30 items all under £250 that the fashion girl in your life might just appreciate. There's not one thing that binds all of these items, but they do fit into the following categories:
they've either been sourced from an independent online boutique, sustainably minded concept store or an emerging designers
they're from a popular brand or shop but tap into a trend the fashion girly is currently curating boards on Pinterest around
they're some kind of meme page merch / an ode to irreverent internet culture / or a cultural artefact that positions your fashion girly as in the know
Hopefully amongst these gift ideas you'll find something perfect for your special "niche hot girl".
Byredo is a trusted brand amongst hot girls (and guys!) everywhere for their luxury scents, but their array of other lifestyle and beauty products are also worth checking out. Your cool girl will appreciate the sleek chrome design of this lip balm, every time her lips are dry.
As you'll find with other items on this list, bows are very in right now. Thanks to designers like Simone Rocha and Sandy Liang, as well as the popularisation of the 'balletcore' aesthetic on social media, your fashion girly will appreciate this cute versatile nod to the trend of the year. These dainty NODRESS sleeves allow her to add a fun trending accessory to classic items in her wardrobe.
hart0049 is a german fine jewellery company which currently has a small collection of well-curated designs. Juxtaposing the hard look of silver with variations of heart designs that nod to early 00s tattoo designs.
Julia Soboleva is a Latvian-born artist now based in the UK, whose strange and sinister works offer portals to another world. This Giclée print of 'She Came To Speak To The Manager' is perfect for anyone who knows the term 'goblin-mode' and has considered buying a mid-century drinks cart for their lounge. If she likes her drink with olives, she'll probably like this print too.
A cute sweater and a relatable quip, this might be the perfect gift. Lirika Matoshi is a Kosovo-Albanian fashion designer based in NYC, originally popularised because of a viral Strawberry Dress in 2020, the designer's pieces now often nod to internet culture and irreverent takes on the life of 20somethings.
Its cold, especially if you're based in the UK right now. This CJL scarf is the perfect combination of trending tartan and luscious mohair. Your fashion girl will probably want to pair this with some burgundy printed tights, a mini skirt and whatever trench or quilted jacket they've got saved in their basket right now.
I did say bows were in. So I couldn't resist adding this made-to-order beauty from cult label Teutie Pie to the list. The beaded design of this adds a uber-feminine, whimsical twist. Each piece is handmade and released in small batches - your giftee will probably appreciate the uniqueness of this gift.
La Maskarade is a unisex and print-oriented clothing brand. The clothes are a support for the images, paintings and messages taught by designer, Max Danet. La Maskarade draws its inspiration from both club culture influences and the ever-changing rap scene. This hunting top taps into niche trucker aesthetics.
Jaekim is a jewellery based in South Korea who plays around with metal and beads/pearls to create manifestations of her own universe. Despite the dangly nature of beads, this earclip sits uprigh, like a constellation across the ear - and is bound to illicit compliments when work by your niche hot girl.
It's a skort, enough said. Sometimes us fashion-conscious do appreciate practicality, especially when presented by Danbi, experimenters in wearability the Los Angeles-based brand is spearheaded by Central Saint Martins alum, Lisa Danbi Park.
This knitted mesh hobo sack is created by SSU, a knitwear brand and consultation agency that has worked with Marine Serre. Shapeshifting between past and present time, its aesthetic is forged in both nostalgia and the need for the unexpected.
Another Charles Jeffrey Loverboy pick, these irreverent crystal studs are not only a conversation starter but they'll glitter super nice amongst all the fairy lights we find in the AW seasons. Your cool girl will appreciate the punk aesthetic that CJL is known for too.
Bows, bows and more bows. This time in a less-committed way. This printed long sleeve from Raga Malak is not only practical (didn't I say already, it's cold!) but it's cute too, with bow motifs and contrast stitching that adds an edge to this simple design. Perfect if your niche hot girl wants to tap into the bow trend without going super girly.
Disclaimer: if you're buying your fashion girl a vase, you better get her some flowers too! This surrealist design is typical of artist Lola Mayeras whose work is often characterized by cheerful bursts of color and a quirky sense of humor.
I don't even need to check your niche hot girl's Pinterest boards to know she has a plethora of printed tights saved in her AW inspo this year. These would look great with a white oversized shirt, or mini knitted shorts and a hoodie.
Whether she agrees with the sentiment of this tee or not, she'll probably like it. Soho House is a mainstay on the creative scene, and whether you're a member or know someone who is, your fashion girl has undoubtedly spent a night sipping their Picanté cockatails on a sun-roof. But who doesn't love an anti-establishment message these days? The bolder amongst us would be seen donning this at Soho House during a surprise Kaytranada set.
2023 was the year of niche aesthetics. This one is for the cottage cowgirlies. Isamaya Beauty, cult makeup artist and now beauty owner, was most known for her phallic-shaped lipsticks this year, but perhaps your giftee would prefer this cowgirl themes pressed pigment palette?
This is the second item on this list from Praying (the first was the tights) - this hooded sweatshirt is more typical of the brands offering. Part meme-page, part cult designer Praying is one of those 'if you know you know' or 'the girls that get it get it' brands. Get this for the niche hot girl that occasionally goes demon-mode or listens to Charli XCX.
Asymmetry is the only way, when it comes to cool earrings. It's just a plus that Collina Strada is known for its diverse and sincere representation of all identities and ages as well as an unfaltering commitment to sustainable practices.
Is she really a fashion girl if she's not obsessed with South Korean designers like Andersson Bell? This ASICS collab is underhyped imo and plays on integral colours for AW23 season. She can pair it with some printed tights or washed denim and a matching red scarf. Extra points if your giftee has an affection for the gorpcore aesthetic.
Everyone wants to smell good, even niche hot girls. This discovery set from Dries Van noton has the added value of it's unique bottle design that will look super cute when she pulls it out of her Miu Miu bow bag in practice for her 'In My Bag' Vogue Interview.
Just to reiterate, its cold. The girlies have become a bit more playful with their winter accessories in recent years, cue the upsurge in balaclavas, hoods and snoods. You could get your giftee a handknitted one by some 20something crochet hobbyist on Depop or Etsy, but she would definitely appreciate this Plaid number from aforementioned sustainable queens Collina Strada.
Couldn't resist adding another item from CJL, because it's all just bang on and in budget. This tank top is such a staple for anyone's wardrobe, and very reasonably priced for this designer. See my previous comments about nostalgia and punk too if you need notes.
A gadget! The only one on this list too, but KEFs headphone designs are super sleek thanks to their collaboration with Ross Lovegrove, the visionary designer who's known for his sculptural forms. Much cooler than AirPods imo!
And finally, this Munster motif drop necklace from Collina Strada is playful, cute and also a little punk too. Any niche hot girl who's into a bit of colour will appreciate this bold, pop art design.
