We Love This Creator’s Festive And Cozy Holiday Style

The holiday season is hectic for Monique Taylor-Yee Shui, a mom of two, content creator and founder of byHER, a digital magazine and online community for Black Canadian women. Her end-of-year calendar is always packed with family gatherings and industry events. And when dressing for a party, she has two rules: make it sparkly and make it comfortable.

“My personal style skews in many directions depending on my mood, but I love to make a statement,” says Taylor-Yee Shui. Here, she embraces a chic monochrome moment, adding texture and shine with a stylish pair of faux-leather culottes, a sequined button-down shirt and silver accessories. “It’s a special time of year—you want to bring that glitz, that shimmer.”

From the time Taylor-Yee Shui was young, her parents instilled the importance of looking good and, above all, feeling good. Her best styling tip? Always opt for comfort. “Compliments are just icing on the cake.”

Here, she shares how she puts together chic outfits on the fly and the one trend she can't get enough of this holiday season. 

(Photo: Jason Yee Shui)

How would you describe your personal style?

I like to have fun with clothes. I don't necessarily have a set aesthetic—it really depends on my mood—but I love making a statement. 

I often mix high and low. I work hard and I like to treat myself to something a little more expensive here and there, but there are also some great affordable pieces out there that are good quality. 

Where does your love of fashion come from?

My parents inspire me. They’re both immigrants from the West Indies. My dad was a tailor, and he’s always had an eye for fashion and good quality craftsmanship when it comes to designs and fabrics. My mother is also a fashionista in her own right.

Growing up, my parents showed me the importance of looking good and of making sure that you feel good as well. 

What are some staple pieces in your closet?

I'm a blazer girl! I have every blazer in every colour imaginable. There are so many different styles to play with. I love super oversized ones, which you can wear open or belted to give it that kind of ’90s vibe. 

I also own more than one blazer with feather cuffs.

What is your process when picking an outfit?

I have two tween daughters, so life is busy. It will often come down to what I’m feeling in the moment. Often, when I plan something ahead of time, it doesn’t feel right when I put it on. If I can, I give myself time to feel things out, mix and match, pulling things together slowly until I feel good. It speaks to my creative side.

It happened recently. I started playing around with some pieces, and I ended up throwing on a pair of barrel leg jeans, a denim blazer and some pointy heels. The outfit just came together on the spot, and I got so many compliments that night.

(Photo: Jason Yee Shui)

What do you look for when shopping for new pieces?

There are certain silhouettes that I like and gravitate toward. I used to buy things because it looked good on the model, but then I’d put it on and wouldn’t feel good in it. And then, there goes the confidence. Now I look for the pieces I know I’ll feel and look good in. 

I also tend to size up. There was a time when I’d do what I had to do to make certain sizes work for me—sucking in my stomach, lying down on the bed trying to zip things up. I no longer subscribe to that. I value being comfortable in my clothes above all because when you feel good, you look good.

What are the trends you’re loving right now?

I don’t necessarily follow trends, but leopard print is big right now and I love a good leopard print. It’s one of my wardrobe staples.

I also love a monochrome moment. It’s the hottest colour of the season, and it’s perfect for the holidays.