Rodeo barrel rider. Photo credit: ESPN.com
by Renae Virata
Average High Temp Dec – Feb: 63 degrees F (17.2 degrees C) Average Low Temp Dec – Feb: 41 degrees F (5 degrees C) HoustonHouston is the fourth largest city in the nation and home to big industries like energy, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and aerospace, which draw people from all four corners of the world. It’s hard to ignore all the influences that make up the Bayou City’s style culture being a relatively up and coming “place to be” on the US map. Indeed, a continually rising arts and fashion scene with big names like Chloe Dao, Miguel Rodriguez and Laura Mercier Cosmetics brings to the world scene what Houstonians have been for decades: modern, stylish, and balanced between classic conservatism and casual funk.
Houston Weather | What to Wear | What to Pack | Style Inspirations | Shopping | Online Resources
Polished but not too made up. Simple but interesting.
“Houston style is uptown, dressy, and individualistic,” explains Karen Steele, President of Creative Outsourcing in Houston. “Houston style is influenced by Southern sensibility which is combined with New York and European couture.”
Sari Motley, president of SariMotley Cosmetics, a Houston makeup and skincare line, also says that “Houston style feels casual yet functional. Being comfortable for the climate and for an event you are attending is important.” Motley’s personal style of basics from places like J. Crew and the Gap adorned with funky scarves and legwear, a great pair of kicks, and statement jewelry reflect the fashionable yet functional vibe that most Houstonians prefer for casual wear.
Weather is probably one of the biggest natural influences on Houston style. Known for the hot, humid summers that can make it almost unbearable to go out (except in a bikini to the beach or to the pool, of course!), Houston women must take care to prepare for the stickiness both to their skin and hair during that time of year. Check out our post from Sari Motley on Houston makeup and skincare tips.
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What else should you wear for your trip to Houston? Fill out our My Stylist form to find out!
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The first thing people think of when they think of Houston weather is hot and humid, humid, humid! But that’s only a few months in the summer. The rest of the year is characterized by mild temperatures and much less humidity. Spring, fall, and even winter, for those of you trying to escape the REAL throes of a bitter winter, are an escape in Houston because the weather is near-perfect.
Houston has what is known as a humid subtropical climate. Desert heat from the southwest in Mexico combined with the moisture from the Gulf of Mexico are what give Houston its characteristic weather.
During the summer, humidity makes the average 90-degree-and-above weather feel more like 100. There is little relief from the light breezes that flow through the city, so air conditioning is a must wherever you go.
January is the coldest month in Houston with an average low of 41 degrees and an average high of 63 degrees. Rain is spread out over the winter months and snow falls only once every three or four years on average. You can totally expect a stretch of days in the high 60s to high 70s at any given time, too, so be sure to check My Stylist for the latest weather and what to wear for it!
The minute the thermometer hits 60 degrees, Houstonians happily dig out their favorite boots, coats and scarves while they are out and about doing during the winter months pretty much what they do year-round.
Most of the winter in Houston does not require heavy layering. You won’t be doing much walking unless you’re at the park or at the new City Centre window shopping, and the heat can be turned up so much once your inside a building that you’ll quickly shed your outerwear (of which you will pretty much only need one – a good, medium-weight wool peacoat, for example).
A good pair of well-fitted jeans will always be a favorite but casual wear in Houston has evolved. More and more people rely on fun skirts with tights, vintage-inspired dresses, and even winter shorts (check out the fabulous tweed ones they have at Zara) for everyday.
If you’re here on business, a seasonless wool pantsuit (our favorite is from Banana Republic), a more interesting take on the crisp button-down, and a fabulous pair of patent heels will work great. You will always get positive feedback if you are well-heeled in Houston, so feel free to experiment with a little color and a bit of edge. Animal-print cardigans in a casual setting will also add a little panache to your work wardrobe.
Speaking of which, boots are hot in Houston, and we’re not just talking about the kind you wear to the Rodeo. What’s hot now? Simple, flat boots with buckle and strap details in mushroom gray or saddle brown – the perfect second-tier neutrals to add a little oomph to a sort-of winter wardrobe. It will rain, so rain boots with leggings or colorful tights to run around or even to hang out at your favorite coffee shop in are everywhere (try Hunter – they come in a wide array of colors and patterns to suit any taste).
At night, things are a little dressier. Jeans used to be the standard, but in just the past few years, fitted dresses, skirts, and a general interest in glamming it up have taken over. Many attribute this change to the continuously evolving night scene and prosperity in Houston despite the current economic conditions elsewhere. In any case, going out has become a lot more fun!
Like most places that enjoy great weather year-round and a lot of sunny days, Houstonians love their colors! While other cosmopolitan cities stick to the neutrals, colors dominate H-town any season. Bright mustard, royal purple, and hot pink are still hot and add that element of funky to simple pieces like turtlenecks, leggings, and cardigans.
One last thing: Don’t forget your accessories! It’s the simplest way to make a simple outfit totally pop. Mix it up or wear a statement piece like a funky cocktail ring or a chunky necklace. They’ll go a long way in your Houston wardrobe and garner quite a few complements (and envious looks) wherever you go.
Chloe Dao | Winner of season two of the former Bravo hit TV show Project Runway and owner of fabulous Rice Village boutique Lot 8.
Miguel Rodriguez | An avant-garde and young up-and-coming couture designer from Mexico who opened his first couture studio in Houston at the tender age of 20.
Laura Mercier | Based in Greater Houston, this renowned brand of amazing makeup can be found in 800 stores in 27 countries.
Village Arcade | One of Houston’s oldest and best-loved shopping destinations since the 1930s with just the right balance of favorites like Gap, Banana, Urban Outfitters, and Victoria’s Secret and fabulous local boutiques like Langford Market, Method, and Chloe Dao’s Lot 8.
19th Street in the Historic Heights | A street with a small-town feel is fraught with a sprinkling of fabulous boutiques like Contents (affordable but awesome clothes), Retropolis (best place for cowboy boots and vintage finds), and Jubilee for fun accessories and housewares. | MAP
Westheimer Rd in Montrose | A steady stream of vintage, resale, and modern boutiques like Duo, Blackbird Trading Company, Buffalo Exchange, and Wish are a favorite shopping for the contemporary and eclectic alike who appreciate the cozy, walkable strip. Great places to eat, grab a drink (try Anvil, a true mixology place!), and get a tattoo!
Houston Galleria | World renowned shopping venue with over 375 stores and restaurants and a year-round ice skating rink includes favorites like Gucci, Chanel, Carolina Herrera, Tiffany’s, Neiman’s, Nordstrom, Saks, Macy’s, Banana, Urban Outfitters, Charlotte Russe, and Club Monaco.
Harwin Strip | The best-kept shopping secret in Houston to find discounted jewelry, handbags, and clothes to rival any New York street corner. Visit Park Imports for the latest in trendy jewelry, Charming Charlie, or Roop Sari for fabulous Indian garb. | MAP
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