I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks this now and then: Is this outfit really ‘Me’?
Either that, or Is this shirt/coat/hat, [etc.] really ‘Me’?!
I’d hankered after an oversized lace collar (preferably attached to a top) for ages after seeing a few of them online. They just looked really “bygone-era cool”, especially layered over loose-fit or bold/oversized knitwear for contrast.
They seemed like a natural progression from the Princess Diana-style pie crust collar shirts that made a comeback about four years ago… like the next stage of all things romantically old-fashioned coming back to tease anyone old enough to remember the Laura Ashley look back in the late 70s/early 80s. I love an exaggerated ANYTHING, so I was all over this trend.
But then I tried the damn thing on…
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Shop the look:
I ordered two versions with slightly different collars (see the other one here) and one collar only, no top attached (see here). I tried the first top on with the square collar: Big fat NOPE. I then tried this one – which was better because the collar is attached to a soft t-shirt style top rather than a stiff cotton top – and really rather liked it.
BUT THEN the doubts crept in… IS THIS LOOK REALLY ‘ME’?!
Should my style be going this way at this stage in my life?
I often ask Keith his opinion in these times (he’s good at giving a straight answer – he’s never unkind, just honest/tactful about whether he likes the outfit) – and he wasn’t sure. It didn’t help that I was trying it on before bed when I was feeling a bit scrubbed and unpolished with my hair in a topknot, so that’ll teach me a lesson.
However the next day I gave it another go, this time styling it properly the way I’d actually want to wear it (not with a makeup-free face, messy hair and pyjama bottoms in other words). After studying a few shots of myself wearing this new-to-me look confirmed what I’d been thinking…
WHO GIVES TWO SH*TS WHETHER IT’S REALLY ‘ME’ OR NOT?!!
I liked the outfit. I felt good in it. I needed to take my own #iwillwearwhatilike advice and just stop being so precious about what my style “is” and JUST WEAR THE DAMN OUTFIT.
So with that in mind, I’ve decided to go large and wear my oversized collar with the pride of a woman in her late 40s who wore the trend first time around… and doesn’t care.
Next stop: Hardcore cottagecore! LOL #kidding
What do YOU do when faced with the “Is it really ‘me’?” question about an outfit or item of clothing? Comment below…
Stay safe, XOXO
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!
Collared t-shirt: Asos
Sweater: F&F (similar V-neck, similar round neck)
Trousers: Asos (similar & love these)
Shoes: Asos
Sunglasses: Polaroid
Other lace-collared tops you might like:
Other orange sweaters you might like:
Other brown trousers you might like:
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Linking up to… Monday: Inspire Me Monday, Ageless Style Linkup (first Monday of the month), My Glittery Heart, On Mondays We Link Up || Tuesday: Style With a Smile, Trend Spin/Walking in Memphis in High Heels, Turning Heads Tuesday, Spread the Kindness, Confident Twosday, Happy Now Blog Link Up || Wednesday: Style Me Wednesday, WowOnWednesday || Thursday: Chic & Stylish || Friday: Fancy Friday, On the Edge, Fabulous Friday, Fabulous Friday’s Link Up
You look great! I’m loving your top and your shoes!
Life is a Shoe
Author
Thank you Celyn 😀
I too have reached the age of “I have worn this trend before, is it still for me?” and it is definitely a tricky one! As you say trying on the full outfit makes a big difference, I have often tried on a new top with sweatpants and shockingly it looked terrible, but was actually fine! ;-). One of my favourite Laura Ashley style dresses (I think I actually bought it at Pier One (formerly the Pier in the U.K.) in the 90s had a huge lace collar and I loved it, so I can see the appeal of this trend!
Author
I don’t why we do the thing of trying on new clothes when we’re not dressed or made up properly, Steff – we KNOW it’ll end in disaster!! lol 😉
Those shoes are absolutely to die for, I love the colour!
Danielle
Author
Thanks Danielle – they were orange so of course I had to have them…! 😉
It’s so you! I love reading posts like this, it encourages me to think outside my mid-40’s “mom box”.
Author
Thanks Tara – and I’m so glad it does!!
Those shoes are lovely! So stylish and awesome colour :)!
Author
Thank you Julia – I actually got them to replace a pair of similar-ish orange ghillie shoes I’d almost worn through, so I think I’ll be wearing them a lot 😀
Thank you for post. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Gotta tell you that those collars are a trend I am definitely going to skip
You know…perms, big collars…not for me personally. But then again…how knows. Will be strutting around in a couple of months with just that.
Great styling, Catherine. Thank you for hosting! xo Sabina
Author
Hehe you’ll be glad to know I’ll definitely be skipping the perm, Sabina!!!!! 😉
Thanks lovely x
Yup, wear the damn outfit – you look wonderful in it! What is “me” now is different from what was “me” 10 years ago. If our style never evolves, how ridiculous would that be? Yet, we’ve all bought those things we were on the fence about, then never wore. I’m trying to buy less and love it more these days, and there are enough things I KNOW will look good and really want, just trying to juggle space and $$$ to make it happen. Trying to save those “experiments” for thrifting expeditions…so do what I say and not what I do, and wear those collars ’til Doomsday!
Author
You know you’re absolutely right, Mary Katherine! I need to remember that one’s OWN style needs to evolve and apply it to myself, not just to others…! Thank you hon x
I love this whole outfit Catherine! The lace collar stands out beautifully against the mustard jumper. If you’re really drawn to something you should just go for it…I’m all for trying something new!
Emma xxx
Author
Thanks Emma, and yes you’re absolutely right! If I hadn’t done that a few years ago with my approach to orange (hated it a few years ago) I wouldn’t have the orange explosion that now exists in my wardrobe, lol 😀
The huge collar trend is so ‘not me’ that I didn’t even wear it the first time round. It just doesn’t work for me. Your shoes are amazing. Glad you’re posting more regularly. I always read but don’t always comment 🙂
Author
I’m not sure I really went beyond the pie crust collars first time around, Lorna – maybe that’s why I’m drawn to these big collars?!
And thank you, that’s lovely to hear you’re enjoying the more regular posts! x
In case you didn’t know: you look AH-MAY-ZING in this ensemble, Catherine.
I’ve asked myself the same question countless times, and every time I have to remind myself: it WILL be “me” when I WANT to make it so.
That collar is not an easy trend to pull off but you matching it with those so, SO cool pants and those shoes that I wish I own just creates a perfect outfit.
Author
Oh bless you Liyana – thank you!! You’re absolutely right when you say “it WILL be “me” when I WANT to make it so” 😉
I remember these things the first time round (actually not the very FIRST time round… that would make me an immortal or something!), but back in the 80s anyway. A boy at school gave me a collar that I put on my teddy bear lol. I do have one of those collar necklace things that I’ve only worn once because I don’t feel like it looks right on me. Maybe it’s just not the right shape.
Your outfit, however, looks bloody brilliant on you! I love the whole ensemble – especially with those trousers. Gorgeous! I also love that you decided to ‘sod it’ and wear whatever the hell you want! That is the whole point isn’t it?! And I couldn’t agree more!
Hugs
Suzy xx
Author
Hehe yes when I say “first time around” I do mean the first time they were around in my lifetime… I wonder how many time exactly they’ve been fashionable?!! Thank you gorgeous x
Ha, I ask myself the same question all the time, including with the top I’m wearing in my outfit post this week! I think the answer is, if you like it, it’s “you”!
Cheryl Shops
Author
Of course you’re right, Cheryl – I think I’ve been overthinking it!! 😉 thank you xoxo
I love this outfit! It’s very pretty, and the white collar sets off the color of the top beautifully. As for what I do when trying to determine whether or not I like a particular item or outfit is ask myself how I feel wearing it. If I feel good then it’s a go!
Michelle
Author
It’s the contrast of the collar and sweater that I love so much, Michelle…! The “I feel good in this” didn’t come to me till I’d tried it on properly (not scrubbed and ready for bed), that’s when it happened 😀
Thank you hon x
wow. those pants look amazing on you. How the heck did you get that body??!! lol yes I know you’ve already told us heaps – but more please. I’ve brought my dumbells, walk more, drink more water, eat less, but… ?
Author
Oh goodness Ratnamurti, I’m blushing now!!! Thank you my lovely, the post is in the pipeline I PROMISE xx
I ask myself that question a lot. Specially when out shopping.
And then when I get something I feel a little unsure, I get home and have no idea how to style it and then is a downward spiral that usually ends up with me returning such item.
My husband is no help he is like: are you SURE you like THAT!?
Author
I think if you have no idea how to style something then yes I get the downward spiral thing, Pilar – but I knew *exactly* how I wanted to style this collar. That’s actually a very good way to know whether something is right for you or not I guess! x
I like it on you! I think it looks great the way you have styled it!
Author
Thanks Carol – this is exactly how I wanted to wear it so that’s probably why I ended up keeping it 😀
xo
Those pants are so stylish. I love them on You.
Author
Thank you Neti – I adore joggers-style hems, for some reason I think they’re so flattering and kinda cool…!!?
Well that is funny, because I asked in stories yes or no for shoes. I like them but it’s almost 50 50. So I thought mm, perhaps they aren’t that cute as I thought. But now I’m thinking, yeah well I like them so what! Must be menopause….. I honestly have to I’m not a fan of these collars, but…. You wear it perfectly!
Author
Oh gosh if YOU like them Nancy then it’s a no-brainer – get the shoes!! Even if it’s was 99% against them…!!!!!!
Catherine, this WORKS! I love the play of feminine in the collar with the masculine plaid trousers. Hey, lace collars are totally in here in the US with our honoring of Ruth Bader Ginsberg who was the master of the lace collar! When I first started blogging, I found myself trying new things, which was good, but sometimes choosing things that were popular or trendy without really liking how they looked on me. Lesson learned!!
xx Darlene
Author
Wow it never occurred to me about RBG’s style and her big collars, Darlene – very proud that there’s a connection there!! thank you hon xoxo
I’m so glad that you came to your senses. Of course it suits you! And wonderfully so. Thanks for sharing this style inspiration.
Rena
Author
Aww thank you lovely Rena – that’s so sweet of you!! x
First of all, you look so amazing, my friend! I love these plaid pants so much and I quite like this fun oversized dramatic collar! You are totally pulling it off in the best possible way. The ASOS ones you linked are really cute, too. Now as far as the “Is it me?” question…I approach every outfit like I am playing dress up, so it is always me because it is the mood I am in that day. If that makes any sense. But basically, I like all sorts of style genres and combining them in my own ways. Some outfits are a little too plain to feel “like me” but I still like them or else I wouldn’t have chosen the wardrobe items. You know? It is a really great question to contemplate, but like you said, who really cares, if you like the outfit, wear the damn outfit!
Shelbee
Author
“if you like the outfit, wear the damn outfit!” – never a truer word said!! I really should take my own advice, Shelbee 😉
Thank you my lovely x
I am loving your shoes! Those are me 🙂
Author
thanks Lise – so orange and so strappy, I love them too 😀
I do this a lot when shopping. I see it, love it and buy it. Wonder if it’s really me and then never wear it! I need to take note Catherine xx
Author
I think we need to just remember to wear the damn thing if WE like it, Laurie (assuming we can find ways of wearing it)!! x
You look great! I really love the pop of mustard color too.
I do have that self-doubt quite often when I venture outside my usual comfort zone (aka head to toe black…) and sometimes I have to go ask my partner for a lil “hype” as it were to make me feel better, lol! Sometimes taking a few selfies to reaffirm that I do in fact look great helps too!
Author
Thanks Martha – and YES I always say to study photographs of you in an outfit rather than what’s in the mirror. Extra tip: don’t do selfies, get someone ELSE to take the photo so they can stand back and zoom in – you’ll look far less like a bobblehead with short legs (which is what selfies always do to you)! It’s a lot easier to be objective and you’ll see what you REALLY look like, which is often 10x better than what you see in the mirror or a selfie…!
Definitely you! I adore collars like this (and the Peter Pan variety). Looking very svelte!
Author
Oh gosh thanks Gail!! It’s great to feel so much better than I did a year ago 😀
You are so right! I think it’s ‘you’ if you feel good in it!
Author
You’re absolutely right, Laura! xo