It’s that time of year when we start trawling online and traipsing IRL to try and find the perfect pressies for our loved ones. And if you have a fashion lover in your life, there can be an overwhelming amount to choose from.
If in doubt, my tip would be to keep it reasonably simple, buy fewer fashion goodies but better quality — and always keep the receipts.
I, like most fashion editors, have a wardrobe absolutely brimming with clothes. So I feel I must preface this list by saying that I absolutely do not need anything for Christmas. However, given that my job is to spend all day looking at the latest and greatest products, a mental wishlist inevitably builds.
From the perfect chic-but-snuggly jumper to a super slick ski-suit and some mood-boosting undies, here are 15 items that I can’t get out of my head — and that I definitely would not mind spotting under the tree.
Acne shearling jacket
An oversized shearling jacket is top of my wishlist this Christmas — and this Acne one is the best of the bunch. They look great over funnel neck knits (see the Cos one I want below) and jeans, or with kilts poking out as they were styled at the Miu Miu show.
£2300; shop here
Tada & Toy silver baguette hoops
Silver jewellery is back in big way I am really enjoying how fresh it looks after years of ubiquitous gold hoops and chains. This pair from London label Tada & Toy set with baguette crystals is chunky enough for daytime but brilliantly blingy for parties. I already own them in gold and they are really good quality and nice and light.
£210; shop here
Abercrombie flannel shirt
Ever since Kate Moss hit the runway in the Bottega Veneta spring/summer 2023 show wearing a plaid shirt (that was actually made from leather) and jeans, I’ve found myself lusting after a lumberjack shirt like the ones I used to live in in the mid-2000s. This one from Abercrombie will look great over a white tank and mid blue denim — and I’ll probably add some diamante jewellery to give it polish.
£52; shop here
Prada slingback pumps
I’ve had my eye on a pair of Prada slingbacks for a while now, and this new season style with silver toe cap is super sleek. At £900 they’re a pretty hefty investment but I think they will really sharpen a multitude of outfits in my wardrobe — from jeans and a blazer to an LBD and sheer black tights.
£900; shop here
H&M floral appliqué one shoulder top
After seeing corsages and floral embellishment all over the SS23 runways, I’m desperate to add some flower power to my wardrobe, and this gorgeous H&M top is the perfect, wallet-friendly way to do it. I’ll wear with black vinyl leather trousers and black boots for a fresh approach to festive dressing.
£19.99; shop here
Cos funnel neck breton stripe cashmere jumper
High up on any woman’s list of things she needs to survive the bleak of January is a really great jumper. Cult label Toteme released a Breton stripe funnel neck knit earlier this year that’s gone viral on the ‘gram, but this cashmere number from Cos is similarly classic and cool, and half the price. I’ll wear it with black leggings and knee high boots and a chunky jacket thrown over.
£225; shop here
Eberjey super soft pyjamas
Silk pyjamas look chic sure, but they’re a nightmare to wash and I don’t actually find them that comfortable to sleep in. Unlike these amazing Eberjey ones, which are made from a stretch modal fabric that is exceptionally soft on the skin. Like honestly, ridiculous. I bought my first pair a few years ago and I’ve never looked back.
£141 for the set; shop here
Reiss satin maxi skirt
I can’t remember the last time I wore a maxi skirt, but they were all over the SS23 runways and now I find myself longing for a long floor-swishing one. This flattering black satin bias cut maxi from Reiss would look great with heels and a cami for parties, or dressed down with boots and a fine knit for a cosy Christmas dinner.
£178; shop here
Déhanche black leather belt
Second to washing your hair, a smart belt is an easy way to give a simple jeans, shirt and boots look (my uniform) polish. This lovely black leather number from new belt label Déhanche (launching on Browns and Farfetch soon) will instantly make me feel more put together, and will also go with my ever-expanding silvery jewellery collection.
£183.98; shop here
Dora Larsen underwear set
For a long time I thought having bigger boobs meant I was restricted to black or nude bras with thicker straps, or spending an eye watering fortune in Rigby & Peller. Then I discovered London label Dora Larsen, which makes candy cute lingerie in an impressive array of sizes. The fit is amazing and the colour palettes are as mood boosting as the reasonable prices.
£65 for the bra; shop here
The Augustinus Bader The Face Cream Mask
My skin is always dehydrated and in winter it gets especially dull and dry. I’m already a fan of Augustus Bader’s incredible face cream, and now he’s applied his famous TFC8® technology (first pioneered on burns victims) to a mask. It’s got Swiss grape and polysaccharide complex to hydrate, lift and plump and lots of and Vitamin C to stimulate the production of collagen while firming and brightening. You can use it as a quick pre-party fix but I’ll be leaving it on overnight to (hopefully) cancel out my Christmas hangovers.
£165; shop here
Heavenly tennis necklace
A serious diamond tennis necklace is on my list of things I want to buy myself by the time I’m a proper grown up (date TBC), but until then this fabulous imitation diamond one from Heavenly London will more than do.
Heavenly London graduated ‘diamond’ collar, £265; shop here
Jigsaw cashmere beanie
Balaclavas are set to be the winter ‘22 headwear hit for hardcore fashionistas. I’m not entirely sure I’m ready though, and will be sticking to a chic, timeless cashmere beanie. This one from Jigsaw ticks all the boxes.
£65; shop it here
Hershesons hairdryer
Drying my hair is without doubt the most boring ten minutes of my day. This new Hersheson’s hairdryer is meant to be seven times faster than other hairdryers — which sounds like very good news to me. It’s cute and compact and weighs just 294g, making it great for travelling. Most importantly though, it protects hair with a technology called ‘Oxy Active’ that pumps out active oxygen, which boosts shine and protects hair elasticity — both things my mane needs help with in winter.
£295; shop here
Perfect Moment Ski Suit
I’m off skiing over Christmas and there is nothing I’d like to hit the slopes wearing more than a Perfect Moment onesie. They are fun, flattering and surprisingly warm, and look great layered under coordinating puffer jackets on colder days. An investment certainly, but the plain-coloured retro-inflected designs are timeless and so well constructed they will last decades.
