If I haven’t yet persuaded you to try some bold colour with the myriad of different shades I’ve worn over the years, this outfit surely has to be the one to do the trick.
It’s 100% me in my happy place: bold colour, warm tones, pattern. The floral batwing top*, crop trousers* and crossover heels* are all from JD Williams – a brand that I’ve worked with a lot over the years and continue to buy from (the snakeskin dress I bought for wearing at Christmas was very popular). I love this brand as they really do understand that women do not come in one shape and size – and don’t always want to see clothes on 20 year olds!
Their advertising campaigns always have a wonderfully diverse group of gorgeous women (models AND regular women) – it’s so refreshing to see outfits on different body types.
Disclosure: This is a paid partnership with JD Williams (click here for my full disclosure). All content is original and opinions are my own. The post contains affiliate links which means if you click through and buy I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Any items listed as* were gifted.
These stretch trousers* are a great example of their dedication to great fit. They’re stretch (4 way!), super, super comfy and have a Magisculpt panel insert AND secret stretch waistband – basically all the comfort of an elasticated waistband, but a lot more flattering. I find trousers in this style usually lack stretch and pinch when you sit down… not these trousers. It’s just one example of how JD Williams caters for all shapes and sizes (they stock sizes 10-32, whoop whoop!) without compromising on style.
Now I’ve got all the “talking like I’m in an advert” bit out the way (all true though and all my own opinion!) let’s talk the outfit as a whole – ESPECIALLY the explosion of colour I’ve treated your eyes to here…
When picking bold colour to wear I usually go for All The Warm Colours as they suit my skin tone better. Magenta (they call the trousers “berry”) is a blueish-pink and I’m just not a blues and purples kinda gal. So I usually pass over this shade, but I thought the style and fit of these trousers were too good to pass up, and of course the colour isn’t next to my face.
One thing though: my usual size was too small, so if you’re thinking of getting these trousers I’d recommend going one size up. They definitely didn’t lose shape or go baggy though, so I’m glad I got the bigger size.
(Never worry about the size on the label if something fits you beautifully, ladies!)
This concoction of bold spring/summer colours is right in my sartorial comfort zone: paired with my favourite oranges and yellow, the magenta is a strong anchor colour. It picks out the deep pink in the floral pattern of the fabulous floral top* and contrasts beautifully with the tangerine orange heels*.
I believe that anyone can wear any colour, it just depends on how – and where (on your body, not geographically!!) – you wear it, and the hue you choose.
Easing yourself into some bold colour
Colour can be one of the greatest assets your wardrobe has: it has the power to change your mood – and that of others you meet – entirely. Nearly every time I’ve received a compliment about an outfit has been when I’m wearing colour; in fact, my neighbour saw me in this outfit and said I looked wonderful – “you look really, really well!” were her exact words.
(If that’s not a reason to wear colour, I don’t know what is…!)
My best advice is to start with accessories in a bold colour. To go with this outfit I chose a neutral slouch bag that doesn’t detract from all the clashing colour. But if CLOTHES this bright frighten you, start with a bag. I guarantee you that a brightly coloured bag is more versatile and more stylish than a boring black bag.
No one will likely comment on a black handbag; choose a red or orange one, however, and it’s bound to get noticed.
If I wasn’t wearing such bold colours here, I might choose one of these bags (I’ve thrown in a couple of blush ones in case you need to be eased into colour REALLY gently) – JD Williams stock many well-known brands as well as their own:
The three key pieces needed a cover-up (it’s been chilly here), and I already had the longline yellow jacket… you can see in the close-up photo below how beautifully the yellow, magenta and orange go together. I honestly couldn’t love this combo more – I did one of my happy dances when I put all the pieces on together.
This isn’t just any colour. This is Not Dressed As Lamb meets JD Williams for SS19 colour…! ; -)
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!
WHICH JD WILLIAMS PIECE CAUGHT YOUR EYE THE MOST (OR ARE YOU DRAWN TO THE IDEA OF CLASHING COLOURS AS A WHOLE)? COMMENT BELOW…!
Trousers: JD Williams*
Top: JD Williams*
Heels: JD Williams*
Jacket: F&F at Tesco, instore only
Bag: Old
Sunglasses: Mango
Earrings: Toolally*
Bracelet: Old, unknown
Don’t miss their new TV ad which has just been released…
✷ ✷ ✷ ✷ ✷
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!
Click here to enter
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…)!
Hmmmm… The outfit is attractive..
Trendy colors!
xx
Esha
Author
Thank you Esha 🙂
Catherine, these colors are the most magnificent combination I have ever seen! Very much reminding me of something Sam of Fake Fabulous would wear! And you both have impeccable style.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Author
Wow that’s a FANTASTIC compliment, Shelbee, thank you – Samantha is my colour guru!!
I have these shoes too Catherine!!!!! You look gorgeous as ever and your blog is the first thing I look at each week.Thank you so much for introducing me to JD williams !!
Kisses
Lesley xx
Author
Oh Lesley you absolute poppet, thank you… I’m so glad you love JDW too! 😀
Oh, these ARE YOUR colors, for sure! I’m the same generally, I’m much more apt to feel comfortable in “brights” if they’re of a warm hue. I’m also not a purple or hard pink girl.
Isn’t it interesting how we all have such hard likes and dislikes when it comes to color…?
Bettye
https://fashionschlub.com
Author
It IS, Bettye!! Sometimes I think I need to ease off on the orange and yellow, but I’m always drawn to it time and time again…! Thank you xx
All those rich colors look amazing with your hair! And I agree with two things you’ve mentioned. One is that marketers are beginning to see that the over 50 crowd is worth pitching to–they have disposable income and they are growing in numbers!! So, yay, for JD Williams! The second is that as you say, sizing is arbitrary, and it doesn’t matter what the number is as long as it fits well and makes you feel good! Thanks, as always, for provoking thought!
xx Darlene
Author
Thanks Darlene – and yes I’m so in agreement. I think JDW have it spot-on in terms of who they use to model for them: they’re all a breath of fresh air. And all look so gorgeous in what they style them in!!
So much color fun going on here. Love the floral and the orange mixed with fuschia!
Author
Chrissy thank you! I’m so in love with this combo…!
Beautiful combination of colors. Plus your hair. Love it. But then again, you’re just really good with colors. Bravo to you. I have grey hair and find that white looks really good. In America there is a brand, Bryn Walker that also has gorgeous colors. I love that brand. and wear if often. But if you were to look in my closet you’d find an awful lot of black and white.
Author
Thank you so much Sandra – I can imagine that bold colours would look amazing on you, I hope I’ve inspired you to try more of them…!
Wow. Wow. Just WOW! I mean, how do you know these colours work in such harmony Woman? I’m not sure I’d have picked them but I’m damn sure I love them together. I actually think you have a special colour gene in your DNA. And P.S. absolutely stunning array of bags you’ve popped in here to torture me arrrgh!
Author
Hehe thanks MT – I don’t ever feel like I know what I’m doing, the colour combos just sorta happen… maybe it’s my superpower?!!!!! 😀
Great spring colors. Thanks for the link up.
Author
Thank YOU, Julie!
Magenta trousers and an orange coat. I dunno how you do it lady. That shirt just ties the whole look up brilliantly and brings all the colours together for a big party. This is what makes you YOU and I am here for every bit of it! GORGEOUS! xx
Author
Aww thanks Lisa – I’m really glad I gave the magenta trousers a whirl… it wouldn’t have been as punchy with a more washed out pink!
This colorful look reminds me of summer and you pull it off so well.
Grace Liang
Author
Thanks so much Grace!
I wouldn’t have thought of pairing those colors together but it looks great!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Author
Aww thanks Mireille! x
No one does bold color like you do, Catherine! I’m actually wearing quite a bit of color on my post today—you’ve inspired me bit by bit!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
Author
Oh thank you lovely Cheryl – glad to have inspired you to try more colour!!
My girl knows how to wear color! I do LOVE orange so much. Everything you are waring from JD Williams fits and is styled so perfectly!
~Melissa xx
https://freshairandfalsleashes.com
Author
Melissa thank you!! I do colour so much than black…! ;
We’re wearing the same colour trousers! I like the sound of the waistband idea. So much better than just elasticated. Crushing on those mules too! xx
Author
Great minds Laurie! Thank you xx
Amazing look, Catherine. And they all work together.
P.S. Your hair looks so good. It’s the best accessory. Love it.
Author
Thank you Sue – it’s a good job I like orange with hair this colour, isn’t it…!
Love these bold colours – you look fabulous in it. Thanks for hosting the linkup . Jacqui Mummabstylish
Author
Thank you Jacqui!! x
I’m sure you could have sqeeeeeeeezed a few more colours in this ensemble Catherine! :oP
A delicious colour combination of lovely warm shades that made me think of tropical beaches and ice-cold cocktails.
Alas…. a world away from my current fleece-lined joggers situation!
I love the way your jumper makes everything make sense.
Perfect styling, as always!
XXX
Samantha
Author
Hehe you think, Samantha?!!!! 😉
I love your description – now I want to go on holiday!! Thank you darling x
I never ever liked orange in my hole life! And since a few weeks I bought a tee, cardigan and earrings in orange. What a fantastic color to combine!
Author
I used to avoid it like the plague too, Nancy – then a few years ago something clicked and now I’m nuts for it!!!!!
What superb mixing of colours – creates a very joyous blend.
Author
Thank you so much Gail 🙂