Desiree Rogers may be best known for her involvement in the infamous White House gatecrash incident in 2009, but let's not forget the former White House Social Secretary also received national attention for her impeccable wardrobe.
In fact, the 51-year-old's style was featured in Vogue, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, and readers of The Huffington Post voted her the best-dressed woman in Chicago. She may have left the White House behind to become the CEO of Johnson Publishing, but Rogers has kept her style icon status intact.
To channel Rogers' style, we turned to Amy Lyons Kemler, owner and founder of Fresh Start Wardrobe Consulting, for her style tips and suggestions. Here's how to recreate her signature look.
Tailored Suits And Basics
Rogers dresses the part of a powerful, successful woman with basics that every career woman should have at her disposal. These include suits, pencil skirts, LBDs, and great jackets . "Major department stores, J. Crew, Banana Republic, or The Gap can all be great stores to shop for this type of look without breaking the budget," says Kemler.
Consider: Nine West Suit, Open Jacket & Straight Leg Pants ($123.99, macys.com); Ann Taylor Cezanna Stripe Pencil Skirt ($118, anntaylor.com); Maison Scotch Belted Military Trench Coat ($349.64, us.asos.com).
Striking Tops, Bottoms And Dresses
What makes Rogers stand out is that she pairs her basics with colorful, fun pieces that showcase her personality. "Find stylish pieces and mix and match them with pieces from a suit to create Desiree's great look," suggests Kemler. "Make sure these pieces have striking features."
Consider: Talbots Palais Floral Skirt ($99, talbots.com); Erin Fetherston Dylan Printed Silk-Chiffon Blouse ($148.50, theoutnet.com); Floral Button-Down Dress ($396, Bergdorf Goodman).
Sultry Details
Leather pants? That's right, Rogers is bold enough to wear sexy items like this, and she certainly pulls them off. "Desiree's style is young, hip and cool while still maintaining a classic, no nonsense look," says Kemler. To achieve the same look without going overboard, pair a sexier piece with a conservative basic.
Consider: Vero Moda Very Cropped Leather Pants ($243.85, us.asos.com); Classiques Entier Ruffled Silk Blouse ($148, Nordstrom.com); White House | Black Market Surplice Knit Dress ($148, whitehouseblackmarket.com).
Pixie Cut
"Rogers' variation of a pixie cut suits her face shape perfectly," says Brandon Rabideau, Co-Owner & Stylist at Halo Salon. Follow his styling tips to achieve the same look: "Begin with towel dried hair and spray in a leave-in hydrator. Blow dry with your fingers in the direction of growth and then add a pea-sized amount of a styling cream. Finish blow drying, and then flat iron directionally. Finish the style by working in a tiny amount of finishing balm and a quick spritz of shine spray."
Consider: PhytoSpecific Integral Hydrating Mist ($26, sephora.com); PhytoSpecific Moisturizing Styling Balm ($24, beauty.com).
Accessories
Rogers is a fan of accessories that add flair and vibrancy to her outfits. Whether it's a scarf, animal print heels, or big earrings, she doesn't shy away from pieces that make a statement, which is why her style is so covetable. "For day or evening, Rogers adds tremendous flair to her wardrobe and creates her very own 'look,'" says Kemler.
Consider: Anne Klein Large Stud Earring ($24, anneklein.com); Cejon Emily's Ethnic Pattern Silk Square Scarf ($33.60, lordandtaylor.com); ASOS Soul Bow Detail Kitten Heel Shoe ($62.76, us.asos.com).
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