Story by Ashley White of Le Stylo Rouge
Well hello there, KC! I’m Ashley White, a content creator and style influencer living here in the Kansas City area. I’ve been putting together looks on my blog based on the trends, the season, and what I’m drawn to for nearly 10 years. I’m so happy to be here sharing my take on style with you, the fabulous readers of Kansas City Homes & Style – and hopefully giving you some outfit ideas in the process. Ready to dive into The Closet?
The holiday season has descended on the city. Falling leaves, snow in the forecast, and Christmas decor spilling out of the stores – you know egg nog and yule tide are soon to follow. Calendars are booked with holiday parties and festive gatherings, which makes now the perfect time to have a little fun with your style.
I like to take things up a fashion notch or two this time of year. (A girl must bring her A-game, if only for those requisite family photos!) There are several elements to consider, from the balance between cozy and chic to incorporating the current season’s trends.
The centerpiece for this holiday outfit is a snakeskin shift dress. Animal print is everywhere right now, so the snakeskin checks that fashionably-relevant box. The dress is bias cut (aka, not form-fitting), which means you can actually enjoy Thanksgiving dinner – and several rounds of pie after. A black blazer is a great topper for the dress; it adds warmth and structure to the look, while also elevating it so the outfit works if your family goes the more formal attire route for the holidays. I love adding a blazer or a jacket to a holiday outfit – if the party gets too warm or you get summoned to the kitchen to help cook the cranberries, just toss that blazer aside.
I chose a black suede over-the-knee boot to round out the look. Not only does this style keep your legs warm, it adds some edge to the outfit. These boots also remix nicely over a pair of leggings or skinny jeans, if your particular holiday gathering is more casual.
Speaking of remixing, the elements of this holiday outfit easily break apart to suit your personal taste. Not a blazer girl but love the idea of a jacket over this dress? Try a leather motorcycle jacket. Your family’s Thanksgiving more of a denim event than a dressy event? Wear the dress open (like a longline jacket) over a basic black tank and jeans.
And what about those holiday jewel tones? Hunter green, cranberry, and royal purple? You can’t have a holiday look without ’em! I totally agree – and while I kept the outfit neutral, I added a touch of holiday cheer in the form of a bright red lip. Nothing is easier, right? Just go with a long-wear lip formula so you don’t have to worry about reapplying between rounds of spiced cider.
Happy Holidays KC!
You can find Ashley at lestylorouge.com or on Instragram as @ashrockchalk
