Giving. Receiving. Wearing.
Some of our favorite Substack writers, stylish friends and Tory share their holiday plans.
At their heart, the holidays are all about people — a time to gather with our friends and family, to toast each other and exchange gifts. In that spirit, we asked some of our favorite Substack writers and the stylish people we’ve featured in What Should I Wear? — plus Tory — to tell us about their holiday plans: what they’re giving, what they’d like to receive and what they’ll be wearing.
Tory Burch
I will be giving… our new Good Luck Trainer. They’re handwoven with stretch webbing and are sleek and super comfortable. I would like to get… vintage porcelain and pottery. I collect everything from Dodie Thayer and Lucie Rie to Creil-Montereau. I will be wearing… our silk lamé skirt, embellished with crystals, paillettes and feathery sequins, a vintage sweater and our mismatched Patos slingbacks.
Erika Veurink, Long Live
I will be giving… these socks. If they’re good enough for the pope, they’re good enough for most of my list. I'm ordering custom stationery from Jaymes Paper. I love dangling something special like this on a gift with ribbon. Sometimes I'll sub the perfume for a bunch of Blackwing pencils. I would like to receive… this bag. I wonder if I drop another hint about it, my husband will finally notice. I love receiving books on my TBR list from local spots like Three Lives or Books Are Magic. I will be wearing… my normal outfits, but a little more festive. Mary Janes are a go-to, so instead of plain black, I'd opt for these with jeans.
Jane Herman, The Only Jane + Jane on Jeans
I will be giving… the Tory Burch ripstop crossbody – every mom of a toddler I know will appreciate one. Oddities from Officine Universelle Buly – flower brushes, alabaster sumi hinoki and personalized Baume de Muses lip balm – are perennial stocking stuffers for my sisters. Legle’s Sous le Soleil butter dish comes in so many gorgeous colors and makes a great bedside accessory for rings and things. Butter is just the beginning! I’d like to receive… three more Ginori 1735 Oriente Italiano mugs with lids. I bought one for myself in London last summer. A frivolous purchase, I thought at the time. It turns out, I use it almost every day. I would love to have a proper set, each in a different color. And the Pierced Mule Sandal; I can think of five pairs of jeans that would look great with them – all straight-leg and cropped to show the clever heel. I will be wearing… these dark denim trousers that look so smart with a kitten heel and blazer, day or night. My only rule is to wear them with a minimalist belt like this one. I love Bode-everything with jeans. This embroidered suede overshirt is so whimsical, it turns any jeans-and-tee into a party piece.
Mélanie Masarin, Ghia + Nightshade
I am giving... Ghia Totem Glasses and Le Fizz! It's the perfect celebratory bottle and looks beautiful on any table. Matilda Goad silver matchbook sleeves are the perfect stocking stuffer. You can even get them engraved for that extra special finishing touch. I would like to receive... a Lié Studio Frida Hair Pin. Classic and understated but so elegant! I love the classic shape and cool detail of the Pierced slingbacks and the color makes them versatile year round. The Loewe Beetroot candle, which is potted in the most perfect reusable vessel. And lastly, the Crumbs book because ’tis the season. I will be wearing... my favorite Tory dress from last season, dressing it up with fun tights. Or this magical ensemble of a feather skirt and top, which has been living in my head rent-free.
Ashley Moubayed, Don’t Let Disco + Behind the Beads
I will be giving… the joy of scent with Loewe's captivating candles, Dries Van Noten's fragrance discovery sets and Astier de Villatte's enchanting incense. I would like to receive… a little extra spending cash is always appreciated but this calf hair jacket and a pair of sculpted peep-toe pumps would truly make my holiday season.
I’ll be wearing… Don't Let Disco! I'm obsessed with layering the Serenity Orb and Cosmic Crystal wrap necklaces - the perfect touch of festive fun, guaranteed to spark conversations and turn heads.
Jalil Johnson, Consider Yourself Cultured
I will be giving… a small Tiffany keepsake, like this charming piggy bank, to a friend expecting their first child. When my boyfriend’s nephew was born, I got a porcelain Tiffany plate set adorned with the alphabet. I adore the idea of gifting a timeless treasure to pass down. For another friend who’s delightfully mischievous, I might go with this cheeky pillow from Tory Burch. My boyfriend Nick, who claims he never has anything to wear, will likely receive a wardrobe refresh — perhaps a knit polo from Alex Mill and these fantastic little shoes. I would like to receive… a gym or, even better, a spa membership—2025 is the year I plan to get serious about health and wellness. I wouldn’t mind adding to my jewelry collection: a ring from Sidney Garber or perhaps this diamond bracelet from J’evar. I will be wearing… pieces from my collection with At Present. I have a feeling the earrings will get plenty of spotlight this season. I'll pair them with my Marshmallow bag, which manages to hold just about everything, and my new golden jazz shoes from Renate Jacob. To top it off, I'll add something sparkly.
Liana Satenstein, Neverworns
I will be giving… this jersey turtleneck to my mother. We’ve been having conversations about the power of a great coverage-minded top that’s classic but has bit of elegant oomph. I love the gold accents. She’ll look like a saucy Audrey Hepburn. I would like to receive… a beautiful bouquet from my husband. Hopefully, he reads this. I will be wearing… my Claires. They are soldered to my heels at this point. I've made the ballet flat my own, pairing them with low-slung cargos to classic kicky flares.
Nara Smith, Paper Pantry
I am giving… these plates, which make the perfect gift. Everyone needs a cohesive set of dinner plates. A good fragrance goes a long way; especially a unique and intriguing one. In the wintertime, layering pieces are essential and nothing is more luxurious than a soft wool sweater. I would like to receive… this handbag. I love a good everyday bag with sleek hardware in a color that goes with different outfits. I love cute and unique pieces like this that tell a story, especially when they’re gifts from someone I love. And this dress, because who doesn’t love to look glamorous while cooking dinner. :) I will be wearing… this sequined sweater, because you can never go wrong with a chic festive sweater for the holidays. I’ve grown fond of pink and this sweater is perfect for hosting during colder months. Lastly, a versatile dress is always a holiday essential.
Diana Tsui, A Concept Store
I will be giving… incense. It’s my go-to, unless they have an aversion to smells. I have three crowd-pleasers. The first is Evoke by CFCL, a Japanese knitwear label that makes its own fragrances. It’s meant to smell like the air after the rain. APFR is a modern Japanese home fragrance brand – think of it as their Aesop – my current favorite is Maghreb Bukhoor. Inspired by Morocco, it features sandalwood, damask rose, and musk, ideal for fall and winter. And finally, Loewe’s Tomato Leaves that immediately transports you to the height of summer, surrounded by fresh produce.
I would like to receive… my dream gift, which centers around my obsession with collecting every handbag named after Princess Diana, mainly because I'm named after her. The Chanel Diana is high on my list followed by the Lady Dior and Gucci Diana tote. The other two I’ve found are the Tod's Di bag and the Ferragamo Diana clutch. I figure I could slowly amass these throughout my life. I will be wearing… the Jellyfish dress. It was meant for me. A friend once commented that my personal style resembles a jellyfish, with my love of volume, ruffles, and dangly bits. I’d pair it with sheer tights, platforms, and dramatic earrings. And since I don't really get cold, this calf hair jacket would be perfect – it adds texture, which is key for an all-black look.
Becky Malinsky, 5 Things You Should Buy
I will be giving… lots of porcelain. I love trinkets from Herend, trinket boxes from Ginori 1735 and all the little weird dishes and bud vases you can find on Abask. I put a few in my gift guide last weekend. I would like to receive… Epicurean cutting boards from my mom to replace my plastic ones. I fluctuate between super functional and whimsical wants at the holidays. My jewelry wishlist has been growing since @willsnotebook's last trip to London during which I screen-shotted multiple things: Noor Fares amber teething beads and Cece Jewellery’s hand-painted lockets. I also wouldn't mind some vintage silver; I've been losing a lot of bids lately on Liveauctioneers. I will be wearing… the taffeta skirt (pictured below) from the holiday capsule I designed for Alex Mill on repeat, with sweaters for more casual get-togethers. Since the weather has been so tame, I plan on wearing sheer tights and mini dresses – most likely the ruffled Tory mini from Fall ‘24 – with a festive flat.
Anny Choi, Stylist & Consultant
I will be giving… socks from Schostal to all of my friends. I got them during my trip to Rome this summer. I'll also be picking up stocking stuffers like this Italian Harlequin Sweet Box from Choosing Keeping in London; they have some of the most delightful gifts! For the hostess in your life, you can't go wrong with Tory home. I love these Lilac Flower salad plates. I would like to receive… personal stationery. The holidays are always a time for me to stock up. I love Alissa Bell's designs. When in doubt, I'll never say no to Loewe hand soaps and Costa Brazil candles. I also love these crystal ballet flats to wear on New Years Eve and beyond! I will be wearing… this deep U neck dress. I saw [Tory staffer] Emily Farra wearing a top version and couldn’t stop thinking about it. I’ll be layering my Dorsey Leonora bracelet with it for that mixed-metal look and top it all off with this mini Fleming sequin bag.
Tahirah Hairston, Ridiculous Little Things
I will be giving… my friends a pair of Comme Si cashmere or merino wool socks in a fun color that I think fits their personality. A good pair of socks is something most people don’t buy for themselves. This Maison d’Etto fragrance called Karat EG to my mom. She visited recently and was obsessed with a sample I had. It's like a rose-patchouli moment that smells like a woman you'd never want to forget. A Metrograph membership to my cinephile friend, who sees a movie multiple times a week. I would like to receive… a new wardrobe for working at home. I used to have things I couldn't wait to wear to the office; now I need to romanticize this era of my work life. This red knit set from Baserange is comfortable and cute enough to wear while taking a quick stroll with my dog. These Aimé Leon Dore travel slippers are something I can wear in my apartment, while not feeling like I'm getting ready for bed. For days when I'll be running around the city, I'm obsessed with these wool trousers from Tory Burch. They are comfortable, and would instantly make me feel put together with just a t-shirt. I will be wearing… for a fancy holiday dinner party, this Tory Burch skirt, which is the epitome of good weird, these gold Bottega Veneta heels, and a crisp white button-up.
Esha Soni, Esha Soni
I will be giving… my Rock Duo studs and E. S. Brooch. It depends on the person but both are great for gifting. The Mini Slopes are adorable; they work as bag charms and crossbodies. And anything from True Botanicals. I use the products and they’re amazing. The Glowy & Bright Ginger Turmeric Duo and Body Glow Duo make great gifts. I would like to receive… the Pierced Mule Wedge in cream and I’m drooling over the limited-edition shearling Slope bag. I will be wearing… a couple of festive looks that I love. First, this sweater and silk skirt with my Rock Cluster earrings, cherry red Orb and these pumps. Second, this sequin T-shirt dress with silver Rock Duo Studs, a Mini Slope in snow leopard and silver Pierced Mules.
Carlos Mota, Casamota
I will be giving… my books. Any of them are great presents. Something from my new collaboration with Loretta Caponi. The Tory Burch Jolie Fleur candlesticks are so chic and nothing is better than candlelight. I would like to receive… invites to my friends’ houses to spend quality time with them. I will be wearing… chocolate brown velvet suits with touches of Bordeaux. I hate the combination of green and red.
Colu Henry, Colu Cooks
I will be giving… my closest girlfriends a dinner of their choosing at home. I'm going to design elegant tickets for them to cash in whenever they'd like. They can request whatever they'd like me to cook, and I'll make it for us to enjoy. The greatest gift is time together. Wine included, of course. I would like to receive… the Tory Burch Eleanor satchel in black. It's super chic and has feminine, vintage vibes, which is right up my alley. I also really love the Wave earrings. I’ll be wearing… a lot of velvet and vintage. I have my eye on a few items. Etsy is a great place to look as is 1stDibs. This Tory Burch velvet skirt would also be divine.
Megan Alida Strachan, Dorsey + WIPOT
I will be giving… Dorsey to all the women in my life. I usually know what my friends and family love because during the year I get texts asking about lengths of our necklaces, or which color of a stone I like. If not Dorsey, I really like to gift vases — something that I find people don't often buy for themselves. I would like to receive… cashmere socks. I always lose my socks and end up with an odds-and-ends sock drawer by the end of winter. I will be wearing… this sweater. I'm spending the holidays in Colorado and I'm going to be skiing with my little girl. I've always loved a sweater that says ‘SKI’ on it.
Orion Carloto
I will be giving… these Cap-Toe pumps, which I wear more than any other shoe. They’re gorgeous and deserving of a place in every closet of the ones I love. When I wear this cardigan out, I get so many compliments. It’s only fair that my friends get the same amount of attention. Also, I want us all to match. My new collection of Double Soul Socks. And lastly, handmade cross-stitch heirlooms. There’s nothing that tells people you love them like dedicating hours to make something unique and special. I would like to receive… these shoes, which I have been eyeing from the moment I began my obsession with Tory Burch. Brown suede hasn’t left my mind all year, and I don’t own anything like them. A Sajou sewing kit. I’ve found so much beauty in the art of hand-sewing and would love to have beautifully crafted tools. Lastly, I watched a documentary on Vivian Maier and have since spent my days rummaging through eBay to find the perfect Rolleiflex 3.5T — a tedious task for an indecisive perfectionist. Wouldn’t it be nice to find one under my tree instead? I will be wearing… my Tory Burch cardigan, jeans and ballet flats. I tend to lean towards comfort when it comes to Christmas, not just for practicality, but also because wearing a fancy dress would be a disaster with how clumsy I am in the kitchen.
Note: Answers have been edited for clarity and length.
As 2024 comes to an end, we want to wish everyone a happy holiday. Thank you for reading and supporting WSIW this year. We love being a part of the Substack community, and having the opportunity to collaborate with many of you. Until 2025!
Great lists, but my goodness on the socks thing. This must be an NYC thing, as no one I know is talking about the need for socks...
So fab! Love everyone on this list.