I’m having a real Marks & Spencer moment, guys…! After working on a video campaign the other week with the brand up in London (details on the blog next week), I got to see just about everything in their current collection in the Marble Arch store. And for the M&S sceptics out there, I tell you – they really have got some gorgeous, gorgeous pieces. As part of the day we were kindly gifted some items of our choice from the store, and I chose this blue tunic dress and these suede lace-up sandals (first seen last week with my black maxi).
The thing is, this dress is totally unlike my go-to favourite style dress – the fit-and-flare. As part of the film we were asked what our best style tip was, and although I have a few, I went with “Always take an extra item into the changing room (or add to your online basket) that you like, but wouldn’t dream of wearing. You never know – it may look amazing on you and force you out of your style comfort zone”.
This dress was exactly that – a piece I loved but thought would look awful on me, so I took it into the changing room anyway. For once I actually took my own advice, and it worked! My thoughts went from hmm not bad to I think I love it…! It’s definitely nice to have a more casual dress for the summer (that’ll work over long sleeved tops and leggings in the colder months as well); fit-and-flare dresses tend to make you look very dressed up. That’s no bad thing at all, but sometimes you want something easy and comfortable to wear that’s also a ‘throw-it-on-add-shoes-and-you’re-ready’ addition to your wardrobe. Top marks, M&S.
How often do you step out of your style comfort zone? Do you often try things that are totally “not you”- but then love them? Do share in the comments!
Dress: c/o Marks & Spencer | Sandals: c/o Marks & Spencer | Bag: Debenhams (if you like colour-blocked bags you might like this one) | Sunglasses: French Connection (similar) | Necklaces: Asos | Bracelets: Asos | Watch: River Island (similar) | Nails: Barry M Gelly Nails Lychee | Toenails: Chanel Blue Boy
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P.S. You might like to see my new YouTube channel trailer – I’ve finally got round all the technical problems I was having so it’s ready at last! Now I can get on and edit the Q&A vlog 🙂
Linking up to: Visible Monday, Let It Shine, Monday Mingle, Style Sessions, Turning Heads Tuesday, Trend Spin Link-Up, What I Wore Wednesday, Brilliant Blog Posts, Throwback Thursday, Passion for Fashion Friday, Friday’s Fab Favourites
This is really a wonderful post.
Thank you 🙂
I agree, sometimes you try something you think will look bad on you and you are pleasantly surprised. I had that twice with similar dresses like the one you have chosen (and they both were blue too).
It does look very good on you. Being a high heel girl, I would prefer that, but it would take away the comfort. Wedges perhaps?
Greetje
Sometimes Greetje I just HAVE to leave the heels at home… though these flats, being a nude/taupe colour, don't chop off my feet as much as some coloured sandals do. Comfort rules!!!!
Thanks my lovely x
That dress is a pretty color on you, looks super comfy and I am loving those sandals, I have a simiular pair. Good tips, out of ones comfort zone I did that with a shirt dress I bought, a bear to iron though!
Thanks for linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Oh gosh I'm glad this doesn't need ironing, Jess – it's the household chore I detest the most!!! Thank you sweetie x
I absolutely love this dress. It looks so soft and comfy, yet so chic!
Amy that's so nice of you, thank you! x
Dress looks fantastic. Cant wait to read the M&S post, must have been a great day
Laurie x
It was, Laurie – and thank you xx
I am more a fit and flare or sheath dress kind of gal but took a chance today on the blog and is wearing something very relaxed and similar to what you are wearing. My dress is chambray and so soft that I am so glad I gave it a try. You look great in this relax look!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Would love for you to stop by & join TBT Fashion link up.
Thank you Alice – it's quite liberating to step out of your comfort zone, I think!!!! x
I think flattering t shirt style dresses are so hard to come by, this one is lovely on you! The neckline and cinch waist really make it, I covet for my hols! Like the shoes too and that Chanel Blue Boy is so pretty.
Thanks Steff – I think M&S have got it absolutely spot-on. I'm loving so much of their stuff right now!!
I love to see you wear "out of the comfort zone" clothes! This is such an effortless and chic look!
Red Reticule
Bogi thank you!! I was worried it'd look sloppy but I don't think it does at all, I'm pleasantly surprised :))
Lovely dress Catherine, you look fantastic in it!! You can't beat an everyday throw on dress, it looks super comfy to xx
I quite agree, Gail – I didn't really have a dress equivalent of PJs (because that's how comfy it is to wear)!! Thank you xx
love the dress, it looks great on you and seems so perfect for summer ( great shoes)
Aww thank you Linda! I've been wearing these sandals a LOT since I got them!!
Fun! Such a comfy looking dress!
Thanks Kate – it's sooooooo comfy!!
Love the braid in your hair! Great easy dress, and perfect pedicure : >
=muah= thank you Patti xxx
I truly endorse your suggestion!! I think only now that I'm retired from the dental field and been working on this blog that I truly step out of my comfort zone…and I love it!!
One of my philosophies on style is we should wear different styles….our personality isn't one-sided so why should our clothing be? jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
ps…Love this look on you…very fresh & young!!
That is a very good point, Jodie… I have a big theory about how your personal style should be a reflection of your personality MUCH more than it should suit your body shape. And thank you my lovely xx
I must say it fits much better than I would have imagen a dress of that type.
You have the perfect body for all shape of dresses.
Gloriousssssssssssssss
Besos from Málaga
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sacramento how lovely are you?!!!! You are such a sweetheart, thank you my lovely friend!!!!!! xxxx
It is great to see you in something so unlike your usual style.
I love the easy-breezy look of this…with the little touches of chic (matching toe polish,anyone?)
Even this totally unstructured look can not hide your enviable figure.
Effortless-looking beauty.
BTW, those aren't over-sized glasses are they?? 😛
XXX
Samantha
Fakefabulous.com
Aww Samantha you are such a love, thank you SO much!! The nail polish/dress coordination was pure coincidence… I had the polish on my toes before I chose to wear the dress! Unlike my nails my toenails will stay a particular colour for a while before I switch it up ;))
Great casual dress. I usually wear fit and flare but was feeling a bit over-dressed . Bought a similar style dress from House of Fraser and have worn it all summer. Think it's the tie waist that makes it work so well, unlike a straight T shirt dress.
You sound like me with the fit-and-flare then, Lynn!! I definitely couldn't do a no-waist dress… my waist is my best feature so I need to show it off at least a little!! Thanks hun x