A Lightweight Chambray Dress Perfect for Summer #iwillwearwhatilike

A Lightweight Chambray Dress Perfect for Summer \ styled with a cream Panama hat, tan crossbody bag, red wedge espadrilles and blue cat eye sunglasses | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 fashion

I’m wearing yet another summer dress: I’m doing well with my promise [to myself] to wear dresses all summer long…!

So that’s five skirts or dresses in a row now, which I think is a new record here on Not Dressed As Lamb. In the past I’ve managed two, and possibly three, dresses in a row, but NEVER five. We’re still blessed with glorious weather and it’s set to get even hotter this week, so I’m a happy bunny. Bring on more dresses, I say!

The dress I’m wearing today was kindly gifted to me from Oasis, and it’s a simple blue-grey lightweight chambray dress. With stripes. And to those of you thinking, What – ANOTHER striped dress, Catherine?! I say, to be fair it’s very different from the black and white striped dress from last week and the blue, white and black striped dress from a couple of weeks before… Oh, who am I kidding: I’m addicted to striped dresses right now, and I’m not ashamed to admit it!

A Lightweight Chambray Dress Perfect for Summer \ styled with a cream Panama hat, tan crossbody bag, red wedge espadrilles and blue cat eye sunglasses | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 fashion

SHOP THE LOOK:

Although I’ve worn red shoes again this week I can safely say this is an entirely different look and feel to last week’s black stripes and leopard print look. That one was moody with its dark, mixed patterns – this one is lighter, fresher, sunnier. The weather in these photos reflect that: We could only shoot in the middle of the day which usually I would NEVER, EVER recommend. Midsummer and the middle of the day means the harshest, most unflattering shadows and blasted out highlights where the sun hits.

Normally we go for the golden hour (the hour before sunset) whenever we can – the light during that time is glorious and makes you look glowy and soft.

HOWEVER, there are two way to vastly improve photos that have to be taken at this harsh time of day, i.e. when you don’t have the luxury of shooting later on. You can either 1) Stand in the shade and shoot there (no harsh shadows but still lots of light!), or 2) Shoot INTO the sun. If you don’t believe me, check out my post explaining how to shoot outfit photos in bright sunlight – there are lots of examples there (and a few exceptions explained)!

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This dress is one of those hardworking dresses that’ll see me through summer without much thought – a real throw-it-on number. As it comes with a matching belt all it really needs are shoes, but you’ve got lots of options with your accessories to style it differently each time. A change of belt, different sunglasses or hats (I adore my cream Panama hat which is an ESSENTIAL for summer, not just for style reasons but for sun safe reasons), jewellery – you can even layer blouses underneath and have the collar poking out. Or wear a collar accessory like I did with my black and white gingham dress to give it an entirely different feel.

So many options for such a simple dress… me likey.

(By the way, if you were expecting a post last Friday for the #SaturdayShareLinkUp and wondered where it went, I’m afraid I simply didn’t have time to get the post out. House moving is taking up so much time at the moment, so until we have actually moved, blog posts may not be quite as regular as I’d like… Monday’s #iwillwearwhatilike will always go out, however, so fear not!)

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 HAVE A FAVOURITE GO-TO SUMMER DRESS THAT TAKES ALMOST NO STYLING AT ALL? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS…!

RELATED  How I Like to Layer For Warmth AND For Style in Autumn/Winter

Catherine

Like this post? You might also like…

Black and White Gingham Dress With Pearl Collar

A Lightweight Chambray Dress Perfect for Summer \ styled with a cream Panama hat, tan crossbody bag, red wedge espadrilles and blue cat eye sunglasses | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 fashion
A Lightweight Chambray Dress Perfect for Summer \ styled with a cream Panama hat, tan crossbody bag, red wedge espadrilles and blue cat eye sunglasses | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 fashion
A Lightweight Chambray Dress Perfect for Summer \ styled with a cream Panama hat, tan crossbody bag, red wedge espadrilles and blue cat eye sunglasses | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 fashion
A Lightweight Chambray Dress Perfect for Summer \ styled with a cream Panama hat, tan crossbody bag, red wedge espadrilles and blue cat eye sunglasses | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 fashion
A Lightweight Chambray Dress Perfect for Summer \ styled with a cream Panama hat, tan crossbody bag, red wedge espadrilles and blue cat eye sunglasses | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 fashion
A Lightweight Chambray Dress Perfect for Summer \ styled with a cream Panama hat, tan crossbody bag, red wedge espadrilles and blue cat eye sunglasses | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 fashion
A Lightweight Chambray Dress Perfect for Summer \ styled with a cream Panama hat, tan crossbody bag, red wedge espadrilles and blue cat eye sunglasses | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 fashion
A Lightweight Chambray Dress Perfect for Summer \ styled with a cream Panama hat, tan crossbody bag, red wedge espadrilles and blue cat eye sunglasses | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 fashion
A Lightweight Chambray Dress Perfect for Summer \ styled with a cream Panama hat, tan crossbody bag, red wedge espadrilles and blue cat eye sunglasses | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 fashion

Dress: Oasis c/o
Espadrilles: Asos (similar)
Hat: Hats & Caps
Bag: Yosa c/o (I like this one)
Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs (I like these UK ones and these US ones)
Bracelet: What Lizzy Loves c/o
Necklace set: Asos (I like this one)

 

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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 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!


Want to receive an email reminder for the next link up?

Please note that due to the new GDPR laws I’m unable to send an email reminder unless you subscribe to the mailing list of your own accord. CLICK HERE if you wish to be sent an email with a reminder to link up to the #iwillwearwhatilike link up as soon as it’s live!

Featured favourites

Fashion bloggers who believe in #iwillwearwhatilike

My favourite outfits from last week’s link up:
(L-R) Passionfruit, Paws and Peonies | Shelbee on the Edge | Badass Baby Boomer

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!

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

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which means if you click through and buy I may receive a small commission at no cost to you (click here for my full disclosure). Items listed as c/o were gifted

A Lightweight Chambray Dress Perfect for Summer \ styled with a cream Panama hat, tan crossbody bag, red wedge espadrilles and blue cat eye sunglasses | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 fashion

46 Comments

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    18 July 2018 / 9:19 am

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  2. 16 July 2018 / 2:50 pm

    Love the outfit Catherine….love those espadrilles with the striped linen
    Thanks very much for selecting my outfit ❤️
    Hugs, Sarah aka badassbabyboomer

  3. Georgina
    10 July 2018 / 12:32 am

    Hi Catherine
    I loved this dress especially the shape of the neck and the bodice fitted you perfectly. I do not like fabric tie belts so for me l would style the dress with a leather or maybe elasticated belt. A red belt would define your small waist perfectly.
    The colour so compliments your natural colouring – beautiful!

  4. 5 July 2018 / 10:47 pm

    Lovely dress and sunglasses! I have to admit that I’m a bit obsessed with dresses too at the moment…I’m trying hard to stop myself from buying more! Good luck with the house move!

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

  5. 5 July 2018 / 8:55 pm

    I love this dress…you can never wear stripes too often! The shoes are perfect with it and I love the hat as a topper! Great look!

  6. 2 July 2018 / 3:26 pm

    This look reminds me of what Meghan Markle was wearing the other day. You look fabulous Catherine. Cute color mix too, Have a lovely week. xo Sabina

  7. 28 June 2018 / 8:31 pm

    Ooooh you are doing rather well Mrs 😉
    I hope you get to 10!
    This dress is the perfect wardrobe staple isn’t it? Chambray, fine stripe, classic fit & flair plus you could easily wear it with an over-sized chinky knit & boots when the weather cools down.
    Yep 10/10!

    • catherine
      Author
      29 June 2018 / 5:07 pm

      At the rate we’re going with the hot weather I think I’ll get to 10 easily MT!! Thanks sweetie x

  8. 28 June 2018 / 11:35 am

    Good luck with the move!!
    I love seeing all your summer dresses, we are so lucky to be able to wear lots of dresses this year! Make the most of it x

    • catherine
      Author
      29 June 2018 / 5:14 pm

      It makes such a change doesn’t it P?! x

  9. 28 June 2018 / 3:35 am

    Stellar dress, Catherine. You can’t have too many stripes. And thanks so much for always sharing your photography tips. You are my go-to resource, even if I don’t always remember them. One day I think it will all sink in. Thanks for the linkup.

    • catherine
      Author
      29 June 2018 / 5:15 pm

      Hehe no worries Melanie – direct sunlight can be the bane of bloggers’ lives though! X

  10. 26 June 2018 / 8:59 pm

    This is the PERFECT summer look Catherine!!
    Xx | Joi

    • catherine
      Author
      27 June 2018 / 9:30 am

      aww thanks so much Joi! x

  11. 26 June 2018 / 7:33 pm

    Lovely dress Catherine. Love how you have styled this outfit with a pop of colour in your shoes 🙂 Thanks for hosting.

    • catherine
      Author
      27 June 2018 / 9:30 am

      Pleasure, Claire – I’m having a red shoes moment right now! x

  12. 26 June 2018 / 2:46 pm

    moving so painful yet so exciting all at the same time. Stunning dress though

    • catherine
      Author
      27 June 2018 / 9:29 am

      It IS painful, Linda!!!! thank you sweetie x

  13. 26 June 2018 / 1:29 pm

    You look amazing in this outfit. Love this look. Such cute shoes!

    • catherine
      Author
      27 June 2018 / 9:22 am

      thanks so much Amy x

  14. 26 June 2018 / 10:35 am

    That really is the perfect summer dress, Catherine! And you look gorgeous in it. I do love the lighting of the summer sun in England. I don’t think anything beats England in the summer. Glorious <3
    Suzy xx

    • catherine
      Author
      27 June 2018 / 9:22 am

      You’re right Suzy, I don’t think anything beats it either!! Thank you hon x

  15. 26 June 2018 / 7:49 am

    Love the dress. I have the challenge of buying myself a summer wardrobe on a limited budget for a holiday in Corfu. Going to have to get imaginative.

    • catherine
      Author
      27 June 2018 / 9:07 am

      Thanks Fi – it can be done if you get great basics that work well together… choose a basic colour palette and work with that, you may not have to buy that many pieces! x

      • 27 June 2018 / 10:58 am

        Thanks, Catherine. Great advice. I’m basing it around navy and white.

  16. Lynda
    26 June 2018 / 2:10 am

    Great dress! I love that you paired red shoes with it – blue and red is one of my favorite color combinations.

    Lynda

    • catherine
      Author
      27 June 2018 / 9:04 am

      Thanks Lynda, I’m having a thing for bright shoes RN! x

  17. 26 June 2018 / 12:50 am

    I love chambray in general and this dress is perfect for a Sunday brunch!

    xo,
    Janise

    • catherine
      Author
      27 June 2018 / 9:04 am

      I agree… thanks Janise! x

  18. 26 June 2018 / 12:39 am

    I love that dress! I could live in it all summer long!

    • catherine
      Author
      27 June 2018 / 9:03 am

      thank you Pam, I think it may get worn a lot…!

  19. 25 June 2018 / 9:34 pm

    I see nothing wrong with a striped dress addiction. It’s so much better than drugs, smoking or stealing…haha!!
    XOXO
    Jodie

    • catherine
      Author
      25 June 2018 / 11:57 pm

      That’s very true, Jodie…!! 😉 thanks hon x

  20. Wow thanks so much for the feature Catherine! It’s just the tonic I needed after a day of full on blogging! Much appreciated xx Love your summer dress – the cut has a classic feel about it that I love and the tie belt is very now. It looks like a lovely walk there. Hope you have a great week and the house moving is going well xx

    • catherine
      Author
      25 June 2018 / 11:58 pm

      Pleasure, Maria – you looked glorious!! And thank you… hopefully we’ll have house news soon #fingerscrossed xx

  21. 25 June 2018 / 7:52 pm

    Catherine, this is such a great dress! And it has a bit of vintage vibe which I adore. I also love a good striped dress and I’m linking up a red striped tee shirt dress today. Thanks so much for the feature this week! What a lovely surprise! I am flattered and honored. I hope you have a fantastic week!

    Shelbee

    • catherine
      Author
      25 June 2018 / 11:59 pm

      I think that’s why I like this style of dress, Shelbee – the vintage silhouette! So glad you liked the feature x

  22. 25 June 2018 / 7:44 pm

    Hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! I fully support you wearing as many striped dresses as you want!
    Cheryl Shops

    • catherine
      Author
      25 June 2018 / 11:59 pm

      Hehe thanks Cheryl… though that’s dangerous to encourage me!! LOL

  23. 25 June 2018 / 6:09 pm

    This look is lovely, I never tire of wearing a dress, they are just so easy to look good in aren’t they? Thanks for sharing this cute little number. I often have a look in Oasis, but never seem to find anything. I’ll be back in there now for sure! Jacqui Mummabstylish

    • catherine
      Author
      25 June 2018 / 6:51 pm

      I’ve bought quite a few Oasis items over the years, Jacqui – they do some really good quality classic pieces that I’ve been wearing for years! Thank you sweetie x

  24. 25 June 2018 / 5:10 pm

    Lovely summer dress. Hats look very good on you!

    • catherine
      Author
      25 June 2018 / 6:52 pm

      Thanks Nancy – I like wearing them, I feel “not properly dressed” without one…! Plus they’re sun safe too 😀

  25. 25 June 2018 / 5:02 pm

    The dress looks great! I never think of Oasis for some reason and must remember to take a look. I still have my Catherine bag too! xx

    • catherine
      Author
      25 June 2018 / 6:54 pm

      Aww you have the bag as well Laurie! It was so fab having a bag named after me!

      Thank you – I can highly recommend Oasis for great basics as I mentioned to Jacqui. Lots of fab on-trend seasonal pieces too, I had trouble choosing when they approached me! x

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