3 Stylish Women on Their Holiday Season Essentials

We can't deny our love for the holiday season—the over-the-top decorations, endless reasons to get dressed up with friends, and the peppermint hot cocoa. The list goes on, so much so that we often find ourselves shamelessly quoting that Andy Williams song because it truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

Naturally our biggest holiday-related interests fall under two categories: the first being what to wear and the very close second being what to gift our friends and family. This year we're turning to the experts to answer both questions. Mary Lawless Lee, Chanel Iman, and Camila Coelho are not only some of the most stylish women we know, but they also happen to be pro gifters (a title we take very seriously). They've got over 11 million followers combined, so we know we're not the only ones who want to know what they're eyeing this holiday season. For starters: timeless leather handbags, a whole lot of chic red separates, and festive accessories from one of our personal favorite luxury brands, Fendi.

While Mary will be spending her last days of the year on the beach in a bikini (are you jealous yet?), she's been in the festive dressing spirit all month long. Her go-to holiday party look is all about playing up chic red pieces with unexpected accessories like a navy handbag and silk hair scrunchies, which also happen to make great gift ideas.

Her gifting strategy is quite smart actually. "I try to keep a running list of things I know people who are closest to me want or need throughout the year," she says. "Gift giving is almost selfish for me—I feel like I love giving the gift more than the person on the receiving end!" Her shopping list this year includes tons of mini leather accessories, like wallets, which are always useful yet luxe.

As for what she's gifting herself? "I love the shape of the Baguette bag. Now that I’m a mom, mini styles aren’t as realistic. The shape of this bag feels very forward yet practical and it's the perfect daytime to evening bag that I can throw on cross-body while running errands or carry as a clutch for a holiday party."

SHOP MARY'S LOOK

Chanel proves that her model off-duty style is second to none with her go-to polished look this season. Busy preparing for her second baby, she's focusing on low-key family activities for the holidays like decorating her home and heading to NYC to get all of her shopping done. Her sleek trench paired with classic black accessories could not be chicer for a day in the city. "With the holidays here, this is the perfect bag for all my family events," Chanel says of her Fendi Peekaboo. "It's not too big but big enough for my phone, keys, makeup, and other personal must-haves."

If you happen to be related to the supermodel, then consider yourself lucky, because you might just be unwrapping one for yourself this year. "We have so many women in our family—mothers, sisters, and nieces. Any of the above would love to have a Fendi bag. It’s the perfect gift for the holidays, and I would love to gift everyone one." Hint, hint.

SHOP CHANEL'S LOOK

As someone who goes to what seems like a million events for both work and for fun, Camila is fully prepared with her party looks this season. When we asked her to describe her holiday style, she immediately said, "festive, Brazilians always dress up." It's no surprise then that, like Mary, she's loving a head-to-toe red look complete with her patent Peekaboo bag. Although she's continuing her tradition of spending the holidays on a tropical island in South America, she swears by this outfit for so many occasions from holiday work parties to Christmas dinner (and as true advocates for a blazer and dress combo, we naturally are big fans). 

As for Camila's gifting advice? "I always shop online—it’s so much easier!" she tells us, and of course, we couldn't agree more.

SHOP CAMILA'S LOOK

SHOP THIS SEASON'S MOST-COVETED GIFTS