This is, if I say so myself, one of those “clever” outfits that I came up with. Practical: yes. On the dull side: noooo.
The post title is a bit of a mouthful, but what I was trying to describe was two outfits that I wore to London last week. I was there for two days, and it was predicted to be warm and sunny one day, and cool and cloudy (possibly rainy) the second. To have to take a complete change of clothes for the second day is a bit of a pain in the _ _ _ _, to be honest. I chose something that could be adapted from one day to the next with a little clever layering to suit both weather days, WITHOUT the need for a second complete outfit.
Clear as mud now, eh?!
The key piece in this outfit – and something that I’ve found is great for layering – is the asymmetric hem wrap dress. Mine is AW18, and you might remember I wore it last on the blog in November with trousers underneath. Although the asymmetric hem can be a bit of a pain if you’re not into showing off your legs like me, it actually benefits from layering. Last time trousers, this time a pleated maxi skirt. Both options cover everything you want to cover AND saves any blushes if/when the dress pops open… it happens!
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SHOP THE LOOK:
Unfortunately I didn’t have time to photograph the first outfit (that I wore on the first, warmer day), but it consisted the same yellow coat (see this alternative) with the maxi skirt and a loose, patterned blouse and black ghillie lace-up shoes. I also took just one bag: a smart red leather backpack. So no wrap dress – it was too warm for that extra layer. I only wore the jacket in the morning to travel up on the train and in the evening once the sun had gone down, so the outfit was pretty much completely different to what you see here.
The next day was cooler and cloudier with a bit of drizzle. I was attending a brunch event in the morning (and would you believe it, the theme was Vitamin C/oranges so I was RIGHT on brand) and went to the V&A Museum in the afternoon with Lisa AKA The Sequinist to see the Christian Dior exhibition.
(I won’t say too much about that as I’ll get lost in my dreamy thoughts about how incredible was, but suffice to say it was worth EVERY penny of the annual membership I bought especially for it. Amazing doesn’t even BEGIN to cover it…!)
So for this second day I kept on the jacket and skirt, then simply layered a long sleeve t-shirt and the wrap dress over the top and switched the shoes for a pair of comfy red slingbacks (similar) that I could walk around in all day. The red shoes and red backpack might be a bit matchy-matchy, but I think there are enough colours going on for that not to look too twee.
The only thing I might do differently is the striped t-shirt: it’s not actually purple – it’s red and navy striped. I thought red would tie in but now I see the photos it looks purple. I’d probably switch that for a black top to match the sash or perhaps dark green to pick out the green in the dress. That’s why I always say trust the camera, not the mirror.
I’ve selected a few asymmetric dresses (scroll down) that you may want to consider if you want to do something similar. I love the layered look of the mismatching hems – I hope it was good enough for Monsieur Dior…! ; -)
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!
HAVE I TEMPTED YOU TO TRY LAYERING WITH ASYMMETRIC HEMLINES? HAVE YOU SEEN THE DIOR EXHIBITION YOURSELF (WHAT DID YOU THINK)? TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS!
Dress: Asos (love this one)
Jacket: F&F Clothing (instore only), similar
Skirt: JD Williams (similar – you might also like this one and this one)
Top: Old, unknown (similar in navy stripe, similar in yellow stripe)
Shoes: Marks & Spencer (similar)
Sunglasses: Oliver Bonas
Bag: Asos (similar)
Hair clips: Asos
OTHER ASYMMETRIC WRAP DRESSES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
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I love this layered look. Living in the NE I need them! The length of the dress also, as I’m not keen on showing my pins, plus, the tee underneath, so cleverly styled.
Alison
xx
Author
Thanks Alison – the hemline makes it SO much more interesting than just a maxi length, don’t you think? And it allows for the extra warmth…! 😉
Layers are your friends! Trying to be prepared for a variety of weather when traveling is important and I like to do that without bringing my whole closet! Looks like you did well: fun outfit!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Author
Thank you Mireille! I’d definitely agree that layers are my friends…!! x
I love this exciting mix of colours and styles Catherine, it’s right up my street. I’m only slightly annoyed that I didn’t come up with the idea myself! I’ll use your idea to prompt some creative styling and hope to share that with you when the results arise.
The Dior is on the bucket list of so many of we fashion bloggers as is the Mary Quant one too. I plan to take a trip to London next month and hope to get tickets for both. Maybe membership is the best way forward…
Thanks for the link up party x
Author
I’m not surprised it’s right up your street, Anna – I’ve probably been influenced a lot by your use of colour and creativity!
I’d definitely recommend the membership, although you don’t have to book or queue (in theory!) it still took us an hour to get through the queue of VIPs… I dread to think how long you’d have to wait in the queue for on-the-day tickets! And if you want to see Mary Quant too, then splitting the membership with a friend makes perfect sense once you add up the cost of four tickets (membership allows you to take a guest for free). I can’t wait to hear what you think of Dior…!!!!
I so agree with trust the camera not the mirror. I think the camera more aptly reflects what others see, in the mirror we still can see ourselves differently. The green or black underneath would have been smart too. Wish we could have seen the other look. I was picturing your second look was the skirt with the striped tee
Author
Weird how we see something different in the mirror, isn’t it Linda?! I’ve always thought it’s something to do with us seeing a reverse image… who knows how the brain works!
I wore a patterned blouse in the second look with just the skirt, you can see it on Pure Collection’s Instagram video (that was the event I went to): https://www.instagram.com/p/BxuOpmtABPx xx
My brain just would never come up with such advanced layering as this! You look great. I’m envious you went to the Dior exhibition. Xx
Author
Thanks Porcelina! I’m sure I’ve seen it on someone else, just can’t think who…! If you’re able to go and see Dior I’d thoroughly recommend it, you will DIE over all the 40s, 50s and 60s outfits 😀
I love this layered look, Catherine! I have layered skirts under shorter dresses to give them a little more length. I think it is a trick that many of us forget about though. So thank you for the reminder! And this color palette is so brilliant on you! Absolutely gorgeous.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Author
Thanks Shelbee – it’s a layering look I wished I remembered to try more as I really love it!!
You my friend are a layering genius…love every single thing about this!
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
Author
Debbie that’s so kind of you to say!! thank you xx
Your color combos inspire, me, Catherine! And what a great idea to pack more easily for changing weather. We’re sure getting a lot of that this year!
xx Darlene
Author
I’m so glad Darlene! Yes the weather is very interchangeable here too…
You looked fabulous and SO YOU in this outfit. I personally love the striped top underneath. It is unexpected but still matches. I get what you see in a few of the photos about it looking purple, but in person it looked super.
I bet you keep staring at all the Dior photos you took. You are, aren’t you!? What a dream of an exhibit. I was overjoyed to see that with you. xx
Author
OMG Dior was so amazing, wasn’t it Lisa… every time I thought “that must be the final room” there was another, even more incredible room!!
Thank you, I’m glad you though the top worked IRL! x
Creative layering for sure! Here in Colorado, layering is the law of the land and a lot of performance wear really started to make sense after I moved out here, lol! Looking beautiful as always!
~Melissa xx
https://freshairandfalselashes.com
Author
I love that it’s the law of the land Melissa…!! 😉 thank you x
You clever lady! Using the asymmetric cut when layering is quite a genius move my friend, Brava xx
Author
Thank you MT – I’m sure it’s the sort of trick I would have learnt from you…?!! x
I do love this layered look and truly wish I could wear it – but height (or lack thereof) and boobs make it a challenge for me to wear a tank and cardigan. It looks fabulous on you though and am seething with envy.
Author
Thank you Maeve – though I have extremely big boobs too (G cup)…!! I’m a bit confused by you saying about wearing a tank… I’m sure that’s what we call a vest top (sleeveless t-shirt) – I’m not wearing one of those, hence my confusion!
But I personally think the longline blazer/coat cardigan elongates the body, especially if you wear a solid colour underneath (jumpsuit, or same colour top and bottoms). Do the thing that I say about photographing it and studying the photo, not the mirror – just experiment wildly with different looks, no holds barred, and don’t second guess yourself. Try combinations or clothes you’d normally steer clear of. You NEVER know what might work, I still surprise myself even after doing this for years!! C xx
The weather in San Francisco has been tricky lately too—thank god for layering! Love the print on your dress, as it’s sure to brighten any dreary London day.
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
Author
I’ve been there Cheryl and I know how changeable it can be… much like Blighty!! Thank you so much lovely x
Great layering and great mixing of prints and pattern and great work on playing with structure. One would think this wouldn’t work and would be too much, but it’s not! Well done. This look is awesome, very inspirational and hard to copy. It’s so you! Love it! Thanks for hosting the party.
Author
Thank you Nicole – I thought it might be too much but my need for warmth was greater!!
Cool idea and looks great. Good idea for our temperamental climate!
Author
Gail thank you! x
So clever, unfortunately I would look like the Michelin man!
Cannot wait to hear about your visit to the V&A. I have plans to visit the Mary Quant exhibition very soon…
bestest
Ashley x
Author
Thanks Ashley! Oh I absolutely remember the Michelin Man (Bibendum) – and I also used to work in The Conran Shop on Fulham Road, in the Michelin Building so know him well. There are lots of images of Bibendum at the top in all the stained glass windows…!
And anyway you’d hardly look like him – you’re a lot tinier than I am!!
Love your outfit, Catherine. Your dress is beautiful. Thanks for hosting 🙂
Author
Thank you so much Claire Justine…!
Now that’s smart packing, Catherine!! Personally I loved this striped top with it. I think it’s add that fun and interest that you are always known for.
We had a Dior Exhibit here too and it was amazing. Even my husband enjoyed it because it showed how creative clothing could be.
XOXO
Jodie
Author
Thanks Jodie! That’s wonderful that your husband enjoyed Dior too…! 😉