Do you ever see those “cold weather” outfits [on Instagram] where the girls are wearing a sweater dress with knee-high/OTK boots – and that’s about it?
Despite the slightly milder (10°C) temperatures we’ve been having this week, that’s not a practical outfit in a British winter. The gap between the dress hem and the top of the boots lets in all sorts of cold, and I can only think that the “winter” that occurs where these girls come from is NOWHERE NEAR actual freezing(!) I like the basic principle of a sweater-dress-with-boots outfit, but what stops me is 1. The cold, and 2. My personal lack of desire to wear so little (if you’ve ever read any of my posts you’ll know I believe everyone can wear whatever they want #TheClue’sInTheHashtag – this just isn’t for me).
So as I’m NOT the sort of person who would wear just those two items but I AM the sort of person who likes the outfit in principle, it leaves me to come up with my own version. The too-cold and too-bare solution is easy: simply cover up and add layers, but retain the basics of the outfit.
SHOP THE LOOK:
[to follow…]
I’ve mentioned before that I’m a modest dresser, not for any other reason than I’m most comfortable and most confident when I’m not flashing skin. So yes, I know it’s winter and yes, I’d be more likely to show more skin in summer, but even then I really don’t do it. And to be honest in the winter I am a TOTAL wuss when it comes to the cold. I forgot my gloves when we were out on the day we shot these photos, and oh boy did I moan (it wasn’t really THAT cold, it was one of those days where boys say It’s really mild! and girls say, OMG it’s bloody freezing!! – you know the days I mean…)
Back to the outfit: the sweater dress isn’t strictly a sweater dress, but it’s a roll neck tunic that was kindly gifted to me by Woolovers. It’s 85% merino, 7% yak (yak! fabulous!) and 8% alpaca, and although some might find it scratchy I found it quite soft, and the roll neck didn’t make me itch at all. It’s incredibly warm too. The kind people at Woolovers gifted me a jersey roll neck as well to wear underneath, so that’s always a solution if you’re sensitive to anything that’s more of a natural fibre (lambswool, etc.). Anyway I loved the length and the fact that the neck doesn’t flop over. I’m ALWAYS on the hunt for perfect, stand-to-attention roll necks so I loved this one.
The other key part of this outfit was the pair of navy boots by a brand I’ve championed for a very long time: Duo Boots. So long, in fact, that I bought my first Duo Boots (plural pairs) not long after Keith and I got married, and we’re about to celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary. In fact I still have – and wear – those boots even now. Even better than THAT is the fact that two of the pairs were almost exactly the same as these knee-high navy blue boots that Duo were generous enought to send me. The style hasn’t changed all that much in (roughly) 10 years and you can see why: it’s just a beautifully classic, elegant style with (what I call) the “perfect” heel and toe shape.
Now what you may not know about Duo (they changed their name to Ted & Muffy a little while back before reverting back to Duo) is that they specialise in perfect fit boots: you not only choose your shoe size but you choose your calf size as well. So if you have exceptionally narrow calves and find all boots flap about like wellies, you’re covered. And if you have bigger calves like me and can never find boots that’ll zip up past your bigger-than-average calves, you’re also in luck. All other calf sizes in between are available as well – in increments of 2cm – and shoe sizes go from a UK 2 to a UK 10, which is nuts (but brilliant)!
So with this combination of large, warm tunic and perfect-fit knee-high boots, all that I needed to create a modest way to wear them together was to add velvety skinnies in a blue similar to the boots (creates a longer look to your legs), a jacquard coat that was the same length as the dress (so as not to “hide” the boots) and some funky accessories in the way of Toolally earrings (gifted, I’m a huge fan of their lightweight designs) and the rainbow bag from Mango I’ve had for a while now.
The only thing missing was the gloves I mentioned – I chose them especially because they coordinated with the boots. Oh, the frustration… and the cold hands!! 😉
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!
DO YOU KNOW THE SWEATER DRESS + KNEE HIGH/OTK BOOTS (WITH NOTHING ELSE) OUTFITS I MEAN? COMMENT BELOW…!
Like this post? You might also like…
– The same jacquard coat with wide leg check trousers
– The same jacquard coat with rolled hem jeans and a baseball cap
Disclosure: I was gifted items by Duo, Woolovers and Toolally but was not compensated for writing this post nor was I under any obligation to feature them (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.
Boots: Duo Boots c/o
Sweater dress: Woolovers c/o
Coat: La Redoute (similar)
Trousers: M&Co (similar)
Bag: Mango (I’m loving this rainbow stripe bag – or here’s my same bag in blue stripes)
Earrings: Toolally c/o
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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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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!
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Lovely outfit, Catherine <3
My eye is on the bag as it has got a good combination of colors <3 <3
xo
Esha
Author
The colours are so fabulous, aren’t they Esha!
Oh I do love a good sweater dress! But like you, I’m not about to expose a great swath of bare thigh between boot and dress! I’m perfectly happy with a short dress/long tunic, as long as I have on cozy tights underneath…and either knee-high (or higher) boots or ankle booties.
I’m really liking this dusty pink and blue color palette here…it reminds me of some things in my own wardrobe that might go nicely together, so thanks for the inspo! And I *have* considered velvet leggings the past few years – maybe this is the year!
Happy Holidays to you and yours (and give Riley a pat from me).
xoxo Bettye
Author
Riley loved his pat, Bettye…!! Yes I love the blue and pink together – I wore it a lot when Rose Quartz and Serenity were the Pantone Color of the Year 😀
Winter is one of my favorite seasons because of all the layering possibilities. It gets cold in Colorado, and I find layering can, in fact, enhance an outfit!
Author
You’re absolutely right, Judith! Though I do love the ease and simplicity of throwing on a summer dress…
I wouldn’t have thought this was a dress if you hadn’t said it, I assumed tunic. Leggings and boots are the perfect accompaniment!!! I always put tights or leggings under short dresses. I don’t like showing too much leg. HA! Love the coat and bag too.
Author
I said dress because so many Instagrammers wear tunics that are this short as a dress, Lisa…!! heehee
Thank you my lovely x
I have larger than average calves and I’m always looking for fabulous boots that fit. We don’t have very cold weather and I struggle to dress for it when we do. Love your outfit! Very chic while staying covered and warm.
Author
Thank you Fonda – it goes to show that probably only very few can fit into the standard size boots, doesn’t it?!
Thank you hon x
A Sweater dress over leggings is always so great! Warm and cozy and stylish. I love your coat and bag and boots! Wishing you a very merry Christmas!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Author
Aww thanks lovely Shelbee!! Merry Xmas to you too x
I’m so loving your coat!! The print is giving me palpitations!!!
Author
Thanks Daenel – it’s an oldie but I still love it so much xx
I hear you. It’s really important that the calves fit. Living in Alaska, I hate when the top of the boots leaves a gap where you could easily fit in your wallet (instead of just a couple of dollars and/or credit card). One just gets cold. Not to mention that it fails to look stylish. Of course, one could go to the cobbler and have it adjusted. But (wo)man there isn’t a cobbler in Fairbanks. BTW I love your bag. It’s a perfect tote that goes with everything.
Author
Ughhhhhh I hate gaps too, Nicole – and our winters are nothing like yours!!
That bag is so pretty.
Author
thanks Haley x
I do like a sweater/dress but would only wear one with thick thermal tights, leggings or jeggings. As you say it is far too cold in the UK to wear without, although it can be nice to see a young woman with a fabulous figure carrying this style off. For me it becomes a bit like a ‘pantomime boy’ style without more clothing. Maybe this is a age thing
Author
Oh I love seeing them in the style too, Jill – I just worry about them catching their death of cold, haha!! Though now you’ve said it, it IS very pantomime boy, isn’t it????
Great boots Catherine! Love that you can customize them. And, I can’t ignore that wonderful tote you have – very very cool! Thank you for the link up!
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
STYLE NUDGE
Author
Aww thanks Cherie – the calf size thing is a godsend 😀
Those are some beautiful boots for sure! The sweater/tunic with boots and no tights looks cute, but I always wonder if it’s more of an Instagram outfit and not an actual real life outfit…I too would be freezing…lol
Debbie
Author
Hmm I often think it’s an IG outfit, Debbie! I can’t bear being cold either =shivers=
I need to wrap up in Winter – and have to smile at the pictures of young women with bare legs on Instagram! That’s the wonderful thing about getting older, we tend to prioritise comfort more – what a perk haha! Love the colours in your outfit today Katherine – the pale blue and pink are so pretty together. The boots look fabulous – love that they are designed to fit so well! Merry Christmas lovely lady xxx Maria
Author
Oh I definitely prioritise comfort… I’d be happily dressed like the Michelin Man all through winter, Maria!! Thank you hon x
Such a practical, yet chic outfit for the colder temps! I am absolutely loving your bag! Thanks for hosting and have a great week!
-Katie
Author
Thanks so much Katie xx
I love Woolovers and that sweater is stunning. I like you cannot believe the gals wearing the dress and boots and not even tights just brrrrr
Author
Thanks Linda – glad I’m not alone on the bare legs thing!!!
Gorgeous boots in a classic design, and what a great idea to offer different calf sizes. I do wear sweater dresses and knee high boots, but only with thick tights…and maybe a vest under the dress too! If it’s cold enough for chunky knitwear it’s too cold for bare flesh – not that I would flash my thighs anyway! I’m with you on the modest dressing.
Emma xxx
Author
Modest dressing was something I didn’t realise I actually did, Emma – you might be like me and it’s not intentional…?! Thank you my lovely x
Catherine when I was 18 I had a boyfriend in a band who lived in Bath, the first present he ever bought me was a air of boots and shoes from the Duo shop in Bath. I thought I’d dies and gone to heaven. Shoe addict ever since and that is 37 years ago!
Love your styling and that bag is mine!!
bestest
Ashley xx
Author
Oh wow what a fabulous present, Ashley! With the quality of their boots I can imagine they lasted a LONG time…! thanks hon (and keep your eyes away from moi bag, you #lol)
These boots are brilliant, thanks for sharing this company – heading over now to take a look. Love the outfit and also your take on this very cold fashion!! Brrr – makes me feel freezing just thinking about it. xx Jacqui Mummabstylish
Author
Duo are a fantastic brand, Jacqui – I always had trouble finding boots to fit my calves so they were a godsend when I found them (years ago)!! x
A practical and warm Winter outfit that also looks good is always a winner in my book too. The colour of the tunic is so soft and lovely. The boots are such a good classic style , I do like the sound of a range of calf sizes , boots can just be so tricky to get that right. Many thanks for hosting Catherine.
Author
Isn’t the pink pretty, Jill…?! I love the colour so much. Thank you sweetie, and thanks for linking up x
I always layer, also in summer ha ha. What a fabulous colour those boots. My girlfriend always ordered her boots at Duoboots.
Author
layering isn’t just for Christmas, you’re right Nancy! 😉 Thank you hon x
I’m a very modest dresser too Catherine and I love the Woolovers brand. I love the colour mixing here and the earrings are a perfect match
Author
The earrings and sweater go together beautifully, don’t they Laurie? Thank you xx
Lovely Catherine. I love how you always put your own spin on your outfits. Your boots are gorgeous. The perfect shape as you say. And how brilliant that they come in such a range of sizes and fits. And…as for the earrings. Well, I have the same pair. We have good taste my friend! Lots of love xxxxxxx
Author
Thanks Liz – I’m so in love with these boots! And yes, as a fellow Toolally lover I know you have good taste too 😉
Warmth and style, yup, all bases covered. I can only imagine how great that pullover feels. For winter, I am always on the lookout for a high neckline. Thanks for the linkup!
Author
Ughhhhhh the knit is fabulous, Melanie… so warm!! thanks hon x
having the option to choose your calf size is almost priceless! My boots are usually too big around my calves. You look lovely in this outfit and I’m not sure where to start…the colorful bag, of course the boots, the earrings and the jacket. Love all the details!
Author
You’re right, Chrissy – it IS priceless!!!! You have the opposite problem to me, I can imagine it’s just as annoying. Thank you so much for your lovely comment x
Definitely coveting your boots and bag! I love the colour of the boots. I’ve just been re-reading your SLIMMERIA post. Going to try to book!
Author
I thought navy would make a great change, Gail (more versatile for me than black)!
Let me know about Slimmeria – I’m so excited for you! x
I’ve been known to layer under my sweater dress for warmth. And tights?? I love the fleece lined ones. Granted, I realize not everyone is as cold as I am…LOL!!
XOOX
Jodie
Author
Hehe I think you and I have the same internal thermometers, Jodie…!!!! 😉
That’s a lovely outfit Catherine; I really like the dusky pink and blue pattern together 🙂
I love the sweater dress with over-the-knee boots and not much else look; but on other people! It’s not for me either, but I’ve really got into long jumpers with leggings lately – I just feel so cozy and snuggly and ready to cope with winter!
Thank you for hosting the link up. 🙂
Helen x
Author
I’m really into long jumpers too, Helen – I think keeping your bum warm in winter is a necessity, lol! Thank you hon x
I have a feeling that bloggers posting sweater dresses and OTK boots as “winter outfits” live in California, as I do! That definitely qualifies here. 😉 That said, I’m going east for Christmas and that’s where the REAL winter outfits happen!
Cheryl Shops
Author
Hehe I think you’re right about them all being SoCal girls, Cheryl!! Good luck in the super cold east…! x
Not linking up today, Catherine. I’m not doing as many outfit posts as I used to do. I’m finding it hard to find anything new to say about my very edited wardrobe, and much more to say about lots of other stuff. Plus I’m finding I need a bit of an outfit post cleanse right now. Still checking out what others have to post, though. And thanking you, as always, for hosting this.
Author
That’s absolutely no problem Sue – you’re more than welcome to link up old outfits from a year (or more!) ago, and there’s always the Thursday #ShareAllLinkUp. I know what you mean about having other stuff to talk about though…! xx