The Power of Accessories: A Blazer, T-shirt and Trousers Story #iwillwearwhatilike

The Power of Accessories: A Blazer, T-shirt and Trousers Story (Catherine is wearing an orange blazer, brown relax fit trousers, a Duran Duran Rio album print t-shirt, red slingback shoes and red accessories) | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style

Ignoring the fact that I’m wearing an orange top/brown bottoms combo for the third time in as many weeks(!), let’s talk accessories.

I don’t think you can underestimate the power of accessories. For me, they make or break an outfit. They make basic outfits something special.

Here I’m wearing a bold blazer (orange of course, what – would you expect anything else from me these days?!), relaxed brown cotton trousers and an admittedly-it’s-pretty-cool Duran Duran Rio album cover t-shirt. All great in their own right, better together.

But here’s the thing… I think the star(s) of the show are actually the accessories, the brights that pull it all together. Red slingback heels, a red headband, a deep red belt and a deep red cross body bag.

And just for good measure: lots of gold jewellery and a pair of fabulously oversized sunglasses (mostly for style reasons, they only stop you squinting on a cloudy day. I just love them).

 

[Reading time: 2 mins]

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The Power of Accessories: A Blazer, T-shirt and Trousers Story (Catherine is wearing an orange blazer, brown relax fit trousers, a Duran Duran Rio album print t-shirt, red slingback shoes and red accessories) | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style

Shop the look:


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What I’m saying is Don’t be afraid to pile on the accessories. They can make the dullest outfits come alive. I have the biggest selection of belts, scarves, sunglasses, bags, hats and headbands (not forgetting jewellery) in All The Colours and All The Patterns. They rarely go out of style (not for a long time, anyway).

This outfit was thrown together at the last minute (honestly!), but as it’s the orange top/brown bottoms combo I already mentioned I guess I’m still wearing a uniform-come-outfit-formula without realising it (autumn’s having an effect on me no doubt). Despite my protestations at it every year, autumn still comes at me in all its cold weather/falling leaves/rainy dark days abomination.

But to give it its due, it does produce some rather wonderful colour palettes that I can’t help but fall in love with. I just want the 9pm sunset times back, is that too much to ask…?!

Are you wearing outfit combos on repeat without realising like me? And are there any other autumn resistors out there?? Comment below…

 

Stay safe, XOXO

Catherine signature

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!

The Power of Accessories: A Blazer, T-shirt and Trousers Story (Catherine is wearing an orange blazer, brown relax fit trousers, a Duran Duran Rio album print t-shirt, red slingback shoes and red accessories) | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
The Power of Accessories: A Blazer, T-shirt and Trousers Story (Catherine is wearing an orange blazer, brown relax fit trousers, a Duran Duran Rio album print t-shirt, red slingback shoes and red accessories) | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
The Power of Accessories: A Blazer, T-shirt and Trousers Story (Catherine is wearing an orange blazer, brown relax fit trousers, a Duran Duran Rio album print t-shirt, red slingback shoes and red accessories) | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
The Power of Accessories: A Blazer, T-shirt and Trousers Story (Catherine is wearing an orange blazer, brown relax fit trousers, a Duran Duran Rio album print t-shirt, red slingback shoes and red accessories) | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
The Power of Accessories: A Blazer, T-shirt and Trousers Story (Catherine is wearing an orange blazer, brown relax fit trousers, a Duran Duran Rio album print t-shirt, red slingback shoes and red accessories) | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style

Blazer: Topshop (similar double-breasted, similar single-breasted)
T-shirt: RedBubble
Trousers: Mango (similar )
Shoes: Marks & Spencer (love these mules and these slingbacks)
Bag: JD Williams (love this one)
Belt: River Island (similar)
Headband: Asos (similar)
Sunglasses: Asos (love these)
Earrings and ear cuffs: Asos / Orelia / Asos / Asos

 

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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

The Power of Accessories: A Blazer, T-shirt and Trousers Story (Catherine is wearing an orange blazer, brown relax fit trousers, a Duran Duran Rio album print t-shirt, red slingback shoes and red accessories) | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 style
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47 Comments

  1. 20 October 2020 / 12:02 pm

    Love all those pops of red! And yes, I’d be good with getting those 9pm sunsets back as well.

  2. 14 October 2020 / 1:51 pm

    Love this blazer! You’ve put together all these colors perfectly!

    Life is a Shoe

  3. 8 October 2020 / 7:09 pm

    I Love this Lewk! That orange jacket is a must have. Enjoy October. . .

  4. 8 October 2020 / 2:03 am

    I think that’s the best part of blogging–restyling “old” pieces in new ways. And you are the master, Catherine! Of course, you are styling an orange blazer–it’s totally YOUR color! Love it all.

    xx Darlene

  5. 7 October 2020 / 6:42 pm

    Sure, I do. If an outfit works, take note, wear it again. Who says that you shouldn’t? We would look like jerks if we would use all n! combinations that our wardrobe theoretically would allow. Just imaging to wear two tops and no buttom, just because the random generator identified that as the OOTD. We would look like Disney’s family Duck or Mouse. Yuck. LOL.

  6. Pilar
    7 October 2020 / 4:09 pm

    As usual love the outfit!!! Those shoes!!!! I do tend to have an uniform but it rarely is fashiony (yep I just invented a word) I usually wear jeans and t-shirt year round, I just change the length of the sleeves though this year I am not purchasing anything with more than 10% synthetic fabrics I have been curving my t-shirt addiction (and just turned it to shoes)
    This year I also had the goal to dress a little better but the pandemic, a fracture and a pregnancy got in the way

  7. 7 October 2020 / 2:55 pm

    You’re right about the red pieces pulling this all together! The accessories are always my favorite part – like plating the dish before serving (always the food reference…). I’d love a blog post about how you put an outfit together – like what’s the very first thing you pick, the second and so on?
    I’ll think of the phrase: “cold weather/falling leaves/rainy dark days abomination” with a smile today, while Duran Duran’s Rio plays in my head – swoon!!!

  8. 7 October 2020 / 12:36 pm

    Gorgeous, gorgeous colors Catherine. Fall colors are your jam! πŸ˜‰

    • Catherine
      Author
      7 October 2020 / 1:13 pm

      They are, Chrissy, they are!! πŸ˜‰ thank you xoxo

  9. 7 October 2020 / 8:40 am

    I adore the colours of this combo – orange and brown looks great on you! And thanks for the tips on accessories. My thing is hats and I sometimes forget that there are other accessories like bags and shoes – thanks for the prompt! And thanks so much for hosting.

    • Catherine
      Author
      7 October 2020 / 1:02 pm

      It’s unusual for someone to be into hats Penny as I’m sure you’re aware… I’d love MORE people to wear them!! And thank you, hope you’re well xo

  10. 7 October 2020 / 8:07 am

    I am loving all the color and accessories, you look great!

    Life is a Shoe

    • Catherine
      Author
      7 October 2020 / 1:02 pm

      Aww thanks Celyn πŸ˜€

  11. 7 October 2020 / 6:55 am

    Catherine,
    You do have a talent for pulling together exceptional looks. The use of red for your accessories was a stroke of brilliance. Thank you for the inspiration.

    Rena

    • Catherine
      Author
      7 October 2020 / 1:01 pm

      Rena that’s so kind of you, thank you! xx

  12. 7 October 2020 / 3:13 am

    I completely agree with piling on your favorite accessories! These red pieces really pop against the rest of your outfit!

    I hope you are having a great week!

    Amber

    • Catherine
      Author
      7 October 2020 / 1:01 pm

      Thank you Amber – I’m so glad I went with red rather than trying to make it matchy-matchy! x

  13. 7 October 2020 / 2:29 am

    I just love that fun blazer on you! It’s such a great color!

    • Catherine
      Author
      7 October 2020 / 1:00 pm

      Thanks Laura – it was orange so of course I had to have it πŸ˜€

  14. 7 October 2020 / 1:30 am

    Looking so very nice. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.

    • Catherine
      Author
      7 October 2020 / 1:00 pm

      Thank you so much Patrick – you too! x

  15. 7 October 2020 / 12:44 am

    I am a big fan of orange, so I have been enjoying your outfits. Totally agree about the importance of accessories. I could use more head bands…..

    Michelle

    • Catherine
      Author
      7 October 2020 / 1:00 pm

      Can you tell I’m a huge fan of orange too, Michelle…?!!!!! πŸ˜‰ Thanks hon xx

  16. 6 October 2020 / 8:58 pm

    Love the graphic Tee shirt, nice one Catherine. So nice to join your linkup Hun. Jacqui x

    • Catherine
      Author
      7 October 2020 / 12:59 pm

      Thanks Jacqui – I actually got it after seeing Thor Ragnarok where Bruce Banner was wearing Tony Stark’s clothes… he had this exact t-shirt!!!! I was a massive Duranie so of course I HAD to have one πŸ˜‰

  17. 6 October 2020 / 8:06 pm

    I definitely need to up my game where accessories are concerned, they can make the outfit so much more interesting as you have just demonstrated here. I have just bought a couple of bandanas which is unusual for me! I love the autumnal warm tones of your outfit.
    Alison xx

    • Catherine
      Author
      7 October 2020 / 12:58 pm

      Alison thank you – honestly they’re the best investment, things like scarves and belts take FOREVER to go out of style, so you’ll be able to zjuzh up any outfit to the nth degree once you’ve got yourself some colourful accessories! x

  18. 6 October 2020 / 7:27 pm

    I just ordered some colorful accessories. Never wore them that much but I can feel the power of it ! And see it!! Gorgeous fall outfit!

    • Catherine
      Author
      7 October 2020 / 12:56 pm

      Thank you Nancy – yes accessories in bright colours are the best πŸ˜€

  19. 6 October 2020 / 6:56 pm

    The Power of Colour. Wow. Looking amazing, Catherine. I love the idea of uniform-type dressing. I feel that most of us do tend to do that, and piling on the accessoties? Up a notch.

    • Catherine
      Author
      7 October 2020 / 12:56 pm

      Thanks Ratnamurti! I really should break out of my current style rut, but it’ll happen in time… I think I go through phases with “uniforms” on repeat…!

  20. 6 October 2020 / 6:29 pm

    These warm autumnal shades look great on you! Love how your choice of accessories adds so much personality to this outfit. Thanks for hosting the link up!

    • Catherine
      Author
      7 October 2020 / 12:55 pm

      Thanks so much Di – I’m pretty addicted to orange, can you tell πŸ˜‰

  21. 6 October 2020 / 6:14 pm

    Wow! This outfit is just so fall! It reminds me all those colours you can see outside right now – all those colourful leaves falling down. Beautiful!

    • Catherine
      Author
      7 October 2020 / 1:11 pm

      Thank you Leelo – I think my colouring is described as “Autumn” so it makes sense that I love all those colours…!

  22. 6 October 2020 / 5:57 pm

    I couldn’t agree more. Accessories maketh the outfit. One thing I do know. I’m getting some more wholes put in my ears. You’ve just helped me make my mind up on that one! xx

    • Catherine
      Author
      7 October 2020 / 12:55 pm

      Oooooh exciting, Laurie!! I’m so glad I did mine, though I’ll be relieved when I can change them from studs to hoops…! x

  23. 6 October 2020 / 5:36 pm

    Definitely love accessories, they maketh the outfit. Definitely wearing outfits on repeat. Some summer outfits didn’t see the light of day. You look great in those warm oranges and reds.

    • Catherine
      Author
      7 October 2020 / 12:54 pm

      They so do, Gail! I think I only wore about 5% of my summer wardrobe this year, more’s the pity!! Thank you xx

  24. 6 October 2020 / 5:35 pm

    You look gorgeous as always Catherine. Normally, I love autumn. I have an October birthday, (thank you for the card by the way), which normally heralds the start of Party Season. Of course this year, there will be no parties, so I’m not quite as excited as normal. And like you, I miss those 9pm sunsets xxx

    • Catherine
      Author
      7 October 2020 / 12:53 pm

      My pleasure, Liz – though you shouldn’t have opened your card already, LOL!!!!! πŸ˜‰

      When Covid hit I didn’t think that even I’d have a [July] birthday in semi lockdown this year, but the fact that YOU can’t have a party for your birthday this month shows how serious this situation is, and how it’s not going away. Next year, Lizzy – next year!!! (and thank you my lovely xx)

  25. 6 October 2020 / 5:32 pm

    THERE ARE AUTUMN RESISTERS?? Gah! Autumn is the time of the RICHEST color combos! I’m always sad to see summer go, but I’m pleased with cooler temps and being able to wear rust, chestnut, cinnamon, cognac, golden yellow, etc.

    Digging your orange blazer. I’ve wanted an orange cardigan for ages, don’t know how I’ve never pulled the trigger on that πŸ˜‰

    Happy October!

    Bettye

    • Catherine
      Author
      7 October 2020 / 12:50 pm

      Hehe I know I’m in the minority, Bettye – but I absolutely DETEST autumn, despite the colour palettes and the romantic walks in the woods with falling leaves. I love long evenings with daylight till nearly 10pm, warm temperatures and wearing summer dresses, so to have that taken away and to then have to change the clocks so it’s COMPLETELY DARK at 5pm just depresses me!! Plus you’ve got to wait till spring before the clocks change again and you might see the faintest glimmer of warmth (sometimes in the UK you wait till July for warmer temperatures)…no, no, NO!!!!! So yes, a Severe Resistor of Autumn am I πŸ˜‰ LOL

      Seriously, though – thank you! I kinda wear (and love) autumn colours all year round really so I guess I’m a hypocrite, haha x

  26. 6 October 2020 / 5:31 pm

    Super fun outfit, Catherine! I love piling on the accessories to make a plain old tee shirt and jeans combination absolutely brilliant! Your tee is fantastic. I love the blazer, the cropped pants, those wonderful shoes and all the accessories! And the color combination works brilliantly, so keep wearing it as much as you want!

    Shelbee

    • Catherine
      Author
      7 October 2020 / 12:44 pm

      Aww thanks so much lovely Shelbee…! xo

  27. 6 October 2020 / 5:30 pm

    Truly it’s the accessories that make an outfit “ours” and not a copy of everyone elses!!
    Adore this from head to foot!!!
    XOOX
    Jodie

    • Catherine
      Author
      7 October 2020 / 12:44 pm

      You’re absolutely right, Jodie – I think accessories project your “style personality” more than anything! Thank you x

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