A Dress as a Skirt | Bold Winter Brights With Black Accessories

Coral cashmere, hot pink and black - fall style

I hadn’t worn a skirt or dress on the blog for ages, then I do it twice in one week.

Not only that but I’ve worn a dress as a skirt (basically by covering up the top half with a sweater) both times. It’s the easiest and quickest way to get the most out of your wardrobe… all too often I relegate dresses to summer storage and forget to think of them as skirts in the colder months. (Click here to see what the rest of the dress looks like.)

The coral cashmere sweater is an old favourite and it’s the perfect partner for hot pink – add black accessories (and a big ol’ punch of in-your-face polka dots) and you’ve got a signature Catherine look for autumn. The crystal drop earrings haven’t been worn nearly enough since I bought them earlier this year (I think I’m more afraid of the multi colours than I should be), so it was great to tie in the orangey-coral colour of the earrings to the sweater.

The weather has now definitely shifted into gloves and woolly scarves territory in the UK, so this may be one of the last posts this side of Christmas without a big coat – we shall see.

I’m actually looking forward to wearing my coats again – what about you? Are you a fan of throwing a statement coat over everything? Or do you make dresses into skirts with the simple addition of a sweater… do share, I’d love to know!

Catherine x
P.S. If you like this cashmere sweater you may like to see how else I’ve worn it: with boyfriend jeans / with smart suit trousers and a checked coat / with blue leopard print jeans / with a statement necklace and white mini skirt.

Coral cashmere, hot pink and black - fall style
Crystal drop earrings and polka dots - fall style
Coral cashmere, hot pink and tan - fall style
Coral cashmere and black polka dots - fall style

Fedora: Miss Selfridge (similar), Scarf: Asos, Sweater: c/o Pure Collection, Dress (worn as skirt): F&F Clothing, Boots: Debenhams, Bag: c/o La Redoute, Earrings: Accessorize, Watch: Lipsy

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28 Comments

  1. 16 November 2014 / 6:34 pm

    Very nice indeed! I love the brights. I just bought a hot pink scarf and I've worn it non-stop, it really does help lift the spirit on dull winter mornings. And a big yes to wearing dresses as skirts, I always layer mine up in winter. Some of the thinner ones I have to wear a full slip underneath too for extra warmth, makes me feel like such a granny but it works!! P x

    • 16 November 2014 / 11:42 pm

      Hehe that';s a good idea, though I wear thermal layers (vests) under my tops when it's really cold… who's to know?! Thank you hun so much xx

    • 12 November 2014 / 8:13 pm

      Glad to have inspired you, Stephanie… thank you! Now go get yourself some brights :)))

  2. 11 November 2014 / 8:34 pm

    Yes this is my kind of outfit. Lovely and colourful. The black and white scarf looks perfect with it. You cannot go wrong with polka dots.
    Greetje

    • 12 November 2014 / 8:12 pm

      Greetje thank you… you're usually my harshest critic (in a nice way, of course) so that's high praise indeed!! x

  3. 10 November 2014 / 7:31 am

    How fun is this look, dearest Catherine?! Everything from the pink-and-coral colour combo to the polka-dotted scarf is pure you – as you say! – and that hat and the platform boots add a touch of rocker edge!! P.S. Those earrings definitely need to come out to play a little more often!! 😉

    http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.blogspot.com

    • 12 November 2014 / 8:09 pm

      I'll see what I can do about the earrings, Monika – thank you hun!!!

  4. 9 November 2014 / 8:05 pm

    Looking gorgeous as always Catherine! Loving the whole outfit. Black tights and boots seem to be the best winter uniform. I quite often wear skater dresses as skirts – just 2 different necklines can look a tad awkward sometimes! I suppose that's what scarves are for though.
    lily x
    http://www.jolihouse.com

    • 12 November 2014 / 8:09 pm

      A definite YES to the scarves thing… I know what you mean about the two necklines, Lily – I find it happens a lot when you layer up. And thank you my lovely, you're too kind!! x

  5. 8 November 2014 / 3:15 pm

    One of Your Best Outfits Ever!

    • 12 November 2014 / 8:08 pm

      Wow now there's a compliment – thank you Mary!!!!!!!!!

  6. 8 November 2014 / 10:43 am

    I just love it. It is a great outfit for Autumn! Too many people shy away from colour and although this is packing a powerful punch in the colour department it all works. The polkadot scarf helps break it up a little and add definition. Right that's it.. i'm going to find my most colour pieces to style today and not go for the easy option of black jeans at the weekend!
    http://www.ladympresents.co.uk

    • 12 November 2014 / 8:07 pm

      Yay for bright colours and a fair ol' bit of black for autumn/winter!! Thanks Rachel, happy styling! 🙂

    • 12 November 2014 / 8:04 pm

      Hehe I bet you have a bit of a collection like I do, JJ…?!!! Thanks you so much for your lovely comments as always x

  7. 8 November 2014 / 12:23 am

    Wonderful idea – and I really like the scarf. xox

    • 12 November 2014 / 8:04 pm

      An old favourite!! Thanks Patti my lovely x

  8. 7 November 2014 / 11:33 pm

    I am admiring your hat! I have been thinking about a wool structured hat this winter. Normally I wear hooded coats and scarves, but the wool fedora looks so sharp on you.

    • 12 November 2014 / 8:03 pm

      I can thoroughly recommend a black fedora if you don't generally wear hats, Roberta – like a white Panama hat in the summer, it works with just about everything. And thank you xx

  9. 7 November 2014 / 8:23 pm

    Wearing a dress as a skirt is one of my favorite tricks for getting the most out of my wardrobe. You look great, as always! 🙂

    Tamara
    http://www.trulytamara.com

    • 12 November 2014 / 8:02 pm

      Thank you Tamara! Don't know why I don't do it more… my bad. Must. Do. Better…!!

  10. 7 November 2014 / 6:28 pm

    The pink skirt looks wonderful! The whole combination is very pretty and unsual.

    • 12 November 2014 / 8:02 pm

      Thanks Martina – surprising that such bold colours can look pretty, but I think they work 🙂

    • 12 November 2014 / 8:01 pm

      It's one of my brightest…!! Thank you Jeanne x

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