Westport Lifestyle had a mission for Maria Risso Rowbotham of Style by Risso (@stylebyrisso): Dress five of our readers in festive outfits from local boutiques.
We selected three of our favorite shops: Fred Sip and Shop, West, and Scout & Molly’s of Westport. I accompanied Maria on her style pulls (and heroically volunteered to model a sixth irresistible ensemble) and was amazed by the confidence and ease with which she selected and assembled car-stopping looks. Moreover, I was dazzled by the selection of spectacular and unique threads available in our downtown shops.
The result? Stunning outfits for every holiday soirée, from gala events to dinner parties. Or to simply throw on after the kids have their tantrums as a gentle reminder that life still rocks.
Shop local, look amazing, and have fun, Westport!
Stylist
Maria Risso Rowbotham @stylebyrisso
Clothing
West @west2westport
Fred @thefredshop
Scout & Molly's of Westport @scoutandmollyswestport
Hair and Makeup
Blow Dry Westport @blowdry_sw
Location
Design Within Reach Westport @designwithinreach
Photography
Mindy Briar @mindybriar
Rawleigh Morse
Top: West; RTA $165
Pants: West; cinq à sept $395
Earrings: Fred; Dannijo $350
Sarah Boksa
Sweater: Fred; Le Superbe $375
Skirt: Fred; Le Superbe $345
Earrings: Fred; Jenny Bird $65
Daniela Ackley
Dress: West; cinq à sept $395
Ring: Fred; Jenny Bird $72
Robin Moyer Chung
Dress: Scout and Molly's of Westport; Hutch $450
Earrings: Scout and Molly's of Westport; Mignonne Gavigan $175
Annalyce Loretto
Jumpsuit: Fred; Allen Schwartz $465
Ruby Hedge
Pants: Fred; Le Superbe $425
Blazer: Models Own
Earring (worn as brooch): Scout and Molly; Mignonne Gavigan $125 (for the pair)
Stylist's Tips
Stylist's tip #1: Mix metals! Gold and silver can be combined in the most beautiful ways. I love a silver blouse with gold accessories. Balance it with a grounding solid color like a shade of green, red or pink.
Stylist's tip #2: Invest in timeless pieces. A great coat, well-tailored pants, the perfect white button-down - these three pieces alone can be the base of a great wardrobe.
Stylist's tip #3: Lip color. Find a daytime and a nighttime shade for your skin tone, especially when you are wearing shades of white and grey. It really helps your skin tone pop. Tip: when trying lip shades, go outside to check the color. Store lighting isn’t always the best.
Stylist's tip #4: Tailoring. Everyone needs it. We are not one size fits all. Well-tailored clothing makes all the difference. For example, A wide-leg pant is so chic but not everyone can pull off so much fabric, so have the legs taken in a bit to get the best proportion and silhouette.
Stylist's tip #5: Update your LBD: Take your favorite little black dress and add accessories! It’s easy to forget how much an accessory can finish a look. Dangly sparkly earrings elevate a little black dress in an instant.
