Silver and Black Christmas Party Layered Look

Grey sweater dress layered over black trousers, longline black coat
As we’re rapidly approaching the big day I thought I should share this year’s Christmas party outfit with you before the 25th!

On Friday I went out for a meal and drinks with the guys at the agency where I freelance regularly and decided to go for a really simple layered look. I wanted something that would allow me to eat as much as I liked without being uncomfortable or restricted – and this sparkly  over cropped trousers allowed me to do just that. It’s a bit of a departure from the fit-n-flare style dress I usually favour but I love to try something a bit different now and then.

The biggest revelation is probably the  – I can’t remember the last time I owned a black winter’s coat (my leopard and black two-tone coat or black blazer being the nearest I have). Having been a bright colours person for so long I’ve never seen the appeal of a black coat before now, but this one is sleek and really smart. The dress and coat are from La Redoute as part of my brand ambassador role package for November – I love that it allows me the opportunity to experiment a little with my style as I mentioned… risks can pay off sometimes so it’s good to take them.

I also had a moment of weakness when I saw these  on the Asos website. They’re basically a brogue with heels and no tongue and they tick that cut-out trend box nicely (though anything vaguely in a brogue style will have me at hello). And you can’t forgo a bit of sparkle at Christmas time: the brooches and earrings echoed the silver thread that runs through the dress (which you can just see it in the close up below).

Are you all geared up for Christmas? Have you got lots of parties and gatherings to go to still before the day itself… AND ARE YOU AS EXCITED AS ME ABOUT THE BIG DAY??!

Grey sweater dress layered over black trousers
Grey sweater dress layered over black trousers, cut out shoes
Grey sweater dress, crystal brooches
Grey sweater dress, crystal brooches, magenta clutch
Grey sweater dress layered over black trousers
Grey sweater dress, magenta clutch
Grey sweater dress, black longline blazer, magenta clutch
Grey sweater dress, crystal brooches
Dress: c/o , Coat: c/o , Trousers: , Shoes: , Clutch: American Apparel (colour: Grenadine Rose), Brooches: Accessorize / Debenhams (), Earrings: Unknown, Rings: kuka-me / Cornish jeweller, Nails: OPI Cuckoo for this Colour ( is similar) / OPI

Catherine x
P.S. P.S. Don’t miss October’s brand ambassador post (Breton stripes and dungarees) or the one featuring the husband (smart menswear where he’s showing off the coolest ankle boots)!

I am a brand ambassador for La Redoute after winning a competition to find two bloggers to represent the brand for 2014-15. The prize included a budget to spend at La Redoute each month. All content is original, however, and opinions are my own and 100% honest.

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24 Comments

  1. 26 December 2014 / 9:29 am

    Don´t forget to VOTE for your favourite look on Share-in-Style TODAY ( Rosy and I excluded)
    Merry Christmassssssssss!!!
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

  2. 23 December 2014 / 10:35 pm

    Ohhh I love the black coat.And the ASOS shoes are just adorable. Its such a lovely winter look x

    p.s Thank you for getting involved in my campaign x Your support means so much. Sorry it took so long to get the email out, I have been trying forever but it just never felt right as I felt I couldn't dedicate all my time to it. Now that Im off on Holidays hopefully it'll give me sometime to work at it .I'm really hoping this works. I just check out Lizzie's blog too and she seems wonderful woman. I really hope all goes well for her x Thank you for your nice comment and Have a wonderful Christmas. Its the lovely bloggers like you that really make me want to do stuff like this campaign x (ohh and sorry for a comment as long as a essay ahah ) x

    Caitriona Tighe || 'Spread the Love' Campaign

    • 24 December 2014 / 1:17 am

      Thank you Caitriona – and you're more than welcome – I said at the time I thought the campaign was such a good idea! I'm also finding more time to blog and do some catching up… more time to visit blogs and comments which I'm so grateful for!! Have a wonderful Christmas xx

  3. 23 December 2014 / 10:12 pm

    Lovely clutch 🙂 M&MFASHIONBITES mmfashionbites.blogspot.gr

    • 24 December 2014 / 1:15 am

      It's a great colour, isn't it…?! Thank you sweetie x

  4. 23 December 2014 / 9:10 pm

    Love love this look Catherine! Just fantastic! Happy holidays 🙂 xxx

    • 24 December 2014 / 1:15 am

      Thank you Beata – and to you my lovely!! c xx

  5. 23 December 2014 / 8:23 pm

    Dear Catherine, thank you, thank you for being such a good friend. I am really glad to count you, your warmth and kindness amongst the best presents of this year.
    Much love and all the best for Christmas.
    We will have a quiet ones with our children
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    • 23 December 2014 / 9:05 pm

      Sacramento could you be any lovelier??!!!! Thank you SO much, I feel just the same about you. Lots of Christmas greetings to you and yours xx

    • 23 December 2014 / 1:09 pm

      Thank you Michele!! We had a terrible time with the wind and the failing light, so having any pictures with my hair looking half decent is a miracle ;))

  6. 23 December 2014 / 8:27 am

    Your grey sweater dress would be lovely all by itself, dearest Catherine…but together with your cropped trousers and unique cut-out shoes, you've created a truly eye-catching holiday outfit!! Of course, your other fab accessories don't hurt, either…that black coat is a timeless classic; and I'm going to start looking for my own sparkly star brooch tomorrow!! XOXO

    http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.blogspot.com

    • 23 December 2014 / 1:08 pm

      Aww thanks so much lovely Monika! I'll always wear brooches whether they're in or out of fashion I think… the neck of this dress didn't allow any necklaces to sit properly, so brooches it had to be! x

    • 23 December 2014 / 12:40 pm

      Thanks hun – it was initially more out of practicality but I liked the look in the end..!! x

  7. 22 December 2014 / 7:15 pm

    Ah those cut-out brogues are calling me! Lovely business/party look, and your hair is fabulous. xox

    • 22 December 2014 / 9:17 pm

      Yes I can see you in those shoes, Patti!! Thank you so much, the wind unfortunately made taking good photos of my hair a bit of a nightmare but we managed to capture some of the curl at least…!

    • 22 December 2014 / 9:16 pm

      Thank you Jenna – greys and blacks are unusual for me so that's a great compliment x

  8. 22 December 2014 / 5:07 pm

    you look smashing, love the wave/curl in your hair.

    • 22 December 2014 / 9:15 pm

      Thanks so much, Linda – I think I've fiiiiiinally got the hang of my curling irons…!!!

    • 22 December 2014 / 6:33 pm

      And the biggest shoe shopping habit, Monica…!! Hehe thanks hun – I'm just a sucker for a great pair of shoes ;))

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