A Rainbow Graphic Print Maxi Dress Styled the 90s Way #iwillwearwhatilike

A rainbow-bright summer maxi dress styled in 90s style: Multi-coloured strappy maxi dress plain white t-shirt tee black wedge espadrilles Beara Beara brown leather backpack with antique brass plaque | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style

Okay, so this is a trend which has come back that – like chokers and roll necks – I swore I wouldn’t wear again. Wearing a strappy maxi dress over a t-shirt just SCREAMS nineties to me, but look what I wore over the weekend when we went to see the Parathletics at the Olympic stadium… classic 90s!

I think what’s made the difference, however, and brought it somewhat up to date is the pattern of the maxi dress. This rainbow graphic print makes it nothing like the small-floral-on-a-black-background prints I wore so much circa 1993 (with those folded brim denim hats, remember them?! If those come back with a flower pinning up the brim I’ll probably kill myself).

Anyway I got this Warehouse maxi dress in the sale at Asos after a recommendation by Lisa AKA The Sequinist – she was right when she said it was a great hot weather dress (she featured lots of maxi dress picks in that post so do check them out). I’d ordered it just at the end of last week and barely had time to try it on before I was due to pack an overnight bag to stay in London, but it fitted perfectly and I loved the pattern so into my weekend bag it went.

I took my fave white t-shirt from Yunion T (sellers of the best plain white t-shirts ever) and a few other white tops with me as I knew I didn’t want to wear it with nothing underneath. When we go away and we’re driving – as opposed to me working away and having to go on the train carrying a case – I tend to go nuts and pack three or four of everything. So three white t-shirts it was. I had the 90s in my head when I pictured the t-shirt and maxi dress together but somehow – SOMEHOW(?!) it worked.

What made the difference was the addition of the belt. I know it’s much more “now” to leave ’em loose, but I know on me it just looks a little better with some waist definition. It’s one of my best features, I might as well make the most of it, eh?

The other standout item of this outfit is the striking backpack which I was gifted by Beara Beara, a luxury leather bags brand – I chose the Koey backpack and it’s made from 100% real leather. This bag is absolutely rock hard SOLID and the quality is out of this world. But what really sold it to me was the antique brass plaque and the fact that they offered me embossing – I forgot to take a photo of it (*rolls eyes*) but I had my initials put on the bag just under the flap.

A rainbow-bright summer maxi dress styled in 90s style: Multi-coloured strappy maxi dress plain white t-shirt tee black wedge espadrilles Beara Beara brown leather backpack with antique brass plaque | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style

 

SHOP THE LOOK:

 

Their site has a huge collection of bags to choose from and I deliberated for ages over whether to get the embossed tan backpack (looks like those beautiful leather bags you get in abundance from leather goods shops when on holiday in the Med) or the Koey crossbody bag (that also has the antique brass plaque). I decided I have enough crossbody bags already and I thought the boxy shape of the Koey backpack with the plaque was far more striking. It fitted everything I needed for our day out (more on that that in a bit) really neatly – and oh my god I need to use backpacks more often! It is SO nice to walk around with your hands free and stop shoulder ache or shopper’s elbow, especially when you’re doing a lot of walking.

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(If you’re interested in investing in this fabulous brand, Beara Beara are offering an investment opportunity from as little as £100 in their CrowdCube campaign – but hurry as it ends soon!)

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Talking of a lot of walking, these pictures were taken at the Olympic Park in London where we went to see the World Parathletics Championships in the Queen Elizabeth Stadium. When the 2012 Olympics were on I desperately tried to get athletics tickets but to no avail – the atmosphere in the stadium looked electric watching it on TV. I can tell you the Parathletics did not disappoint AT ALL: One thing the British do really well is cheering on everyone from everywhere to do well. Of course the Brits get an even louder cheer, if that were possible. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.

(If you’re in London this week I’d thoroughly recommend you get tickets – there are still lots left and they are SO reasonably priced, I think a whole family can see a session for about £30 I read…!)

So 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!

HAVE YOU DARED TO LAYER YOUR STRAPPY DRESSES OVER T-SHIRTS 90s STYLE LIKE ME YET? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS OR TWEET ME @NOTLAMB!

A rainbow-bright summer maxi dress styled in 90s style: Multi-coloured strappy maxi dress plain white t-shirt tee black wedge espadrilles Beara Beara brown leather backpack with antique brass plaque | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
A rainbow-bright summer maxi dress styled in 90s style: Multi-coloured strappy maxi dress plain white t-shirt tee black wedge espadrilles Beara Beara brown leather backpack with antique brass plaque | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
A rainbow-bright summer maxi dress styled in 90s style: Multi-coloured strappy maxi dress plain white t-shirt tee black wedge espadrilles Beara Beara brown leather backpack with antique brass plaque | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
A rainbow-bright summer maxi dress styled in 90s style: Multi-coloured strappy maxi dress plain white t-shirt tee black wedge espadrilles Beara Beara brown leather backpack with antique brass plaque | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
A rainbow-bright summer maxi dress styled in 90s style: Multi-coloured strappy maxi dress plain white t-shirt tee black wedge espadrilles Beara Beara brown leather backpack with antique brass plaque | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
A rainbow-bright summer maxi dress styled in 90s style: Multi-coloured strappy maxi dress plain white t-shirt tee black wedge espadrilles Beara Beara brown leather backpack with antique brass plaque | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
A rainbow-bright summer maxi dress styled in 90s style: Multi-coloured strappy maxi dress plain white t-shirt tee black wedge espadrilles Beara Beara brown leather backpack with antique brass plaque | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style

Dress: Warehouse at Asos
T-shirt: Yunion-T c/o (similar)
Espadrilles: F&F Clothing (similar)
Earrings: Amazon (similar – US link)
Bracelets: Finesse / John Lewis
Backpack: BearaBeara c/o

 

OTHER BEARA BEARA BAGS YOU MIGHT LIKE:

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The #iwillwearwhatilike link up with 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 about 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

3 super stylish fashion bloggers that believe in #iwillwearwhatilike

My favourite outfits from last week’s link up:

(L-R) In My Joi | What Lizzy Loves | The Daily Lace

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!

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Catherine

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

Disclosure: I was gifted the backpack by Beara Beara but was not compensated for writing this post (click here for my full disclosure)This post may contain some affiliate links which means if you click through and buy I may receive a small commission. All content is original, however, and opinions are my own and 100% honest.

33 Comments

  1. 18 September 2017 / 9:45 am

    That dress is one hell of an eye catcher 🙂 I love my backpack exactly for the reasons you are stating. I love the bold colors. And that is Best maxi dress and bag ever I have seen. But sometimes question comes in my mind what Shapewear to wear under a maxi dress, so that I can get perfect shape of my body.

  2. 22 July 2017 / 1:19 pm

    I'm in love with the multi-colored fabric in this fun and flirty summer maxi. And let's talk about that show-stopping bag! Great post, my dear. Xo Jonet

  3. 20 July 2017 / 6:31 am

    Thank you for hosting dear! I'm linking back to you HERE Hope you'll check out my latest Fashion post

  4. 18 July 2017 / 10:57 pm

    That backpack is absolutely stunning! It looks so well made and the plaque is a fabulous detail. I was never a fan of nineties fashion (even in the nineties!) but I really like your dress worn over a white T-shirt. You've brought the look up to date and put your own spin on it.

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

  5. 18 July 2017 / 8:00 pm

    The maxi is a great addition to your summer wardrobe Catherine – all of those colours to choose from! I haven't done that tee shirt under a dress thing for some time, but this looks fab on you. The backpack is totally lush – lucky you for scoring that one!

    Thanks for the link up party.

    Anna x

  6. 18 July 2017 / 3:23 pm

    Whenever I see someone wearing a tee underneath a long floaty dress I always think, 'I should give that a go' and then totally forget about it again! It does look fun, and just adds a little something extra, doesn't it? I LOVE LOVE LOVE the backpack. It's GORGEOUS!
    Suzy xx
    http://www.suzyturner.com & http://www.yogadocious.com

  7. 18 July 2017 / 1:48 pm

    You know what's funny? I had to scroll back through and take a closer look to notice the t-shirt under your maxi. I noticed the fun print of the dress and the bag and, but I completely missed tee. So nicely done! That bag though. I need a bigger budget! 😉

  8. 18 July 2017 / 12:50 pm

    I remember that trend from the 90s, but I think it's one of those style options that's timeless. Usually I'll layer a strappy cami/tank under a strappy maxi dress if the neckline is too low. But I've yet to try a T. Yours looks so fresh beneath your colorful printed dress and I love that you belted it. And that backpack is one of the most glamorous I've ever seen!

    Theresa
    http://www.vintagestylefiles.com

  9. 18 July 2017 / 11:38 am

    I never knew wearing a t-shirt under a dress was a trend. I've done simply because I'm large busted and most of the dresses that have the cut shown in your pictures reveal too much cleavage for me. Fabulous outfit. I LOVE the back pack bag!

  10. 18 July 2017 / 10:29 am

    I love how you've styled the dress and that backpack is amazing!

  11. 18 July 2017 / 8:34 am

    Such a pretty dress and beautiful pictures Catherine. Thanks for hosting.

  12. 18 July 2017 / 7:41 am

    Very 90s! But – why not when it looks this good? That's a fab dress x

  13. 18 July 2017 / 7:16 am

    Best maxi dress and bag ever.
    Much love, dear Catherine

  14. 17 July 2017 / 9:28 pm

    Oooh…this new leather backpack of yours is DELICIOUS, dearest Catherine!! The boxy shape, the decorative antique brass plate, the top handle carrying option – so many cool details that really make it feel one-of-a-kind rather than run-of-the-mill!! And yep – I've done the t-shirt under a dress thing several times already; albeit not as colourfully as you have with your zingy "rainbow" maxidress!! I've said it before and I'll say it again – no one does brights as well as you do!! XOXO

    http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com

  15. 17 July 2017 / 9:06 pm

    I love your outfit but I couldn't take my eyes off your bag! Amazing! I am always open to bringing back old trends. It's the way we style them that makes them new again! Peace!
    Cheryl
    http://www.northwestmountainliving.com

  16. 17 July 2017 / 8:19 pm

    I didn't even consider the 90's thing….maybe that's because I loved those years!!
    But the belt is a nice addition—-I need to remember to do that too!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

  17. 17 July 2017 / 6:33 pm

    Great '90s tribute outfit, Catherine. I love the bold colours. And that bag, the plaque would have sold me on it too. Yes, I wear t-shirts under dresses that are open up top, but often go for a clashing or bold T. I figure you can't go wrong with that cool dress. I love your Featured lineup.

  18. 17 July 2017 / 6:13 pm

    That is one fierce maxi dress – love the rainbow colors!

    xo,
    Janise

  19. 17 July 2017 / 6:01 pm

    Oh Catherine, you look fab. I love the rainbow and although it has a nod to the 90s, you have made it very contemporary. The backpack is gorgeous too. Thank you so much for featuring me from last week too.You're so kind xxxxxxx

  20. 17 July 2017 / 5:44 pm

    Such a fun dress! I like it over the tee. And the backpack is unique & gorgeous! I can see it working with so many different outfits. Beautiful!

    Thanks for the linkup & have a great week!

  21. 17 July 2017 / 5:17 pm

    Asos is a fast favorite!! This colorful dress is very unique and I love the fit of it on you!
    P.S. Thank you very much for the feature!
    Xx
    http://www.inmyjoi.blogspot.com

  22. 17 July 2017 / 5:15 pm

    I'm not kidding when I say I love a rainbow maxi!!!!!!

  23. 17 July 2017 / 5:14 pm

    That dress is one hell of an eye catcher 🙂 I love my backpack exactly for the reasons you are stating. Infact it'll go with me to Germany for my 'visit the family' vacation. Yours has an interesting shape and beautiful color.

    Have a great week!

    Alex – Funky Jungle

  24. 17 July 2017 / 5:00 pm

    Well I don't remember that 90s trend and I can't hide behind the 90s like I can with the 60s "if you can remember, you weren't there". So I plain missed it and your look seems totally new and fresh to me, and perfect for our slightly off-summer summer days.

  25. 17 July 2017 / 4:55 pm

    Is it 90's? I guess it is…I really like the t-shirt under dress look, always have but especially ones with spaghetti straps. As for that stunningly beautiful backpack I definitely think you're onto something here. When I had a buggy it was so easy to just throw a whole load of crap in the basket underneath & when that was full I'd hang numerous bags from the handlebars. Woe betide an adventurous child hopped out before I could counter weight it! Hahaha bam on the ground everything would go. Since I no longer have a buggy I'm either giving myself shoulder strain or under-packing a cross body bag. Neither is ideal for sure. Nope a sexy backpack is the way forward, you're absolutely right Catherine. As usual 😉 xxx

  26. 17 July 2017 / 4:46 pm

    I just happen to be doing the tee-under-a-dress thing in my link. It's a must for me with anything sleeveless. My underarm areas are too distorted from surgery to "share" with the public. Such is life!

    My dress is a Redbubble — I cannot thank you enough for bringing that site to my attention!

  27. 17 July 2017 / 4:25 pm

    Very contemporary – not a bit 90s! It's such a cool dress.

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