How to Style Black and Grey So It’s Not Boring #iwillwearwhatilike

Bold and bright outfit for cold weather: Black, white and red check cocoon coat red roll neck grey peg leg trousers pants grey ankle boots Jennifer Hamley mini KT work bag black fedora | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style blog

Okay, so after three orange outfits in a row(!) I challenged myself to do some typical wintery greys and blacks again but this time with a twist.

For me personally there’s nothing worse than feeling drab and dreary in all black or all (dark) grey, especially in these last few weeks of a bleak, wet and grey winter. But like all of us, at times the things I have to wear mostly out of necessity (comfort, warmth and all those other “boring” things that hinder what we wear) can be the dullest in my wardrobe.

So in true “me” style, I just made sure that my black and grey pieces weren’t boring by injecting a big dose of bright colour, adding plenty of texture and getting my accessories right.

The key piece? My new Jennifer Hamley mini KT crossbody bag. After having had the larger KT work bag for a while now (and absolutely loving its chic workwear appeal), Jennifer kindly sent me the baby version to try out. Out of a choice of black, teal and aubergine I (unusually for me!) went for black as I had the aubergine already in the KT work bag and teal is a shade of blue that wouldn’t work with many colours in my wardrobe.

Plus, I’m lacking a smart black bag that’s a step up from a little crossbody bag that fits only your wallet, phone and keys… Not any more! It’s got many of the amazing features that the KT Workbag has, just on a smaller scale. All the special pockets and compartments and a slot for your Oyster card that makes touching in and out on the tube or buses easy peasy (see this post for a closer look).

Bold and bright outfit for cold weather: Black, white and red check cocoon coat red roll neck grey peg leg trousers pants grey ankle boots Jennifer Hamley mini KT work bag black fedora | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style blog

SHOP THE LOOK:

 

AllSaints check coat  Jaeger red roll neck top  New Look grey trousers  Naturalizer Maureen grey ankle boots  ASOS black fedora  Jennifer Hamley mini KT crossbody bag

The key accessory decided, I pretty much worked the rest of my outfit around the black bag. It wasn’t a work day for me but a Saturday of errands and shopping. Sometimes I like to look smart at the weekends because I’m [working from] home in the week and smart clothes are not required.

I tend to do the opposite of what people who work in the week do: Comfy, warm things in the week and smart at the weekend. It works for me, like you should do what works for you! If you want to dress up for the school run or for going to the supermarket then just do it – life’s too short not to get your gladrags on.

The grey trousers are currently my comfiest that A) aren’t wide leg or tracky bots and B) still fit me. I’m starting to seriously run out of clothes that do the latter – when your pants don’t fit you anymore you know it’s time to start getting rid of excess weight. I can move onto trousers that are loose but underwear that doesn’t fit… that’s crisis point. Back onto the 90 day SSS Plan today…!

 

What saved the black and grey from being boring

It was the bright red roll neck that stopped me being super bored with this outfit: It picked out the bright pinky-red in the check of the coat. I know they’re not the same colour, but it’s all similar warm colours that work together. A touch of orange-red lipstick tied it all in and stopped the black fedora getting just a bit too “heavy”.

RELATED  Ad | Two Fabulously Loose Outfits for Stylish Summer Dressing

And of course do add your outfits to this week’s link up and if you’ve added a link to here or my button to your post you may be featured next week!

ARE YOU ONE FOR ALWAYS INJECTING SOME BRIGHT COLOUR INTO YOUR OUTFIT? COMMENT BELOW…

Bold and bright outfit for cold weather: Black, white and red check cocoon coat red roll neck grey peg leg trousers pants grey ankle boots Jennifer Hamley mini KT work bag black fedora | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style blog
Bold and bright outfit for cold weather: Black, white and red check cocoon coat red roll neck grey peg leg trousers pants grey ankle boots Jennifer Hamley mini KT work bag black fedora | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style blog
Bold and bright outfit for cold weather: Black, white and red check cocoon coat red roll neck grey peg leg trousers pants grey ankle boots Jennifer Hamley mini KT work bag black fedora | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style blog
Bold and bright outfit for cold weather: Black, white and red check cocoon coat red roll neck grey peg leg trousers pants grey ankle boots Jennifer Hamley mini KT work bag black fedora | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style blog

Bold and bright outfit for cold weather: Black, white and red check cocoon coat red roll neck grey peg leg trousers pants grey ankle boots Jennifer Hamley mini KT work bag black fedora | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style blog

Bold and bright outfit for cold weather: Black, white and red check cocoon coat red roll neck grey peg leg trousers pants grey ankle boots Jennifer Hamley mini KT work bag black fedora | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style blog
Bold and bright outfit for cold weather: Black, white and red check cocoon coat red roll neck grey peg leg trousers pants grey ankle boots Jennifer Hamley mini KT work bag black fedora | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style blog
Bold and bright outfit for cold weather: Black, white and red check cocoon coat red roll neck grey peg leg trousers pants grey ankle boots Jennifer Hamley mini KT work bag black fedora | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style blog
Bold and bright outfit for cold weather: Black, white and red check cocoon coat red roll neck grey peg leg trousers pants grey ankle boots Jennifer Hamley mini KT work bag black fedora | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style blog
Bold and bright outfit for cold weather: Black, white and red check cocoon coat red roll neck grey peg leg trousers pants grey ankle boots Jennifer Hamley mini KT work bag black fedora | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style blog
Bag: Jennifer Hamley c/o | Coat: ASOS (similar) | Roll neck: Jaeger c/o | Trousers: ASOS (similar) | Boots: Naturalizer c/o (half price!) | Hat: ASOS | Gloves: Next

 

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The #iwillwearwhatilike link up with 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!

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


Linking up etiquette…

CLICK HERE to read the rules of linking up (and to grab the #iwillwearwhatilike button). Basically it’s just good manners to link back to here – to leave a comment is even nicer!

Featured favourites

Fashion bloggers who believe in #iwillwearwhatilike

My favourite outfits from last week’s link up:

(L-R) The Red Closet Diary | In My Joi | Wishes & Reality | Alternative Ageing | RetroChicMama

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

39 Comments

  1. 8 February 2017 / 4:42 pm

    Gorgeous coat, it looks really warm and snug. The orange roll neck and black accessories look great together. Totally fabulous bag – I love my Model KTs 🙂

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

    • 9 February 2017 / 4:36 pm

      Ahhhh I know you're a Jennifer Hamley fan too, Emma! You've quite the collection…!

  2. 8 February 2017 / 3:00 pm

    I know that blacks and greys are out of your comfort zone, dearest Catherine…but I think you wear them SO well!! And of course you always know just how to make the look more "you" with your signature pops of colour; this red turtleneck under your plaid coat is pure genius…and absolute proof that tones don't always have to match in order to "go" together!! P.S. Love the funky fedora, too!! XOXO

    http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com

  3. 7 February 2017 / 3:39 pm

    Definitely not a boring outfit! Adding just a little bit of color can make such a difference! You are looking great! And that's a great bag!

    Thanks for the link up & have a great week!

    Andrea
    Andrea’s Wellness Notes

  4. 7 February 2017 / 11:04 am

    Nope! Not a boring moment here in this outfit!! And that bag, it is gorgeous. Finally, Catherine, I'm in the same boat. My pants are not fitting me. Eek. It's so infuriatingly frustrating isn't it? Maybe we should do a cross the seas campaign or something… What's this 90 day thingy? That's a lot of days! I think we are close to the exact same age. 😛 Hmmmm. Let's help one another shall we?

    Love, Ann from Kremb de la Kremb

  5. 7 February 2017 / 4:15 am

    A pop of red cheers up any dull day, perfect with the check coat. Your stylish hat and bag great finishing touches. Thank you so much for hosting, Catherine.

  6. 7 February 2017 / 3:49 am

    You look lovely. That bag looks perfect and I love your hat and the pop of your shirt. I love color too and sometimes just add it with a scarf or pretty necklace. Sometimes I wear bright colors and tone down the accessories. It all depends on my mood and what I am doing. Thanks for sharing and for the link up. – Amy
    http://stylingrannymama.com/

  7. 7 February 2017 / 12:57 am

    And THANK YOU for the feature Catherine! I am so honored to be included and such a huge fan of all that you do here. You are an inspiration!

    • 7 February 2017 / 4:10 pm

      My absolute pleasure, Heidi!!! And thank you x

  8. 6 February 2017 / 11:42 pm

    Great minds! I'm in the same mind frame as well, as it gets so boring wearing dull colours that much the even duller weather. I love that pop of red against the checks, you look amazing as always. Yvadney @ Mums That Slay

  9. 6 February 2017 / 8:16 pm

    LOVE this hat and this outfit. Do not ever bring this hat to my house or I will steal it! Red makes everything look great; I love it on you xxxx

    • 7 February 2017 / 4:08 pm

      Hehe I know you too well Lisa – I'll just bring something sparkly to steer your attention away from it…!!

  10. 6 February 2017 / 7:32 pm

    Love this colorful look!

    Liv

    livforstyle.net

  11. 6 February 2017 / 7:16 pm

    Great punch of colour! Well, it seems I'm still stuck on orange…!

  12. 6 February 2017 / 7:05 pm

    Lovely to see you every time.
    Much love, dear Catherine, and thank you for your lovely link up
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxxx

    • 7 February 2017 / 4:05 pm

      It's my pleasure Sacramento, always lovely to see you here! X

    • 6 February 2017 / 11:35 pm

      thanks Jacqui – I have to admit I have a few check coats for that very reason…!!

  13. 6 February 2017 / 5:12 pm

    Reds and pinks always add a little bright cheer to an outfit! This coat is fabulous. And I am thinking it would look equally gorgeous with the black and gray if you pulled in something to match that beautiful teal in the plaid! Lovely outfit!

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

  14. 6 February 2017 / 3:54 pm

    You look soooo cosy! Definitely winning in the style plus practical stakes! x

    • 6 February 2017 / 11:34 pm

      I was cosy everywhere apart from my feet, Porcelina… the boots didn't allow for thick socks!! Knowing my track record with shoes in winter I'd have been better with bare ankles and no socks at all…! 😉

      Thanks hon x

  15. 6 February 2017 / 3:52 pm

    Thank you for hosting! 🙂

  16. 6 February 2017 / 3:27 pm

    I love your coat and bag!

  17. 6 February 2017 / 3:24 pm

    Red always does the trick for me too! And the plaid is divine-but I am a plaid lover from way back. I use small bags for nights out-especially clutches. But like Jodie, for everyday its a larger bag. Terri
    http://www.meadowtreestyle.com

    • 6 February 2017 / 11:32 pm

      I've somewhat loved plaid/tartan since it was "in" in the 90s, Teresa… never really went away for me either!!

  18. 6 February 2017 / 3:18 pm

    I love adding in color, Catherine!! It really adds a brightness to my overall outlook on life!
    I can appreciate a smaller bag, but lately I have been going to my bigger one, just so my camera can fit in it…:)
    jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • 6 February 2017 / 10:28 pm

      Yes I get the thing about needing a bigger bag for your camera, Jodie! Though I got a smaller camera to solve that problem ;))

      Thanks sweetie x

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