Image via Nordstrom

It’s seems that when the holiday season settles in upon us, we tend to start running around like chickens sans heads. Try to resist turning into a frazzle-ball; it’s not exactly helping add any "peace" to the season. But if holiday stress is inevitable, there's a very simply style trick to take your look from "in over your head" to "cool, calm and collected."

BOOTS! Need I say more? Rather than running around in scrubby tennis shoes, step into a great pair of boots. With so many styles and fits to choose from these days, you will almost certainly discover that you need not only one pair, but more like 10 to really get the job done! I mean, why not? Here's some styles to consider, one at a time or all at once!

1)  Riding boots in neutrals (chocolate, deep mushroom, auburn, black or slate)

2)  Color blocking hues (black + cognac, navy + beige, chocolate + cream)

3)  Add details (metal clasps, fur insulation, preppy tassels, grommets and buckles)

4)  High and low riders (booties with a heel, cowboy-inspired, sleek rain galoshes)

And, of course, ask yourself before you dare to wear:

-  What is the appropriate style for my silhouette?

Take note of the size of your calves and your height: If you have athletic calves, you may want to go for an “extended” calf for more room (no “cankle” effects here!)

If you are shorter and slim, you can expose the ankle more and add a flashy tight or sock.

The most important feature when selecting any shoe in general is that you focus on the comfort. If you are not catering to your feet, then you will not be a happy woman. Blisters be GONE!

Where to find Boot Heaven here in Kansas City:

Nordstrom at Oak Park : A little (LOT) of everything! Frye, Hunter, Cole Haan, Sperry...you name it!

Hall’s on the Plaza : A dash of designers. Tory Burch, Gucci, Frye, Donald Pliner.

Remember to be daring as you only live life once! Fashion should be FUN! So go ahead and have a great time with it!

 Say “hello” anytime and please write in with more questions!

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 xoxo Katherine

  Katherine Brown is the owner of Chanari, a personal-styling and life-coaching company. She received her professional degree from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. Her style inspirations include the spunk of Audrey Hepburn, the classic chicness of Jackie O., and the flair to be daring of Sarah Jessica Parker. She lets KC Magazine readers shop her wisdom in the exclusive "Style Guru" blog.