Whether you’re looking for the perfect present for a loved one or you’re secretly writing your own wish list, you can’t go wrong with accessories that can be cherished for years to come. But with so much choice, the right piece can be tricky to pick out. So, we asked five fashion insiders to share the accessory gifts they’re hoping to find under the tree this year. From diamond rings and watches to sunglasses and handbags, take inspiration from their choices below.
Natasha Bird, ELLE Executive Editor (Digital)
‘Shopping for accessories is actually one of my favourite things to do during the festive season. Finding clothes for people is hard, because it’s much trickier to select a style, shape, fit or fabric that the intended recipient is going to love. Bags, scarves and jewellery, on the other hand, have a much higher success rate. Everyone’s going to fall in love with a Chloé bracelet bag, for example. And I’d be very happy with a pair of Celine sunnies. My mum is mad about rose-gold jewellery. As a thank you for helping me plan our wedding, my husband and I gave her an engraved rose-gold bangle last year. So, this year, I would love to give her the Le Vian strawberry gold diamond bracelet to pair it with.’
Bag, £1190, Harrods; sunglasses, £290, Harvey Nichols; Le Vian bracelet, £999, Ernest Jones
Molly Haylor, ELLE Accessories Editor
‘I think people used to be scared about buying themselves diamond rings, or believe that they could only wear a diamond if it’s an engagement ring. I personally love this eternity ring from Ernest Jones and think it can be worn on any finger. It’s simple and elegant. I also love Chloé’s Chelsea boots. They’re perfect for winter and look great with both a dress or jeans. Once you find the sunglasses shape that suits your face, it’s hard to wear anything else. These are my perfect style and for Christmas I want them in every colour, please and thank you.’
Ring, £1299, Ernest Jones; boots, £850, Browns; sunglasses, £189, Salvatore Ferragamo
Clemmie Brown, ELLE Fashion Assistant
‘I can never have enough gold bracelets. I love different textured and weighted ones, which I layer on top of each other. This Ernest Jones bracelet is great because you can adjust the length to go with anything. It’s such a luxury to have stylish luggage and this suitcase is perfect for weekend getaways. I like the burgundy colour as it’s understated and classic. I’ve also got my eye on a pair of Alexander McQueen boots. They are pretty timeless, but the white laces and stitching give them a more modern element. They will definitely see me through the winter.’
Bracelet, £199, Ernest Jones; suitcase, £225, Away; boots, £690, Matches
Olivia Blair, ELLE Digital News Editor
‘A watch is a classic item for a Christmas wish list and this stainless-steel Gucci style from Ernest Jones is ideal. It will go with everything, it’s not too blingy and I love the bee motif. After my trusty purse broke this summer, I’m in the market for a new one. With plenty of sections for cards, cash and coins, this Kate Spade classic caught my eye. Finally, even though the tiny-bag trend shows no sign of slowing down, I’m in need of a slightly more practical one I can take to work. Enter the gorgeous Ganni drawstring tote.’
Watch, £780, Ernest Jones; wallet, £150, Kate Spade; bag, £440, Ganni
Alexis Foreman, Art Director and Creative Consultant
‘This classic yellow gold watch will serve me for years to come and because it’s two-tone it will be easy to add accessories to it. The mother-of-pearl dial is set with 12 diamonds for added sparkle. This wallet is so minimal and chic. I like the fold out design and the fact that is small but has a coin pocket. Headbands are such great pieces and I love this style. I’d wear it on evenings out or special occasions to elevate a pared-back look.’
Watch, £1240, Ernest Jones; wallet, £240, Acne; Prada headband, £180, Farfetch
Discover the full range of watches and jewellery and show your devotion this Christmas at Ernest Jones
