What to wear to go and see a concert at the Royal Albert Hall? Cold weather and a desire to avoid anything too “denim and trainers” meant I had to get creative.
I’ve had this orange floral midi dress in my wardrobe for a couple of months now, and I knew it would be the perfect dress for some occasion or other as and when one would come along. Strangely, when I ordered it I also ordered the green high-waisted trousers that I’m wearing here, but the intention wasn’t to wear them together. I tried on the trousers first, was happy that they fitted me and that I liked them, then I just put the dress on top because I couldn’t be bothered to take off the trousers straight away.
Light bulb moment… trousers in the PERFECT colour and silhouette to wear underneath the orange dress.
The dress/trousers combo was just ready waiting to be worn somewhere, and the opportunity came last weekend in the form of a concert that we bought tickets for months ago (back in the Spring maybe?). It was definitely one of those times we bought them and thought, November?! Well that’s just AGES to wait!!
SHOP THE LOOK:
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The concert: Star Wars at the Royal Albert Hall. As you can imagine, having a husband who was a seven year old when Episode IV: A New Hope came out in 1977 there was NO WAY we weren’t going to this. They played the movie on the big screen, and the London Symphony Orchestra – who recorded the original score to the movie – played the score live in the Albert Hall. I can’t tell you how exhilarating it was, it was absolutely INCREDIBLE. Seeing orchestras play music live is always amazing, but to watch a film you know SO well and to experience the classical score (which is, of course, by John Williams) being played in real time is thrilling. It’ll be touring the UK (and possibly Europe?) so if you get a chance, do book tickets to see it.
Onto the outfit: November in London can be tricky. You’re almost guaranteed miserable weather, but it’s best to check weather reports last minute in case of freaky mild temperatures. WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT WE GOT, alongside warm sunshine. Which meant hot tube trains, ughhh. So although my layering was kinda genius (even if I say so myself!), I did get too hot on the tube and while walking between stations. Can’t win them all!
But this somewhat crazy-layering look is one I really loved in the end. I had to explain to my mum that yes, it IS meant to be different lengths. Which is what I love about it. The colours (orange, navy, emerald, black, red) and the layers all came together beautifully in this mish-mash of an outfit. I like the fact that, upon closer inspection, the green of the trousers picks out the green in the dress.
The bright blue pinstripe of the coat picks out the blue of the birds in the print.
The orange in the dress compliments the tan of the boots.
The black of the boots matches the black bow on the dress.
Somehow, it works. I like a good layered outfit, and this has to be one of my favourites.
A final note on the location…
We took these pictures on the balcony of our hotel room at the Urban Villa hotel in Brentford where we stayed as guests of Adagio Hotels. We took these shots next morning when the sun came up, and oh, LOOK AT THAT LIGHT! I’d say the ‘room’ was wonderful but actually it was a suite with several rooms, including a fabulous kitchenette and this fantastic wrap around balcony. I need a balcony like that in my life simply to shoot my outfits every morning…!
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 in my monthly Women Who Wear What They Like post!
BEEN TO ANY CONCERTS LATELY? HOW ARE YOUR LAYERING SKILLS DOING THESE DAYS? COMMENT BELOW…!
Like this post? You might also like…
– The same pinstripe coat worn with jeans and white Stan Smiths
– The same pinstripe coat worn with grey/red checked trousers and ghillie shoes
Disclosure: I was gifted the hotel stay by Urban Villas but was not compensated for writing this post (click here for my full 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. All content is original, however, and opinions are my own and 100% honest.
Above: Outside the Royal Albert Hall (you can just see it top right) – we got caught in traffic on our way up to London and this was the only photo we had time to take…!
Dress: Warehouse at Asos
Roll neck: Jaeger c/o (similar)
Coat: Jaeger c/o (similar)
Trousers: Asos
Boots: Finery c/o
Earrings: Mango (I like these)
Watch: Henry London c/o
Bracelets: John Lewis / What Lizzy Loves c/o (similar)
Backpack: Beara Beara c/o
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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!
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This is such a signature Catherine look that I can’t even!!! 🙂 xoxo
Author
Thank you Sheela – throwing it all on seemed to really work this time around!! 😉
Firstly the concert sounds amazing!! It sounds right up our street so I will investigate tour dates. Secondly I love your outfit….even though I am ‘English’ much of my family ; many friends are Arab and Asian so layering trousers over dresses is something I have done for donkeys years as it’s modest and is similar to the shalwar Kameez style that you see many Asian ladies wear. I love how you put colours together and you look so striking, love it xxxx
Author
You should definitely see if you can get tickets if you’re interested, Kareema… it was an incredible experience!! And yes, I admire how expertly Asian women wear dresses over trousers – it’s a look I’ve always loved. Thank you my lovely…!! x
Just adore the colour of the dress Catherine and it looks fab paired with green and navy. Perfect
Author
Thank you Anna – just about all the colours are in there but I think it still works…! x
What a beautiful dress, I love the super print and bright colour. Thanks also for the #linkup. Jacqui Mummabstylish
Author
Thank you so much Jacqui!
Navy and orange is a great combination. Love this look.
Author
I’ve worn navy with orange a few times before, Lisa – aren’t they glorious together? Thank you sweetie x
Wow, those photographs – mixed with the colours and style. I loved it all!! You have given me some ideas, (as always) for layering. Loved it.
Thank you!
Alison xxx
Author
That’s so kind, thank you Alison! xo
This is the most fabulous layering ever, Catherine! And the absolute best way to wear a dress when the weather turns cold!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Author
Thanks Shelbee… soon I’ll be wearing tights as well as trousers under dresses I think!!!!
These are really beautiful shots Catherine! The lighting, your hair, your smile, the outfit…completely breathtaking!
Debbie
Author
Oh Debbie my lovely thank you so much!! x
Catherine, these are some of the best photos I’ve eve seen of you! That one of you turning towards the camera and smiling with your teeth (!) is utterly beautiful. I’d have that in a frame if I was you! Stunning, absolutely stunning.
And the outfit is pure genius too. I’m always too cold in dresses in the winter (Portuguese houses in the winter aren’t nearly as warm as English ones!) so wearing them with trousers and thin sweaters underneath is a brilliant idea!
Beautiful location too!
Suzy xxx
Author
Thank you soooooooooo much Suzy – the light does an AWFUL lot to make everything look lovely (the light coming in from the side and not overhead is SO flattering)! I agree about the layering with dresses, but boy did I get hot on the tube in this outfit 🙁 #facepalm
I felt sure your shoot location was one of the restaurants at the Royal Albert Hall and I was thinking how poised you must be to pose with people around!
Author
Hah – I didn’t think of that Gail but yes, it does look like it could be a restaurant!!
Wow, you lucked into some amazing lighting! And sounds like the Star Wars symphony was a fun event—I know a lot of men (and women) who’d love to attend something like that!
Cheryl Shops
Author
So many people I’ve talked to have said the same thing Cheryl… we were very lucky to get tickets!! Thank you sweetie x
That concert sounds amazing – my husband would love it too.
Btw I’m in love with your boots. This whole outfit could be named ‘Catherine’ and we’d all know what it looks like! It’s perfect, and you’re right, the colours are picked out in all the different elements and go together perfectly.
Thank you for hosting 🙂
Helen x
Author
Awww thank you so much Helen – I officially name this outfit “The Catherine”!! 😉
Fab photos and great styling! You were five minutes away from where I live! The hotel is just down the road from me! xx
Author
Oh gosh so close, Laurie!! You could have popped in for a cuppa, lol 😉
and thank you xoxo
We went to see Harry Potter there – the orchestra was amazing! My kids grew up with the films so they took us to see it. I know exactly where that street is – we wondered down there too until it was time to head in. LOVE your clever outfit and orange is amazing on you. Glad you had a good time xx
Author
They are so brilliant, aren’t they Maria… the atmosphere was incredible! And thank you x
Catherine,
I love the subtle pattern mixing of the coat and dress. And that orange dress is gorgeous with your hair! Love it!!
Thanks for sharing, and for sponsoring the new Link Ups!
xx Darlene
Author
My pleasure Darlene, and thank you xoxo
All bright and beautiful !! I love the shot of you looking over your shoulder and smiling, very Hollywood glamour.
Author
Oh wow what a great compliment, thanks Justine! x
Oh to have that light!! Those colours are fantastic on you … you are on a roll at the moment .. something about that new hair xo
Author
Yep a simple fringe has done all sorts to make me feel new Sharon, lol 😉 Thank you my lovely!
Love this post! Great colors and the lighting is beautiful! Layering is key especially for fall!
Author
Thank you ever so much Renae…!
I love layering like this. Whenever I do it, I’m the only one who likes it! But hey, I will wear……
Author
I think my mum was a little unsure, Nancy…! She did like the print and colour of the dress though. Thank you x
You do wear layering well, it’s something I am not very successful at. Love the dress
Author
Jill thank you!! xo
I love everything about this… the light, the colours, and the sheer creativity of layering what you put together. You and Michelle Tyler are very good at this dresses over trousers thing. I’ve never tried that before, but after seeing how chic and sleek it can look on both of you, I’m going to have to give it a try! The colours all work so well together, and are so perfect for this time of year. Sidenote: I’m loving your hair with the fringe! xxx
Author
I wear trousers underneath mostly out of practicality (warmth) and to hide my legs as you know, Lisa… I’m *forcing* it to become my signature style!! 😉
Thank you so much xx