HOUSTON HOLIDAY FASHION

Houston fashion guru uncovers 5 hottest holiday looks for 2021

The uncertain chaos that we’ve seen the past few years is slowly coming to a close, and after many unconventional celebrations, family, friends, and annual holiday gatherings are safely resuming throughout the Bayou City.

Ahead of the merriment, CultureMap turned to Tootsies creative director Fady Armanious for inspiration on fête fashions, stylist-approved ideas, and haute holiday trends.

Classic holiday hues
“We’re seeing a lot of traditional colors like green, red, and shimmer,” Armanious tells CultureMap. “They’re what you think of when the holidays come to mind.” Armanious also notes that classic, long gowns are making a comeback. “We’re having a hard time keeping them in-stock, especially with the global material and shipping delays,” he says.

Monochrome
Styling a monochromatic look doesn’t have to be difficult or intimidating. Mix different textures for an all gold or all silver outfit that is sure to turn heads.

Shop local designer Christy Lynn’s Allegra Dress, crafted in a clipped jacquard chiffon with gold lurex, featuring a plunging neckline and backline with a delicate ruffle at the waist. To complete the feminine look, pair it with gold Nicko Rey gold hoops and Loeffler Randall Penny Pleated Mules.

Statement sequins

Armanious tells CultureMap that sparkles will make anyone stand out in a crowd. Turn to Halston, Alice + Olivia, Sachin and Babi, and Marchesa Notte for holiday sequins.

Playful textures
Slip dresses don’t have to be boring. In fact, they’re anything but — especially with a feather trim or accent. “We’re seeing a lot of feathers this holiday season,” Armanious says.

Elevate your holiday look with Rixo, Aidan Mattox, or Basix for feather-embellished gowns and stylish tops. “Velvet is also a go-to for the holidays,” Armanious says.

Frame and Veronica Beard have a variety of velvet blazers and trousers that can be worn together or separately.

High-glam booties
With the current forecast of 80 degrees and high humidity, donning knee-high boots isn’t practical. Armanious suggests booties from Isabel Marant, Paige, Valentino, Sam Edelman, Stuart Weitzman, Kat Macione, and Paris Texas.

Opt for feminine and refined from Christy Lynn.

Photo courtesy of Christy Lynn

Opt for feminine and refined from Christy Lynn.

shopping holidays

Stepping Up

RodeoHouston teams up with Texas bootmaker for limited edition collab

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Lane Boots

Photo courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™

Each part of the boots ties back to the key elements of the HLSR.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) concert lineup has been announced, and concert tickets have gone on sale, which can only mean one thing – it is time to get rodeo ready. For 20 days in March, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is taking over the NRG Stadium complex, where Houstonians will display their best Western-inspired attire.

This year, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo collaborated with popular Texas-based brand Lane Boots on a one-of-a-kind limited edition collection. Muffy King, director of marketing for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, designed the boots with help from a team of experts at Lane Boots. Together, they looked at what is trending in existing boot designs and the fashion industry as a whole to come up with a unique look.

"It was important to us that the boot meant to celebrate the 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo be representative of the 'Cowboy Core' aesthetic that is a major influence in fashion right now. These fundamental choices were a natural way for us to incorporate and represent our mission-driven pillar – Western Heritage," King tells CultureMap.

Each part of the boots ties back to the key elements of HLSR. The round braid on the sides represents the ropes used in competitions. The starburst effect around the star and the state of Texas symbolizes the lights on the RodeoHouston stage. The Texas on the back of the boot highlights HLSR's focus on supporting education in the Lone Star State. Departing from Lane's recognizable blue-soled boots, these feature a distinct orange sole with the HLSR logo stamped on the bottom, reflecting the branding seen across Texas ranches.

With designs for both men and women, the boots are exclusively available online. Photo courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

"We wanted to showcase the unique feature Lane has become known for in Western fashion, but with our own Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo flare," said King. "For both the Rodeo and Lane Boots, this was a real testament to the partnership and collaboration that took place to make these boots a reality."

The boots were released online earlier this month, and according to King, they are "flying off the shelves quickly" and have been met with an overwhelmingly positive response. Lane Boots produced 2,025 pairs of boots at their factory in Leon, Mexico. Each pair has an individual stamp and a special message on the inside of the boot shaft.

"The story behind the boot naturally lends itself to being relatable to many individuals across all walks of life," King says. "It was a very seamless process that resulted in an aesthetic that allows whoever wearing them to incorporate their own story and personality into the boot."

With designs for both men and women, the boots are exclusively available online. If any inventory remains when the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo begins, they will be available at the Lane Boots location in NRG Center.

Photo courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™

Each part of the boots ties back to the key elements of the HLSR.

boots western wear western style rodeo houston