How I Styled a Pyjama Shirt For a Christmas Gathering #iwillwearwhatilike

Glam casual party outfit: Mixed patterns pyjama style shirt graphic print cropped flares Gucci-inspired pink suede block heels mini black box bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style

The festive season is well and truly upon us, and I’ve worn my first Christmas party (more of a gathering) outfit.

Though this outfit has a funny story to it – if you’ve ever ended up keeping something that you absolutely weren’t going to keep because you either didn’t like it or you thought it just didn’t look right on you, then you may appreciate what happened with this outfit…!

THE PYJAMA SHIRT WAS AN ASOS BLACK FRIDAY PURCHASE THAT WAS ORIGINALLY IN THE “DEFINITELY NOT” PILE TO SEND BACK.

So here I am again, doing some full-on pattern mixing (because I just can’t seem to stop at just one any more – one on its own seems wrong, like it needs a friend in the way that rabbits and guinea pigs need someone to keep them company. And yes, I am likening my dress sense to guinea pigs.)

You may have seen the trousers in my photo shoot for the Over40Collective that was featured on our Instagram account the other week, and I talked about the shoes last week, but the patterned pyjama shirt was an ASOS Black Friday purchase that was originally in the “definitely not” pile to send back.

Glam casual party outfit: Mixed patterns pyjama style shirt graphic print cropped flares Gucci-inspired pink suede block heels mini black box bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style

SHOP THE LOOK:

 

To be totally honest I had actually ummed and ahhed over it a bit – even the husband wasn’t sure – but in the end I decided it just didn’t look as nice IRL as it did on the website. I was expecting more dazzle from the pattern, though I think I assumed it was going to be sparkly as the pattern was diamond shaped (not at all logical, I know).

But I needed an outfit for a Christmas gathering at a friend’s house for the weekend, and I wanted something comfy but reasonably smart – I had the trousers and I had the shoes, but I couldn’t find a top I liked with it.

And for whatever reason I got the pyjama shirt back out the ASOS bag (it was ready to be sent back) and tried it on… And loved it. The pyjama style is so easy to wear, it has cute pockets, and I liked the pattern when it was with another pattern and not the centre of attention. I simply added some funky accessories in the shape of a tiny black box bag and a layered choker necklace, and that was that.

So there you have it – sometimes you just change your mind entirely and go from “nope” to “love it” without a second thought. Fickle? Maybe, but I do love my crazy pattern-mixed combo so who cares?!

Scroll down for all the link up info – add your outfits and if you’ve linked to here or added my button to your post you may be featured next week!

HAVE YOU EVER CHANGED YOUR MIND ABOUT AN ITEM AND GONE FROM HATE TO LOVE IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS OR TWEET ME @NOTLAMB!

Glam casual party outfit: Mixed patterns pyjama style shirt graphic print cropped flares Gucci-inspired pink suede block heels mini black box bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Glam casual party outfit: Mixed patterns pyjama style shirt graphic print cropped flares Gucci-inspired pink suede block heels mini black box bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Glam casual party outfit: Mixed patterns pyjama style shirt graphic print cropped flares Gucci-inspired pink suede block heels mini black box bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Glam casual party outfit: Mixed patterns pyjama style shirt graphic print cropped flares Gucci-inspired pink suede block heels mini black box bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Glam casual party outfit: Mixed patterns pyjama style shirt graphic print cropped flares Gucci-inspired pink suede block heels mini black box bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
Glam casual party outfit: Mixed patterns pyjama style shirt graphic print cropped flares Gucci-inspired pink suede block heels mini black box bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
ASOS pyjama shirt | ASOS trousers (try these if out of stock) | ASOS shoes (try these if out of stock) | Therapy bag via House of Fraser | ASOS multirow necklace | New Look embellished wrap ring | Lizzy O sparkly wrap bracelet c/o | Essie ‘Petal Pushers’ nail polish

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#iwillwearwhatilike | 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) Mis Papelicos | Truly, Tamara | In My Joi | Nancy’s Fashion Style | Lady of Style

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

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P.S. DO CHECK OUT MY PINTEREST BOARD WITH ALL THE BEST OF THE #IWILLWEARWHATILIKE LINK UPS – HAVE YOU BEEN PINNED…?

Linking up to: iwillwearwhatilikeShoe and TellVisible MondayTurning Heads TuesdayBrilliant Blog Posts, Fun Fashion Friday, Passion for Fashion FridaySaturday Share Link Up

Glam casual party outfit: Mixed patterns pyjama style shirt graphic print cropped flares Gucci-inspired pink suede block heels mini black box bag | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style

33 Comments

  1. 10 January 2017 / 10:15 pm

    Indeed, even the most outrageous spitfire has longed for her wedding more than once. When you had fantasizes about your wedding, what did you hair resemble?Pearl hair extensions

  2. 8 December 2016 / 2:25 pm

    I love your top! Such perfect colors with your hair and refreshing this time of year, Those shoes are still out of stock! Love them on you too!
    thanks for linking up with Turning heads tuesday
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

  3. 8 December 2016 / 12:06 am

    The pajama trend is definitely starting to grow on me! I love your print mixing here and still swooning over these pink loafers. So good.

    Heidi || Wishes & Reality

  4. 7 December 2016 / 8:27 pm

    I love it! Funny, I also thought it was going to be sequinned when I saw the small thumbnail photo. The copper and white mixed diamonds look glittery at a glance. These colours are so you, I'm a bit surprised it was in the RETURN pile! xx

  5. 6 December 2016 / 8:31 pm

    Catherine I love this riotous pattern mixing. It's a funny thing how you can just fall for a piece as suddenly as that, but yes, I've done the same when an outfit called for a certain something. Your cute shoes tie in so well with the top which seems to bring the whole look together perfectly.
    Thanks for the link up party x
    Anna
    http://www.annasislandstyle.com

  6. 6 December 2016 / 7:35 pm

    You are amazing and I think, for me, what makes it work are the pink shoes. They perfectly pull the look together by mating with the pink in your top! Hooray for you, thinking outside the box. – Amy
    http://stylingrannymama.com/

  7. 6 December 2016 / 6:48 pm

    Oh yes, that hate-it-to-love-it happens to me all the time, which is why I have such a hard time donating things. I never know when the phenomenon will strike again! Heh. I love the pyjama top. The outfit looks very swishy and that's always a good thing for a party. Thanks for the linkup.

  8. 6 December 2016 / 5:17 pm

    I've changed my mind about something at the last minute and decided not to return it, on more than one occasion. Sometimes it's the pairings that shouldn't work that end up being perfect partners. The pyjama top looks really nice with the trousers. I love the colours in it. Those shoes are gorgeous!

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

  9. 6 December 2016 / 3:12 pm

    While I can't think of a specific example right now, I KNOW that I've totally changed my mind about a piece that was intended for the charity pile, dearest Catherine…sometimes lightning strikes and you just suddenly come up with the "perfect" combo for something that was previously a no-go!! Your pyjama-style top certainly looks AMAZING with these patterned pants and your pretty-in-pink shoes; once again, you are my pattern-mixing hero!! P.S. I lost my midi ring recently (sniff!) – and since I see that you are wearing two of them, I'm wondering if you have any tips for keeping them securely in place?? XOXO

    http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com

  10. 6 December 2016 / 1:08 pm

    Wow! fab outfit Catherine and yes, I've done the same as you before. Had something ready to post back only to "rescue" it and end up loving it! Thank you for hosting as always, love Liz http://www.whatlizzyloves.com xxx

  11. 6 December 2016 / 3:21 am

    The key to pattern mixing is to really own the mix and you certainly do that here in spades.Over the years I have learnt if I really don't love something it goes back as it just sits unloved.
    Thank you for hosting, enjoy your Christmas festivities.

  12. 6 December 2016 / 3:20 am

    I'm not good at mixing print, but I love how you do it. In fact, it goes together perfectly, even I can't explain why. But doesn't matter why, it works! o)

    Anna xoxo
    http://www.glamadventure.com

  13. 6 December 2016 / 2:01 am

    I'm glad you kept the shirt! The outfit came together beautifully – I love the pattern mixing! And, yes, I have changed my mind about items of clothing more than once… 🙂

    Thanks for the link up & have a wonderful week!

    Andrea
    Andrea’s Wellness Notes

  14. 5 December 2016 / 7:28 pm

    And another fabulous bag! Those prints work fantastic together!

  15. 5 December 2016 / 7:09 pm

    A perfect combo, I love it

    Catherine
    Joly Look

  16. 5 December 2016 / 6:52 pm

    While I am struggling wearing just ONE pattern, you are the queen of pattern mix, C – and it works! Fabulous as always (and still love your shoes!)

    xx
    Annette | Lady of Style

  17. 5 December 2016 / 6:33 pm

    Thank you for hosting dear! I'm linking back to you HERE Hope you'll check out my latest cocoetlavieenrose.com/stivaletti-glitter-fashion-blog/

  18. 5 December 2016 / 5:53 pm

    No, I never changed my mind in the blink of an eye. But I can imagine it when you see the shirt and the shoes matching so well, plus the diamonds of the shirt with similar pattern in the trousers… I have had that.. things thrown on the bed and then all of a sudden: "hey… that goes well with…"
    Greetje

  19. 5 December 2016 / 5:11 pm

    I love the wild pattern play going on here.

    If you really try hard enough normally you can persuade yourself to buy and keep everything. At least that has been my experience ; )

    bisous
    Suzanne

  20. 5 December 2016 / 5:08 pm

    Ooooh, so comfy yet chic! I went for comfort this week, too, but I think I look like I rolled out of bed!! LOL : ) Ana

  21. 5 December 2016 / 4:33 pm

    Wowwwwwwwwwwwwww Thank you so much for the feature, you are such a good friend, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
    Loving your print mixing a lot and wish could meet for a cup of tea or something one day soon.
    Much love, dear friend
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

  22. 5 December 2016 / 4:32 pm

    You have done a great job mixing your patterns with this look! Everything just works. Lovely!

    I have a terrible habit (not to mention costly) of not returning things that really should be returned. I could probably dedicate one entire room in my house to my "meant to return" items. The bad habit is definitely a contender for a New Year's resolution 🙂

    Mary
    http://marymurnane.com

  23. 5 December 2016 / 4:14 pm

    I greatly admire your pattern mixing – it's something I fear and have never really tried. But every time you get it just right.
    http://www.isthismutton.com

  24. 5 December 2016 / 4:04 pm

    I love your pattern mixing and those shoes are so perfect! I can learn a lot from you about pattern mixing as I can't quite seem to get it right. But I love trying! Peace! Cheryl Tucker

    • 5 December 2016 / 5:06 pm

      I thought "hell no" about the top until I tried it with the trousers, Michelle… I do wonder about about how my mind works sometimes!! Thanks hon x

    • 5 December 2016 / 5:03 pm

      thank you Laurie – it's a bit dangerous to stash stuff away though isn't it…!!

  25. 5 December 2016 / 3:17 pm

    Totally loving this look Catherine – but it does remind me of Spring…does this mean it is so much warmer in the UK??? Am really missing London – time for another trip – hehe!

    xx Yvonne
    http://www.funkyforty.com

    • 5 December 2016 / 4:58 pm

      Haha it most definitely was NOT warm when we took the photos, Yvonne… but the party was inside, not outside!! When it's inside a house with heating you can pretty much wear whatever you want!

  26. 5 December 2016 / 3:03 pm

    Man, Catherine, I love how you push the boundaries with your style!!
    I would absolutely never think to put these two pieces together—it certainly is going to take some practice to get as good as you!
    jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • 5 December 2016 / 4:57 pm

      that's lovely of you to say, thanks Jodie! x

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