Dress Your Holiday Best with Outfit Inspiration from Boro

The owner of the Detroit-based consignment shop shares tips to inspire looks for all your festive activities this season
boro
Boro owner Miriam Pranschke puts the finishing touches on model Alyssa Usewick’s look.

The holidays are here, and so are all the fun events that come with them: the parties, the dinners, the outdoor activities — the list goes on. The challenge isn’t finding what to do; it’s deciding what to wear.

Hour Detroit spoke with Miriam Pranschke, owner of Boro — a consignment shop near Eastern Market that offers modern and vintage designer clothing and accessories — to help us help you. 

Here, Pranschke has styled outfits using products from her shop, to help you put together your own looks. “I’m kind of playing off of a ’90s minimalist [vibe], but still a little avant-garde to make it a little bit funky,” she says. “I think people want to start feeling like they’re putting some artistry back into their outfits again, because we haven’t been able to for so long.” 

Below, Pranschke shares outfit inspiration for the holiday season. 

A Detroit Symphony Orchestra Show   

outfit inspiration - holiday fashion - boro
Rachel is wearing an L.L. Bean cable-knit sweater, a vintage Halston strapless gown, an Otazu necklace, a fur bag, and SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker heels.

“Since you tend to be a little bit more dressed up for this type of event, I was thinking more expressive but still just a little edgy,” Pranschke says. Throw on a chunky sweater over a dress, for a snazzy look that will keep you cozy. Add a layered necklace and cool shoulder bag to complete the outfit.  

The Family Holiday Dinner   

outfit inspiration - holiday fashion - boro
Alyssa is wearing a vintage lace dress with puff sleeves; a vintage, mock-neck long-sleeve top; a silver chain necklace; and vintage Frye boots.

“This is a place you can be a bit more extravagant since you’re at home,” Pranschke says. “You’re not having to worry about being cold, and we’re trying to get people to push back from wearing super simple outfits.” So, wear something sparkly or poofy, throw on a statement piece of jewelry, and be the best dressed at the table. 

The Office Holiday Party 

outfit inspiration - holiday fashion - boro
Alyssa (left) is wearing a vintage Lord & Taylor blazer (a previous owner added the gems), a vintage satin-silk blouse, AG Jeans pants, and an Oscar de la Renta silk scarf. Rachel (right) is wearing a vintage ruffle blouse, a Simone Rocha tweed dress, a Building Block bag, and star-shaped earrings.

You don’t have to throw on an ugly holiday sweater or stick to the traditional red and green color scheme. Instead, Pranschke suggests mixing patterns; choosing fun accessories; and opting for rich, jewel-toned variations of the usual holiday shades. You can also experiment with textures, such as by pairing a tweed piece with a silk one.


Pro tip: When mixing patterns, Pranschke recommends keeping some elements consistent. So, choose patterns that are similar in either size or shape.

Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo   

outfit inspiration - holiday fashion - boro
Rachel is wearing a vintage, plaid poncho with fringe; a vintage, gold, metallic top; Reformation pants; a bolo tie; a vintage Ashneil bag; and Dr. Martens shoes.

Pranschke suggests wearing a metallic item that pops against the millions of LED lights, whether that be a top, a pair of pants, a statement earring, or even a hat. And, of course, bundle up as you see fit. 

Ice Skating at Campus Martius 

outfit inspiration - holiday fashion - boro
Alyssa is wearing a Cerruti 1881 blazer, a mock-neck sweater with pearls, Vince pants, and a vintage fur hat, and holding Jackson Ultima ice skates.

While this is more of an athletic activity, Pranschke says you can still go for a fashionable yet functional look. She was inspired by these white skates to play with lighter, more tonal colors. If you want to stick to a simpler base outfit, wear fun outerwear (e.g., a bright colored coat or a chic felted wool hat). Be sure to layer up underneath with a bodysuit, leggings or tights, and thick wool or cashmere socks.

Find similar items at Boro, 1440 Gratiot Ave., Detroit; 313-888-9648; borodetroit.com


This story is featured in the December 2021 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. Read more stories in our digital edition.