I’m wearing this summer dress for the first time with layering and faux fur for autumn (which is very nearly winter).
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There’s a perfectly logical reason why, and no – it’s not an end-of-season sale item. It’s actually a SS20 dress that isn’t even available for a few months yet: makes me feel a little bit like a Hollywood starlet, wearing new season dresses before they’ve even come out…!
This is the outfit I wore last week on a working trip to London where I presented a styling session for the Cotton Traders SS20 collection, so naturally, to promote the collection I wore one of the new pieces. I’m keeping this gorgeous coral maxi boho dress* a little under wraps as it’s not available to buy yet (hence no shot without the coat), but next year you’ll definitely see it in its full glory.
[Update March 2020: I’ve linked to it as it’s now available online.]
So as it was November and pretty cold, what was I to do about styling/wearing it for a day in the capital?
Disclosure: This blog uses affiliate links (at no cost to you) and any items listed as* were gifted within the last 12 months. Full disclosure
SHOP THE LOOK:
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I actually think summer maxi dresses are perfect for autumn/winter. All you need to do is layer, layer, layer. Underneath I wore tights and a white roll neck (which I didn’t wear here, it went straight in the wash when I got home) for warmth. I added a brown suede belt and the classic navy knee-high boots* I got last winter – those key pieces gave the outfit that 70s vibe I love.
My navy pinstripe coat – worn SO much on the blog I’ve featured it as my 5 Ways to Wear item below – and the burgundy faux fur buckle collar* from Helen Moore were enough to keep out the cold November day (for ONCE it wasn’t raining thank god).
(I mentioned the amazing Helen Moore faux fur brand in my alternative Christmas gift guide featuring only indie sellers – don’t miss it.)
The used-a-million-times orange tote (similar), gold jewellery and the red headband (that I MEANT to wear with last week’s outfit #eyeroll) added more warmth to echo the coral of the dress.
One thing I can’t explain, however: what’s going on with the hem?! It’s not asymmetric, but I must have tucked it up in my knickers or something because blimey – the hem is all over the place…!!
Are you still wearing any summer pieces in autumn/winter? Tell me in the comments how you’re styling them…!
P.S. 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!
Fur collar: Helen Moore*
Coat: Jaeger (similar)
Dress: Cotton Traders* (SS20 – here’s an AW19 version)
Boots: Duo* (similar)
Belt: Mango
Bag: Hobbs (similar)
Headband: Asos (sold out, similar)
Earrings: & Other Stories (instore, similar)
Gold ring: & Other Stories
OTHER NAVY COATS YOU MIGHT LIKE:
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5 ways to wear a navy tailored coat…
Here are some of the other ways I’ve worn my navy pinstripe tailored coat so you can see the different ways it can be styled:
Original posts: Top middle / Top right / Bottom middle / Bottom right
Pin for later!
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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!
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Beautiful Dress. You are looking sweet and pretty in this dress.
Author
Thanks Mozo 🙂
I like to layer. Handy when there’s a moment of overheating! Love this boho style dress – colour, style and everything. I’ll be checking this brand out. Gorgeous outfit Catherine, right up my street.
Alison xx
Author
Thanks Alison – layering can be a lifesaver (especially when travelling in London)!!
Such a great look! Love these colors together!
Ellibelle’s Corner
Author
Thank you Ellibelle 😀
Stunning as usual!
I have a summery dress in an autumny mustard gold that I’ve been wanting to wear over a turtleneck with an oversized chunky cream cardigan, old brown leather belt, cream cable knit tights and beat-up brown lace-up prairie boots. The look is a dream in my mind’s eye…but I don’t have the cardigan, belt, tights or boots, ha! Don’t you hate when you can see something coming together so perfectly in your mind, but you can’t manage to create it in real life?
This outfit reminded me of that…but you’ve got all the pieces!
I’ll keep looking 🙂
Bettye
Author
Aww bless you Bettye, thank you!
I love that you do the same as me (dreaming up outfits I can’t quite put together)! Though I’m usually straight onto my PC to see if I can find that particular shade of orange belt that I’m hankering after… 😉
That’s a great coat, love the pinstripe and the fur is just right for the season. Jacqui x
Author
Thanks Jacqui – I’ve had the coat ages, it’s such a classic and I love it still!
I love to layer summer dresses too. We never know what the weather will bring so it makes sense. Gorgeous outfit Catherine.
Author
Thanks Hilda – you’re right about the weather, though it’s rained non-stop this autumn in the UK 🙁
You look so stylish Catherine. I love the combination of orange and navy. And, I was just thinking that I like the asymmetric hemline!!!!! Gorgeous as always xxxxx
Author
Hehe I don’t know WHAT was going on with the hemline, Liz!!! Thank you my lovely xx
This looks is absolutely perfect on you, SOOOO your style.
I’m kind of mad at you for showing that horse sketch orange dress above, because OMG to find a non floral maxi is a win, and to find one with HORSES… EVEN BETTER!!!
Off to try and talk myself out of a horse dress… xxx
Author
OHHHHHH I’m sowee Lisa…!! 😉
Thanks hon, though when you turn up in that fabulous dress I shall be popping up to claim all the credit! lol
I have a dress in similar colours from Monsoon – except it has a central panel with blues and greens in it. I love it and it’s nice and light for summer. I never thought of styling it for winter though. I guess I could but I love to keep it for the summer months so that I will have something to look forward too when it gets too blazing hot here. and I’m down in the dumps. Winter is my preferred time of year 🙂
Author
The dress sounds lovely, Lorna – Monsoon is a great place to go for boho dresses!
I love it when you mix and mash it up Catherine you are the Queen of orange!
bestest
Ash xx
Author
Heehee I’ve had a lot of orange-wearing practice, Ashley!! 😉 thank you lovely x
Catherine, I do love to layer, but you have definitely inspired me with this look! It just works. Even though we can’t see all of that dress, it will clearly be a big hit. The color!!!! Love it.
xx Darlene
Author
Aww thanks Darlene – I’m sure you’ll love it when you see it in full! x
Love your new strawberry blond!!
Author
Thanks Sue!! x
Although we cannot see the dress in full (and I understand why), this dress looks terrific. Layered with all the winter items, it is a lovely outfit. Well done my dear. I wouldn’t have come up with it.
Greetje
Author
Thank you Greetje, yes there wasn’t a full lock down on it(!) but I was allowed to show a little sneak peek 😉
I actually like the hem like that! The dress is gorgeous Catherine. I liked it in both colourways and there was so much at that event that I liked. Roll on SS20 so I can order! xx
Author
Hehe I don’t know what I did where the hem was concerned, Laurie!! Thanks my lovely, looking forward to seeing you in the black version…!
Love the idea of making a summer dress appropriate for winter! Also, love the orange and blue together. Thanks for hosting and have a great week!
-Katie
Author
Thanks Katie – I’m exceptionally fond of orange and navy blue together…!
Well, Shelbee, above, and I have fur as our theme next month. We would be honored if you would like to join us! I have not the expectation that you have time to join, but hey I’m Dutch, brutal, can’t help it.
Author
I have every intention of joining All The Link Ups, Nancy – it really is just lack of time that stops me! I have to decide whether to go to bed at long-past-my-bedtime or to do all the admin I’ve still not finished, and bed wins every time 🙁
I promise I’ll do my very best xx
I keep looking for a dress like this! It seems like there are so many styling possibilities.
Author
It’s a beauty, Kimberly – the sleeves are full and very gypsy-like, true boho! I think it’ll be out in about February xx
Oh it is a fabulous dress, Catherine! And so perfectly styled for autumn with boots and a long coat. That fur collar is so amazing, too! I love the colors and the mixed up patterns. Just gorgeous!
Shelbee
Author
Thanks so much lovely Shelbee – I do love this colour palette (and yes, isn’t the fur collar fabulous?!) x