Dressing Out of Your Comfort Zone | Blue Marl Marks & Spencer Tunic Dress

M&S blue tunic dress with suede lace up cuff sandals, colour block tote | Not Dressed As Lamb
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!

M&S blue tunic dress, colour block tote | Not Dressed As Lamb
M&S blue tunic dress, colour block tote | Not Dressed As Lamb
M&S blue tunic dress | Not Dressed As Lamb
M&S blue tunic dress with suede lace up cuff sandals, colour block tote | Not Dressed As Lamb
M&S blue tunic dress with suede lace up cuff sandals, colour block tote | Not Dressed As Lamb
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

Shop the look:

Catherine
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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 🙂

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32 Comments

  1. 11 September 2015 / 4:05 am

    This is really a wonderful post.

  2. 11 August 2015 / 7:34 pm

    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

    • 13 August 2015 / 9:40 pm

      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

  3. 10 August 2015 / 4:51 pm

    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

    • 13 August 2015 / 9:38 pm

      Oh gosh I'm glad this doesn't need ironing, Jess – it's the household chore I detest the most!!! Thank you sweetie x

  4. 31 July 2015 / 3:02 pm

    I absolutely love this dress. It looks so soft and comfy, yet so chic!

  5. 31 July 2015 / 6:22 am

    Dress looks fantastic. Cant wait to read the M&S post, must have been a great day
    Laurie x

  6. 30 July 2015 / 1:49 pm

    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.

    • 6 August 2015 / 10:06 pm

      Thank you Alice – it's quite liberating to step out of your comfort zone, I think!!!! x

  7. 30 July 2015 / 11:01 am

    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.

    • 6 August 2015 / 10:06 pm

      Thanks Steff – I think M&S have got it absolutely spot-on. I'm loving so much of their stuff right now!!

  8. 30 July 2015 / 10:57 am

    I love to see you wear "out of the comfort zone" clothes! This is such an effortless and chic look!
    Red Reticule

    • 6 August 2015 / 10:05 pm

      Bogi thank you!! I was worried it'd look sloppy but I don't think it does at all, I'm pleasantly surprised :))

  9. 30 July 2015 / 8:26 am

    Lovely dress Catherine, you look fantastic in it!! You can't beat an everyday throw on dress, it looks super comfy to xx

    • 6 August 2015 / 10:04 pm

      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

  10. 30 July 2015 / 2:32 am

    love the dress, it looks great on you and seems so perfect for summer ( great shoes)

    • 6 August 2015 / 10:03 pm

      Aww thank you Linda! I've been wearing these sandals a LOT since I got them!!

  11. 29 July 2015 / 10:42 pm

    Love the braid in your hair! Great easy dress, and perfect pedicure : >

  12. 29 July 2015 / 7:27 pm

    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!!

    • 6 August 2015 / 10:02 pm

      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

  13. 29 July 2015 / 6:55 pm

    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

    • 6 August 2015 / 10:00 pm

      Sacramento how lovely are you?!!!! You are such a sweetheart, thank you my lovely friend!!!!!! xxxx

  14. 29 July 2015 / 6:28 pm

    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

    • 6 August 2015 / 9:59 pm

      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 ;))

  15. 29 July 2015 / 3:49 pm

    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.

    • 6 August 2015 / 9:58 pm

      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

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