Before I talk about how a longline coat is your wardrobe’s best friend, I’ll just point out the fact that yes – I cut off my long hair AGAIN.
After just growing out the last bob.
I started growing my hair again just over a year ago when I felt like a change after having had the long bob for a while. I also grew out the fringe, then promptly had it cut back in again at the end of last year.
Then last time I was at the hairdressers they handed me a book they’d had made up of all their Instagram posts (it was a whopper of a coffee table read) and there it was, a picture of my newly trimmed and coloured long bob they posted back in April 2016. And I fell in love with that cut again.
So I thought I’d keep my hair long over the summer, make the most of the milkmaid braids I’d been working towards, then cut it off in the autumn.
Did I make it that far? No, of course not. I asked for it to be chopped in my very next appointment (impatient, much??).
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SHOP THE LOOK:
What I love about this cut is that it takes MUCH less effort to make it look good in the morning. I grew my hair with grand plans to have it beautifully curled at the ends every day, and what happens in reality (i.e. the real life of someone who DOESN’T have a beautiful #InstagramPerfect life, who has to walk the dog, empty the dishwasher and sit on a computer at home for much of the day) is that it looks like a bird’s nest most of the time. I ended up always putting it in plaits or bunches and leaving it like that till I next washed it.
(And the less said about how long I left it between washes – because #Can’tBeArsed – the better.)
Talking of washing hair, it’s SUCH an ordeal when it gets long. I know some people who have long hair and wash it every day – I am not that person! So off it came. (The fringe is back to stay too.) I just have a feeling that that was the last time I’ll ever really grow grow my hair – it just wasn’t that much fun this time around.
Never say never though, eh?!
Shall we talk about the outfit now…?
Ignoring the fact that I’m in orange again (you can’t say I’m not dedicated to The Art of Wearing Orange), the longline coat or blazer has become my absolute best friend in my wardrobe. My closet BFF, if you like.
Some of you may know my longline camel blazer well has been worn countless times on the blog (see here, here and here for example), and I’m rather keen on the same style in a winter wool coat.
I have to admit I thought this orange coat (by New Look, I got it through Amazon interestingly) was a lighter fabric like my longline camel blazer. It’s perfect for the current milder weather we’re having, though when the sun comes out it’s actually TOO warm. If you went for a similar style in either a neutral (camel, stone, navy, brown, etc.) or your favourite bright colour (or one of each?!), then you’ll find it works with so many outfits as the perfect thrown-on.
I’ve worn my camel one with cropped jeans with a raw hem, over a vintage evening gown, over a preppy stripey dress and with navy culottes (ooh look there’s the same scarf again).
It’s just the right length to wear over just about anything, and the long length is flattering and, er, lengthening. It hides big bum days, no waist days, and food baby days. Now that it’s taken me THIS long (how many years?!) to realise how incredibly versatile it is, I’m going to find it hard to not buy one in every one of my favourite colours this year.
Now, I’m off to search “yellow longline blazer”, “coral longline blazer”, “pink longline blazer” – wish my wallet luck…
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 bi-monthly Women Who Wear What They Like post!
WHAT NEUTRAL COLOUR AND WHAT BRIGHT COLOUR WOULD YOU CHOOSE IF YOU COULD ONLY CHOOSE ONE COAT IN EACH? COMMENT BELOW…!
Coat: New Look (similar in a rust colour)
Scarf: Asos (love this one)
Trousers: Winser (similar)
Shoes: Finery (LOVE these)
Sweater: Unknown (similar)
Bag: Brenda McLeod (LOVE this one – use FREE25 for 25% off, though I don’t know the expiry date so hurry!)
Earrings: River Island
Sunglasses: Asos (old, love these)
LIKE MY SOFT JERSEY WIDE LEG TROUSERS? HERE ARE SOME OTHER WIDE LEG TROUSERS YOU MIGHT LIKE…
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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 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 prerequisite is that you’re wearing whatever you damn well like!
Click here to receive an email reminder for the next #iwillwearwhatilike link up as soon as it’s live!
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!
PLEASE NOTE: This is for linking up WHAT YOU’VE BEEN WEARING ONLY. Non-outfit links will be removed and you might be blocked if you turn out to be a repeat “offender” (and no one wants that, do they…)!
Came across your blog while looking for information about styling fashion trends.
Loved your look, amazing!
Author
Thanks, Lata!
I am loving the cut and colour, Isnt it funny that we think we ant a change and then ee a picture that takes us back to square one. I was so sure I wanted red hair again and as soon as I took the step towards that the “blond” pics started popping up in my time hop and I wanted to go back. Life and gals with their hair we are so fickle. Great outfit
Author
Thanks Linda – you sound like me, chopping and changing your mind!!
I love your new hairstyle. A great cut definitely makes styling so much easier. And orange, well, my linked photo says I’m into that vibe too. I’m feeling slightly traffic cone/squished pumpkin. Thanks for hosting.
Author
Your traffic cone is amazing, Melanie!!!!! 😉 😀 Thank you sweetie x
I love the new do! I’ve just had a couple of inches chopped off mine too and it feels great…and it’s much easier to manage. Fabulous blazer, I love the colour. Camel and red would be my top choices if I had to choose just two!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Author
Isn’t it soooooo much easier, Emma?! Thank you xx
Love your hair! And I love the scarf and the earrings with the orange blazer.
Author
Aww thanks Fonda x
Love the haircut Catherine! After spending years growing mine as long as possible, I’m thinking about doing the same!
Author
It’s very liberating, Helen…!
Yes, that’s a versatile length, hair and coat!
My hair’s long and fringeless as I find it easier maintenance (for me) than short, plus I look absolutely awful with short hair! And there’s always dry shampoo between washes … I wish you much happiness with your shorter length and fringe, you’re looking super stylish in your long bob and long jacket.
Hugs, Mary.
thepoutingpensioner.blogspot.com
Author
Thank you so much Mary xo
Love your hair Catherine! You are looking very Spring like and Orange suits you, not many can wear it. Sarah aka Badassbabyboomer xx
Author
Thanks Sarah – a few years ago I wouldn’t have touched orange…!!
I noticed your new hairstyle immediately. You look great with it. And the look is a real eye-catcher.
XO Martina from Munich
Author
Thank you so much Martina!!
I think your hair looks very chic! But I am with you, trapped in a perpetual cycle of growing out my bangs, then getting them again. The last time I got a haircut, I was about to ask my stylist whether I should try bangs again and he said, “Before you ask me to cut bangs, the answer is no!” 😉
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
Author
Hehe I love that your stylist preempted your query with a no, Cheryl…!!!!! 😉 Thank you x
Great outfit, Catherine! I love the colors. And I am the same way with my hair. As soon as I grow it out, I chop it off, then begin growing it out immediately. This is the longest I have let my hair grow in years! I love the new cut on you. It looks darling!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Author
Thank you Shelbee my lovely… how great that hair grows, isn’t it – good job, seeing as we’re so fickle!!
I feel like my hair just keeps getting shorter and shorter, so I totally understand, Catherine!!
As for the coat….I love that length. It’s the ones I reach for more and more now!!
XOOX
Jodie
Author
It’s such a versatile length, isn’t it Jodie?!
You know I adore this hairstyle in you Catherine, it’s just so chic. I wonder if you’ve ever had this length without a fringe and if so what was it like? I love my hair in a bob too but am actually enjoying the longer length at the moment so I won’t be cutting it any time soon. Although I worry it’s aging and drags my face down a little, what do you think?
Great outfit and totes agree on the longline xx
Author
I have had this length without a fringe, but always with a side parting…!
I don’t think your hair drags your face down AT ALL Michelle, I think you look more modern with longer hair than shorter. But then, it’s entirely up to you… you have to cut it (or not) to suit YOU, and no one else – but you know that already!!!!
Fabulous haircut!! I love it that length! Love your soft and elegant trousers xx
Author
Aww Maria thank you! The trousers are by Winser and I can thoroughly recommend their jersey trousers 😀
Shorter hair is so much easier to look after, but I will miss your beautiful long hair. Love – Jill x
http://www.stylishatsixty.wordpress.com
Author
The time it took to brush, wash and dry my hair means I don’t miss it at all, Jill…!! 😉
I think you hair looks just gorgeous! And why does hair grow like that, if not for us to cut it off or grow it out whenever we like, right?
Author
You’re absolutely right, Mary Katherine!! Thank you x
Fabulous hair cut Catherine, & love that long line blazer, I picked one up in the Wallis sale, have worn it twice already in this wonderful weather. Roll on the Spring I say. Jacqui Mummabstylish
Author
Thank you Jacqui! I say roll on Spring too…!!
Firstly the hair looks amazing! Second, wide legged trousers are my favorite. Stylish and they make your legs look longer. A bonus for me! xx
Author
Thank you SO much Laurie… these are one of my favourite pairs of trousers!!