This is my penultimate post of 2017, and what better way to start rounding off this year than with a look towards Spring 2018?
Now don’t worry, I haven’t gone all boho and florals on you – far from it. All of these outfits are more than suitable for winter AND spring: just add or take away layers and swap shoes depending on what season you’re dressing for. I’ve written this post in partnership with JD Williams as part of my Colour Council involvement which has been absolutely fantastic to work on this year. Their recent rebrand has been really inspiring as they are celebrating the 40+ woman in the MOST positive way and I’m so glad to have been part of it.
So onto the outfits – I’ve styled six outfits with pieces that are all “New In” (very VERY new in) as either winter or spring looks, but all work for that tricky transitional season time when you just don’t know what the weather’s doing. With a layering or footwear tweak here or there they’ll work in cold weather or milder weather… I am SO excited about some (many!) of these pieces.
I actually found it quite hard to style just six outfits – I could have created many more than six with the loaned samples I was sent. I’m hoping to bag a few of these pieces for myself: I’m thinking the zip front floral jumpsuit and the khaki suede jacket would be VERY happy indeed in my wardrobe…!
I hope you love these outfits as much as I do – JD Williams has been a great brand to work with and if you haven’t checked them out before please do so… I now have many [of their] hero pieces in my wardrobe. Their prices are incredibly reasonable and each time I check out their new collections I’m always amazed at how many things I’m desperate to get my grubby mitts on (it can be very frustrating being sent samples that are not yet available to buy weeks or months in advance)!
So enjoy – and see you tomorrow for the last #SaturdayShareLinkUp of the year (I’ll be sharing my advice to myself for the coming year) and Monday’s post will be my annual Bloopers and Outtakes post. Miss it at your peril!
WHICH OF THESE PIECES DO YOU HAVE YOUR EYE ON? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS!
1. Biker jacket and wide leg trousers
I’ve started with a very “me” outfit – these pieces really shouldn’t go together but somehow they just DO. Wide leg trousers can be tricky to style (I love these striped ones!) so I chose a classic biker jacket as the cropped length works perfectly with wide legs. The accessories really make this outfit: the grey scarf adds warmth for winter and breaks up all the black near my face (and picks out the grey in the trouser stripes), while silver sneakers add comfort and a bit of glam.
Satin trousers too lightweight for you in cold weather? Just add tights or leggings underneath… no one will ever know!
SHOP THE LOOK:
2. Desk to dinner outfit
Separates that are suitable for the office and can be dressed up for an evening out are just what you need to see you from desk to dinner ALL year round. This high neck blouse is feminine yet modest enough for the office and contrasts beautifully with the tapered leg pinstripe trousers (see the fab asymmetric hem detail).
In the day wear with flat patent loafers and swap for black sandals at night.
SHOP THE LOOK:
3. Khaki suede jacket and jeans
Now this is what you need for navigating the January sales: a versatile (faux) suede jacket in a beautiful rich khaki. I love its patch pockets and tie belt, and it’ll be great with a chunky knit in the winter or with a polka dot t-shirt (as here) or tank in the spring. I wore mine with pinstripe jeans and Western-style ankle boots – comfy and stylish enough for all sorts of smart-casual events.
SHOP THE LOOK:
4. Romantic winter florals dress
I’m not sure I’m going to find a prettier, more flattering dress in 2018 than this floral midi (and yes, I’m aware the year hasn’t even started yet)! The dark florals are great for easing yourself out of winter and into spring, the fabric is light and floaty, the length is the most flattering of all (a true calf-length midi). I love shirring on clothes – the shirred waistband and cuffs are an absolute dream. Not forgetting the split sleeves which give that little hint of bare skin… perfect for date nights.
I styled it simply, with gold hoop earrings and a gold hoop tote bag plus nude strappy heels. The cat eye sunglasses will hide your bleary eyes next morning 😉
SHOP THE LOOK:
5. Double denim done right
If you think double denim is passé, think again… The best way to get it right is to mix different washes (for example, dark denim with mid-wash pinstripe jeans) to avoid the Britney and Justin at the 2001 American Music Awards look.
Plus this denim trench is hardly typical denim, so it makes a nice change from a traditional denim jacket. As spring rolls around, replace ankle boots with bright white loafers, roll up your hems and add a pink tote bag for some colour.
SHOP THE LOOK:
6. The perfect winter to spring floral jumpsuit
What can I say – I absolutely ADORE this jumpsuit. It was utter perfection the second I tried it on. The boxy cut, the cropped wide legs, the front zip, the elasticated/drawstring waistband, the front pockets, the colours in the floral print… they all worked beautifully and I love, love, LOVED it. While it’s colder wear with a white roll neck and slouch boots, and when it’s warmer take off the layers and wear with strappy gold heels.
If florals aren’t your thing but you love the shape it comes in black as well. JD Williams have a lot of fantastic jumpsuits so there’s something for everyone.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Other New In JD Williams pieces I loved…
I tried on so many samples I was spoiled for choice – some of these were my absolute favourites (like the pink ruffle boots which were TDF!) – but I just couldn’t feature all of the outfits. So here are a few more pieces that I’m sure you’ll love and can work into your end-of-winter, ready-for-spring wardrobe.
LIKE THIS? YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO READ THESE OTHER JD WILLIAMS POSTS…
– A Dark Floral Trouser Suit, Perfect for Parties
– A Vintage-Style Floral Tapestry Coat
Disclosure: I have written this post in collaboration with JD Williams (click here for my full disclosure) and all pieces were loaned samples. All content is original, however, and opinions are my own and 100% honest.
Loving all these looks! I think the striped trousers and the chic denim wrap coat are my favorites. Thanks for linking up, xo
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Author
Thanks so much Patti! :*
Very good styling Catherine. You look radiant in these outfits. I adore the green suede jacket with the polka dot top. The corn yellow fluted sleeved jacket you linked to, is very tempting, but no, I must not do it. So hard.
The black dress with flowers is indeed lovely. Must visit them when I have money again.
Great brand.
Greetje
JD Williams IS a great baand, Greetje – I can only imagine how amazing you'd look in that khaki jacket (very "you")!! Thank you my lovely x
My favourite is the
Khaki outfit. All fabulous though.
http://www.muttonstyle.com
I'm seeing it as my go-to jacket for spring, Anna…!!
Catherine, I love all of these. Each outfit has so many classic and lovely elements it is hard to choose one favorite. I also love that you could mix a number of these pieces with other pieces and have a whole new look. Thanks for sharing your ideas! – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
I think that's why I found it hard to pick just six outfits Amy – the pieces worked so well together to create loads of different looks! x
I love the Green coat!
Me too, Laurie…!!
That denim coat is fantastic! And your hair is fabulous like this. Love the longer length on you.
Thanks Nancy – it's grown loads this year!!