Styling a Plain Grey Sweater Dress #iwillwearwhatilike

Winter layers: Burgundy sleeveless coatigan grey midi sweater dress tan over the knee (OTK) boots ochre slouch hobo bag rose gold heart pendant | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style blog

A grey sweater dress doesn’t exactly conjure up images of a wildly exciting outfit, does it?

Strangely enough I’d had this basic item on my (wardrobe) radar for a while now, and to be honest I hadn’t really thought about how I was going to style it, or whether I’d just look like a big grey lump in it. First of all though: The hunt for the right grey sweater (or jumper) dress!

Over Christmas I ended up looking at and ordering several dresses – not all of them grey admittedly… I got distracted by some of the other sludgy colours out there. But grey is, of course, the perfect neutral when you don’t want to wear black (that’d be me, then).

The reason I went with this one from Marks & Spencer (sadly sold out) is because of the seam detailing down the front. It somehow broke up the wideness (=ahem= yes that’s a word) of the dress and made it a little more flattering and lengthening, especially when I added my Lizzy O double heart pendant… How pretty is that rose gold against the grey?

What really worked, though, was the addition of the sleeveless coatigan in this rich burgundy.

Winter layers: Burgundy sleeveless coatigan grey midi sweater dress tan over the knee (OTK) boots ochre slouch hobo bag rose gold heart pendant | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style blog

SHOP THE LOOK:

Grey midi sweater dress M&S sleeveless burgundy coatigan Tan OTK over the knee boots Lizzy O rose gold heart pendant M&S ohre slouchy hobo bag Rose gold earrings

I’d had my eye on longline sleeveless waistcoats/vests/coatigans/whatever-you-want-to-call-thems for ages – Annette of Lady of Style being my guru of that garment – and so when I saw this burgundy colour with the beige panelling I knew this was the one.

Together with my tan OTK boots (which haven’t seen the light of day since the sciatica debacle) and ochre hobo bag, I am totally loving these colours right now. All warm, caramelly, rich and yummy colours. And talking of rich caramel colours…

The hair has changed.

I’ve since gone a completely different colour. Some of you may have seen it on my Instagram Stories last week, though as it was for a promotion (work, in other words) I’m not too sure how I feel about it. I may get it changed back to the colour you see here, but next week you’ll see an outfit post or two with the new colour. I just haven’t got used to it yet… It’ll be interesting to hear your reactions!

ARE YOU A SWEATER DRESS PERSON, AND HOW DO YOU STYLE YOURS? COMMENT BELOW!

Winter layers: Burgundy sleeveless coatigan grey midi sweater dress tan over the knee (OTK) boots ochre slouch hobo bag rose gold heart pendant | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style blog

Winter layers: Burgundy sleeveless coatigan grey midi sweater dress tan over the knee (OTK) boots ochre slouch hobo bag rose gold heart pendant | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style blog

Winter layers: Burgundy sleeveless coatigan grey midi sweater dress tan over the knee (OTK) boots ochre slouch hobo bag rose gold heart pendant | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style blog

Winter layers: Burgundy sleeveless coatigan grey midi sweater dress tan over the knee (OTK) boots ochre slouch hobo bag rose gold heart pendant | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style blog

Winter layers: Burgundy sleeveless coatigan grey midi sweater dress tan over the knee (OTK) boots ochre slouch hobo bag rose gold heart pendant | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style blog

Winter layers: Burgundy sleeveless coatigan grey midi sweater dress tan over the knee (OTK) boots ochre slouch hobo bag rose gold heart pendant | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style blog

Winter layers: Burgundy sleeveless coatigan grey midi sweater dress tan over the knee (OTK) boots ochre slouch hobo bag rose gold heart pendant | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style blog

Marks & Spencer dress | Marks & Spencer coatigan | ASOS boots | Marks & Spencer bag | Lizzy O heart pendant c/o | ASOS earrings | Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick ‘Nude Flush’

OTHER GREY SWEATER DRESSES TO TRY:

 

OTHER SLEEVELESS WAISTCOATS (VESTS) TO TRY:

 

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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!

RELATED  Second Hand September: Charity Shops and Shopping Your Own Wardrobe

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) Sed Bona | Fake Fabulous | Rachel the Hat | Coco et la Vie en Rose | Une Femme d’un Certain âge

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!

LIKE THIS POST? YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO READ…

– How to Style an Embroidered Bomber Jacket Over 40
– A Warm-But-Super-Smart Outfit of Pinstripe Coat and Stylish Accessories

46 Comments

  1. 19 January 2017 / 9:00 am

    You look fab Catherine. The ochre colours in combination with the burgundy and the grey are perfect and very you. Thank you for being such a perfect model for my Lizzy O heart pendant too. It works beautifully fully with the outfit. I'm soooo looking forward to seeing more photos of your new hair colour too. Are you used to it now? Hugs my lovely and thank you so much for hosting this link-up xxxxxx

  2. 18 January 2017 / 4:09 am

    That sweater dress is amazing on you. I love how you styled it all the way around…the vest, the pendant, the boots and bag. What a lovely outfit! – Amy
    http://stylingrannymama.com/

  3. 17 January 2017 / 8:19 pm

    Thanks for the link up party again Catherine. I've missed seeing the sneak preview of your new hair colour so will be waiting with bated breath to see that in due course.
    This casual look is fab, as is the mix of colours. I'm loving the coatigan (crazy name) especially with that contrast colour – it's fab.
    Take care x
    Anna
    http://www.annasislandstyle.com

  4. 17 January 2017 / 3:04 pm

    I love grey with cognac, it's elegant but still just a little unexpected. The vest over the dress is a great move!

  5. 17 January 2017 / 2:17 pm

    Gonna go and check out the color right away! But your hair looks lovely here as well Catherine. Love woolen dresses of all kinds. Wearing one myself today. Have a fabulous day and thanks for hosting. xo Sabina

  6. 17 January 2017 / 9:29 am

    Wow.. just wow! I think this may just be one of my most favourite outfits of yours. The colours are all my favourites and rolled in to one perfect outfit. The layering is divine, and i can imagine that dress being such a great wardrobe staple! Simply stunning as always Catherine. And i can not wait to see some proper pics of your new hair colour, from what i saw on IG it looked stunning! Oh and THANK YOU for featuring me alongside some terrific ladies! What a lovely honour!
    Best wishes for the week and as always thanks for hosting (have linked up my jumpsuit purchase which was of course, inspired by your lovely self)
    Rxxx

  7. 17 January 2017 / 7:21 am

    I love the look! You are looking great btw πŸ™‚

    The boots and handbag are the BOMB. Crazy about it x

  8. 17 January 2017 / 5:53 am

    Oh my gosh! I wanna see the new color!! I remember seeing it in rollers…it just looked darker, but I thought it was the light. Was that it? I bet, no, I know I will love it!! I do wonder Catherine, have you ever contemplated natural–like all the way natural? Just curious and if that's too private a question, I take it back.

    Now, GIRL!! Who What Wear!! Get out!! Did you love seeing yourself featured there or what?!?!!! In my link up comment I linked to that too because that's quite an honor. Yet, I know you're making these lists left and right. But, I think making them all is pretty darn cool. So, way to go!!

    Ok, looking forward to this new color. Again, I know it looks great!

    Love, Ann from Kremb de la Kremb

    • 22 January 2017 / 5:04 pm

      Yes that was the new hair colour, Ann…!! Oh I've already made a decision to go natural come my 50th birthday (or start the process then at least). If I'm grey enough to look all wondrous and silver I'll stick with it, otherwise I'd probably go back to being a redhead for another five years or so! (And not at all a private question sweetheart!!) Thank you MUAH πŸ˜€

      Yes the WWW feature was fabulous – it's actually been reposted because it was first out a year ago. Lovely to see it revived… though I do wish these websites and magazines would start to be more adventurous with the bloggers they choose, it's starting to get a bit samey! People will start to think there are only about 10 fashion bloggers over the age of 40 in the whole world (Alyson, Lyn, Annette, Judith, me) – we need more variety with more people (like yourself) featured…!!

  9. 16 January 2017 / 9:53 pm

    Oh my gosh – I'm drooling (figuratively!) over this entire look, dearest Catherine!! From the divine caramel OTK boots, to the cushy grey sweater dress (even though I already own one!), to that rich-looking sleeveless cardi-coat…everything works like an absolute dream together!! And how funny that I've also got a brand-new hair colour going on right now; great minds think alike, I always say!! ;D

    http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com

    • 22 January 2017 / 4:59 pm

      Wooho I'll pop over to see your hair Monika! thanks hon xx

  10. 16 January 2017 / 8:47 pm

    I really like the grey dress with the red coatigan. The brown bag and boots are unexpected (to me), but work very well! Very nice!

    Thanks for the link up & have a great week!

    Andrea
    Andrea’s Wellness Notes

    • 16 January 2017 / 8:56 pm

      Thank you Andrea – hope you found some inspo! x

  11. 16 January 2017 / 7:58 pm

    I can't WAIT to see the new colour on the blog. I think it looks amazing in person, but I'm really curious to see how it photographs….

    This outfit is so you; I love how you've added the classic Catherine spice colours with the grey to kick it up a few notches. Fabulous!!

    • 16 January 2017 / 8:56 pm

      Hmm maybe because I've seen the hair when I've got up in the morning and am feeling pale and uninteresting… my new hair colour doesn't help that!! Think I'm just missing being a redhead – and yes I'm interested to see how it photographs too!

      thanks Lisa lovely x

  12. 16 January 2017 / 5:49 pm

    I love the unusual colour combinations. The tan with the grey and the burgundy. And that waistcoat is fabulous with the sweater dress. Gives the look a lovely column effect with a punch of colour. And then the pendant is the perfect statement jewellery piece.
    I like the new hair colour by the way!

    http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/

    • 16 January 2017 / 7:10 pm

      Thank you Jacqueline! As mentioned this isn't my new colour – I said the new hair colour will be revealed next week… It doesn't look ANYTHING like this anymore!

  13. 16 January 2017 / 5:30 pm

    I bought a grey dress very similar a few years ago from Country Casuals and it is so easy to put with lots of different colours.
    Lots of fab outfits again this week

    • 16 January 2017 / 7:10 pm

      Thanks Lynn – I'm hoping my dress will be versatile too! x

    • 16 January 2017 / 4:35 pm

      It's a great combo, isn't it DL…?!! thanks hon x

  14. 16 January 2017 / 4:30 pm

    I would look like a sack of potatoes, but it looks so very chic on you.
    Ps. I do not know what I have done when linking up with no photo.

    • 16 January 2017 / 4:35 pm

      I think the sleeveless coatigan helped, Sacramento – it looks better than the dress does alone!

      Your thumbnail link up has worked fine at my end, so don't worry! x

  15. 16 January 2017 / 4:17 pm

    Sweater dresses are just so darned comfy, yet it looks like much more effort than it really was. I have quite a few short '60s style ones and a figure hugging longer one, but I think I might need one like this now! Ypu look fab x

    • 16 January 2017 / 4:33 pm

      Thanks Porcelina – yep I was quite determined my sweater dress was going to be a midi…!!

  16. 16 January 2017 / 4:09 pm

    I'm with Jess – HUUUGE fan of the jumper dress me. Also love tan & grey together which funnily enough is not a popular combo for some reason. I think you made the right choice of style with this M&S one, the length is absolutely perfect IMO.
    Beautiful hair by the way πŸ˜‰
    xx

    • 16 January 2017 / 4:33 pm

      Haha don't tell me you love my hair when it doesn't look like this anymore…!! πŸ˜‰

      Hmm I think tan and grey is fab together too. People are funny!! thanks mate x

  17. 16 January 2017 / 4:01 pm

    Catherine, I love sweater dresses! They are a staple in my wardrobe. Grey is lovely on you and I love the warm tones you added to this look with the red and tan shades. Your hair looks nice πŸ™‚ I thought you were going to say you got it cut with more layers,until i noticed the color.
    enjoy the day!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • 16 January 2017 / 4:07 pm

      Thank you Jess – no this is the old colour (I had lots of layers put in before Christmas) – the new colour is COMPLETELY different to this…!!

    • 16 January 2017 / 4:20 pm

      Well that can be exciting! Sometimes you need a change πŸ™‚ x

  18. 16 January 2017 / 3:45 pm

    That sweater dress looks amazing on you! I love how you styled it!

  19. 16 January 2017 / 3:27 pm

    I really love your outfit. I love how you you mix unexpected colors together and your hair is so cute! I have loved sweaters dresses for ever but they are usually shorter, I love this longer one! Peace Cheryl Tucker

    • 16 January 2017 / 3:53 pm

      I specifically wanted a longer one Cheryl – I have a couple of long sweaters that are borderline dresses, so it was midi all the way this time. And thank you! x

  20. 16 January 2017 / 3:24 pm

    Theburgundy goes so well with the grey. And you are right the pendant necklace looks wonderful with it. I am heading over to IG to see your hair colour.
    Greetje

    • 16 January 2017 / 3:47 pm

      Thanks Greetje! I'm afraid you will have missed the hair colour – it was on my Stories, they only last 24 hours…!

  21. 16 January 2017 / 3:13 pm

    First I just have to say that this outfit really resonates with me, Catherine! I have about 5 sweater dresses in my closet because they are the perfect winter dress in my thinking! But then the vest over top is just brilliance!!
    Since you asked our opinion about your hair, I will tell you that I am a huge fan of it. I really like it better than before because it looks so natural. Not that I'm against coloring our hair any color we'd like, but this looks like it was made for you! In my humble opinion, I hope you keep it!
    jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • 16 January 2017 / 3:52 pm

      Oh wow Jodie – that's quite a few sweater dresses!!

      I was a huge fan of my previous (this) hair colour… I've had a lot of compliments about the new colour but I'm having trouble getting used to it. We shall see!

  22. 16 January 2017 / 3:07 pm

    I love the camel hued lining of the red vest-what a treat and surprise. I wear a lot of grey and love this look.

    • 16 January 2017 / 3:51 pm

      I love the lining colour too, Teresa…! thank you x

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