How to Wear Black and White in Summer #iwillwearwhatilike

Black and white monochrome, summer style: Striped maxi skirt loose white sleeveless blouse, red lace-up espadrilles statement sunglasses and earrings | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style

We seem to be having a summer in the UK. Not just sunshine, but actual heat… It’s pretty much unheard of in June. But as someone who adores summer, you’ll get no complaining from me: I break out the summer wardrobe and rejoice!

This outfit was worn just before it got hot hot (it’s about 29°C today*), so I actually think I’d be too hot in my striped maxi skirt and tucked-in top this week. However I wore it out in the evening, and although here it usually gets colder at night and you need a light jacket or a cardigan, we’re now getting the balmy evenings too which is a godsend.

I bought the skirt a couple of years ago at Marks & Spencer and although I’ve expanded a little(!) since then, it still fits fine because of the jersey material. Being black and white would mean it’s easy to style, but I get confused by black, or black and white…. Give me bold colour any day!

I decided to play it simple and went for black and white with a pop of colour.

(And oh how I WISH someone would come up with a better phrase than “pop of colour”… It’s been around for ages and just sounds a bit naff to me, like the word “trendy”. If you have a better expression for it then pleeeease do tell me in the comments!)

I pretty much kept everything black or white except for those fab Asos SS16 espadrilles (similar) – I’m sooo excited It’s the right weather to wear them again. They were last seen in September last year, when I used them as part of a bright accessories story: I guess that’s what I’m doing with them here too.

Black and white monochrome, summer style: Striped maxi skirt loose white sleeveless blouse, red lace-up espadrilles statement sunglasses and earrings | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style

SHOP THE LOOK:

 

It’s the accessories that really make this outfit. The skirt and top are pretty basic, but add in a funky bag and shoes and then the pièce(s) de résistance – the pearl-effect sunglasses and pearl hoop earrings, and you are SORTED. I’ve become quite attached to these sunglasses lately and really not keen on wearing any others (see how they look with a wedding guest-worthy dress here).

If you want to see more statement sunnies like these then head over to last week’s shopping post where I picked out 60 cooler-than-average statement sunglasses for you (you’re welcome 😉).

Finally… You know when you can match your outfits to your surroundings? Well, I matched my outfit to the local wildlife. You’ll see what I mean when you scroll down to the last two pictures… clever, eh?!

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!

WHAT ARE YOU WEARING IN THE HEAT (AND DO YOU HAVE ANY ALTERNATIVE EXPRESSIONS FOR “POP OF COLOUR”)? COMMENT BELOW, OR TAKE IT TO TWITTER @NOTLAMB!

*I do know that 29°C (84°F) isn’t anywhere near as hot as some countries’ temperatures, but in the UK it’s a humid heat and we generally don’t have air con except in newer cars, city centre shops and large corporate offices. I worked in a south-facing office with floor-to-ceiling windows for 11 years that didn’t have air con. It was HORRIFICALLY hot in the summer….!

RELATED  The Best Hat to Wear to a Summer Wedding

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Black and white monochrome, summer style: Striped maxi skirt loose white sleeveless blouse, red lace-up espadrilles statement sunglasses and earrings | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Black and white monochrome, summer style: Striped maxi skirt loose white sleeveless blouse, red lace-up espadrilles statement sunglasses and earrings | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Black and white monochrome, summer style: Striped maxi skirt loose white sleeveless blouse, red lace-up espadrilles statement sunglasses and earrings | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Black and white monochrome, summer style: Striped maxi skirt loose white sleeveless blouse, red lace-up espadrilles statement sunglasses and earrings | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Black and white monochrome, summer style: Striped maxi skirt loose white sleeveless blouse, red lace-up espadrilles statement sunglasses and earrings | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style

Black and white monochrome, summer style: Striped maxi skirt loose white sleeveless blouse, red lace-up espadrilles statement sunglasses and earrings | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style

Skirt: Marks & Spencer (similar)
Top: Jacques Vert c/o (I like this one)
Espadrilles: ASOS SS16 (similar)
Bag: Zara (I like this one)
Sunglasses: Warehouse
Earrings: ASOS (on sale!)
Gold stars ring: Lizzy O c/o
Cows: A Devon farm

 

OTHER BLACK & WHITE MAXI SKIRTS TO TRY:

 

 

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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) RetroChicMama | The Style Crone | Northwest Mountain Living

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!

Catherine

38 Comments

  1. 30 June 2017 / 2:10 pm

    Catherine, thank you so much for including Style Crone as one of your favorite "outfits from last week." Your weekly linkup is always a highlight of my blog life. Thank you for hosting.

  2. 22 June 2017 / 10:57 pm

    Blimey that chevron skirt is just so so good. Despite being a huge colour fan, I've found myself gravitating towards monochrome outfits this summer. so chic Yvadney x #BrillBlogPosts

  3. 22 June 2017 / 2:57 pm

    I was just looking at a book the other night and it had an entire section on dressing in black and white. Your outfit could have been one of the pictures in that book. I love the maxi and your pretty espadrilles really stand out! Great pic, Catherine. – Amy

  4. 22 June 2017 / 1:38 pm

    You look great! I love black and white, that skirt is amazing! #brilliantblogposts

  5. 21 June 2017 / 12:47 pm

    This looks beautiful. I love the striped skirt and those shoes are a gorgeous pop of red. Nicely done!

  6. 21 June 2017 / 11:43 am

    Black and white is always a great colour combination for an outfit – no matter the season! The bright red shoes are an excellent contrast and statement piece too! The choice of a cuff and diamond-style hoop earrings are perfect accessory pieces that help to compliment the outfit.

  7. 20 June 2017 / 6:42 pm

    I agree Catherine…. A "pop" starts to feel contrived and old-fashioned.
    It's like being "on-trend", "making it your own" or "nodding"…. we need some new and fresh phrases.
    A blast of colour? Accents? Contrasts?
    Ahhhhh….I don't know!!!!!
    I'll ask my girls. They might have some ideas :o)
    XXX
    Samantha
    Fake Fabulous | Style and Fashion, over 40

    My girl's ideas:
    "A colour zing"
    "A Bright contrast"

  8. 20 June 2017 / 4:15 pm

    Oh we got 105 F right now. But I'd much rather have just about 29. Thank you very much. 🙂 You got quite the Brit chick charme here Catherine. Fabulous and cool. Right out of a magazine!!!

    In the heat I prefer summer dresses -light and ease to wear like on my blog tomorrow. Thank you very much for hosting and have a successul week. xo Sabina

  9. 20 June 2017 / 12:46 pm

    Such a fabulous look! I love the bag! I also love the pictures of the cows behind you. How fun!

  10. 20 June 2017 / 8:44 am

    You look fabulous in that outfit- I love maxi skirts but I'm always a bit stumped on what to wear on top. I just need to tone those upper arms- but will I? Ha, I'll just wear a sleeveless top anyway! How about " add a bit of zing" instead of pop of colour? Lesley

  11. 20 June 2017 / 4:13 am

    You KNOW I love me a black and white outfit, dearest Catherine…and this striped maxi skirt and sleeveless blouse are sooo up my alley!! But the ensemble just wouldn't be "you" without those siren-red espadrilles…and the pretty, pearly sunglasses are positively PERFECTION!! (The cows are definitely looking a little envious of your accessories game!!)

    http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com

  12. 19 June 2017 / 7:40 pm

    I remember almost buying that skirt! I wish I had now. You look darling in it. I also hate 'pop of colour' but it is hard to avoid. xx

  13. 19 June 2017 / 7:36 pm

    This skirt is amazing! Love how you kept it simple with just a little pop of color in the shoes! Good luck dealing with the June heat!

    -Katie
    http://www.hellokatiegirlblog.com/

  14. 19 June 2017 / 5:48 pm

    Oooh, I love that skirt. I saw one in my local thrift and almost grabbed it before stepping away with caution. Love the red with the outfit. That sounds very hot. Here it was 12C yesterday morning, an unseasonable cold winter and spring. But it's warming up slooowly. Love the matchy with the cows.

    Fighting words seem to be popular to describe the colour accents – punch, kick. Jab? Knockout is often used to describe a whole outfit. ???!!!

  15. 19 June 2017 / 4:55 pm

    I love how you styled your black and with with color accents! Black and white is my total comfort zone, and I am always looking for ways to spice it up a bit! We are in a big heat wave out in California, so I have been wearing anything that will not "stick" to me. Loose dresses like I linked up today or maxi/midi skirts and tanks. Your sunnies are fab, I'm headed over to last weeks post to check out your links!
    XO
    Suzanne
    http://www.AskSuzanneBell.com

  16. 19 June 2017 / 4:52 pm

    Definitely you added sass with the red shoes. How far did you drive to find that rural bovine backdrop? That's dedication. Well I ended up in shorts on Sunday as a maxi was way too hot. And as you know showed my bold manoeuvre on IG. That skirt shape and pattern is very elongating. I need that in a petite 🙂

  17. 19 June 2017 / 4:35 pm

    Whoops forgot to say thank you for the feature my darling sorry xxx

  18. 19 June 2017 / 4:35 pm

    I am so with you on the "Pop of Colour" phrase & avoid it like the plague although I have to admit it's pretty good. I can't think of anything better. Gotta love a maxi in this heat, cool yet covers the legs – Mine are very white & becoming hairier by the day. You look way more glam than those cows behind you Catherine 😉
    xxx

  19. 19 June 2017 / 4:22 pm

    I was curious to read the comments and see the reactions to your quest for an alternative phrase for "pop of color". I hadn't given much thought to its overuse but you got me thinking now. I'll let you know if I come up with something .

    Rena
    http://www.finewhateverblog.com

  20. 19 June 2017 / 3:49 pm

    I'm not a big fan of black and white for summer even though I have a b&w dress that I love! I think that adding a pop of color like you did with the shoes as a great way to make it more summery 🙂

    http://www.memoriesofthepacific.com

  21. 19 June 2017 / 3:38 pm

    I am so glad that you are having a nice summer now, so hopefully it will be nice and cool in August, when it really sorching here.
    If you would have lived one of our summers you wouldn´t like it that much I tell you, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ahhahahah.
    Thank you so much, dear Catherine

  22. 19 June 2017 / 3:30 pm

    'accent colour'?

    Looking fab, but yes too hot now for tucking anything in!
    xx

  23. 19 June 2017 / 3:30 pm

    Fashion expressions that I despise: Elevate, Pop of Color, Curate… etc.

    Love you with the chorus of cows!

  24. 19 June 2017 / 3:00 pm

    …..Hmmm Good question!

    Perhaps a little splash of colour, or a little peep of colour or a little drop of colour?
    Oh my goodness now you have me, I will be up all night thinking of these!

    best Ashley
    PS My pet hate is 'go to' as in its my 'go to' bag etc….! xxx

  25. 19 June 2017 / 2:36 pm

    Fun outfit, love the skirt. You can never go wrong with black and white, and I love your 'Blast' of red. x Jacqui
    mummabstylish

  26. 19 June 2017 / 2:32 pm

    I love that skirt and of course the pop of color in the shoes is perfection! I am glad you are getting heat! We are still waiting for it here. I think this week it is supposed to warm up some. Thanks for the shout out feature! That is so fun! Peace!
    Cheryl Tucker
    http://www.northwestmountainliving.com

  27. 19 June 2017 / 2:24 pm

    I love the black and white with a 'dash / hint / soupçon' of colour (!) – it looks gorgeous on you. And what a change for you! Those espadrilles are beautiful – perfect shade of red too 🙂
    Coincidentally, I'm wearing black and white in today's post too (although much more black than white) – and although, it's mainly black, I was dressing for the heat (I think long and floaty is easier to wear when it's hot) as well 🙂
    Suzy xxx
    http://www.suzyturner.com

  28. 19 June 2017 / 2:08 pm

    It's too hot for anything other than a bikini today, but that's not really office-appropriate is it? 😉 I love the black and white skirt with the red espadrilles, and those sunglasses are fab! The colour co-ordinating animals is a trend that might just catch on 🙂

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

  29. 19 June 2017 / 2:06 pm

    I love that you included the cows in your photos, Catherine since they are wearing black & white too!!!
    I always use that term pop of color too!! I think it's been imbedded in my brain since What Not to Wear! ha ha!!
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

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