Ann Taylor

Need perfect holiday gift ideas? We asked two experts what's on their list for ideas.

Holiday Buys in D.C. and Beyond

We asked two top D.C. retailers what’s on their holiday must-have lists, and the answers didn’t disappoint. From sparkle to sports and great hobbies, these quick picks will satisfy any fashion-forward maven on your holiday list.

For Him

Our guest fashion host: Pranav Vora, CEO and founder of Hugh & Crye (3212 O St., NW, #5; hughandcrye.com)

His Pick: Hugh & Crye Borg shirt (available at Hugh & Crye website and store); $85. Why? “The dark checkered pattern is perfect for the colder months, but the shirt is light enough to be friendly for layering and office climes.”

Our picks:

Wilson BLX Six-One Tour Racket; City Sports (715 7th St., NW; citysports.com); $199.99. Vora’s confession: He’s a tennis aficionado and fan of Roger Federer. “Tennis hat, shirt, shorts—you need an ode to a man of class and one of the best players of all time,” says Vora. Get your game on with a Federer-approved racket.

M8000-S in black; Bensons Jewelers (1331 F St., NW; bensonsdc.com); $2,175. Vora’s craving a vintage Omega watch, but says, “I’m saving up for this one, because it’s a gift that’s hard to ask of anyone.” Go a little more wallet-friendly with a similar-looking watch from Bensons Jewelers, a family-owned store that’s been in D.C. since 1939.

Art classes; Art League School (105 N. Union St., Alexandria, Va.; school.theartleague.org). ’Tis no better present than the gift of new experiences, such as a fun sculpting or photography class. Vora says, “I love this place, and it’s been a few years since I’ve taken a class.”

For Her

Our guest fashion host: Margaret McArver, manager at Urban Chic Georgetown (1626 Wisconsin Ave., NW; urbanchiconline.com)

Her Pick: Shoshanna crewneck full skirt dress in champagne lace (available at Urban Chic); $350. Why? “Every girl wants a new party dress for the holidays. Shoshanna dresses are always so elegant and classic.”

Our picks:

Hunter boots; The Shoe Hive (127 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria, Va.; theshoehive.com); $125 . Banish the snow, or at least pretend to, with boots that cover and protect. “You’ll never survive another blizzard in this city without a good pair of Hunter boots and fleece socks,” says McArver with a laugh.

Urban Expressions silver clutch; South Moon Under (2700 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, Va.; southmoonunder.com); $39.75. “I’m all about accessorizing this season,” McArver says. Though McArver prefers gold, we say a silver clutch goes just as well with a little black dress (or any holiday outfit) to add sparkle to any ensemble.

Cashmere scarf; Ann Taylor concept store (600 13th St., NW; anntaylor.com); $178. Looking for a soft cozy fabric? “There’s
nothing more luxurious during the
holidays than bundling up in new cashmere,” McArver says. She swears you’ll forget about the icy weather outside.