This was a simple outfit worn to a photography exhibition I went to last week – without a doubt one of the most last-minute ensembles I’ve worn in a long time.
If you take one pair of culottes (though they’re really wide leg trousers tbh) worn with some suitable-for-the-office-but-still-funky shoes and add a black biker jacket, what do you get? Corporate chic meets rock chick, that’s what…! I gave this outfit the briefest glance in the mirror before leaving and simply hoped for the best – I was late and wouldn’t have had time to change if it wasn’t working.
Thankfully I think it worked.
‘David and i’
A few months ago we got ourselves VIP tickets for the “David & i” fine art photography exhibition of David Bowie prints by rock photographer Denis O’Regan and it was absolutely wonderful, whether you’re a Bowie fan or not (but then, who isn’t?!). You’ll see one of the Instagram selfies I took on the night below, you can imagine the fun I had going round taking all the photos…!
❝
I DIDN’T WANT TO CARRY A COAT AROUND WITH ME BUT DIDN’T WANT TO GET TOO HOT/TOO COLD EITHER, SO A BIKER JACKET ALWAYS, ALWAYS WORKS FOR ME IN THIS SITUATION.
❞
This outfit is pretty straightforward – it started with the shoes (funky but flat for comfort) and then came the wide leg cropped trousers (similar). I’ve worn the trousers before to an event and they work well as a smart alternative to skinny trousers. So that was the corporate part done – those two are well suited to the office.
SHOP THE LOOK:
The top half again was chosen for practical reasons – I didn’t want to carry a coat around with me but didn’t want to get too hot/too cold either, so a biker jacket always, always works for me in this situation. I can wear just a t-shirt underneath it on a cold day and the thickness of it (especially the snug sleeves) keeps me warm. If you’re going to invest in a biker jacket and want the same effect/the same practicality, choose the sleeves wisely and try lots on.
Plus, you can keep it on at the event without looking like “you’ve got your coat on indoors”.
Finally a bright clutch (similar) for some colour – it also kept my phone, keys, lipstick, Olympus Pen and tissues (still feeling the after-effects of that awful chest infection I had a while ago!) safely zipped up.
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If you’re able to grab any last minute tickets for this touring exhibition I’d strongly advise you to go – many are sold out but you might get VIP tickets if there are a few left. I also got Denis O’Regan to not only pose with me for a selfie, but he took it as well. He’s photographed Bowie, he’s photographed me. Result 🙂
So 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!
DO YOU HAVE A GO-TO OUTFIT OR ITEM OF CLOTHING FOR SMART EVENTS? COMMENT BELOW, OR TAKE IT TO TWITTER @NOTLAMB!
Jacket: Debenhams (similar) | T-shirt: Topshop (similar) | Trousers: Marks & Spencer (similar) | Shoes: Finery c/o (similar) | Clutch: Jaeger c/o (similar) | Sunglasses: Lulus c/o (similar) | Nails: Leighton Denny Rebellious Heart
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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!
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
My favourite outfits from last week’s link up:
(L-R) My Fabulous Forties | Mary Murnane | In My Joi | Suzy Turner | Kremb de la Kremb
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!
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!
Your shoes are chic! Love this look form head to toe. That yellow clutch is the perfect addition for a pop of color!
Edwige| http://www.hypnozglam.com
That jacket is a straight-up classic. LOVE IT.
You are such a complete babe (this much I know)-beautiful lady inside and out and adore this rock chick look! x
I just love those shoes, so different
Thank you for hosting dear! I'm linking back to you HERE Hope you'll check out my latest Fashion post
What a cool exhibit and how fun that you got to go! I think this was a perfect outfit for the occasion! Love the shoes and the jacket. Also, love your fun photos from the exhibit. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
This is a killer look Catherine. I totally want to steal it. And your hair color is really amazing. Thank you for hosting and wishing you a great week. Sabina
As always – interesting, stylish and fresh! Thank you, Catherine!
I'm so happy to be back in the land of the living after being COMPLETELY out of commission last week, dearest Catherine…this winter (and its nasty viruses!) seems to have knocked everyone I know for a loop!! Your sartorial skills have most certainly NOT suffered any "ill effects", though; I'm positively swooning over this biker jacket combo…and those shoes?! They might just be the best. flats. EVER!! XOXO
http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com
Something everyone should have – a moto jacket, just elevates any look. And, those shoes!!! Love. Thank you for hosting.
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
STYLE NUDGE
It looks like you had a fun time at the exhibit!
Your black and white photos from the exhibition are fabulous, I chuckled my way through those! I adore the shoes you are wearing; they really suit you! Thank you for the link up, lovely xxx
A great outfit. Cool and sassy. I don't think it would work for me, as I feel I am too short for wide leg trousers, but it goes to show that it doesn't always pay to plan too much.
Love everything, especially those shoes! Huge David Bowie fan, I wold love to see that exhibit!
Aha that bag! Yes it is gorgeous 😉 Funnily enough I was going to choose these Finery shoes too! Hmm am I subconsciously channeling Not Lamb now?
As for DB – WELL JELL…
Very sassy! I love a biker jacket and wear mine regularly. It looks like a wonderful exhibition too. Xx
Beautifully put together, Catherine, one could never tell this was an 11th hour outfit 🙂 and I really love your shoes. In fact, last weekend, I tried wearing flats for the first time in ever, and well, promptly slipped somewhat, spraining my big toe. I suppose it truly isn't meant to be xoxo
I love this juxtaposition l and how you added in color! Also, those shoes are seriously amazing.
Heidi || Wishes & Reality
Bloody love this outfit! I struggle so much with my clothes now I'm in my mid 30s. I work from home so live in my mum uniform of leggings & a Tee or jumper. I have my dresses and my leggings but nothing in between. I really need to sort it out!
I love yoyr shoes. I bet they have it all gorgeous and comfortable. And yout trousers as so good they could even fight their place with a skirt, hahaha.
Happy Monday, dear Catherine
Fun photos of you at the exhibition 🙂 I love those shoes, they're so unusual. Fab outfit!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
I must say that culottes are on-point! I love the size and how versatile it can be. Actually that's my favorite go-to item for smart events as well. Another item I wouldn't miss would be a chic vest.
These shoes are beyond amazing! I am obsessed! The whole look is fabulous.
Life is just Rosie
Instagram
I love the colours you place together, fabulous! Great shots at the exhibition – it looks very interesting. Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
I really, really like this outfit! I love it when last-minute outfits come together beautifully…
The exhibition sounds great! Love all the photos of you and Bowie!
Thanks for the link up & have a great week!
Andrea
Andrea’s Wellness Notes
It's nice to see you rocking flats with these trousers!! I always feel so frumpy in flats and trousers with wide legs, but obviously either I'm doing it wrong or I have a bad mirror! Ha ha.
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
What a fun photoshoot with Bowie. hehe.. I am in love with those fab shoes, the print and the block heel. Great jacket too! Rock and Roll!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
This looks really interesting. A Bowie fan myself, I would like to see this. Great photos Catherine, especially with the man himself xx
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com
This yellow clutch is ah-mazing!! Thank you for the feature :))
XO
– http://www.inmyjoi.blogspot.com
My pleasure Joi, and it's my pleasure! x