So after my little run of wearing a lot of black in my last few outfit posts, I’m back to my comfort zone of colour.
I know it’s totally alien to some people to be so afraid of black (especially in the cold months), but I get really uncomfortable knowing that I’ve worn black on three out of the last four occasions. I feel like it’ll affect my mood – January can be depressing enough as it is, so this time I avoided black altogether and went for bold!
The star here is, of course, the orange animal print coat. It’s Marks & Spencer AW15 I’m afraid, and even when I bought it a year ago it then almost instantly sold out because they reduced it by a whopping 70%. However don’t despair: I’ve found a selection of warm-coloured animal print and different orange coats for you to consider instead – just keep scrolling to the end of my pictures and you’ll see the thumbnail selections.
This was a weekend outfit for a quick trip to the shops and then the cinema in the evening – I left off the hat for the evening to avoid the wrath of the person behind me… I know you can take it off but it would have meant having “hat hair” for the duration. And yes, I know it’s dark, but I can’t stand flat, limp hair.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Anyway! the other non-black parts of the outfit included my lush (and still available in lots of colours) Winser jersey trousers – probably my comfiest non-tracky bot trousers I own. They’re so squidgy and comfy that they’re my go-to trousers for wearing to meetings, etc. if I have far to travel. Smart, but not at all restricting.
With any bold colour and/or pattern (it doesn’t get much bolder than bright orange animal print!) your best bet is to team it with neutrals, and although black is a safe choice I often think it can deaden the lush look of brights. Camel, winter white, beige, taupe, tan… They all enhance without detracting from your gorgeous bold print.
Apart from the neutral-toned camel fedora, winter white sweater and taupe gloves, the only other colour was a shot of red from the leather tote. Red is a natural accompaniment to orange – they’re so close on the colour wheel that they can only enhance each other.
And there you have it – easy peasy winter outfit without a hint of black.
(Well, apart from those black buttons on the coat, but I won’t tell if you don’t…!)
DO YOU MANAGE TO AVOID BLACK ALTOGETHER IN YOUR WINTER OUTFITS? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS!
Marks & Spencer animal coat (AW15) | ASOS sweater | Winser London trousers c/o | Adidas Stan Smith sneakers | ASOS hat | Brenda Mcleod tote bag c/o | Driving gloves | Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lip ‘Orange Shot’
OTHER ANIMAL PRINT/ORANGE COATS TO TRY:
LIKE THIS POST? YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO READ…
– Feeding My New Orange Obsession | Orange Animal Print Coat
– Styling a Plain Grey Sweater Dress
Just found this post and LOVE it! What a great outfit.
I totally agree that black deadens bright colors. stopped wearing black a year ago, and sartorially it’s definitely been my best year yet! 🙂
Author
Wow C you must have done some digging to find this post… it’s still one of my favourite-ever winter outfits! Thank you! And I’m happy to hear you stopped wearing black – colour for the win I say 😉 xx
I'm gutted that this coat is sold out! It's a dream combination of orange and leopard which are both favourites of mine. You look fab, as ever, dear Catherine x
Anna
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
Bold is beautiful, as are you, in the middle of Winter! Thanks for sharing, xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
I love, love, love that coat! I know what you mean about staying away from black. I wear black, but I really love color, especially in these drab, cold days of winter. So that coat is a burst of sunshine. Love the whole outfit. You look amazing. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Terrific outfit. Although I am a great lover of black and white, I often throw in a bright jewel tone. This orange coat of yours is perfect. And you styled it so well with the trousers and the hat. My my, you and hats.. they look so good on you.
Fortunately I have a lot of colour in my winter wardrobe and I even have an orange coat.
Greetje
Loving this jacket!!!!
Jaymie
http://www.jaymieashcraft.com
thanks Jaymie 🙂
I've been trying very hard not to get anymore black in my closet—it's just not the best color for me! I think the one aspect that makes it hard, it that retailers always have almost everything in black (sometimes other colors too—but always a black one)! If we could get the stores on the same page—it'd be so much easier!! 🙂
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Jodie I had to specifically go and get a black coat last year because I just had all brightly coloured ones in my wardrobe…!! Yeah it is a bit frustrating that black is what they always have in the shops, isn't it 🙁
I remember when you got this coat last year; I SOOOOO wanted it too! It is such a showstopper. I love black, but it is so refreshing to wear these punchy vibrant colours, especially when the weather is so grey and cold. You look amazing, and are always a source of colour inspo! xx
Yes we NEED bright colours on these grey days, Lisa!! xx thank you xx
wowww, such a fabulous coat! it would cheer up any cold Winter day! I love it!
And I avoid black (actively) as it's not appealing to me anymore, I embrace a colorful style these days!
besos
Colourful's the way to go, Mrs Allnut!! thanks hon x
Haha, that is funny! I just showed an all black outfit today! But it was a while back that I wore totally black! That coat is amazing and I love the stylish gloves!
aww thanks Nancy! x
You've convinced me!!! LOVE this coat. Just gorgeous Catherine.
Heidi || Wishes & Reality
Hehe GOOD, Heidi!! Thank you hon xx
Love Black, but it doesn't love me anymore! I would much prefer to wear these colours that your showing here anyway! Gorgeous! x
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com
Hmm that's rather the way I feel about black too, Laurie!! And thank you, I can see you wearing these colours and looking wonderful in them 🙂
That is such a beautiful coat! Very nicely styled as always!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
aww thank you lovely Emma x
What an awesome coat!! The color is gorgeous.
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
thank you Elise – I love it too…!!
Oh I just love this! Orange is really my favorite color, then green, then pink. I have been wearing too many dark colors lately, and I am working on correcting that! Color makes me feel alive. Great post! Peace! Cheryl Tucker
Cheryl bright colours will aaaaalways make you feel more alive!! Thank you my lovely xx
uuuu sassy and nice!
xx
lau
http://www.malibluemymind.com
thanks Lau 😉 x