Masculine chic is one of my favourite looks, and although it can come in many forms one of the chicest is classic Katharine Hepburn style.
Really all you need is a pair of wide leg, turn up trousers – they were her signature style and she was probably the person that made them incredibly popular for women. I styled mine for a meal out to celebrate a family birthday party last week – but first, my hair!
Oh, how I confused everyone last week… I mentioned that my hair had since changed colour (it was dyed for a magazine photo shoot) and that it was now completely different – well THIS is the new hair colour. I had several compliments on last week’s hair colour (thank you!!) but that light strawberry blonde colour was no different to how it had been for months…!
I wasn’t sure if I liked the new colour, but these shots were taken after it had been washed a few times, so the colour has gone from a much darker shade (it really just looked “mid brown” to me at home in the mirror) to this vibrant red. The light in our location always enhances whatever my hair is doing, so it looks wonderfully bright red here and I love it, but sadly it’s not this bright IRL!
Now that that’s cleared up, back to my Katharine Hepburn thang…
SHOP THE LOOK:
I’d had my eye on these M&S wide leg trousers for a while and finally bought them at Christmas time (around the same time as my grey sweater dress, sleeveless coatigan and yellow ochre bag featured last week, but in usual M&S style they’re now out of stock I’m afraid. I found these brown fleck trousers and these grey high waisted ones which are both pretty fabulous if you’re after something similar). I was drawn to my peach polka dot blouse which hadn’t seen the light of day for quite a while – as I wanted to wear my black pointed heels (they have a touch of the 1940s about them so they’re perfect for channelling Ms. Hepburn) I added a splash of black to the top half with the bow neck tie.
The final touches: The black masculine chic coat and the dainty box handbag. Both absolutely perfect for the whole outfit.
And that’s pretty much it! If you’re not familiar with Katharine Hepburn’s masculine chic style check out the trousers in this photo and the blouse/bow combination she wore here. Taking inspiration from film stars and celebrities is something I’ve done since I was quite young – I was always copying outfits I’d seen at the cinema or on pop stars, like the Madonna at Live Aid tribute I wore last year which was 30 years in the making.
Maybe I was always more stylish [as a kid] than I thought…!
Do add your outfits to this week’s link up and if you’ve added a link to here or my button to your post you may be featured next week!
ARE YOU A FAN OF THE MASCULINE CHIC LOOK (OR WIDE LEG TURN UP TROUSERS)? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS!
La Redoute coat c/o | ASOS shirt | ASOS bow neck tie | Marks & Spencer trousers | ASOS shoes | Therapy at House of Fraser handbag
OTHER WIDE LEG TROUSERS TO TRY:
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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!
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
My favourite outfits from last week’s link up:
(L-R) Posh Classy Mom | Lady in Violet | Style Assisted | Fashion Fairy Dust | Bag and a Beret
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!
I’m a huge fan of outfits with both masculine and feminine vibes. Nice one Catherine! xx
Big fan of wide leg trousers myself. Having bought a new pair in the M & S outlet recently they are great to fall back on. Thanks for sharing your look today – love the blouse and neck tie too. Jacqui Mummabstylish
Changing your eyebrow color is really perked up your entire face…it's pretty remarkable. You look beautiful and fresh.
This is a really nice outfit. I am all for Katherine Hepburn. I think I would have called it Marlene Dietrich style. I once had a light grey summer suit with trousers like these. I loved that suit. Cannot remember why I gave it away. Did I put on weight? Was I bored with it? So nice. You tempt me with that perfect little black bag which is not expensive but … with my credit cards in the freezer….
Greetje
A lovely outfit! Especially love the pants. They look like they have very nice pockets too… shame they went out of stock. 🙁
C
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Korean Fashion
I absolutely LOVE the masculine chic look that Katharina Hepburn has made so popular over the years. In fact I just bought a gorgeous pair of wide legged trousers in the John Lewis sale (Joules, I think) which I absolutely LOVE. They're not turn-ups though but they'd still look pretty cool with pointy shoes. I shall give it a go!
You look stunning as always and your hair looks gorgeous!
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com
Love the mix of prints in this outfit! Just wondered if you're planning on doing a fitness update and letting us know how you've found the Joe Wickes plan? Be interested to hear your thoughts and see your progress!
Hi there my dear! I just want to ask if we can follow each other on GFC?
Please leave a comment on our blog!
http://kstylick.blogspot.com
You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
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we will follow you back! XOXO
Korean Fashion
I love the masculine chic look – it's definitely a favourite of mine. And you look fantastic in your wide-leg trousers. I love how that style drapes and moves. So funny about your hair. Yes, I do see the difference now. I like the vivid colour in this light but hair is constantly changing. Thank you for including my pink gown look as a Featured Favourite this week!
My pleasure to have included you Melanie! And thank you, I love the drape of the trousers too x
I love your hair like this! It's how it was when I first "met" you, so for me it's like seeing an old friend. Your complexion works so well with this hair color. I'm rather amazed by the whole hair coloring process. I've never done it! Call me a virgin!! Hahha. For now I simply pull out the whites I see–and they're growing. Eek! But, I think I'll let it go natural–not sure yet. I'll wait for it to happen, which I'm sure it will. For now, my hair goals are to grow it out. If you recall, I had long locks when you "met" me too. I miss those locks, so those are my hair goals at the moment. BUT, I must lose the extra weight I'm caring to carry off long hair….Hmm, we both celebrate a birthday next month I believe!!
Great outfit Catherine! You are our modern day Hepburn!!
Love, Ann from Kremb de la Kremb
Yes it was much more this colour, Ann (though much longer)! And that's amazing that you've never coloured your hair… Just unusual for a woman I mean! Thanks hon xx
(btw my birthday is in July, so not 45 just yet)!
There's something so sexy about a woman in masculine clothes isn't there? Well that's the whole point I know, Catherine, but what I'm trying to say is "Heck, you look hot in this!"
Oxford bags are my fav trousers, but you have to get the right material for them to hang well. They need to be drapey and these are exactly that. I love the peach blouse to give some warmth to the black and echo your fab new hair colour. I like to have my hair a darker tone in the winter, then get lighter as the sun comes back again.
Have a fab week x
Anna
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
Oxford Bags!! Of course that's what they're called, Anna…! And thank you soooo much my lovely – I'm blushing, I'll take 'hot' anyday! 😉
Catherine, I adore this outfit. I have always like the masculine chic look. Being a bit of a tomboy, but also love being a girl, it is the perfect combination of both worlds. As much as I love it, I've never been good at making it work. But I love what you did with this. Those pants are divine and your color choices, print mixing and accessories perfect the look. Thanks for sharing this, Catherine. I'm saving this, so I can refer back to it. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Oh wow Amy thanks for the lovely compliments!! x
I like your combinations of colors and prints. I have always been a fan of Katherine Hepburn and I enjoy seeing how you are channeling her style. Have a great day!
debbiethisandthat.com
I've always loved both Hepburns (Katharine and Audrey) – thank you so much Deborah…!
Your hair looks amazing Catherine! The mix of prints with the blouse and trousers is stunning. I love the neck tie and dainty box bag. Beautiful!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
aww thanks so much Emma x
Catherine, this is one of my favorite outfits of yours ever! I am a huge fan of menswear influences in women's clothing. These pants are amazing and the combination of plaid and big polka dots has just left me swooning for real! Add the bow, the pointy shoes and the long black coat and you are a vision of style inspiration!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Oh Shelbee you sweetheart, thank you so much!! #daymade
I know exactly what you mean about the way lighting can affect the appearance of your hair colour, dearest Catherine; my own hair is "smokey amethyst" right now…but depending on the light, it can look anywhere from silver to bright purple!! 🙂 Your 'do looks stunning in these photos – very much like that of the OTHER "Katharine!" – and this wide-leg plaid trousers (yes, I'm a fan!) and polka-dot blouse combo?? Sooo striking!! P.S. Loving that black patent box bag, too!! XOXO
http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com
Monika my lovely thank you – amazing how the light affects the look of your hair, isn't it…?!!
I like your new hair color. Looks fantastic on you. As a big fan of retro styles, this one is really speaks to me. Love that!
Anna xoxo
http://www.glamadventure.com
aww thank you Anna!
Thank you for hosting dear! I'm linking back to you HERE Hope you'll check out my latest <a href="http://cocoetlavieenrose.com/elegant-with-a-twist-fashion-outfit/>Fashion post</a>
Thanks Coco x
Your new hair color looks amazing with this outfit! Also what magazine did you have a photoshoot for? Are you becoming famous ;)?
Nina
aworldofdresses.com
Thanks Nina – it was Good Housekeeping, and no, I'm not becoming famous… I've been featured in it before! 😉
It'll be in two issues, the April and May I think x
i love this print toss and your vintage style bag!!
XO
– http://www.inmyjoi.blogspot.com
The bag's a cutie, isn't it Joi…?! thanks hon x
Wowza, I LOVE this outfit! I love the plaid and polka dots together (classic Catherine) in these warm tones (classic Catherine). The details of that fabulous bag, the tie, and your shoes just know this RIGHT out of the park. Gorgeous work, lady! xx
MUAH big love to you Lovely Lisa, thank you xxx
Katherine Hepburn is my favourite vintage icon, she balanced masculine and feminine with such mastery. I love this outfit on you, the trousers and bow particularly. Thank you for hosting!
Yvadney Mums That Slay xx
She's up there with the best of them, isn't she Yvadney…?!! thanks sweetie x
I love the hair colour and the blouse with the bow. It's the little details that make this work.
bisous
Suzanne
Thanks Suzanne! The bow made all the difference I thought 😀
Looking absolutely wonderful darling! Huge kudos to you! xox
aww thank you Tamera xx
Bloody hell woman you look great in this shoot! Loving the hair, I agree with one of the other comments – it brings out your eyes.
Michelle xxx
http://www.thebarefacedchic.co.uk
Oh MLD thank you, I was so nervous about how it was going to look in these pictures!!
I love wide legs pants. They have such a dressy feel to them. No one can pattern mix better than you! Peace! Cheryl Tucker
I agree about the dressy feel Cheryl!! thank you my lovely x
Such a perfect clash of prints, yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Rifgr up my alley.
Happy MondaydearCatherine
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I have to admit I didn't realise I'd mixed them, Sacramento…!! hehe, thank you my dear friend xx
A lady in my local charity shop was rocking a pair of wide trousers this week, she looked fab and best of all she's bought them from there
Oh wow what a find!!
This is beyond chic! I think it may be one of my favorite looks of your to date. Those pants are exactly what have been missing from my wardrobe. I hope your week is off to a great start!
Heidi || Wishes & Reality
Oh Heidi thank you!!!!! You too have a good week x
I am indeed a big fan of this look! Yours is a particularly snazzy take on it. X
Thanks Porcelina – I remember you've worn wide leg trousers a lot, I love the retro styling of them…!
Great look. It also reminds a bit of Diane Keaton's Annie Hall from the 70s.
Yes it does me too, Teresa!! Though I think you need a waistcoat (vest) to be full-on Annie Hall…! 😉
Great Katharine Hepurn look! And I like the new hair color. It looks great with the pretty polka dot blouse.
Thanks for the link up & have a great week!
Thank you Andrea my lovely, you too! x
I really love the hair color Catherine. The high waisted trousers are the perfect sillouete with this beautiful peach blouse. Looking lovely!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Thank you so much Jess!! I loved the silhouette too 🙂 xx
I'm a fan of the masculine or androgynous look too Catherine. This outfit is bang on, love it! Especially your tie which is very cool indeed, me want 😉
xx
Thanks mate – Asos had the bow tie available for ages – years in fact – this is the first time I've looked in a few years and it's not been available!! I shall keep looking for a similar one…!
I love masculine chic Catherine and your outfit is the perfect homage to Ms Hepburn. Your hair looks stunning but I know it's not what you expected it to look like!!! Gorgeous photos as always xxx
The hair colour in these photos was a pleasant surprise, Liz…!! And thank you xx
Looking great Catherine – I love the polkadot blouse! I'm a wide-leg trouser girl, but that probably has more to do with my chunky thighs than style choice! Skinny jeans just do not suit me at all so I steer well clear of them. I particularly like the wide-leg linen trousers that are easier to find in summer. (Ah, summer *sigh*) 🙂
Helen x
whenIgrowupblog.com
Hmm I'm not keen on skinny jeans on me at all either any more, Helen…! And oh gosh now you've mentioned summer I'm longing for it too!! Thanks hon x
Oh hello gorgeous! The hair is fantastic! It looks lovely both ways, but i really love it darker.. it brings out your beautiful features and makes your eyes super sparkly! I hope its growing on you and that you're liking it (i like it even when its darker on IG too) And as for the outfit? Those trousers are da bomb (i dont think i can actually get away with saying that can i?! but you get my point). I'm in need of a great pair of wide legs.. these look beaut!
Thanks for hosting Catherine, wishing you a wonderful week xx
Yes of COURSE you get away with saying da bomb, Rachel…!! hehe thank you Rachel lovely, you have a fab week too x
I'm really in love with this outfit. And i'm trying to figure out the exact reasons why. Maybe because of the different silhouette of those trousers? But also that print mixing is fabulous? But I also love the black details of the tie, shoes & coat—it seems to bring it all together so terrifically!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Don't question it, Jodie – just go with it!!! 😉 thanks sweetie x