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.
While we may earn a commission if you buy something through these links, we make unbiased, independent decisions about what to recommend.
Housewares + Beauty
1. A Stylish Candle
Ann Sandra style union home candle
$105
Candace Ourisman, onetime owner of the concierge service Secretly Gifting, recommends these sculptural candles: “Each is handcrafted by Los Angeles potters, and screams—or shall I say whispers—quiet luxury.”
2. Colorful Glassware
Estelle Colored Glass
Starting at $205 for six
“One of the best gifts I got last Christmas was a beautiful set of colored Champagne coupes,” says Carla Sanchez, owner of the cocktail bar Casa Kantuta. “You truly can taste the difference when it comes to sipping from a Champagne coupe that was well made.”
4. Designer Coffee-Table Book
Assouline
Starting at $105
“For my adult children and their families,” says interior designer Barbara Crocker, “I love a beautiful Assouline book they’d never buy for themselves. Sometimes from the Impossible Collection [the brand’s line that’s so prestigious, it comes with white handling gloves and starts at $1,050]. But more likely [one from the
Travel Series, about] somewhere they’ve been or want to go.”
5. Luxurious Perfume
Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Baccarat Rouge 540 Perfume
$325 for 2.4 ounces at Bloomingdale’s
This unisex fragrance—especially popular on TikTok and known for smelling expensive, because it is—has amassed a statusy following and sparked a quest for similar scents at a lower price.
(Dime Beauty’s Dans Les Bois perfume shares a lot of the same notes.)
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.
9. Fancy Slippers
Laines London
$60
“Laines London slippers are not only the most comfortable, but they also offer a wide array of brooches that cover every category from dog lover to Champagne connoisseur.”
10. Luxurious Skin care
Crème de la Mer at Sephora
$100 for the “mini” size
“Nothing says quiet luxury like top-notch skin care, and I love gifting my girlfriends my secret skin weapons. Crème de la Mer is such a classic—you can’t go wrong. Even the tiny size is the perfect gift. A little goes a long way.”
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).
Back to Top
Clothing + Accessories
21. The Infamous $525 Ball cap
Loro Piana
$525
This Loro Piana cashmere hat—worn by Kendall Roy on Succession—first brought the concept of “quiet luxury” into the conversation.
(The best “off-brand” cashmere hat we found: the $50 one at Quince.com.)
Luxe Basics
Fashion stylist Kara Allan says these three wardrobe and accessory staples are prime examples of classic luxury, suitable for every style.
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.”
In the Bag
Tech + Fitness
29. Bowers & Wilkins Wireless Headphones
Bowers & Wilkins
$269 and up
Potomac socialite and mother of two teenagers Andrea Rinaldi calls Bowers & Wilkins a “classic” choice for students— or anyone, we guess, who prefers headphones over earbuds. (And yes, the brand name is imprinted on them—so not entirely “quiet”—but it’s more subtle than other top brands.)
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.
Back to Top
Shop Local
Quiet luxury isn’t exclusive to national brands or chains. Here are a few ideas available from area designers and small businesses.
37. Local Gems for the Minimalist
Sophie Blake
$268
“I have been giving a lot of Sophie Blake pieces as gifts,” says stylist Naina Singla. “She is a local designer, and her everyday pieces are high-quality. The ‘Noah’ and ‘Jamie’ bracelets [$160 and $165] are a couple of my favorite items to give to friends. Her new ‘Damia Heart’ earrings [above] are gorgeous,too.”
38. Local Gems for the Maximalist
Rachel Pfeffer
$88
For jewelry that isn’t as quiet, style influencer Dani Sauter recommends the ‘Star Hoop Drops’ earrings by Rachel Pfeffer. “They are so fun to wear, and they make a unique gift. They’re whimsical and pack loads of character. Major bonus: They’re handcrafted from a local, woman-owned business.”
39. Blankets by ChappyWrap/Riley Sheehey
ChappyWrap
$135
Falls Church artist Riley Sheehey is known for her intricate illustrations, which she has put on everything from paper to textiles to ornaments. This year, she has teamed up with the Maine-based mother/daughter blanket company ChappyWrap to create heirloom-quality cotton blankets.
40. Classic Planners and Calendars From Appointed
Appointed
Starting at $18
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
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.
