Gingham and Pleats

OK, so I feel a little bit "Little House on the Prairie" in this outfit, but I kind of love it! I was recently sent this pretty gingham shirt by Hawes & Curtis, and immediately several different styling options popped into my head. The light turquoise colour is very summery, and I could see it working a treat with some pristine white jeans, metallic accessories and a great tan. 

On the other hand, gingham is set to be big news for AW 16/17, so you could be really on trend for the new season by teaming it with some dark embroidered denim, which, by the way, is set to be even bigger news.

I think either would look great. But when I was out shopping the other day, I happened to spot this pleated midi skirt in H&M, and it was love at first sight. So I decided to go down an entirely different route, with not a scrap of denim in sight.

 Shirt* - Hawes & Curtis, Skirt, Belt (similar) - H&M, Bag (similar), Shoes - New Look, Necklace (similar) - Topshop, Watch - Jord

The shirt is lovely quality, semi-fitted, and substantial without being overly stiff. I love the turquoise gingham, but if it's not your cup of tea, Hawes & Curtis have more patterns and colours than you can shake a stick at. (If you fancy a browse, you can do so here.) One thing's for sure - if I worked in a corporate environment, I would definitely be taking advantage of their three shirts for £60 offer. They have a lot of gorgeous office-worthy styles.

As for the skirt, it's my latest obsession. Pleats seem to be all over the place right now and it looks like they're going to keep marching on right through autumn and winter too. But quite apart from the childish excitement I still feel every time I try a new trend, this skirt is also a joy to wear. The fabric is soft and chiffony, with an ever so slightly sheer outer layer and shorter underskirt beneath. It's very ladylike and... well, swishy. It works well in this casual context, but I can also see it with some spiky stiletto heels and a dressy top. H&M have brought it out in black, pale pink and emerald green as well this soft, off white colour, all of which I think are pretty fabulous.

I added tan accessories and a delicate gold chain and the look was complete. And five minutes after taking these photos, the heavens opened and it poured with rain. Might be time to start thinking about ankle boots and thick jumpers!

Are you a fan of gingham? How would you style it? And what are you most looking forward to about autumn? (The answer to this last question doesn't necessarily have to be fashion related!)

Kate x

*Gifted item. All opinions, as always, are my own.