Don’t stress over what to wear to that cocktail party or family gathering—we’ve got tips and trends from some of Indy’s most in-demand style experts that’ll whip your wardrobe into holiday-ready shape in no time. Here’s what you need to know in a nutshell: Mix your prints, try some jewel tones, and invest in a cape—stat.
Sarah Moreland Byrne, IndyDressed
If you ever go to an event in Indianapolis and stop dead in your tracks because you see someone whose outfit is so gorgeous it almost doesn’t seem real—you’ve probably spotted Sarah Moreland Byrne of IndyDressed, a fashion and lifestyle blog. It’s no surprise that Sarah’s standout holiday look is stunning and perfectly accessorized—with a cape.
“If we have to suffer through colder temps, it doesn’t hurt to accessorize with fun outerwear, especially when simply changing up a jacket can take an outfit from from old-fashioned elegance to street-style chic,” she says. “Prefer to add romantic flair? Pair your cocktail dress with a stole or cape that would make the Haynes sisters from White Christmas jealous. Classic? Keep accessories neutral and let one bright color shine. Want more edge? Add a bold accessory in navy, mustard or eggplant, or try a more casual jacket—like one designed by Indy’s own Jenn Felts, creator of Tokyo Twiggy—in coordinating hues.”
And although it looks like a million bucks, Sarah’s Hollywood-glam look didn’t break the bank: “This dress was purchased at a sample sale, and the faux-fur cape was under $20 from The Toggery consignment store in Broad Ripple,” she shares.
Sarah also has some chic suggestions to avoid looking like a straight-from-the-North-Pole elf in conspicuously bright red and green. “Try pairing dusty rose with emerald and gold, or burgundy and teal with silver accents for a more sophisticated take.”
Website: IndyDressed.com
Instagram: @indydressed
Jenn Storey, Jenn Storey Style
Creator of fashion and lifestyle blog Jenn Storey Style, entrepreneur, Executive Director at Stella & Dot, personal stylist, mom—Jenn Storey wears a lot of hats, and she does it all ever-so-stylishly. Her take on holiday fashion reflects her multifaceted life; it’s well thought out and extremely adaptable. If you want to scoop up Jenn’s exact look—a tartan J. Crew blazer and leopard patterned Sam Edelman pumps—you can shop her liketoknow.it link here.
“I love mixing unexpected details and the holiday season is the perfect time to push the envelope,” Jenn says, adding, “I adore the classic look of a red plaid blazer that signifies the holidays are here, but what I enjoy most is the ability to take a jacket like this and create many versatile looks. I’d wear this as-is to a casual holiday cocktail party, or replace the jeans with a satin midi skirt and throw the blazer over my shoulders for a dressier version. And yes, plaid + leopard = print-mixing heaven!”
Whether you decide to mix prints, go glam with sequins, or stick to timeless classics this season, Jenn offers this nugget of wardrobe wisdom: “Have fun and add in an unexpected detail that makes your look really stand out.”
Website: JennStoreyStyle.com
Instagram: @jennstoreystyle
Sierra Holmes, Eclectic Kurves
Over 13,500 Instagram followers look to Sierra Holmes—author of the Eclectic Kurves fashion blog, personal stylist, and image consultant—for style advice, and for good reason. Sierra celebrates women of all sizes, all colors, and all backgrounds, and inspires and instills confidence to do things like try a new color palette or step out of a style rut. To that end, she chose a stunning velvet midi dress as the foundation of her holiday outfit of choice; just looking at it makes you want to hit the town.
Sierra explains: “When you’re plus-size, people tend to want you to stay inside a style box; no fun colors, prints or body-hugging clothing. Let’s challenge that messaging this season! Instead of sticking to black, why not add a pop of color like luscious cranberry or royal emerald for your next holiday party? Embrace on-trend fabrics like this velvet gown from Lane Bryant and you will be a knockout. Pair your dress with a strapped heel and shimmery bling for the ultimate GLAM holiday look. Now, where’s the bubbly? Cheers!”
We’ll drink to that.
Website: EclecticKurves.com
Instagram: @eclectickurves
Laura Walters, Style Riot
The owner of styling business Style Riot and author of fashion focused monthly newsletter The Riot, Laura Walters is an Indianapolis-based freelance stylist and consultant that has been featured in Vogue, People, and Pattern, to name a few—in other words, she’s a fashion force to be reckoned with. A style voice worth heeding. She knows her stuff.
For this casual holiday look with a dose of glamour, Laura styled her client Nikki Sutton, an interior designer, and she chose a pair of overalls (!) and a festive fuchsia blazer—and finished the look with a textured gold jacket.
“Who says overalls can’t be dressed up for a fun, casual holiday look? I love to layer, especially when using something unexpected from your closet, and layering a pair of overalls under a blazer is a great way to put a fun spin on wearing denim,” she says. “For this look, I layered a fitted white button down (a Style Riot must-have) with a slim-fit pair of overalls—Nikki’s are from Madewell (you can find a similar pair from the brand here)—and then added a brightly colored blazer for festive holiday fun.”
“If you don’t have overalls, this would be perfect with high-waisted denim, and if you want to add another component, top the pink blazer with something completely unexpected—like a gold metallic jacket! If you’re not a fan of layering, simply pair a white button down with your favorite denim and add a statement necklace, a metallic pump or belt, and a hot pink clutch,” Laura adds.
Website: MyStyleRiot.com
Instagram: @the_styleriot
Erin Welch, 8Fifteen Boutique
If you’ve never been to Broad Ripple’s 8Fifteen boutique—you should go. Soon. Owned and curated by Erin Welch, who has an innate knack for finding the perfect “it” item to take any outfit to the next level, the store is stocked with must-haves from brands you may not have heard of yet—but will absolutely love.
When it comes to holiday dressing, Welch recommends a timeless-yet-fresh look like this stunning velvet suit from TRAVE Denim that she carries in-store—amped up with a stack of Caryn Lawn bracelets and a touch of leopard accessories. Her advice? “Pick something that adds a little sparkle! Don’t be afraid to wear sequins or bright holiday colors to all of your festive parties. If color isn’t your thing, wear all black and add some vibrant or sparkly jewels. When all else fails, stick to the classics—a blazer and sleek fitting pants with animal print accessories is always in style.”
Website: 8Fifteen.com
Instagram: @8fifteenindy
Stephanie Groves is an Indy-based freelance writer who was recently told at a family gathering that she should “branch out of black” and try some color in her wardrobe.
