Apologies for telling you what you need, it’s just that I’ve fallen madly in love with this colour combination & I want everyone to share my joy!
Also I love love looove Autumn fashion. Take a look at this outfit post from the beginning of Autumn last year. Sorry I’ll stop now.
Seriously though, wouldn’t you agree the tones of olive & berry make matrimonial bliss? I’ve been waiting ages for Autumn to arrive so I can start wearing this rich sexy combination, alas it is still too bloody hot…
Never mind it’ll cool down eventually & I’ll be ready!
So why Olive & Berry?
I’ve found that contrasting my colours creates more impact from an outfit particularly when the shades are dark. It’s quite simple, green & pink play well together. Try experimenting with variations from these two palettes – For example, khaki & raspberry or forest & champagne. Incidentally, these specific colours make a sensational combination for Interior Decorating. I painted my living room pale pink which I am now contrasting against forest green velvet upholstery.
In fact the simplest way to see how amazing the two colours work together is by keeping a Dulux paint catalogue at home. Alternatively you can scroll through my Pinterest Interiors board for some instant inspiration.
This Autumn there is a lot of velvet heading our way
We’ll see even more in Winter & I for one couldn’t be happier!
That said, I’m not going to jump on the bandwagon rushing out to buy everything made from soft velvety material. A pair of shoes or a skirt is all I need to get on board this plush downy trend.
So when Marks and Spencer approached me to collaborate on their Autumn campaign I was thrilled to discover these gorgeous trainers! TICK
A deep, rich cranberry velvet as comfortable as they are tactile & perfect for upping your trainer game – Or SNEAKERS as they’re known in The States.
Trainers, joggers, sneakers or whatever you want to call them, I’ve never been much of a fan if I’m honest. That’s not to say I haven’t admired them on other women, particularly paired with a dress. This funky juxtaposition appeals to me although I’d feel a bit phony making any claim to being Sporty Spice.
Those who know me personally will be in fits of hysteria right about now (fair enough)
Although I must admit since I stepped foot into this pair of shoes I’m a changed woman! What next Stan Smiths?
The Hero of the fashion moment is once again THE SLIP DRESS
I wore the slip dress look back in the late 90’s although those slip dresses were actually vintage “slips” – Yep that’s right better known as underwear It was THE LOOK O.K? AHEM moving on…
Fortunately today’s slip dress is entirely more sophisticated. Marks and Spencer call this dark floral beauty “Romantic” & it’s clear to see why. I’m wearing a gossamer fine long-sleeved T-shirt underneath although for evening wear I would keep it bare & simply throw on a wrap. I specifically chose this dress for its numerous styling possibilities, it’s clearly the ideal transitional piece. Leather biker jacket & ankle boots I hear you cry?
It’s also worth mentioning that if you buy this dress online it comes up a size larger. Additionally it is not fitted but falls straight from just below the bust. I did try it with a skinny belt to cinch the waist & it look great. However it completely altered the look I was going for so I decided against the belt this time. Don’t worry I’ll style it up differently a few more times in keeping with my ethos of curating a wardrobe for life.
Choosing this Pea Coat in Olive was a no brainer
Perfectly contrast to the shoes, it had to be done right?
The coat is heavy & well made which should be evident from my photos. Over-sized & reminiscent of the popular Cocoon coat a couple of years ago, with brass buttons giving it a slightly military feel.
The colour & cut of the coat will work equally well with jeans – I’m thinking dark denim flares & stacked heeled boots in Winter.
Last but not least I decided on these luxurious aniline leather gloves in a matching berry to the shoes. I always wear leather gloves in Winter because when my hands are warm the rest of me is too. This pair is cashmere lined which is even better!
I genuinely do not believe you’ll find higher quality leather gloves than these for £39!
Dress | Coat | Shoes | Gloves all c/- Marks and Spencer U.K | Dress | Coat | Shoes | Gloves for M&S U.S Readers
Do you ever wear trainers with a dress? I think I’m going to experiment further with this look. Perhaps my new velvet trainers with a leather skirt?
Velvet & leather together what’s better?
Over the coming week some of The Over 40 Collective will be posting their choices from M&S A/W Range which I shall link to as & when.
First up from the Collective…
Nikki of Midlife Chic – I love the clever way she’s added a polo neck to this shirt dress for cooler Autumn days & through Winter. Pop over to her Blog for more variations on the outfit.
Next we have Lisa of The Sequinist – As usual she’s come at the challenge from a sparkly perspective & wow how sexy is this outfit? Who knew M&S could look this hot?
Here is Liz of What Lizzy Loves with her version of the timeless white shirt & black trousers look. Liz has elevated this simple chic outfit to stunning evening wear status.
I’m so looking forward to seeing everyone’s take on the collection – See ya soon, Mx
Comments ( 37 )
sequinist
Love the berry and olive tones together; that third to last photo shows what a happy marriage they are! I adore the floral print dress too; it manages to be very floral without being cute or too girly. Ugh, and those trainers are adorable. I love them! How did I miss those on the site? Nicely done, Michelle! xx
retrochicmama
Thank you Lisa…I tend to shy away from florals to be honest but the fact that this print is on black gives it an edge.
Abby@midlifecrisisnut
Who would have thought that olive&berry can look so HOT?! That’s quite an unconventional mix, but looks absolutely great on you, Michelle! Plus, I’ve had a similar coat when I started college, so you got me girl! xx Abby
retrochicmama
Thank you Abby you’re too kind, as always. I never owned a Pea coat so I’m pretty pleased with this one xxx
Nancy Baten
Those are such a pretty colors, and that dress is fabulous. I also love the coat! Here in the Netherlands itis 31 degrees today so we will not be needing a coat today!
retrochicmama
Blimey Nancy 31!!!
This heat is crazy isn’t it? I do hope we get a decent Winter this year, it scares me that it’s so mild.
Rozanne
A real eye-opening colour combination, definitely one to try! Just love that dress too, it all makes for a quirkily luxurious look, love it!
retrochicmama
Yes quirky! I love that description Rozanne, I was aiming for something a little left of centre. So pleased you get it 😉
xxx
Michelle
Beautiful, beautiful combination Michelle. Really eye catching, I’m loving thiose gloves!
Michelle xx
retrochicmama
Thanks honey xxx Yes that’s right you’re a gloves girl too!
Isobel
Loving how autumnal this outfit is girl!
Isobel x
Latest post: https://goo.gl/CmoXR7
retrochicmama
Thank you so much Isobel xxx
Jess
I am a floral girl, so I would gravitate to this dress, and I would love a slip dress. You have styled it brilliantly with the olive peacoat. It is not cool enough here, in NC where I live to wear winter coats, so I will live vicariously and enjoy your beautiufl look.
Enjoy the weekend
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
retrochicmama
Oh blimey not cool enough for coats Jess? I’d miss them (& my scarves & gloves) so much!
Thank you for the lovely compliment.
Have a fab weekend too xxx
Annette
I am not a fan of autumn and winter but definitely of these olive and berry colours, Michelle! Love your style mix too.
You really made me look for some velvet pieces now…!!
xo
Annette | Lady of Style
retrochicmama
You do look amazing in green that I know! Yes the velvet trend is one I’ll happily admire too xxx
Samantha
I have been a long time fan of the sneakers/dress look. It always looks edgy, and feels comfortable! Throughout winter I wear tights with the combo! Am always on the hunt for some cool runners that’ll work with dresses. I love these M&S ones! Any others that you suggest?? Thanks Michelle! Samantha
retrochicmama
You’re way ahead of me Samantha, I should be asking you for suggestions! I wasn’t kidding when I said Stans, Adidas have some gorgeous colours – I love this pale pink pair, actually I’m having a bit of an Autumn moment with this particular colour 😉
Avril Keys (@SchoolGateStyle)
Hey Michelle, I found you via Nikki’s blog as I’m doing this M&S project also! LOVE what you’ve chosen and have shared it on my post as I have reviewed the coat too and it’s amazing to see it worn in a completely different way. Of course, it’s just made me want a dress and some trainers now! Avril x
retrochicmama
Hi Avril! I love the outfit you chose, I would definitely wear this entire look & I adore your haircut! You’re so pretty, a natural model for sure. Thanks so much for linking me, I’ll do the same 😉 xxx
Jacqui
Such a different but great combination. I’ve steering towards olive and may have to try this with berry. Nice to link up and see your blog. Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
retrochicmama
Yes it is a fab combo, glad you like 😉
Thanks Jacqui, I’ll pop over to you xx
Lara
ALL HAIL AUTUMN!!! I don’t think there’s a hotter season when it comes to fashion! Great post lovely xx
retrochicmama
Sing it Sista!
xxx
notdressedaslamb
Michelle I adore the print of this slip dress… Plus you’re right, olive and berry ARE the perfect colour companions! The coat looks a beauty – I do think that M&S get their coats spot-on every season (I have a few of theirs now). Top marks for choosing some beautiful pieces, can’t wait to see how you style the dress next 🙂
Catherine x
http://notdressedaslamb.com
retrochicmama
I have to agree Catherine, M&S are pretty consistent with their coats. Although I must say the finish of this particular Pea Coat is an unbelievably high standard! They really have outdone themselves this time 😉
xMT
What Lizzy Loves (@whatlizzyloves)
I absolutely love this outfit Michelle. You look effortlessly cool and stylish. The colour combination is gorgeous. I always gravitate towards velvet too. I’m looking forward to seeing how else you style these pieces xxx Liz, http://www.whatlizzyloves.com xxx
retrochicmama
Aww thank you Liz…I’ll be styling it again pretty soon, can’t wait to wear it! xxx
Anna @ Glam Up North
I love the mix of colours and the dress with trainers here! You look fab!
retrochicmama
Thank you so much Anna!I’m really pleased to hear that x
Honest Mum
Olive and berry are a match made in chic heaven, gorgeous x
retrochicmama
Thanks Vicki, glad you like xxx
misspetaluma
I love the print and colours of your outfit, but the velvet kicks are awesome and so on trend. I always do trainers and dresses, because it’s just so comfortable when you’re on the go. I’d love for you to check out my #mumsthatslay style linky, you totally slay! Yvadney x Style After Nine #BrilliantBlogPosts
retrochicmama
You’re so right Yvandey, I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to try this look! I’ve been rockin’ the trainers & dress outfit ever since though. Thanks for the invite I’ll pop over xx
Anna Parkes
Michelle you’re so right with this wonderful colour combination. They contrast, they work, they really lift the whole look from lovely to fabulous. Burgundy is one of my new loves, so I’ve not got a lot of it in my closet, but my key pieces are a burgundy velvet trench from Hobbs and a beautiful pair of three quarter length burgundy boots. I can’t wait to try these out with olive now that you’ve shown how well they work together. Thanks for a fab post!
Anna x
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
jess
Thanks for joining in Michelle! I love this color combination, as you know. The gloves are perfect too with the olive pea coat, and I finally bought a dark floral myself. Love this look!
thanks for linking up with turning heads tuesday
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
retrochicmama
Thanks Jess, I know we’re both big fans of Autumnal colours!
xxx