Today it’s all about The Dress.
A dress that I’d had my eye on for aaaaaaaaaages, and one that I waited for patiently to come back into stock (most likely someone returning one in my size, in other words).
My patience paid off, and this Monki dress with the weird-but-wonderful graphic jungle print full of palm trees, tropical flowers and bizarre eyes(?) became mine at the end of this summer. The dazzling colour combination of orange, candy pink, light grey, slate grey, white and sage green jumps out from that dark background… would it work as well on white? That’d be a Hmmm, nope.
It’s the black that gives the bold colours the richness they deserve, and let’s take a moment to all hail the beauty that is a print with a dark background making it suitable for that weird ‘it-can’t-be-winter-surely-it’s-still-summer’ time of year, shall we?
Photography by Giles Caldicott
Location: Ham House, Richmond-upon-Thames
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Shop the look:
I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m a sucker for a bold print. And although I like (love!) florals, sometimes you want something a little more punchy than your standard run-of-the-mill autumnal small floral print with a dark background. So this Monki dress ticks all my boxes (bold / orange / comfy / midi) and very soon it’ll be sporting a roll neck, boots and tights underneath for warmth.
(Though not usually one for black, I’m actually drooling over the thought of what it’ll look like with a black roll neck worn under it.)
Below I’ve included a selection of dresses I’ve found online that have that dark background thing going on – yeah there are quite a few florals, but hopefully none of them are too predictable. My best bets for some fabulous prints would be Boden, Raishma (a new-to-me brand I’ll be featuring soon), Monsoon and, of course, vintage at Etsy.
My only regret with this [when-it-was-still-effectively-summer] outfit is that I didn’t wear a hat with this look. How is it that a hat just finishes off an outfit like nothing else does? I do have a small head so a hat often makes up for une petite tête, lol.
Are you feeling the dark background prints? What shops would you recommend for something a bit more exciting than a safe floral? Comment below…
Stay safe, XOXO
Dress: Monki (wrap dress in same print)
Vest top: Marks & Spencer (similar)
Belt: Mango (similar)
Heels: Asos (I like these)
Sunglasses: Asos, old (love these)
Photography: Giles Caldicott
Other dark background floral/print dresses you might like:
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Linking up to… Monday: Stylish Monday (second Monday of the month), Inspire Me Monday, 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: WowOnWednesday || Thursday: Chic & Stylish, Ageless Style Linkup (third Thursday of the month), || Friday: Neverending Style, Fancy Friday, On the Edge, Fabulous Friday’s Link Up
Absolutely gorgeous dress! I love how you’ve picked out the orange in the print with the shoes. Thanks for linking up!
Emma xxx
I agree that dark florals are perfect for early spring, especially when the weather is not cooperating yet! =) This dress is absolutely gorgeous on you, and I love the bright pop of color with your shoes.
I hope you are having a great week so far!
Amber
Author
thank you Amber…! xx
Catherine, this dress is absolutely stunning! And the orange block heels truly sets it off. My compliments!
Such a beautiful dress sweetie!
Danielle | thereluctantblogger.co.uk
Such a stunning outfit, as always!
Danielle | thereluctantblogger.co.uk
Author
Thank you Danielle my lovely!
Oh yeah! I love a good floral print on a black background and your dress is utter perfection, Catherine! I love how you styled it with the pink vest, orange shoes and khaki belt. My only issue would be that my feet would be freezing lol! And the photography is stunning, as usual!
hugs
Suzy xx
Author
Thanks Suzy – it was still very very warm when we shot this (end of September) – it’s definitely tights and boots weather with it now!!
A black background with vivd floral print screams “me”!! I have always loved them. Timeless. Love the way you’ve done your hair with it, too.
Author
Hehe I think it screams”me” too, Ratnamurti!! Thanks my lovely xx
Love Monki. The eyes have it for me! I’m a sucker for eye prints. This dress looks fabulous worn as you wear it. Seeing people look gorgeous in dresses makes me feel really happy but, alas, me & dresses are a match made in meh. I have to opt for floral and patterned blouses instead. There are so many great vintage ones to be found aren’t there?
Author
Oh Elizabeth that’s a shame about you and dresses… though I’m SURE there’s a dress style for everybody, you included! And yes to vintage dresses, they’re my catnip!! 😉
This dress is very eye catching. But if I had it I would want pink shoes instead of orange.
Have a great fall,
Randi
Author
Orange all the way for me, Randi!
You know I love a good floral dress. This one looks fabulous on you Catherine. It’s the perfect colour palette for you. Your shoes are fabulous too C xxxx
Author
No, you don’t love floral dresses, DO you Liz?!!!!! ROTFL 😀
Thank you so much hon, love you lots xxxxxx
I do love dark floral, better then lighter ones anyway. Its s interesting by dress, funny prints. It makes you think: what’s the story, what’s the connection? Lol. Gorgeous belt, that colour is so beautiful.
Author
Thank you Nancy – and yes, isn’t the belt fabulous? I don’t know why I’ve never had an olive one before, it seems to go with EVERYTHING in my wardrobe…!