It’s no secret that red is my favourite colour – it featured prominently in last week’s link up post paired with pink – but this week it’s taking centre stage. As it’s wedding season I decided to wear this Bonmarché red dress styled two ways – albeit very subtly, with two different shoe and handbag options.
I know from experience that wearing heels to an all day event like a wedding can be uncomfortable, particularly when standing on grass for the photos. These silver diamante sandals have a low wedge heel, which is much more comfortable than either high heels or a completely flat sandal. They are also a wide fit and have an elasticated section at the back, so they don’t pinch at all. The diamante embellishment really sparkles when it catches the sun so these sandals would be ideal for taking on holiday too. At £20 I think they’re a real bargain. I decided to layer on the bling with a sparkly ring, beaded clutch, and a feather and crystal necklace.
This fit and flare dress is a lovely light cotton with an under layer, ensuring you won’t get hot and bothered. It’s one of those versatile dresses that you can either dress up or keep it simple, depending on where you’re going. I sometimes find the fit and flare style of dress tricky for me because I have a long torso and big rib cage, so I added a skinny belt to accentuate the waistline. Wearing a bib necklace has an elongating effect (one of my favourite styling tricks), preventing my top half from looking too square. It also gives me the opportunity of adorning myself with feathers!
Bonmarche dress c/o | Bonmarche sandals c/o | Accessorize beaded clutch (old) | Moschino sunglasses | feather necklace from eBay | ring from charity shop
This second option, with chunky grey peep toe platform shoes and a fringed snakeprint bag, has more of a modern twist. I’ve had these grey shoes for years…in fact I wore them in my first ever blog post! The thick platform does make them a little wobbly on uneven ground, but on a flat surface they are surprisingly comfortable. The chunkier shoes required a more substantial bag for balance, so I chose this Angel Jackson snakeprint clutch to go with them. I’m a big fan of Angel Jackson and have featured other bags from the label on the blog before here and here. Just changing the shoes and bag shows how versatile this pretty Bonmarché red dress is, and it’s currently reduced from £35 to £25.*
Bonmarche dress c/o | Carvela shoes (old, similar here, here and here) | Angel Jackson bag (similar here, here and here) | Moschino sunglasses (similar) | feather necklace from eBay | ring from charity shop
Linking up with: Visible Monday, Shoe and Tell, Flashback Fashion Fridays, Fun Fashion Fridays, Fabulous Friday, A Labour of Fashion, Top of the World Style, Fancy Friday, The Weekly Style Edit, Color and Grace, Beauty by MissL, Spread the Kindness, Style Swap Tuesdays, Midweek Inspirations, Thursday Moda, Fab Favorites, Friday Favorites, Turning Heads Tuesday, Thursday Fashion Files, Style Sessions, Good Hues-Day, Fine-Whatever, Spring Time Fun, On Mondays We Link-Up, Mix It Mondays, Confident Twosday, On Trend Tuesdays, The Pleated Poppy, Wearable Wednesday, Fashion Files, Fashion Frenzy, Style on the Daily, The Saturday Share, #iwillwearwhatilike, On the Edge of the Week, Bargain Hunter Style, Up, Down, All-Around, Brilliant Blog Posts, Passion4Fashion, Fashion Friday, I Feel Pretty, Weekend Wear, Oh, Hey Girl!
*Price correct at time of writing.
Disclaimer: I was gifted the dress and sandals in exchange for a review. All opinions are completely honest and unbiased. This post contains some affiliate links meaning I may earn a small amount if you click on them, which goes towards the running costs of the blog.
You look stunning, Emma! Red certainly is your colour. I prefer the first look, purely because I was eyeing up those sandals on Bonmarche just last week lol!
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com
Thanks Suzy! The sandals are really comfortable, even with my achey bunion!
Red is your color!!!
Jaymie
Thanks Jaymie! I do love a red dress 🙂
I love the fit and flare dresses too! We got one for Nancy (the 60+ model on my blog) last year because she didn’t have one in her closet—crazy!!
And your necklace is such a stunner Emma!!
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks Jodie! They are very flattering, in fact I’ve convinced my mother in law to try a fit and flare dress, and she’s 77 🙂
Pretty dress and love the unique feather necklace! I like the fringed bag with it too.
Thanks Gail 🙂
I love your dress and bright colors are so fun especially this time of the year. You look fabulous! Peace!
Thanks so much Cheryl!
Two fabulous looks and the color is fantastic on you. Thanks for the ideas and for hosting.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
Thanks Rena!
What a truly amazing color on you!!
Thanks Andrea!
Emma, how fabulous! I am still searching for the perfect red dress. I cannot believe that I don’t own one, but I think it is a must have for every girl’s closet! This one is beautiful!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thank you Shelbee! I agree…a LRD is a must have!
Now that is what I call a statement necklace!!!
– http://www.inmyjoi.blogspot.com
Thanks Joi! I do love a statement necklace 😉
Emma, I am with you! I love red too! My fav as well and I think it is such a strange thing that “they” say redheads shouldnt wear red! I feel the opposite. Love the design of the dress and it is so figure flattering on you. I also love the shimmer with your ring, and sandals and your fab feather necklace! 🙂
Have a great week!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Thank you Jess! I guess that old saying about redheads not being able to wear red is just another one of those silly rules we’re all now cheerfully disregarding! Quite right too!
What a beautiful orange dress and you look lovely! Those s unnies are fabulous too!
Have a great day!
Valerie
Thank you Valerie!
That red lace dress is gorgeous on you and I love both ways you styled it. The feathery necklace is one of a kind and truly beautiful. I love both pairs of shoes and clutches on you, too. =)
Have a great week Emma and Happy Mother’s Day! <3 Ada.
Thanks Ada! Happy Mother’s Day!
I prefer the first look, mainly because I like a bit of bling. Super red dress, the colour suits you. Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
Thanks Jacqui! I love a bit of bling too 😉
So many pretty details! Always looking so fabulous <3
Liz
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Thanks so much Liz!
I was eyeing up the dress! It looks great on and I love how you have styled it your own way. Some good ideas here regarding switching from day to night too. xx
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com
Thanks Laurie!
That color is stunning on you and I just love this unique statement necklace you paired with the dress!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Thank you Carrie!
I love the red dress! You look great. xo ~ Megan The Fashionista Momma
Thanks Megan!
Sorry I ‘m a bit late to the party! Am I fashionable late or just rude?Lol!
Gorgeous dress Emma, that color looks so very good on you. I think both shoes look very well, can’t say if I prefer one more then the other.
Never rude Nancy! I’m late for everything… and my husband is constantly reminding me of my tardiness! But then men don’t have so many fashion choices so it’s easy for them!
Red is definitely your color and you picked a winner in this dress! Love the lace! Really pretty!
Mary
http://marymurnane.com
Thanks Mary!
I think I love it more the blingy way! Both both are stunning! What a beautiful and versatile dress.
–Roxanne
http://glassofglam.com
Thanks Roxanne 🙂
You look stunning in red! What a gorgeous dress and your necklace is outstanding!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
Thanks Elise!
Love how you accessorized your necklace with this poppy orange dress! Beautiful spring look!
Christine
https://bonchicstyle.com/
Thanks Christine!
loving this dress and that necklace!!!!! SO beautiful!!
Thank you Stephanie 🙂
What a pretty dress! Red looks great on you! Fun necklace.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Thanks Amy!
That necklace is everything!
Thanks Johanna! I love statement necklaces 🙂
What a great color on you! Thanks for the linkup 🙂
Cruelty Free + VEGAN Beauty Haul
Red is totally your color and you rock this dress. I also love how unique your necklace is!