Mid-September means autumn is fast approaching, so let’s do transitional season outfits.
That is, as much as I don’t want summer to end(!)
Something a bit different today in terms of format: Normally I focus on one outfit and shoot some ‘official’ outdoor photos. It’s hardly practical if you’re trying different things on and want to record them, so maybe these quick photos in my dressing room are a good way to see what works – and what maybe doesn’t.
(Let me know your thoughts and if you like the format…!)
I’ve taken one basic end of summer outfit made of two new pieces I bought in the summer sales and switched up belts, shoes and jackets. So when the temperatures drop I can now see what the outfit looks like when I have to throw on a jacket, and which combinations I like the most.
[Reading time: 2 mins]
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
The main picture above and this one below show the ivory sleeveless drape neck top and the warm green wide leg trousers, both of which I’m TOTALLY into right now:
And the best news is that they’re both still available; the trousers are from French Connection and a steal at only £30 (down from £75).
As for the top, I’ve wanted a top in this drape-neck, sleeveless style for absolutely bloomin’ ages… since I wore a similar style one in lime green at a photo shoot in about 2014, in fact. I was convinced that the style wouldn’t suit my square shoulders, long arms and ample bosom, but the stylist (luckily) persuaded me otherwise.
I just think this neckline is so elegant and – dare I say it – something that I can say“This!” in answer to the eternal style question of WWGKW (what would Grace Kelly wear).
ANYTHING I think Grace Kelly might wear gets a big style tick in my box.
Shop the basics:
That’s all there is to this post, really: a try-on session for some summer-to-autumn outfits. Right now we’re having an Indian Summer in the UK (it nearly ALWAYS happens in the middle of September), so the nice light top and flappy trousers are perfect for a hot day and then a jacket will keep you warm as the temperature drops in the evening.
The three jackets I picked out are all old faves from my wardrobe and have been on rotation for many years. The outfits and the styling were all impromptu with things I pulled out my wardrobe – hope you like!
Which is your favourite version of this outfit? 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!
Option 1: with a grid pane jacket
My black and white grid pane jacket comes out year after year after year. It goes with EVERYTHING.
It’s actually a warm white with black checks, and the top is an ivory/warm white as well so it works so much better than stark cold white. Orange gives it the colour the outfit needs.
And next time I’ll actually roll up both sleeves of the jacket #eyeroll
Other black/white jackets that would also work:
Option 2: with a double-breasted peach blazer
The warm peach of the blazer works beautifully with the warm green of the trousers. It brings out the goldy-tone in the fabric.
I’m not sure whether to take the trousers up as they’re a little long, but then they work so well with my chunky white trainers I’m in two minds as to whether to change the length? I think maybe just over an inch or so is all they need to be shortened by…
Other peach/pink jackets that would also work:
Option 3: with a mint green suede biker jacket
Wow this jacket is SO old the brand (Gray & Osbourn) doesn’t even exist anymore… I’d almost forgotten I had it in fact (you can see me wearing it here with jeans a few years ago). Rather than a regular belt I tried a long neck scarf tied in a bow, and I picked out the navy blue in the pattern with my pointed Finery platforms.
I think this is my least favourite combination of the bunch as the jacket is a cold green and the trousers are a warm green so it’s not quite right. But it’s good to experiment and see what works.
Other green jackets (that would probably work better than mine):
✷ ✷ ✷ ✷ ✷
CLICK HERE to read the rules of the #iwillwearwhatilike link up…
CLICK HERE to receive an email reminder for the next #iwillwearwhatilike link up as soon as it’s live!
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 Link Up || Wednesday: Style Me Wednesday, WowOnWednesday || Thursday: Chic & Stylish || Friday: Fancy Friday, On the Edge, Fabulous Friday’s Link Up
Wowee Catherine, don’t you look amazing! I’m so pleased to see you looking so utterly radiant and at peace with yourself. There’s something so satisfying about getting fit and healthy that just shines out from these shots. You could be wearing a black sack and still look wonderful.
The outfit is totally cool and one that I’d wear myself. I love the tonal connection from belt to shoes that ties this together beautifully. The trousers are fabulous and if I weren’t on a 12 month shopping break I’d be right there buying them now.
Bravo for you. Great job!
Lots of love
Anna x
Author
Oh goodness Anna what lovely compliments, thank you!! I do feel so much better 😀
Looooove this blazer.
Purchased one similar not too long ago – always adds a pop of colour to my outfit!
Author
What can I say, Mia, I’m always drawn to anything peach and orange…!!
I like the format! I love color, so I am apt to pick with peach jacket with the smart trousers. I think they are all beautiful though. I love the color of the trousers as well as the jackets with your hair and complexion!
thanks for linking!
jess xx
Author
Thanks Jess – yes I think the peach works well with my hair 🙂
You look amazing, these outfits are stunning!
Danielle
Author
Danielle thank you! x
I love the trousers and top, so elegant! My favourite look is with the peach jacket, but they are all fabulous! Thanks for linking up!
Emma xxx
Author
Thanks Emma my lovely! x
The indoor pictures are just as fabulous, Catherine. And I hear you. Shooting different versions outside can be quite exhausting but much easier indoors. Go for it.
The whole outfit is simply stunning. Love everything about it. Grace Kelly would be totally jealous 😉 xo Sabina
Author
They ARE exhausting, Sabina!! Not sure I could go back to the days of taking several outfits in the car with me and doing quick changes, lol 🙁
Thank you hon xx
Well for a start you look just great in every one of these looks….happy and healthy. So elegant but not in an intimidating way!!
As for colour combinations and styles…I like the peach jacket and also the shoes (orange/coral) in the top photos. I get what you say about the green jacket being cool and looking ‘wrong’, but I’ve surprised myself by somehow really liking the whole look. …….thank you!!
Author
Erika that’s really lovely of you, thank you!! Never thought of myself as elegant so that’s a wonderful compliment 😀
Catherine – you are looking stunning & glowing with good health. The outfits look wonderful on you. I like them all but if I have to pick I like the basic by itself & then with the peach jacket. Well done.
Author
Christine you’re such a love, thank you so much xoxo
I SO love that draped top. That neckline is just so elegant, especially with those super cool pants!! I like the grid pane jacket best, but then I am kind of into boyfriend blazers right now! Lol! You are looking good, Catherine!
xx Darlene
Author
Thank you Darlene! Yes I agree about the neckline of the top, it’s one of those timeless styles, isn’t it…
The peach jacket outfit is my favourite. Fabulous outfit and love the colour scheme. I like the new format as well as looking at different styling options with one anchor piece – so helpful. I suggest you do hem these lovely trousers to a more practical length.
Author
I agree about the peach being the best jacket with the trousers, Lise! And yes, now seeing the pictures the trousers do definitely need to be hemmed a bit. Thank you xx
I’m voting for the top two looks. The 1st one *if* I have to narrow it down! The format is good!
Author
Thank you Kimberly, so glad you like this new style of post! x
you look so fabulous. Love all the looks but the peach I think is standoutish and then the black and white plaid.
Author
Thank you so much lovely Linda xo
OMG I’m DYING over Option 2 right now!! It’s freaking gorgeous!!
I would totally wear it. And it looks so amazing on you. I do love that sleeveless stop on you – it’s perfect with your shoulders, Catherine! Can’t imagine why you would’ve thought it wouldn’t suit you.
LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Suzy xx
Author
Oh bless you lovely Suzy – thank you!! I do like my shoulders, but I always thought this style would make them look TOO square and then make my bust look EVEN bigger. It’s probably the draping that makes it work – and it goes to show that you should never follow style rules even for your shape (because that’s what I was doing avoiding this style)!! x
Catherine, this outfit is so Grace Kelly! I love the elegance of the drapey pants and that beautiful drape neck top. All 3 jackets look so great with it, but I think my favorite is the grid print one! And how cool that you found that amazing mint moto jacket hiding in your closet.
Shelbee
Author
Being ANYTHING GK is a massive compliment, Shelbee!! Thank you <3 xxxxxx
I know where you’re coming from, Catherine…I’m NEVER ready to let go of the summer either! That’s probably why I like the bare-shouldered look of your “basic” outfit the most; you look so glowy and sleek! But I will admit that the peach jacket is stunning with those olive-toned trousers…it’s not a colour I usually gravitate towards, but on you it’s beyond lovely! XO
Author
Hehe I shall miss having bare shoulders in a few weeks, Monika…!! Thank you hon xoxo
I have to add that the mint green jacket looks really good with your coloring. That jacket and blouse and sash belt with black pants or skirt would look very chic. (But that’s me with no imagination and always pairing everything with black pants or skirt.)
Author
Thank you Liz! Funnily enough, I think I have no imagination by teaming orange with everything…!! 😉
Catherine, you look mahvelous darling! Can’t wait to hear about how you slimmed down. (I stopped eating meat in March and have made a concerted effort to eat lots of fruits and vegetables daily. Would love to know what really worked for you.) You could get some modeling jobs!
I really like the peach jacket for the color and the cut with the pants. This is a good reminder to start wearing my blazers and jackets with sleeveless tops. I have a lot of colorful suits and I never think to just pop on one of the jackets.
I really like the orange belt with the gold buckle. It reminds me of the preppy interchangeable belt sets. The orange looks very chic.
Author
Aww Liz thank you – strangely most of the jobs I get these days ARE “modelling” jobs… I say “modelling” because the traditional line between pro models and the average woman on the street these days is blurring; many brands are using bloggers to model for them which is fabulous I think. It means we get to see many more shapes, sizes and colours than we have seen in advertising and the media for years and years. So in no way am I saying I’m model material (far from it!!), but it does seem to be where I make most of my money these days strangely!
As for the weight loss, I don’t follow any special diets and simply found the weak spots in my daily routine that prevented me losing it for so many years. A post IS in the pipeline, don’t worry! Thank you so much my lovely x
I’ve taken everything you said into consideration and my question is – Do you think it’s all about your self confidence growing? I mean I think you look amazing in every outfit but especially the first take, sleeveless. The one you thought you wouldn’t like before you tried it. I’ve been thinking about how we perceive ourselves based on images in the media. So when we ignore or reject those images, what we’re left with is just us, normal gorgeous women.
Author
Oooooh a bit of Freudian analysis MT – I love it!!!! 😉 Do you know you might be right – what I think it actually is is my confidence growing because I’m feeling back to my old self again. It’s as if a little bit of the Catherine that loved clothes and putting outfits together died in me very gradually over the last five years, and I’ve now realised she’s back in my life and am enjoying having her back. But I’m definitely not one for comparing myself to images in the media: I compare myself to me, and how I know I feel [and look, which is the bonus of getting fit] when I’m at my strongest and fittest. My rejection has always been of a lazy slob of a person which is just reflected back in the mirror at me when I’m unfit and unhealthy, nothing to do with wanting to look like models or celebs who’ve had a ton of surgery…!
Anyway enough of that psycho babble: thank you for those lovely compliments!! MUAH xoxo
I love all of these jacket options, but my favorite is the windowpane one!
I hope you are having a great week!
Amber
Author
Thanks Amber – that jacket is brought out year after year and I NEVER tire of it…!
Gorgeous! Love the original look–I do so LOVE orange as a ‘neutral” pop! The windowpane and peach jackets are nice, and I agree, shorten the hem by a couple of inches. Did you think of topping it with a white or off-white Moto jacket and same boots, you know, kinda “rough up” the sweet girly drape a bit, with maybe a scarf for interest? You, BTW, look stunning. XOXO
Author
Yep, the hem of the trousers is definitely going up by an inch or two, Rona! And yes, a biker jacket would be a great choice… thanks for the suggestion! x
Such a fun new post format! The peach blazer is my favorite, although I love the first look (without the blazer) too. Also, lady, your arms are looking ah-MAY-zing! Think I need to go back and read your fitness posts 😉
Cheryl Shops
Author
Oh bless you Cheryl, thank you! I’m surprised I’ve managed to tone my arms as much considering I’ve had tennis elbow for six months and can’t lift any weights on that side though!!
Catherine -so great to see you in outfits again. I like this dressing room idea with different combos – maybe a new regular segment?
Great pants and top – love the slouchy look and so flattering. Thanks for the ideas!
Author
Thank you Sue: yes I think I should try and make it a more regular feature if I can! x
Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
Author
It’s my pleasure, Patrick, hope you’re well xo
Really fun format, Catherine! My favorite is option one, but option two is nice as well.
Michelle
Author
Many thanks Michelle! x
You look amazing Catherine! Love this whole transitional fall look!
Thanks for the link-up!
Christine
Author
Aww thank you so much Christine 😀
Oh so pretty! I love that pop of color too! Fabulous! ~ Sherry
Author
Thank you Sherry! xoxo
Really like this. I think the top and jacket work well for video meetings from home too. Did the top fit true to size? I’m tempted but between sizes….
Author
Thank you Caroline…! Yes I bought my regular size, it’s a loose fit though so I’d say definitely don’t size up if you’re in between sizes x
Peach jacket makes you glow. You are looking so well. Love the dressing room shots, light is good so might be useful as you go into those grey days. Love the new format and bigger font too.
Author
Thank you Cathie – I was actually struggling for light so I *might* have to get the studio light out as we head into winter…!!
You are rocking those pants! I just love each and every outfit you’ve put together!
Author
Oh that’s so kind, thank you Laura! x
I adore the peach jacket version! And love the new format. Would love to know what kind of camera lens was used for these fab close-up, but full-length shots
Author
Thanks Diane – I think the peach jacket is the runaway favourite with everyone…!!
I used a wide-angle lens on my Olympus Pen (17mm in a Pen, it would be the equivalent of a 35mm in other cameras). So not ideal for outfit shots as it distorts your body (making anything close to the camera look larger), but as long as you’re shooting from a low-ish angle then your legs look longer and you don’t get the weird (and deeply unflattering) bobble-head+short legs look.
I’d ALWAYS recommend using a standard (45 – 50mm) lens for outfit shots if you can, but sometimes you don’t have the luxury of room to stand further back (which I don’t in my dressing room). Just remember: keep the camera low!!
Hope that helps x
Fabulous. Thank you! I have a 50mm which I love but indoor shots are difficult with it so I think I’ll save up for a 35mm.
The peach blazer sure looks good with it but that summer look without a layer is so pretty!
Author
Aww thank you Mireille my lovely x
Peach with trainers. Honestly, you look like a supermodel in it. Throwaway chic.
Author
Oh blimey THANK YOU Ratnamurti!!!!
I love the third option! But also loving it with just the basic and without the jacket!
Author
Thanks so much Julia 😀
I like the peach one best…… simplicity!
Author
Many thanks Cindy, you and most others it seems!! xo
I like the peach one most. Love the trousers but can you imagine me in them. Haha. They look gorgeous on you Catherine xx
Author
Thanks Laurie – yes they are ridiculously long even on me, so shorter ladies would need to take up SO much fabric!!!
Wow!!! You look so toned and so very happy!!!! I love the format too. It’s easy to take inspo this way. I love how you’ve styled it with the peach jacket the most, but honestly love them all xxx
Author
Oh bless you lovely Liz, thank you so much xx
Everything is perfect but I vote for the windowpane jacket as my absolute favourite. BOOMERBROADcast.net
Author
Lynda thank you!! The windowpane jacket is such an old fave, I’m not sure I’ll ever tire of it…
As Ashley said, SVELTE is the word, Catherine! They say dogs and their owners start to look alike, and Suki’s look sure suits you;) I have the same features that blouse compliments, and share the Grace Kelly-rule, so will be looking for something similar. I love all the outfits but the last one, and agree 100% on the 2 greens not working.
I also like the dressing-room shots, because that’s exactly what I’m doing in front of my own closet and mirror, and that makes this exercise so instructional.
Congrats on re-discovering your health, your fitness and your GLOW – it looks so good on you!
Author
Mary Katherine thank you!! I agree that the format works well, I think it’s something I should do regularly… good for when the weather is rubbish (like it is at the moment)! x
Oh I think the peach jacket looks gorgeous on you and with those trousers. And the ivory top looks very elegant. I love this kind a,, Indian summer,,. I can’t get enough of the sun and eating outside!
Author
Thanks lovely Nancy! x
Love the first two outfits. The third one is not for me. I do think you could take up a little bit from the trousers because even though they look amazing slouching over the orange shoes, they will rip quickly (at least that’s what has happened to my too long for me jeans)
I would’ve never thought of the orange and the peach!!! I suffer from a case of the matchies and end up matching everything all the time!!!
Love to see you wearing fun color combos to inspire me!!!
Author
Yes the trousers are definitely FAR too long, Pilar… I’ve done the same with jeans!! They’ll be taken up for sure.
Thank you hon xo
I’ve never worn this colour trousers before. They look great. I especially love them with your peach jacket. Thanks for hosting 🙂
Author
Thank you Claire – the colour is so pretty, kinda olive green but then it’s gold, then it’s olive green again…! 😉
You’ve styled these trousers perfectly! And so loving the white sleeveless top! They look great with each jacket but my favorite is the pink!
Thanks for sharing and for hosting the linkup!
Author
Thank you Ellibelle – so pleased I decided to get the top after all!
Catherine!
Well. . . Mrs Summers, Knock me down with a feather but you look very elegant and oh so svelte, congratulations gorgeous!
Im now inspired to lose 2 stone and need to know more details, please tell us how much weighed then and now?
…plus those brown trousers are fab!
Yes I do Iike the format too…
Ashley xxx
PS I even remembered to add an actual link at the bottom of my post this time!
Author
Thank you Ashley – it’s been a long time coming but I’m so pleased with my progress! A post is in the pipeline which will go into much greater detail than the previous weight loss posts I wrote. Watch this space!! x