I occasionally get comments on my posts and social media from my readers expressing a desire to dress as boldly as I have – something that always surprises me. Not for the fact that I’m taken aback by them wanting to dress this way, more that I’ve never really considered my style as particularly bold. Maybe that’s because I follow a lot of fashion blogs, ones that I really would consider bold and far more daring than anything I’d ever wear.
I guess we each have our own measure of what we call bold, daring – even outrageous – but whilst thinking about this I did remember a couple of outfits that even I considered pretty ‘out there’ at the time (and still do). So I had a look through all my outfits and picked the ones that I thought were the top 9 boldest outfits of mine to date. Be prepared for a riot of colour, pattern and risk-taking (for me, anyway)…!
Are you a risk-taker? Do you like to step out of your comfort zone every now and then or do you stick to a tried-and-tested formula (nothing wrong with either)! Do share in the comments 🙂
1. How To Embrace The Crop Top Trend In Your Forties >>
Causing a bit of a stir in a crop top, and being over 40. An early example of #iwillwearwhatilike.
2. New Year’s Eve Fancy Dress: Japanese Anime Girl >>
You might consider this a bit of a cheat as it was a fancy dress costume for New Year’s Eve, but any excuse to wear my pink ombre wig and I’m there.
3. Coco Chanel inspired >>
I loved this outfit at the time. I decided to go completely over the top with all the black and white accessories – it was more than a little inspired by Keira Knightley in the Chanel Coco advert.
4. The Block Heel Shoes Trend & Summer Pattern Mixing >>
A favourite outfit still, going all-out with the pattern mixing. I think I managed to keep it soft and pretty though – the mostly-neutrals helped. However…
5. Super Toxic Floral Explosion >>
… almost a couple of years before that I’d ramped up the floral pattern mixing – the title of the post just about sums it up. It works (for me) because all the colours in both florals coordinate perfectly. I still love this.
6. Head-To-Toe White & A Snakeskin Print Tote >>
As a total contrast, I braved the freezing cold temperatures down by the coast where this was taken and did winter-white head to toe, somehow managing to keep it clean.
7. Ode to Spring | Checked Duster Coat and Floral Co-ords >>
Maybe one of my favourite ever outfits (top 5 I reckon). More pattern-mixed florals, but this time with black and white window pane checks thrown in for good measure.
8. Bright Travel Outfit for an Autumn Weekend Break >>
This outfit always brings a smile to my face whenever I see it – I’m not sure I could physically get another colour into that outfit. See how I thought I should “tone it down” with a black bag and belt and taupe booties…?
9. Tailored Pink Co-Ords With Yellow Stripes and Flowers for Easter >>
My most recent colour explosion – all pink with some yellow stripes and a lot of multi-coloured flowers. I was purposely going for the walking, talking Easter egg look, and I think I succeeded.
Which was your favourite? Tell me in the comments!
P.S. Like this post? You might also enjoy 9 Ways to Style Vintage (Without It Looking Costumey or Like Fancy Dress)!
Linking up to: Style Story Link Up, 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
I love 3, 6, 7 and 9. I am such a black and white woman. You say you loved 3 "at the time"…. I still do.
Greetje
hehe I should have said "I LOVED LOVED LOVED this outfit at the time" – meaning I still do…! thank you Greetje!! x
I'm not sure I could pick a favourite because you look amazing in all of them. The Japanese anime outfit is pretty cool though 😉
If I had to choose one that I would wear I'd say the Keira Knightley-inspired look or the all-white. But then. I love the bright colours as well. Sorry, can't decide. ALL are GORGEOUS!!
Suzy x
http://www.suzyturner.com
hehe sorry to make it so difficult for you, Suzy!! thanks so much x
I still swoon over that duster coat and printed trousers of no 7! And that floral explosion is EPIC!!! I just love how you mix colours and patterns and I get inspired by that. What a lovely trip down memory lane – thank you.
I still adore the coat too, Jacqueline – and it can be worn year-round so it's a winner!! thank you xx
Okay Catherine, I've got to admit…my favorite of these looks is that cropped top midi skirt combo with the panama hat. I would totally wear something like that, in fact I think I can probably recreate it with pieces from my own wardrobe. If I do, I'll be sure to tag you.
xo
n
I could totally see you in that outfit, Norbyah – I'm definitely a Norbyah in that look!!! thank you sweetie x
I definitely dress a little more on the classic side, but I love these looks on you. I think 6 and 7 are my favorites!
Fizz and Frosting
I do do classic now and then, Lauren – and I love preppy too!! but these are definitely just that extra bit towards crazy…! glad you like them, thank you so much x
You rock it all! If I had to pick a favorite it would be those floral pants with the floral blouse … such a fun and unexpected mix! Bravo!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
another vote for the floral explosion! thank you Dawn Lucy!!
I LOVE #5 Catherine! The floral mix is insanely fabulous!! I always try to keep things at least a hair out of the ordinary…it makes life more fun. 🙂
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
no.5 is a bit crazy, isn't it Debbie…?!! thank you my lovely x
I step out of my comfort zone as often as I can, just to discover that I didn`t step out of it, I just made it larger 🙂 My favourite is no. 6, just lovely.
that's good to hear, Tone! thank you sweetie x
I remember when you posted the Floral Explosion outfit and how much I LOVED it…still do. :o)
JJ
http://www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com
gosh you have a good memory, JJ!! thank you so much x
I love them all! I love that they are all bold in totally different ways, but they are also totally you (from what I can tell after reading your blog just a few months…). If I had to pick just one as my favorite, I'd pick #7.
no.7 IS a popular one, Andrea!! thank you sweetie x
Hmm, tough to choose my favorite, so I'll tell you my favouriteS: 1, because that's my first introduction to you. I think it was this post or around the timing of this post that I first got to know you. Here's to crop tops!! 5. Because that pattern play is magical! And 6. Because I absolutely adore an all white look.
Thanks for linking this post to my very first Style Story Link UpCatherine. You're the best!
Love,
Ann from Kremb de la Kremb
gosh has it been that long?! the crop top was a couple of years ago…!! and you're the sweetest, thank you my darling Ann x
#3 and #6 are amazing classics !!
Monica, http://www.pear-shaped-gal.com
so glad you like them Monica – thank you xx
I love all of your outfits. Each one suits you to a "T". It is hard to pick just one, but I think #7 is very sophisticated and glamorous. I truly love all of your looks.
I still really love no.7 too, Arell – I wear the coat a lot…!! thank you x
Great looks I like this recap 🙂
aww I'm glad Ivana – thank you!
I love #7 the best. The window-pane checked coat with the floral top and trousers…beautiful. Although I have to say that, at the time, #9 inspired me to look for a yellow striped tee. On another note… where do you find the time to co-ordinate your nail colour with your outfit? Your shots are always immaculate to the last detail, Catherine.
Aww thanks so much, Susan!! I'm afraid the nail polish colour is often nothing more than coincidence, either that or I do my nails first and then unknowingly put together an outfit that doesn't clash with them!! x
This is very odd Catherine… I had finished writing a post yesterday about being brave and why we should (that I just uploaded a second ago) and here I am checking out my favourite blogs….and here you are talking about your Boldest outfits and here I am grinning ear to ear!
You are exactly the inspiration people need to BE bolder….or braver.
I mean…people could argue that you are beautiful and slim and toned and stylish and would look good in anything! BUT they forget that you are actually a normal person, in her 40's with every problem and challenge that the rest of us over-40's have to contend with.
You too have a normal life, a job, bathrooms to clean, washing to do…it is not all Spa breaks, manicures and shopping trips.
This is the perfect example of someone being bolder and braver….not because they are perfect but because they are alive and well and living for TODAY..
We should all have just a little more fun with fashion.
Anyway, if we make a mistake and get it wrong….nobody really cares that much anyway!
Our fashion choices don't really affect other people's lives…but our mood does and if we are smiling then everyone has a better day!
Bravo.
XXX
Samantha
Fake Fabulous
Oh if only my life WERE spa breaks and manicures, Samantha (I'll leave out the shopping trips)!! And yes that is amazing about what you wrote about… I think we're sartorial sisters, you and me!! Thank you honey x
I also think colour palettes are so personal, I love the look of bold colours but I think they honestly don't suit me. But obv. you can do pattern mixing with soft colours too, something I admit I am not bold about! The winter white is my dream outfit, for me that would be bold as I would struggle to keep it clean! I also love the pattern mixing with the romper dress outfit, I could see myself in that I think 🙂 And the Coco Chanel, that look is divine and timeless!
haha the white was a challenge in the keeping clean stakes, Steff – but it was so cold I wasn't in the mood for doing anything that warranted getting it dirty…!! thank you sweetie x
I love all of these looks, but #8 is my favorite! It reminds me of the outfit Holly (Hilary Swank) is wearing when she meets Gerry (Gerard Butler) in Ireland for the first time!
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vyHNmC1dq2c/mqdefault.jpg
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Oh I have seen that film but I can't remember what she was wearing, Shelbee – was it as bright…?!! Thanks my lovely!
Oh dur, I've just seen the URL you left!! Yes, it is similar! 🙂
Very lovely, especially the coco chanel and number 4 – did you tie that scarf in a pussy bow? Lovely! I have that bag above with the flowers from ASOS – love it!
Yes that is a pussy bow – the scarf was a bit too short for it but I liked the way it came out!! Thank you Deb so much! x
All so creative and beautiful – I think #4 and #6 are my personal favorites. xox
The pattern mixing of no.4 is always really popular, Patti!! Thanks so much xx
I love these – you defiantly suit bold and daring!
Happy Sunday, Yvonne xx
Thank you Yvonne! Maybe I'm a bit bolder than I thought…!