The Block Heel Shoes Trend & Summer Pattern Mixing

Summery pattern mixing

If you’re afraid of pattern mixing I’d better warn you: there’s some serious mixing going on in this outfit with a patterned dress, neck scarf and striped top all fighting for attention.

When you wait for warm weather in the UK sometimes you wait a long time, and at the weekend I was determined to wear my Fever London summer dress come rain or shine. I was fine as I layered it with a stripey top and neck scarf – I didn’t set out to mix patterns so much but it was more out of practicality that I ended up with an explosion of prints.

The fabulous surprise with this outfit was how flattering these gorgeous block heel two-tone flats from Daniel Footwear were – I’m happy to wear flats, as long as it’s with trousers or jeans only. However, I’ve been wanting to try the block heel trend for a while, and I had an idea that a pointed toe and a low block heel could actually be flattering with a skirt or dress (on me)… I was proved right! I just adore these flats – believe me when I say they are incredibly comfortable. I was able to walk around in them for several hours without any trouble and didn’t have to break them in; they have a lovely 60s vibe and have totally converted me to the block heel trend. They’re available in beige and black too if you’re not sold on the yellow, but you know me: brights all the way 🙂

Have you tried the block heel trend yet? Do you love it in a low or high heel – or both? I’d love to know your thoughts, do share in the comments!

Sixties style two tone block heel flats
Summery pattern mixing
Mixing patterns

Catherine x
Shoes: Daniel Footwear*, Dress: Fever London, Striped top: Primark, Scarf: Asos, Bag: Accessorize, Sunglasses: Lulus*, Watch: Asos

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36 Comments

  1. 5 June 2014 / 6:00 pm

    I don't stop by with a comment as often as I should … I'm always with everyone else who tells you how great you look, and how much we learn from your "mini-tutes". Seems redundant. But I need to actually say so, at least periodically, 'cause I do benefit from reading your posts. Every time. Always inspiring, and you're always lovely.

  2. 30 May 2014 / 3:53 pm

    I actually just read another post on pattern mixing from Nordstrom. It's a trend that everyone is intrigued by, but I think a lot of us are timidly staring at our closets going ermmmm…now what? Thanks for showing how you styled this dress! I have a couple printed summer dresses that might work well with scarves, although I'm in sunny North Carolina so layering with tops would result in certain death from sunstroke. I also like the 60's vibe of block heels. I'm debating if I should be sensible and get a neutral pair or have some fun and sport a summery pair 🙂

    • 9 June 2014 / 9:29 am

      It's funny – after a while I don't even notice I'm pattern mixing, Amy – I just pick things out that I think will go together colour-wise. Whether they're patterned or not doesn't seem to cross my mind until I put them on (like here)!

  3. 30 May 2014 / 8:12 am

    oh Catherine sweetie, this is pattern mixing perfection! It all just works! so so well. the dress is beautiful and shines through even with the patterns, maybe because the stripes and scarf are muted tones but it just works perfectly you clever girl you 😉
    and block heels, yes! love them. I have an m&s leopard print pair that make me feel like a lady!!haha
    Big friday hugs to you my friend xxx

    • 9 June 2014 / 9:28 am

      Oh I love your leopard ones, Rachel – I think they were the first ones I saw on a blog that I liked!! Thanks hun x

  4. 29 May 2014 / 8:42 pm

    So much contrasting pattern and colour…and you still look so elegant, dear Catherine!! I never would have imagined that this combination would work; but does it ever!! And although I'm not a ballerina flats kind of girl, your pointed-toe flats are very appealing (especially in light of my current foot situation!!) 😉 As far the block-heel trend goes…it's growing on me more and more (my Jessica Simpson boots have a good-sized block heel, and I adore them!!) XO

    http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com

  5. 29 May 2014 / 7:32 pm

    Fabulous combination and love the shoes!

  6. 29 May 2014 / 3:40 pm

    I love block heels. Yours are gorgeous! That reminds me. I need to dig put my nude Dolce Vita pair!

    • 9 June 2014 / 9:27 am

      Aww thanks Kristin – glad to know another convert!!

  7. 29 May 2014 / 1:51 pm

    Great to see how you styled your lovely dress during inconsistent weather! Same here and even I am into some pattern mixing today.
    Your flats are awesome and I find them truly your style, Catherine as this block heel is a bit retro.

    Annette | Lady of Style

  8. 29 May 2014 / 1:50 pm

    I'm not into mixing the patterns but i like your combination. The colours fits perfectly to each other.

    Home maids Wimbledon

  9. 29 May 2014 / 6:29 am

    Haven't tried the block heel trend yet, but I do like ti! ^_^ Adore the print mixing here, so many prints, looks amazing! 🙂 The little bag is a treasure!

    • 9 June 2014 / 9:26 am

      Hehe the bag is an old fave, Keit – it just seems to go with everything…?!! Thank you my lovely x

  10. 29 May 2014 / 3:21 am

    The mixing works so well in this look and the shoes are very elegant. I like block heels that are high as a personal preference; although, I scored a pair of Nine West calfskin animal print heels that are more of a mid-heel. Anyway, they are so retro. I think block heels are so classy.

    Sharon
    http://www.afashioncrowd.blogspot.com

  11. 29 May 2014 / 3:21 am

    The mixing works so well in this look and the shoes are very elegant. I like block heels that are high as a personal preference; although, I scored a pair of Nine West calfskin animal print heels that are more of a mid-heel. Anyway, they are so retro. I think block heels are so classy.

    Sharon
    http://www.afashioncrowd.blogspot.com

  12. 28 May 2014 / 10:31 pm

    I love the mixing! The heels look retro and very wearable, and you look gorgeous.

  13. 28 May 2014 / 7:18 pm

    Love the shoes. Checked out the site and they have the exact silver shoes I am looking for, unfortunately out of stock, but hoping they come back in. Thanks for the link.

    • 9 June 2014 / 9:25 am

      Oh you're welcome Josephine, glad you (almost) found something you've been looking for! Thank you x

  14. 28 May 2014 / 7:03 pm

    Wonderful mix and those shoes are the perfect bit of bright color!

  15. 28 May 2014 / 6:56 pm

    Great mixing Catherine, those shoes look so comfy xx

  16. 28 May 2014 / 6:47 pm

    I am a complete shoe addict so I love those and Daniel have always have a great selection, I miss living up North at times and being within striking distance of their Liverpool and Hale stores! xxx

    • 9 June 2014 / 9:24 am

      I've not been to a Daniel store before, Keri – I've only seen them online! I agree with you about their selection…!

  17. 28 May 2014 / 4:46 pm

    Great pattern mixing! Every piece of this outfit looks amazing together. Love the shoes. That little pop of yellow is the perfect finishing touch.

  18. 28 May 2014 / 4:14 pm

    Love all your patterns! Im not one for the block heels though I like my skyscrapers
    Lauren
    livinginaboxx

    • 30 May 2014 / 11:00 pm

      Oh I still love my skyscrapers too – they won't be replaced that's for sure! Thanks Lauren x

    • 30 May 2014 / 10:59 pm

      I know what you mean, Natasha – the colours in the patterns are all quite muted so not uber-crazy! Thank you my lovely x

  19. 28 May 2014 / 3:16 pm

    You know how I feel about pattern mixing and you wearing skirts and dresses, so I will say no more.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    • 30 May 2014 / 10:58 pm

      Oh my gosh yes – your fabulous style has totally rubbed off on me, Sacramento!! I knew you'd be loving the dress, thank you thank you xx

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