Navy Striped Knit and Khaki Wide Leg Floral Pants #iwillwearwhatilike

Pattern mixing: Navy/white striped sweater, khaki floral wide leg pants, novelty camera bag - Hobbs SS16 | Not Dressed As Lamb

This outfit of a navy striped sweater and khaki wide leg floral pants is one of those strange combinations that I was really unsure about before trying it on – 

to the point where I thought Nah, this is going to look kind of awful on me. I thought a boxy top and wide leg trousers would look too baggy overall, but this was one of those occasions where you simply have to try something on to see that it works, and then it turns out to be an absolute favourite outfit.

These two pieces (plus the navy wedge sandals) are from the Hobbs SS16 collection, and together they were one of the outfits I chose for the Style Session I hosted last week at the new Kensington High Street store in London. (I chose several outfits which were worn by a couple of gorgeous models, and you can read all about the event and what other outfits I chose in a dedicated blog post this Sunday.)

So this week’s #iwillwearwhatilike theme is stripes – scroll down for all the details for linking up and to see what lovely ladies from last week have been featured this time!


MY POINT IS THIS: NEVER BE AFRAID TO TRY SOMETHING ON, AND NEVER INSIST SOMETHING WON’T SUIT YOU. FORGET THE RULES, STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE, AND KEEP AN OPEN MIND.

My point is this: Never be afraid to try something on, and never insist something won’t suit you. Forget the rules, step out of your comfort zone, and keep an open mind.

This outfit is a subtle nod to pattern mixing with bold stripes and the khaki florals – the reason the colours work is because there is one colour [navy] that is present in both patterns, which is the easiest way to mix patterns. I absolutely adore both these pieces – they’re perfect for a British summer – and the chunky wedge sandals are a great style for adding height with wide leg pants where pointed heels would look wrong and too dainty.

Not bad for an outfit I was very hesitant about…!

ARE YOU A SERIAL PATTERN MIXER (LIKE MYSELF), OR DO YOU FIND YOURSELF DRAWN TO STRIPES EVERY SUMMER (LIKE MYSELF!)? COMMENT BELOW, OR TAKE IT TO TWITTER @NOTLAMB!

Pattern mixing: Navy/white striped sweater, khaki floral wide leg pants, strappy wedge sandals, novelty camera bag - Hobbs SS16 | Not Dressed As Lamb

SHOP THE LOOK:

Pattern mixing: Navy/white striped sweater, khaki floral wide leg pants, strappy wedge sandals, novelty camera bag - Hobbs SS16 | Not Dressed As Lamb
Navy/white striped sweater, round mirrored sunglasses - Hobbs SS16 | Not Dressed As Lamb
Pattern mixing: Navy/white striped sweater, khaki floral wide leg pants, strappy wedge sandals, novelty camera bag - Hobbs SS16 | Not Dressed As Lamb
Pattern mixing: Navy/white striped sweater, khaki floral wide leg pants, strappy wedge sandals, novelty camera bag - Hobbs SS16 | Not Dressed As Lamb
Pattern mixing: Navy/white striped sweater, khaki floral wide leg pants, novelty camera bag - Hobbs SS16 | Not Dressed As Lamb
Navy/white striped sweater, round mirrored sunglasses | Not Dressed As Lamb
Hobbs striped sweater c/o | Hobbs floral wide leg pants c/o | Hobbs navy wedge sandals c/o (30% off at the moment!) | Accessorize camera bag (old – here’s a bling camera bag version) | Le Specs round mirrored pastel sunglasses via ASOS | Ring bought in Santorini (this gold leaf ring is almost identical) | River Island watch (this tan leather strap watch is similar) | Chanel ‘Peridot’ nail polish (Crabtree & Evelyn ‘Avocado’ is a dupe) | Burts Bees lip crayon in ‘Sedona Sands’

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#iwillwearwhatilike | Not Dressed As Lamb
Thank you for joining the #iwillwearwhatilike link up! This started as a campaign on Instagram in August 2015 where women over 30 wore everything on a journalist’s list of “inappropriate” items for 30+ women (including leopard print, short dresses and oversized sunglasses. Yes, really). It was so popular that I decided to carry it on weekly where women of all ages link up their fabulous style, never mind what anyone tells them not to wear!

RELATED  Styling My Classic Boho Maxi Dress (Again!) in Cornwall

The link up goes live every Monday at 3pm UK time and will stay open for a week. Whilst the original article was of course aimed at the 30+, you can be ANY age to link up. The only criteria is that you’re wearing whatever you damn well like!

An InLinkz Link-up


NEXT WEEK:

THE OPTIONAL THEME FOR 20 JUNE IS A POP OF COLOUR

Please be a good sport and do the following…

CLICK HERE to read the rules of linking up (and to grab the #iwillwearwhatilike button)

Featured favourites

Fashion bloggers with totes and shoppers #iwillwearwhatilike

My favourite TOTES and SHOPPERS from last week’s link up:

(L-R) Lady of Style | High Heels in the Wilderness | The LIFB Issue | The Barefaced Chic

To get yourself featured next week, link up something following this week’s theme and make sure you’ve included a link back to Not Dressed As Lamb or my button in your post/sidebar!


DO SHARE THE LOVE AND VISIT AS MANY LINKS AS YOU CAN (YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT OTHER LOVELY LIKE-MINDED LADIES YOU MIGHT MEET) – THE ORIGINAL INSTAGRAM CAMPAIGN FORGED SOME WONDERFUL NEW FRIENDSHIPS SO DON’T MISS OUT!

Catherine

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | BLOGLOVIN | YOUTUBE | NEWSLETTER

P.S. DO CHECK OUT MY PINTEREST BOARD WITH ALL THE BEST OF THE #IWILLWEARWHATILIKE LINK UPS – HAVE YOU BEEN PINNED…?

Linking up to: iwillwearwhatilikeShoe and TellVisible MondayMonday MingleStyle SessionsTurning Heads TuesdayBrilliant Blog PostsPassion for Fashion FridayFriday’s Fab Favourites, Fun Fashion Friday

58 Comments

  1. 15 June 2016 / 6:11 pm

    It's all good here!
    Stripes and florals, pattern mixing and colour mixing.
    Plus that fabulous bag.
    I am glad to see it again… adding a playful touch to your look.
    XXX
    Samantha
    FakeFabulous.com

    • 22 June 2016 / 1:37 pm

      Hehe I know YOU don't need to try and be a bit more daring, Samantha…!! ;)) Thank you sweetie x

  2. 15 June 2016 / 1:38 pm

    Love pattern clashing, you look gorgeous and that bag *swoon x

  3. 14 June 2016 / 9:14 pm

    I'm such a huge fan of pattern mixing too Catherine, but I think I would have been a bit hesitant to try these on together. Such good advice to get out of your comfort zone and give it a try. I love this casual look on you and I totally adore that brilliant handbag – what fun!
    Anna x
    http://www.annasisalandstyle.com

    • 22 June 2016 / 1:36 pm

      That surprises me that you would have hesitated, Anna – I thought it was actually quite tame , I was more worried about the two loose shapes together…!! Thank you so much, glad you liked it x

  4. 14 June 2016 / 8:56 pm

    Pattern mix can't get any better, C, I adore this look! The colour combination is awesome and I love the backdrop too. Perfect!!!

    xx
    Annette | Lady of Style

    • 14 June 2016 / 9:11 pm

      Aww thank you Annette – the greenery is looking particularly lush at this time of year…!! x

  5. 14 June 2016 / 7:18 pm

    That handbag sure is fun!

    bisous
    Suzanne

  6. 14 June 2016 / 4:37 pm

    You've hit on another winning combination of pattern mixing Catherine! I love the sweater…I'm addicted to stripes! I have to stop myself from buying yet more striped tops sometimes, but then you can probably never have too many! Adorable camera bag 🙂

    Emma xxx
    http://www.style-splash.com

    • 14 June 2016 / 9:12 pm

      You can NEVER have too many stripes, Emma!!! 😉 hehe thank you sweetie x

  7. 14 June 2016 / 12:37 pm

    Love this mix! It caught my eye as soon as you popped up and it looks so fresh and fun. xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

  8. 14 June 2016 / 2:26 am

    In my experience, some of the BEST outfit combinations are ones we initially think won't work out…and your striped sweater and floral pants ensemble is the perfect example, dearest Catherine!! I'd wear this look in a heartbeat…and that "camera bag??" It's the most adorable finishing touch ever!! XOXO

    http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com

    • 14 June 2016 / 9:13 pm

      I think you're probably right, Monika – some of my best purchases have been impulse buys so it works that way too! Thank you my lovely x

  9. 14 June 2016 / 1:22 am

    I LOVE that bag. So adorable!

    Nina
    aworldofdresses.com

  10. 13 June 2016 / 7:03 pm

    This is sporty casual perfection and I just can't stop staring at your accessories Catherine! So, so we'll done.

    Heidi || Wishes & Reality

    • 13 June 2016 / 9:20 pm

      Thank you Heidi – the bag is popular today…!! x

  11. 13 June 2016 / 6:38 pm

    The outfit looks fabulous on you! And you are so right, it's important to try new things. I'm often guilty of not trying on things and just judging them on the hanger; I'm trying to change that! 🙂

    Andrea
    Andrea’s Wellness Notes

    • 13 June 2016 / 6:45 pm

      I do it myself too, Andrea, as I proved in this post!! Thanks hun x

  12. 13 June 2016 / 5:56 pm

    I love how each piece adds to the other in this outfit, with the blingy bag as a cherry on top. I often step out of comfort zone in styling with good and bad results, but I certainly have fun trying. Thanks for the linkup.

    • 13 June 2016 / 6:44 pm

      No one could EVER accuse you of not stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new combinations, Melanie!! Thank you my lovely x

    • 13 June 2016 / 6:43 pm

      I get the feeling you like my trousers, Shelbee…?!! lol thank you sweetie!

  13. 13 June 2016 / 5:01 pm

    Killed it again with your impeccable sense of style mixing stripes with floral. The bag is so fun! Thanks for hosting the linkup.

    xo Sheree
    http://poshclassymom.com
    IG: @poshclassymom

  14. 13 June 2016 / 4:23 pm

    I'm always a bit nervous about mixing patterns but every now and again I get brave 😉
    You look amazing – you always carry it off though!
    Suzy xx
    http://www.suzyturner.com

    • 13 June 2016 / 6:42 pm

      I think you're right, Debbie! Thank you xx

  15. 13 June 2016 / 4:03 pm

    Surprising but fabulous combination. You are right – we should not be afraid to try new combinations. xoxo

  16. 13 June 2016 / 3:24 pm

    Stripes are my favourite at the moment, so I was really excited to see what you'd do. I love this look and I love the complementary clash. It totally (totally) works. And that bag! I need it now. xx

    Kat

    http://www.kittyandb.com

    • 13 June 2016 / 6:42 pm

      I think I own more stripes than any other pattern, Kitty – so I'm with you on that one!! ;)) hehe thank you sweetie x

  17. 13 June 2016 / 3:11 pm

    Love your style! That bag is so cute too! I'm not seeing the featured ladies from last week.

    • 13 June 2016 / 3:23 pm

      Thank you Amy – when you say you're not seeing them, do you mean the picture isn't showing…? It's definitely there, after the thumbnails and under the heading "Featured Favourites". Maybe you need to refresh or clear your cookies/cache…? x

  18. 13 June 2016 / 3:01 pm

    This is such a beautiful look Catherine! Love the pants and the platforms with it! Totally agree with you: push bounderies and make your own rules. You know I set up a blog motto myself and it basically come down if translated to something like "dare to be daring" xxx Thank you for hosting beautiful and have a great day. Sabina

    • 13 June 2016 / 3:21 pm

      "Dare to be daring" – I love that, Sabina!! It sums it up perfectly…!! Thank you sweetie so much x

  19. 13 June 2016 / 2:44 pm

    You look beautiful Catherine. The last close-up of you is gorgeous! The pattern combo works perfectly and I love your camera bag. Congratulations on the huge success of the Hobbs event. Very proud of you. Thank you for hosting xxxxxxxx

    • 13 June 2016 / 3:20 pm

      Aww Liz that's so sweet of you, thank you!! xx

  20. 13 June 2016 / 2:18 pm

    I would never of thought of putting this together ! But your right, it looks good. the shoe choice is spot on too. Look forward to reading Sunday's post xx

    • 13 June 2016 / 3:20 pm

      Thanks Laurie – hopefully if there's another Style Session you'll be able to make that one…? x

  21. 13 June 2016 / 2:17 pm

    Great pairing! I love that purse too! 🙂

  22. 13 June 2016 / 2:16 pm

    You look lovely! I'm not much of a pattern mixer but need to venture forward into trying more! Love the stripes and that camera bag is cute!

  23. 13 June 2016 / 2:15 pm

    I love this outfit! You are such a pro at mixing; I'll bet Hobbs loved you for that since their collections are quite matching and classic. The camera bag and sunglasses details are gorgeous! xx

    • 13 June 2016 / 3:19 pm

      I'd like to think I shook things up a bit at Hobbs, Lisa! Thank you sweetie so much x

  24. 13 June 2016 / 2:12 pm

    I never understood the love of stripes until I dipped my finger into pattern mixing—they seems to work every time! Now I have 5 striped shirts— I guess I can stop buying them, right?
    You're advice is spot on—in fact, Nancy & I were just shopping for a white dress and she kept saying, "I can't wear that, or that"—yet one of the dresses that worked was one she didn't think she could wear! You speak truth, Catherine!
    Your outfit is wonderful—you really know how to change things up! I certainly wouldn't call myself a regular pattern mixer, but I'm trying to be more adventuresome!
    jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
    ps…I linked up my mom's skirt for stripes—it's not your usual stripes but it counts, right?

    • 13 June 2016 / 3:19 pm

      Hehe I love that you went from zero to five stripe shorts, Jodie!!! Thank you my lovely x

  25. 13 June 2016 / 2:12 pm

    I don't know how many times I've done that – picked a few things out of my wardrobe thinking they will never work together only to be pleasantly surprised. It's amazing what works that 'shouldn't'. As you say, it's a case stepping out of your comfort zone and trying things on – sage advice indeed 🙂
    Love those trousers, they look really comfortable and thank you for choosing me as one of your featured favourites.
    Michelle xx
    http://www.thebarefacedchic.co.uk

    • 13 June 2016 / 3:16 pm

      So glad to feature you, MLD!! Goes to show how trying stuff on is so important, isn't it ;))

      Thank you my lovely x

  26. 13 June 2016 / 2:10 pm

    Catherine, Oh how I wish I could wear a lovely knit like you are now! It is 95 degrees though! Love the olive floral pants and those sandals are hot! Now the camera bag is so cool!! Love it, just fun!! I am really falling for these safari colors.
    Have a wonderful week!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • 13 June 2016 / 3:15 pm

      Oh gosh it's so rare that we ever hit those sorts of temperatures, Jess!! Thank you sweetie x

  27. 13 June 2016 / 2:09 pm

    yes, yes YES! This works tremendously well! Of course it does, you put it together! But i totally agree, i will often fall in to a rut of thinking a certain thing will only suit me, then to try something left field and totally love it. Keeping ones mind open is definitely a good rule of thumb.. who knows what you may find.. look at you, you look bloody marvellous! 😀 Wishing you a wonderful week sweetie , thanks so much for hosting
    Rxxx

    • 13 June 2016 / 3:14 pm

      Thank you Rachel my lovely! Yes ruts are something that it's easy to fall into… Myself included!! x

  28. 13 June 2016 / 2:08 pm

    I love your shoes, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh They are so perfect.I also want the glasses, hahhaha. It sounds like a letter to Father Christmas, hahahhah
    looking fantastic, dear Catherine
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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