With the holidays upon us, we're in gift-shopping mode. Fresh trends from the runways are already setting the tone for what the fashion set will be wearing in the months ahead—including the rise of boho, a focus on outfit-making accessories, and the continued influence of sophisticated elegance, which has heavily impacted style in the first half of the year. We also had an early look at the just-dropped trends and fall arrivals on the street style scene as fashion month kicked off.
Since I was interested in getting a preview of the exact pieces Who What Wear fashion editors will be gifting this season, I asked our team to share the items they are planning to wrap up for their family members and friends and even themselves. Their picks include everything from suede and leopard pieces to elevated staples, investment-worthy bags, and outerwear. The overall theme, however, is a focus on smart, versatile buys that have longevity over fleeting trends. Ahead is the Who What Wear holiday shopping list, including the top finds from our editors.
Great gift-giving often comes down to good listening, so I have a running list in my Notes app when my family members and friends mention something that could align with a fun gift idea. I also like to wrap up unexpected finds and some of my favorite shopping finds that I know the recipient might not purchase for themselves. For the host? Topstitched leather coasters from Ralph Lauren or Spanish potato chips that come in a metal tin to give alongside caviar. For the car enthusiast? An Acqua di Parma car diffuser. For the fashion person? The latest issue of French magazine L'Étiquette, a card holder from Cartier, or a gorgeous pair of slingbacks from Chanel.
"I put a lot of thought into the holiday gifts that I give, as I want to give things they'll actually use and that they wouldn't necessarily buy for themselves. It's easier said than done. I also think about what I would want to receive when shopping for a gift for someone else, as I'm pretty picky. This holiday season, I plan to shop for chic accessories, home décor, jewelry, food and beverages, and beautiful candles. I'm not opposed to stereotypical holiday gifts because they're popular for a reason, but I try to find special versions of them so there's still an element of surprise. Personalized gifts are always appreciated too. Jennifer Behr, the holy-grail hair-bow brand, is making monogrammed bows now, and I want to give them to all of my friends. As for my own wish list, I'd love to receive the chocolate-brown Prada bag that I think about daily but will mostly be asking for things I actually need, such as a Parachute robe and burgundy Lululemon leggings."
"Every fashion editor I know takes gift-giving very seriously, and I'm no exception. Regardless of price, my goal is always to give something the recipient will genuinely enjoy—something that becomes part of their daily life and might even be worth a repurchase. As a fragrance collector, I often choose a signature scent for friends, but for an extra-special touch, I also love gifting sculptural jewelry or home décor. Recently, I discovered The Laundress's Beauty Sleep collection, an aromatherapeutic addition that has elevated my nighttime routine. When it comes to fashion, a cashmere sweater or a luxe handbag is always a safe bet, and I gravitate toward those classic pieces that promise style, longevity, and joy for the recipient."
"My approach to holiday gifting is really centered on understanding what each receiver will want and actually use and then finding something that fits that description at a good price. I've gone overboard in the past with gifting, and honestly, it causes too much stress, something that's already in abundance during the holiday season. I like to buy gifts that people I know already love but hate to buy themselves, like a skincare product or cashmere items. I always gift cashmere, be it a cape, sweater, or pair of socks. Really, anything that brings comfort to someone makes for a perfect gift, in my opinion.
"With interesting, personality-driven accessories trending on the runways, I'm considering adding those into my gifting direction this season as well. I'm obsessed with hats, long gloves, brooches, fur scarves, etc. I love Mains de Vapeur for hats because they're all handmade and customized, so I'm very interested in making something unique for at least one person in my family. Lastly, on the beauty side, I always like to give products that I've tried and loved that my friends and family members maybe haven't heard of or gotten to try yet. I can't stop talking about the Dr. Diamond's Metacine Instafacial. It basically mimics the results of a really good facial at home, and I always wake up feeling glowy and tight in the face after I use it for a few days. Rhode's Glazing Milk is my holy grail—I can't go a day without it. And then there's Anfisa Skin's lip treatment, which has changed my life. I'm in love with it and will never go back to other products."
"Gift-giving is truly one of life's small pleasures, and there's nothing quite like the buzz you get when you find that perfect something for someone you love. I always approach my gift shopping with the person in mind—keeping in mind their lifestyle and things they love but perhaps wouldn't buy themselves. While my gifts are certainly catered to who I'm giving them to, I feel like they always have a hunk of me buried inside of them! This year, I'll be shopping for unique and beautiful home décor, whether it's a beautiful vase or gorgeous candle, as well as small luxuries such as luxurious bodywash and Chanel lipstick. I also love giving books, stationary, and journals, all items that can pull us away from our phones and offer some self-reflection. For those trickier people to buy for, I'll always opt for a beautiful Christmas food hamper. When it comes to my own wish list, I like anything that encourages a little self-care, something I don't always prioritize as a busy mom of two. Perhaps a luxury bath oil, a weighted blanket, a gratitude journal, and something soft and cozy to wrap into."
"My holiday shopping MO stems from recent styling advice I received from Parisian designer Alexandra Golovanoff: Each ensemble should have just one 'treasure,' a small and luxurious detail that pulls the eye. Think a sleek ponytail cuff, a romantic Victorian choker, or even a flick of jewel-toned eyeliner courtesy of Hermès. The rest of the outfit should feel very effortless to add some juxtaposition, which perfects the classic recipe for cool-girl French fashion. For my loved ones, I'm currently eyeing gorgeous treasures, such as Cult Gaia's sculptural eau de parfum and elegant hair baubles from Rpzl. The rest of my wish list leans toward easy basics—burgundy trousers, for example—that I'll rewear long after the last pop of champagne on January 1."
"This holiday season, my shopping focuses on the idea that less is more. Instead of many small gifts, I prefer to give and receive high-quality and meaningful items. For example, I plan to gift Cozy Earth's bamboo sheet set for its comfort and durability and Clean Skin Club's Clean Towels, which effectively clear skin and prevent breakouts. For the fashion person on my list, I think a hooded scarf is a cool, under-the-radar gift, as it effortlessly adds an elevated feel without the bulk of layering a sweatshirt. When considering what to gift myself or ask for this year, I'm eyeing Khaite's Nevada boots, which feature a classic kitten-heel design and a sock-like upper—a style trending among fashion enthusiasts from New York to Paris this fall. Additionally, I've been drawn to high V-neck sweaters lately, as they give a polished look, whether paired with jeans or a skirt. For that reason, I've added & Other Stories' cozy knit to my wish list. Finally, I'm in need of a new wallet and can't stop thinking about Métier's leather wallet with the exposed pockets."
"There was a time when I would pre-plan gifts weeks or months in advance to make sure I was able to get something extra special and perfectly curated for the recipient. Over the years, I've dropped the ball a bit and have resorted to last-minute gifts, so this year, I'm making an effort to move back to my old ways and make sure each gift I give is personal to each person and feels like there was a ton of thought put into it. Think personalized stationery, a selection of books curated to their taste, and pajamas or a bag with customized embroidery. Some standard gifts I love to purchase are makeup sets from a brand they love, luxurious candles they may not want to buy themselves, and anything self-care related."
