How to Make Your Santa Wish List
Writing a Christmas wish list is a childhood tradition we need to bring back. I recently saw a Tiktok where a woman shared how her Romanian husband thought he had to buy everything off her wishlist and I’ve decided I’m sending my husband straight to Romania!
Jokes aside, before you start dreaming up your Christmas wishlist, it’s worth taking a moment to pause. We can get so carried away with the endless options that we don’t actually buy what we need.
It’s natural for style to evolve, and sometimes the best way to make space for something new physically and mentally, is to give it new life. Maybe that means repairing what you love, selling what no longer fits, or donating what someone else might like.
Once you’ve done that quiet reset, building your wishlist becomes less about responding to the bombardments of ads of the season and more about intention. You’ll start to notice the difference between fleeting desire and lasting attraction, the kind of pieces that will still feel right a year from now. When you choose carefully, every new addition feels like an extension of you, not just another thing to own, but something to keep, wear, and genuinely love.
Step One: Reflect on your current wardrobe
When editing your wardrobe, my 3 magic questions method is fool proof and incredibly efficient.
Is she tired? Talking about the piece of clothing here.
When was the last time you wore it?
Does it fit?
If you want some more in depth guidance read my full blog post here!
Step Two: Repair, Resell, or Rehome
First of all, this is an opportunity to fix everything that can be fixed: buttons, hems, polish, etc…
Once you’ve determined what no longer has space in your closet, it’s time to find a new home for them. Try selling first, as it’s the most sustainable option, try websites like Vestiaire Collective, The Real Real, Depop. Lastly, donate thoughtfully by giving to local organizations that accept fashion items in good condition.
Step Three: Build a Wishlist with Purpose
Now it’s time for the fun part, building your Wishlist. Take a look at your closet, what’s missing?
When you get dressed in the morning, what are the items you hesitate to wear because you’re missing something to complete the outfit? Do you need an everyday work jacket? Maybe a classic bouclé? Or a chic wrap coat? Perhaps you need some knee high boots to go with your skirts? Or an occasion dress for dates?
Now look at your inspiration board, and if you don’t have one this is your sign to pour yourself a glass of wine and get Pinning. Now that you have your vision board, can you spot any patterns? Does anything repeat itself? Are there any common denominators?
Make sure each item gets you excited to wear it. That each item is unequivocally you. And if you don’t know what that means, I have another homework assignment for you: take my free style quiz to find out!
Step Four: Add a Little Magic
As a stylist, I am always trying to build wardrobes that are versatile, efficient, and timeless, but I also want to make sure it has personality.
Wish lists don’t have to be purely practical, it’s okay to include one “spark joy” piece. Actually, it needs to.
Maybe it’s something artisanal, a little sparkly, or symbolic of a new chapter. Perhaps a color you never wear, or a neckline you haven’t worn in a while. Either way it’s those things that make you a little scared, but even more exciting to wear and to make the plans to wear them too.
In the end, it’s all about balance, having a good mix of intentional pieces and some fun pieces. That is what style is all about.
Each item you add should echo how you want to feel and live in the year ahead. When you choose with intention, you make sure nobody buys you something you’ll never wear again. And of course, I love a little surprise here and there, but few of us happen to have partners in our lives with taste. So take your time, refine your list, and let it reflect the version of you that will be heading into 2026. That’s the kind of list Santa can’t help but love.
Bisous,
Lili