If there’s something I don’t want to be, it’s a sartorial cliché. Like Miranda Priestly said, “Florals, For spring? Groundbreaking.” However…
Unless you have a severe dislike of all things flowery who can resist spring florals at this time of year? It’s very hard to avoid them – florals are such a popular pattern all year round but they really come into their own once the long dark days of winter are (hopefully!) behind us. The reason I’m wearing – and just bought – this bold floral print tea dress from Asos is because the UK had summer last weekend for a few days. You think I’m joking… it’s now back to gloves and scarf weather! It may be sunny (sometimes) but it’s still cold.
Although Brits joke that the 3-4 days of hot and sunny weather we had was effectively IT for summer, it feels like we’re now heading back towards winter.
So let’s just bask in the glory of this 60-style psychedelic floral dress: I knew the mini heatwave was on its way and we were going to be in London for the UK Blog Awards, where I melted in a full-length chiffon gown (it was totally worth it though – have a read here if you don’t yet know why). I needed something easy to wear the next day for a spot of lunch and travelling home, so instead of digging out my summer clothes from storage, I decided to treat myself and buy a summer dress. I literally went for whatever caught my eye, and this floral dress was it.
I did wonder whether I looked a bit TOO much like my older sister’s curtains I remember she had when I was really small (she had a matching duvet set as well), but to be honest I loved the colours so much and the cut was so flattering (and unusual) that I went for it. Thankfully it’s one of those items that looks so much better in the photos than I dared hope from the mirror, but the thought of digging out summer dresses that wouldn’t fit and end up depressing me didn’t appeal.
(What you’d call a bit of strategic retail therapy!)
SHOP THE LOOK:
It’s in a jersey fabric so it’s just like wearing a huge, semi-fitted t-shirt. And because we’re moving house soon I’ve already started packing, so I’ve left myself just a few handbags and heels to work with for a few weeks. The orange bag is a good choice because in my wardrobe it works with just about EVERYTHING. Hurrah for the colour orange, I say.
If you saw my Stories on the day I wore this you may have noticed those HUGE oversized sunglasses which I bought at the same time as the dress – their 70s vibe totally works with that psychedelic pattern as well as the curled hair. Although a dress rarely needs much accessorising it goes to show how just a few accessories make all the difference. The right bag, the right belt, the right sunglasses and the right heels (I wish these were still available as they are SO comfy and I can walk all day in them, but these are a similar mule style and just as snazzy*) all make the world of difference and hopefully go some way to making your florals look less clichéd…!
*Can’t remember the last time I heard someone under the age of 50 say “snazzy”, lol 😉
The next outfit post (already shot) will be back to layers, layers and more layers. Bye bye summer, it was nice while it lasted.
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!
DO YOU ACTIVELY AVOID FLORALS IN SPRING OR ARE YOU ALL OVER THEM LIKE BEES ON A HONEYPOT? COMMENT BELOW…!
Dress: Asos
Shoes: Daniel Footwear (LOVE these)
Sunglasses: Asos
Bag: Hobbs c/o (similar)
Watch: Daniel Wellington (on sale!)
Belt: Unknown (similar)
Earrings: Marks & Spencer (similar)
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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 around 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) Style Nudge | The Sequinist | Hello Katie Girl
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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This is such an amazing dress Catherine and I love the way you styled it. Have a wonderful week. xo Sabina
Curtains or not, you nailed this spring outfit and I love the pop of red! Perfect! – Amy
Oh it’s lovely Catherine. So happy and vibrant. of course, I love florals so it was always going to be a winner in my eyes! xxx
I don’t intentionally avoid florals in Spring like the plague. At least, I don’t think so. Oh I don’t know. Perhaps I do. According to a personality test I took recently (which was eerily accurate btw), I apparently go out of my way to avoid conforming GRIN in any event, you look heavenly. Retro looks good on you, Catherine xoxo
Oh how I love me a retro print & this dress is screaming 70’s! Me likey 😉
Yay for springtime florals. Your frock looks perfect for our British burst of sunshine especially with those oversized sunnies – such a fabulous bit of accessorising.
Have a lovely week Catherine!
Anna x
I am linking very late, but better late than never.
Good to see you in full bloom
Thanks for hosting. Love the psychedelic florals and also your sunglasses!
Definitely, definitely florals for spring! How can we not succumb to their sweetness? This is a true spring dress. I love how you can just pull it on and be done, but of course your accessories really make it your own. I hope more warm weather comes your way! Thanks for hosting the linkup.
that dress is fabulous! love the print!
The dress is absolutely fabulous, Catherine! And yes it does remind me of a duvet someone in the family once had lol… but that’s what so fab about it. That vintage feel, right? It’s florals, but fun florals!!
Have a fabulous week.
Hugs
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com
OMG I love that print, absolutely adore it! I would buy that in an instant, but I wouldnt want to copy!
You are a very good influencer or id that a bad influence on my bank balance…..?!
have a super week!
Ashley xxxx
Beautiful and colorful dress! Pairing with those mules is also a great idea 😉
https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2018/04/26/chantilly-day-3-paris/
It really has a 70’s vibe. I loved the fashion in the 70’s so I can’t wait to see more this trend! x
Such a fun dress! Looking fabulous!
This does remind me of the dresses my grandma used to wear (and my cousin inherited and still wears). And that’s a good thing!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I am not a fan of florals for me but I really like this , probably because it is strong in colour and print not a prissy floral at all. Hope your sun returns soon. Many thanks for hosting.
I love floral dresses and never apologize for wearing them just because I’m over 40. You rock in this dress, Catherine!!!
xo,
Janise
That dress looks just perfect on you, colour, fit, length.
I was around in the psychedelic 60s but pattern passed me by even then apart from one Indian paisley kaftan which I wore for about 5 minutes!
Hugs, x
I think this is such a fun print and your hair!!! Oh my goodness, looking so incredible!
Oh my gosh, thank you so much for the feature Cathrine! It’s hard to miss that bright yellow jacket. I absolutely love your dress, it truly looks vintage – beautiful! And, no, no curtains. Remember the outfits that Julie Andrews made for the Von Trapp kids out of curtains?
Cherie
STYLE NUDGE
This dress gives me vintage vibes and I LOVE it!
Xx
Joi
Any resemblance to vintage curtains is a huge plus point in my book! These colours are so zingy, they look great on you. Asos does have some great retro inspired stuff from time to time, but I don’t feel I know enough about their ethics.
Thanks for hosting! X
Love that dress, it does not look like curtains! I know what you mean about summer seeming over already, I had gloves on for a dog walk tonight!
Lauren
very “English Rose” look. Lovely.
I can’t stand florals (as you know) but I ADORE this dress (as you also know!). I think what works for me is that it isn’t girly and flowery, it is punchy and bright and bold and has such a strong retro point of view. The green and pink and orange all swirled together couldn’t be more perfect. LOVE! xx
Author
Hehe I was a bit unsure seeing you that day as to whether you’d love it or hate it Lisa!! thank you my lovely x
what a fabulous dress. The colour is wonderful on you as is the cut
Author
Thanks Linda – I wasn’t sure at first but the belt made all the difference!
Thanks for hosting the linkup Catherine, great to see your featured favourites. Jacqui Mummabstylish
Author
Pleasure, Jacqui x
I’ve been craving florals and bright colours more than ever this spring – maybe because we had such a long winter (that doesn’t quite seem over yet!) that I just need cheering up by them. This dress is perfect; you look fabulous in it!
And I think I know the curtains and duvet set you mean; my sister had them in purple. 🙂
Thank you for hosting.
Helen x
Author
YES my sister’s were purple too Helen!!!!!!!!!! You know exactly the pattern I mean, lol…!
I love this dress!! Florals in spring are always welcome, especially when they have a fun 60’s vibe!
Author
Bit like vintage without actually being vintage, Pam! x
Great, fun print, and I love the colorway. Thanks for hosting!
Author
thanks Anne! x
I am totally into the ’70s kick you’ve been on lately—I think the boho vibe definitely suits you. The print on this dress just makes me happy!
Cheryl Shops
Author
You’re right, I have been on a bit of a 70s kick Cheryl!! 😉 thanks hon x
I love the dress! And I think it looks beautiful with your hair color. And I love Miranda Priestly in Devil Wears Prada. Yes to flowers in the spring time…even if it is a cliche. 😉 Thank you for hosting this link up Catherine.
Author
Pleasure Chrissy, and thank you!
That’s a pretty dress on you. It’s print is sort of interesting. Vintage inspired, but edgy, unusual color combination.
Author
It was definitely the colour combo that drew me in, Nicole!
Thank you for hosting!