The Most Stylish Women I Know Just Told Me Their Exact Holiday Wish Lists
As the holidays approach, so does the season of gift-giving which, to be honest, can make even the more talented gifters among us draw a blank once it arrives. To find out which items everyone actually wants, I asked the most stylish women I know to share their exact holiday wish lists. They happen to be among the most in-the-know people in fashion and beauty, so whenever they have something on their wish list, you know it’s going to be good. And chances are you’ll be adding each of these items to your own shopping list as well.
From seasonless investment pieces to of-the-moment trends to cult beauty items with a huge following, their lists are stocked with seriously chic finds. Here, discover which fashion and beauty items have landed on their personal wish lists this holiday season. Whether you’re buying a gift for someone on your list or making a holiday purchase for yourself, these 30 stylish picks won’t steer you wrong.
Lisa Aiken, fashion and buying director, Moda Operandi
Shop Lisa's picks:
"I've been wanting to switch out my optic white boots for a pair in soft ivory for a while now—these are in the ideal shade of winter white. I can't think of a more perfect gift for me this season."
"This cashmere wrap sweater was made for casual holiday parties—I may have to gift it to myself early this season!"
"I'm always looking to add to my jewelry collection, and there's nothing more versatile than Alighieri's textured gold pieces. I would love this chain-link necklace to match my favorite bracelet."
Libby Jane Page, senior fashion market editor, Net-a-Porter
Shop Libby's picks:
"No New Year’s Eve is complete without the perfect slip dress, and I love the ’90s minimalism this taps into with the super-slim straps and open back."
"An unmistakable timepiece that is the perfect gift for someone special or for some self-gifting. It definitely gives people a reason to celebrate!"
"I love how Aligheri’s designer Rosh Mahtani has cleverly combined her signature jewelry with this vintage-inspired slingback. Jewelry for the feet was a trend we saw emerge on the runway for S/S 20, so I’ll be investing in these as a way to adopt the trend early."
Sylvie Mus, fashion stylist
Shop Sylvie's picks:
"I've been wanting to try out structured slim blazers. This one from Totême has the perfect fit and color."
"I'm accessorizing more during the holiday season. This golden bracelet with lucky charms is such a fun piece to add to any holiday look."
"I want to wear long dresses this holiday season. This one from Acler is minimalistic, but the cut makes such a statement."
Carrie Barber, art director, Violet Grey
Shop Carrie's picks:
"Normally I wouldn't splurge on an item that isn't black or neutral, but every time I see these boots, my heart skips a beat. The low heel and square toe are what dream boots are made of.”
"There is nothing more intoxicating than this cult classic made by perfumer Dominique Ropion for Frederic Malle. It starts off with a strong dose of Turkish rose but finishes with a sensual smoky base. It’s magnetic and a great way to make friends at a holiday party.”
"This is on my list because A. I would never buy this for myself, and B. I have never owned a leather jacket but feel like this trench could be my gateway into leather jackets and a piece I would have forever."
"I already have this on my vanity but I am including it here because it should be on your wish list. Backed by 30 years of research, these creams are in a category of their own, activating dormant skin cells to help with almost any skin issue you can think of. The finish is my favorite part and plays well with makeup.”
Fong Min Liao, artist
Shop Fong's picks:
"A blazer or skirt or a pair of trousers from Peter Do. Basically, I would love anything by this emerging designer. The attention to detail and cut in his designs is impeccable. He really understands when to take the fabric to the next level and when to restrain."
"I believe this is taking the idea of a jade roller to the next level."
"I usually avoid items that I see everyone and their mother carrying, but I just can't stop thinking about Bottega Veneta's pouches!"
Nicole Eshaghpour, market editor, Who What Wear
"I've been thinking a lot about what type of outerwear I want to wear this winter, and I've come to the conclusion that the leather coat is the pick for me. It's classic, so I know I'll never regret buying it, but it also happens to be very forward-feeling at this moment."
"While I know knee-highs are all the rage right now, at 5'2", I have been looking for a pair of boots that's cool but still flattering on my frame. I recently came across these Paris Texas ankle boots that, thanks to the square cap toe, feel like the perfect combination of trendy and well-suited for me."
Victoria Berezhna
"I want to be the woman who casually wears a navy wool coat by The Row to the supermarket/my morning walks in the park/a quick breakfast with my friends. It's a huge investment but is likely to stay in my wardrobe forever."
"I’ve been looking for the 'perfect' pair of boots for the past several years—enter these glossy ankle boots with a buckled cuff. They can be worn with dresses, skinny jeans, or the ‘Bottega’ way; with tucked-in tailored trousers. I'm looking forward to wearing them to pubs in the countryside with a thick jumper."
Anina Hee, founder, Refine
Shop Anina's picks:
"For me, a bag needs to be practical without unnecessary features. I have had my eye on the Lady bag by The Row for quite some time now—it's perfect and all I am looking for in a bag and spacious enough to fit everything I am carrying around all day, yet it is beautiful and luxurious in an understated way and will go with everything in my wardrobe. Most of my bags are either black or tan, so I feel navy is a nice extension to my small and high-on-rotation collection."
"I am spending the holidays in the Swiss Alps. There's nothing better than taking a relaxing bath after a day on the slopes."
"By Pariah is my go-to brand for jewelry. I am obsessed with its rings and already have a stack I wear every day and would feel naked without. Recently the brand introduced precious stones and I really want to add one to my collection. The one made of deep red tiger eye goes really well with my skin tone."
Viktorija Svedkova Jasevice, brand and communcations consultant
Shop Viktorika's picks:
"I am on a hunt for a perfect day and travel bag that could easily fit in everything yet still hold the shape. I love simple lines and the perfect shade of caramel of this Khaite tote. It is just perfect for someone like me, who is always on the go."
"I always tweak my beauty routine for dry winter months, which involves adding some oils. I am a true purist, and this Costa Brazil body oil caught my eye immediately as it's full of powerful antioxidants, is environmentally friendly, and sustainably sourced. Added bonus, it will look very elegant on my top shelf!"
"This is that one item I really need in my life but never wish to splurge on. I feel that this shape will be perfect to fit all my beauty products when traveling, yet I would wear it during the day as a pouch."
Taylor Hicks, assistant manager, social media, Bergdorf Goodman
Shop Taylor's picks:
"Boots are easily my favorite part about getting dressed during the fall and winter seasons. I first saw this pair of knee-high croc-embossed boots from Jimmy Choo on Pernille Teisbaek, and I couldn’t believe how perfect the shape was. Trust me when I tell you that they’re even better in person. I haven’t stopped thinking about them since."
"I just moved into a new apartment and have made it my mission to find the best scents to fill the space. I’ve always been a massive Byredo fan because not only does the brand create such unique fragrances, but its packaging is unparalleled. If you’re someone like me who can’t get enough of luxurious candles, this is a wonderful gift for the holidays."
"Since a card case is one of my most-used items on a daily basis, and I’ve all but destroyed my current one, I’m more than ready to upgrade. Balenciaga’s latest croc-embossed version with black hardware is exactly what I’ve been looking for and will fit into almost any bag."
Next, discover the most important winter handbag trends for the season ahead.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
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