Industry insiders’ holiday picks, from housewares to fitness—and local brands.
This year saw an obsession with “quiet luxury”—designer goods that lack showy labels, so only those in the know recognize them as high-end and pricey. The trend also prompted a move away from flashy designer goods in general—to timeless items that are well made but by little-known or more affordable brands. Yet even before the hit show Succession got people talking about quiet luxury, Washingtonians had always appreciated things refined yet discreet. So for this holiday season, we asked industry insiders, local style setters, and others in the know to suggest classic, beloved presents for both gift-giving and wish lists. (For those into less subtle luxury, fear not—we have some ideas there, too.) The result: 41 quiet-luxury-inspired gifts for almost everyone.
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7. Lavish Olive Oil
Graza
$37 for the gift set
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“I love love love the convenience of the ‘Drizzle’ and ‘Sizzle’ bottles,” says Andrea Rinaldi of Potomac, whose passion for home cooking is one of the focuses of her Instagram feed. “Clean, pure olive oil from Spain with dynamic flavor.”
8. Fragrant Hand Soap
Loewe
$77 a bottle
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“One of my favorites,” says Libby Rasmussen, owner of the home-decor retailer Libby & My. The soap “comes in many beautiful scents.”
Gifting Like a Pro
For years, clients of Candace Ourisman’s high-end concierge service enlisted her shopping expertise to find the perfect gift. Though the business is now closed, she still loves shopping for others: “When I’m giving gifts, I adhere to one rule: To someone I know, I give a gift that speaks to their interests or passions. To someone I don’t know intimately, I give one of my favorite things.” Here are a few such favorites.
Expert Beauty Picks
For the right recipient, makeup makes a fun present. To figure out which products rise to the level of giftability, we asked makeup artist Carl Ray, whose client list includes Michelle Obama. Here, he offers three luxurious favorites Washingtonians love, along with two less expensive items of the same category that are equally worthy of space in his toolkit (or a gift box).
Luxe Basics
Fashion stylist Kara Allan says these three wardrobe and accessory staples are prime examples of classic luxury, suitable for every style.
24. A Good Wallet
Bulgari Man Bifold Wallet
$570
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“A well-crafted wallet is functional and sophisticated. I love Bulgari for its interior colors.”
25. Leather Gloves
Ghurka
$195
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Allan says these cashmere-lined leather gloves add sophistication and warmth to any winter attire.
26. A Cashmere Sweater
White House Black Market
$85
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Few things say luxury like cashmere. This long-sleeve, cashmere-blend mock-neck, Allan says, “is soft and warm and adds refinement to a fall/winter wardrobe.”
Louder Luxury
For those who prefer their luxury a little less quiet, “a proud brand moment” may be more appropriate, says stylist Catherine Bushera of Style by Rachel. “I would go for a fabulous bag. The cross-body saw a big resurgence, and luxury brands leaned into that trend.”
27. Prada Cross-Body Mini-Pouch
Prada
$1,390
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For a festive designer cross-body option, Prada’s Holiday 2023 collection includes this red patent-leather cross-body mini-pouch.
In the Bag
28. Shoe Bags
Serendipity Sewn on Etsy
$19
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Does your recipient have both great shoes and travel plans? These shoe bags recommended by DC stylist Kara Allan are an inexpensive gift for people who appreciate—and have—finer things they want to keep untarnished.
Tech + Fitness
Fitness Flexes
Home gyms are a luxury, but the equipment need not be. While there’s premium gear with all the bells and whistles, local trainer Errick McAdams says more affordable options give an equally intense workout. Here are a few of his picks.
Quiet luxury isn’t exclusive to national brands or chains. Here are a few ideas available from area designers and small businesses.
40. Classic Planners and Calendars From Appointed
Appointed
Starting at $18
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The planners and calendars at this Ivy City shop are a minimalist’s dream, meant to be ultra-functional but with a focus on high-quality details.
41. Cocktail Glasses The Modern Home Bar
The Hour as well as at Salt & Sundry
$18 and up
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While many luxury brands offer their own lines of glassware, the Modern Home Bar collection—which features bright, colorful designs as well as subtler ones—is designed by Victoria Vergason, owner of Alexandria’s The Hour, a vintage-barware-and-glassware shop.
Photographs courtesy of companies.
This article appears in the December 2023 issue of Washingtonian.
Fashion & Weddings Editor
Amy leads Washingtonian Weddings and writes Style Setters for Washingtonian. Prior to joining Washingtonian in March 2016, she was the editor of Capitol File magazine in DC and before that, editor of What’s Up? Weddings in Annapolis.
