I think I’m eternally sorted for autumn. No more outfit ideas needed: I’ve found the easiest, quickest autumn outfit formula EVER.
It’s a bit of a cliché, but it definitely works: throw on a floral midi dress. If you, like me, are partial to a bit of coverage in the colder months and still like a flourish of florals, then your best friend is undoubtedly the floral midi.
If you saw my post on Thursday last week where I spent the day in London’s exclusive Belgravia area (and enjoyed a top salon blow dry, afternoon tea and lots of other treats), you’ll have seen a glimpse of my outfit: a red corduroy blazer, knee-high boots and an AW17 floral midi. As you can see above this is a dress I go back to time and time again – styling this type of dress is just SO DAMN EASY…!
Here’s last week’s look as worn with the blazer:
SHOP THE LOOK:
I spent the day with two lovely other girls and they were kind enough to take a few quick snaps for me – I said at the time that I didn’t realise the blazer was so bright(!) I bought it a few weeks ago (together with the matching corduroy flares) from Topshop, and I honestly thought it was a very deep red. Not that I’m complaining, but I looked at the screen on my camera when these shots were taken and the red just hit me in the face. Daylight obviously brings out the brightness in a corduroy fabric.
Styling up the easiest quickest autumn outfit formula
I absolutely love this dress. It’s a shame that JD Williams didn’t do it in lots of colourways at the time as I think I would have snapped them all up; however, floral midis (and maxis) are easy to find at this time of year. Choose the colourway that most appeals to you and try it with all your knee-high boots, ankle boots, heels, trainers, brogues, flats, etc. In other words, it’ll work with just about every shoe type, so just wear your favourite with it. In the lead photo you can see I also wore my midi with white ankle boots (similar) and my chunky mid-calf boots (similar), but my favourite look has to be the latest one with the knee-highs. It gives the dress that 70s touch that I love so much.
As well as your footwear, you can switch up the styling with the belt you choose. Add a layer like a roll neck or t-shirt. Unbutton it and wear it like a jacket with a top and jeans underneath. Change your hairstyle (up or down) or add a hat (felt fedoras are perfect). There are SO many possibilities, so I’m sticking my neck out and saying that this is the ONLY dress that you (or I) will need this autumn/winter.
And if you think I believe that, then I’m a monkey’s uncle 😉
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 GO-TO OUTFIT FORMULA THAT YOU FALL BACK ON TIME AND TIME AGAIN? COMMENT BELOW…!
Like this post? You might also like…
– How I styled the same dress with a khaki longline jacket and white boots
– How I styled the same dress with flat boots and a fedora
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.
Dress: JD Williams c/o (AW17, this one is lovely)
Blazer: Topshop
Boots: Duo Boots (similar)
Bag: House of Fraser (I like this one)
Belt: Unknown (similar)
OTHER FLORAL MIDI DRESSES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
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The link up goes live every Tuesday 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!
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What a gorgeous autumnal dress Catherine. It really suits you. I wish it was still available 🙁
I find midi dresses so versatile. And i’m coveting your tan crossbody bag.
Author
Thank you Anna – yes the dress is a beauty, isn’t it… I wore it at a photo shoot and it was the most popular outfit there amongst all the other bloggers!! Thank you hon x
Such a beautiful dress! I love dark floral prints for A/W. Love your new hair do!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Yes, you look gorgeous as always! I’m loving the new look fringe – it really suits you. And the floral dress is utter perfection for this time of year!
Suzy xx
Author
Thank you so much Suzy – I love the fringe now…!
That dress is a winner and so versatile too Catherine. You really can’t go wrong with a classic like this. You’re positively glowing in these shots my dear!
Anna x
Author
Aww that’s so nice of you, thank you Anna xx
Your hair! So pretty. I love a good midi dress. (Only they are not midi on me generally, and tall boots never get near my knees, so I get that annoying gap). Might have to start looking for more maxis and just chop a bit off! Xx
Author
I think there’s a midi for everyone Porcelina – you just have to get a knee length / midi / maxi depending on whether you’re petite, average height or tall…!!!! 😉
Thank you hon x
You’re right, it’s a formula that works. I have a floral maxi dress that I wear pretty much year round and it works with everything. Love the one you’re wearing too and you introduced me to JD Williams, but unfortunately, they don’t sell my size. Thanks for the other options. Love the green M&S one!
Kat x
Author
That’s a shame about them not selling your size, Kat – I’ve noticed before that they don’t cater for very petite women like yourself. It’s as bad as not having plus sizes in my eyes…!!
Thank you x
That dress is picture perfect and you did a great job of styling it differently. Love that pic with all the greenery in pots. So pretty!
Author
Aren’t the potted plants beautiful, Lisa?!! They made such a nice backdrop…! And thank you, I’m so glad you love a floral midi too 😉
That dress is stunning. Love all the ways you styled it.
Author
Thank you, Amy! x
I am ALL ABOUT those colours in that dress – especially with your hair, which I’ve already told you is amazing with the bangs (er…fringe…..still the Yank after all these years calling them bangs”)
Author
Hehe I’m quite used to them being called bangs now Kristin because I hear it so much in the blogosphere…! Thank you sweetie x
A dress can’t be easier, one piece and done essentially, especially a floral with so many colour-mix options. I don’t have many (any?) floral dresses, but I do have jumpsuits and it’s the next best thing. Thanks for the linkup. By the way, I adore that red! And your new fringe.
Author
YES to jumpsuits doing the same job, Melanie!! Thank you hon x
That’s a great dress! Such wonderful colors on you!
I love dresses for autumn. I have a floral dress I wear in autumn and winter with a black turtleneck on top when it gets cooler (which is all relative here in California.
Thanks for the link up & have a great week!
Author
Thank you so much Andrea – I’ll be needing to layer up with mine soon…!
Great dress Cathrine and I adore your bangs!
Cherie
STYLE NUDGE
Author
Aww thank you Cherie x
What a super dress, it just keeps giving doesn’t it! I’ve been after a floral midi dress, but haven’t found the right one just yet! Also thanks for the linkup! Jacqui Mummabstylish
Author
DEFINITELY the dress that keeps giving, Jacqui!! Thank you my lovely x
Floral midis are my fave thing right now. I wear a fair few with a nice pair of boots. Love the colours on your dress. You’ve styled it so elegantly as usual x #iwillwearwhatilike
Author
Floral midis were MADE for boots, weren’t they Rosie?!! And thank you sweetie x
I love this outfit formula, and I may have to steal it! Mine is a midi skirt with a knit top and blazer. Either way, midis are the way to go for cooler weather!
Cheryl Shops
Author
I think midi skirts might be my second go-to, Cheryl…!! thank you hon x
Awwwwwwwww Catherine!!!! You look amazing. I love this dress every which way. But it’s your hair!!!! The fringe is utter perfection You look stunning! xxxx
Author
Liz thank you!!!!!! I’m still getting used to the fringe but I think I love it…! x
I’m totally in love with the boots! Boots and dresses, is there a better combination!
Author
I think not, Nancy 😉 x
This dress should be named the Catherine, seriously!
I’m with you on the virtues of a fabulous floral midi for Autumn. Even through Winter I wear mine layered up 😉
p.s. Still can’t get over that stunningly beautiful hair of yours Woman xx
Author
You’re my floral midi guru, MT…!! And thank you, it seems the fringe has been a hit x
Hi Catherine,
I do have a formula that I use over and over!! Jeans with a white shirt, a colorful scarf, and a soft blazer!! Not exciting, but always just right. I love the many ways you’ve styled that floral dress and the reds are SO perfect for fall!! Your trip to London looked amazing! We loved London and are planning a trip back in the next year or so, so thanks for sharing.
xx Darlene
Author
Doesn’t have to be wildly exciting to be spot-on and work for you, Darlene – TBH my floral midi and boots is pretty predictable but I love it all the same!
Thank you sweetie – glad you liked the London post too. Belgravia is an area I HIGHLY recommend you visiting if you can…!
The dress is fantastic, and I love all the ways you’ve styled it – it’s PERFECT for your height and figure. LOVE the “fringe” as well – hope you’re still liking it? And yes, the BAG you carried to Belgravia – sigh! After my latest floral jeggings with burgundy paper-bag booties and satchel, I’ve promised NO MORE FASHION for ME until after Christmas! 🙁
Author
Thanks so much Mary Katherine – and yes I’m still loving my fringey bangs…!! 😉
I love it and you’ve styled it so amazing in each look. Can’t take my eyes off of that bag though! Gorgeous.
~melissa xx
Author
Thanks Melissa – I’m a bit of a crossbody bag fan, I have so many…!
The dress that keeps on giving eh Catherine? I have already worn mine twice this month I popped a roll neck under it!
love your other choices too! But Im broke so no spending for me today
Ashley xx xxxx
Author
Hehe yes I think it was the hit of the JDW photo shoot, wasn’t it Ashley!! When the temps drop again I’ll layer mine with a roll neck for sure. But it’s going to get warmer again before that, isn’t it… what IS the weather doing?!!!!!!