Shay Mitchell in a white dress and ribbons in her hair — Emma Louise Swanson

The Holiday Issue

Holiday [noun]: a day of festivity; a period of exemption or relief when no work is done.

Table of Contents

letter from the editor On the Cover The B Side Merry & Bright Let the Festivities Begin

letter from the editor

hallie gould in red lipstick with signature — Byrdie

The holidays are my absolute favorite time of year. It’s the time to go all out—pearls, bows, shimmer, satin, etc. It feels like those few weeks give everyone an extra-special, candlelit glow about them. It’s when we can drink champagne (or NA bubbly, whichever you prefer) with abandon and dress up like ornaments. That was the inspiration behind our shoot with our inimitable cover star, Shay Mitchell.

In this issue, you’ll find a closer, more intimate look at the entrepreneur-actress-influencer. Mitchell wears many, many hats. It was inspiring to get to know more of them through her interview and on set. In addition, we’ve rounded up festive ways to reimagine "traditional holiday" style, introduced new and exciting ways to wear tweed, and offered up a deep dive on the often chaotic but always incredible “rot week” style. You know the outfit you wear daily when you’re back in your hometown—we all have one. Then, the mainstays: holiday nail, outfit, and makeup trends for all your parties, dinners, and New Year’s Eve needs. It’s time to celebrate a little. We deserve it!

— Hallie Gould, editor in chief

On the Cover

Shay Mitchell Is Pursuing Happiness on Her Terms

Shay Mitchell has always lived in a deliberately delusional state of mind. When you have your heart set on becoming a force in entertainment, you have to. Reaching and maintaining mainstream success in Hollywood requires an unwavering belief in yourself and infinite trust in the universe that the seemingly impossible can be yours (with hard work, of course)....