Style inspiration

How to be bold and try a new style

Well, I bet that you never expected to see me in a leopard print dress. I am normally a “plain Jane” when it comes to building my wardrobe. I do indulge in the occasional print tops to liven up my basics. Full-length leopard is definitely a new adventure. So I was surprised and ultimately delighted when a friend offered me a lesson on how to be bold and try a new style. She had bought this dress for herself and sent me a photo on WhatsApp of her wearing it. The dress really suited her. She is very different in colouring and height to me. She is petite with dark auburn hair. I texted back that she looked lovely in it.

We subsequently met for coffee in the Park and she handed me a bag containing a present for my birthday.

When I opened the parcel on my birthday at first I was not sure about the print; however when I tried it on I found that the shape really suited my figure and surprise surprise I really loved the print. So you never know it sometimes pays to be bold and try a new style. The only problem is that we will have to WhatsApp each other before we meet up with “are you wearing the dress!”

My leopard print dress is from MarksandSpencer. I am not the only one who likes this dress as there are only a few sizes left. They do have some other options in animal print dresses.

The dress had its own self-tie belt but that did not work for me as I need more waist definition so I swapped it out for a narrow black suede one. It is the kind of dress that you can wear casually with a pair of white trainers or glammed up with my silver embellished sandals from Pavers (gifted) and a silver belt.

The dress is made of viscose and is very comfortable. I really enjoyed posing for the photos as the dress is very swishy.

Photographs were taken by Laura Hines. Follow her on Instagram

Chicatanyage

I write a fashion and beauty blog for women over 50 with the aim of inspiring mature women to continue to enjoy and have fun with their fashion choices. I have spent most of my working life in some way connected to fashion. I started my career in Fashion PR and then trained as an Image Consultant when my children were young. I subsequently worked in the corporate world running seminars, doing private coaching and speaking at conferences. I started my blog in 2009 as I wanted to share my years of experience working in the world of fashion. I truly believe we can continue to have confidence in the way we present ourselves. Our style may evolve with time and changing lifestyles, yet with a little knowledge and inspiration, we can all continue to have fun with fashion. As women of a certain age we are a growing demographic let us prove that we can also be a chic one.

View Comments

  • I’d love to see a photo of your petite friend in this dress, if she would allow it. I’m petite and I wouldn’t think this dress would suit. Would like to be converted!

  • The dress suits you to a T, and your current hairstyle is very flattering. A coordinating blue cardigan or tailored black blazer would carry the dress through the autumn months.

    • Hello Mary Jane

      You are quite right I do have the perfect black blazer. I just need the right shade blue cardigan.

  • I love you in this style, dresses suit you well! This print color and size also suit you. What a great friend! Keep her!

  • What a lovely frock! You look so pretty in it. Especially like it with the silver accents. Your friend picked a dress that is perfect for you in every way.

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