34 In Style

Tied Up In Navy, Three Ways

navy silk blouse bow winser

I’m a girl whose closet is neatly divided into black clothes and bright clothes.  I don’t own anything navy, never have.  No navy shoes.  No navy handbag.  No navy striped dress.  No classic navy blazer.  No navy anything.  I just don’t like navy blue (I think I spent too many years in finance, surrounded by navy blue suits).  But the day I tried on this blouse, that changed.  The only reason I even tried it on is that they didn’t  have the black one, so I tried the navy one for size.  The colour felt weird on me, like I was wearing someone else’s clothes.  However, it seemed to suit the elegant style of the blouse better than black, so I decided I’d give it a shot.  I do enjoy breaking fashion rules, even if they’re my own!  I decided to think of this as ‘Diet Black’ or ‘Black Lite’ instead of navy.  I’m not going to buy more navy stuff.   This is not going to be a new thing for me; this is just a one off!

Back to the silk blouse… I saw this blouse in cream on the Winser London website (a brand you know I love and buy a lot from) and loved it at first sight.  If you follow The Sequinist on Facebook, you’ll remember I posted a photo of it immediately and said I had to have it!  In cream especially, it has a Prince circa Purple Rain feel about it (in a good way), and I knew I’d get lots of use out of it.  It doesn’t look like anything I already own (always a good justification for a purchase) because I only own one blouse!  I’m not a blouse kind of gal…but then I was never a navy kind of gal either, and look what happened with that.  When I saw it in person, it was just as gorgeous as in the photos.  My favourite thing about it is that the tie at the top is detachable (with three tiny mother of pearl buttons) so that you can style it a number of ways.  I am always a sucker for clothes with versatility.

First I’m wearing it in the Purple Rain style I fell for, wrapped thrice round the neck and tied into a soft bow.  I’m wearing this with some navy (I know!) Winser London jeans.  A few of you have emailed me to ask if I’d tried the jeans, and now I can say I have.  They’re fab.  Not denim, but a thick stretch fabric in the quality that has made me such a fan of this brand.  This is a dress jean, a cocktail jean, really.  Winser London really likes one colour head-to-toe one dressing, so I’m really flying the flag for them here!

winser london navy pussybow silk blouse sequinist

The next way I like to wear this blouse is 70’s style, unbuttoned, with the bow undone and worn as a skinny scarf.  This is very different from my usual style, and I have to say I really like it!  I’ve been after a skinny scarf for a while, and just haven’t found one that I liked, so this one fills the role quite nicely.

navy silk scarf winser

And for my final scarf trick below, here it is wrapped around my waist as a belt, so it almost gives the effect of  wearing a jumpsuit (which I don’t own yet).

silk blouse jeans

jumpsuit silk scarf winser sequinistBlouse: Winser London  Jeans: Winser London  Earrings: Moritz Glik Photography: Lottie Anderson

I can’t believe I am typing this sentence, but I am really loving this navy blouse and all the ways I can style it. (I meant to also show it worn loosely tied as a men’s tie, but I forgot!)   I’m still not planning to incorporate more of this colour into my wardrobe, but I will enjoy the irony of such a sedate colour feeling like a drastic change to me!

Thoughts on this most conservative of colours?  Do you wear it or avoid it, as I generally do?  I think if it weren’t for this particular gorgeous shirt (and matching jeans), I’d still not own one navy thing.

 

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34 Comments

  • Reply
    Nikki Garnett, Midlifechic
    March 21, 2016 at 10:21 AM

    Wow Lisa you look amazing. This is absolutely my favourite kind of look, pared down chic and navy really suits you. I felt a bit like you about navy until recently because it was the colour of my school uniform. I’ve discovered that it’s all about the cloth – if it has texture to it like your silk blouse or wool flannel for example then it takes it away from the corporate / uniform look and it’s really flattering. I haven’t really investigated Winser but I will now, thanks for the tip.

    • Reply
      Lisa
      March 21, 2016 at 11:34 AM

      Oh, thanks SO much Nikki! I think you’re right, it probably is all about the fabric, and in a good thick silk, navy doesn’t seem so corporate. You’ll love Winser, they’re your kind of clothes for sure. xx

  • Reply
    Michelle
    March 21, 2016 at 11:24 AM

    I am appalled that you don’t wear navy, it looks stunning on you!
    All sexy wind swept blonde locks brushing against peaches & cream skin – Navy is made for YOU woman. I hope to see you wearing it more often. I have to say this blouse is so divine I can’t decide which way I love it the most.
    I do enjoy discovering a fresh take on a classic, thanks for giving me some new styling ideas Lisa xxx
    -Love the new Blog btw –

    • Reply
      Lisa
      March 21, 2016 at 11:38 AM

      Thank you, Michelle. I know… I’m so in love with this blouse too, which is why I got it in cream as well! First, blouses. Now, navy, What’s next on my no-go list? Pink? Crop tops?! xx

  • Reply
    Toyas Tales
    March 21, 2016 at 12:32 PM

    It is cool that you stepped out of your comfort zone and tried the navy blouse. I love how you tied it the second time.
    LaToya
    http://www.toyastales.blogspot.com

    • Reply
      Lisa
      March 21, 2016 at 12:36 PM

      Thanks LaToya! Never say never in fashion, right?! xx

  • Reply
    Patti
    March 21, 2016 at 12:45 PM

    Beautiful blues! Thanks for linking up to Vis Monday, xo

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

    • Reply
      Lisa
      March 21, 2016 at 12:50 PM

      Thanks Patti! xx

  • Reply
    jodie filogomo
    March 21, 2016 at 1:47 PM

    Wow…I was surprised to read you didn’t own any navy—-I think of it as a more sophisticated blue and not quite as harsh as black!! And look how great that blouse looks on you! It’s funny how we get a perception in our mind, but good for you for switching it up!! Love how you made this blouse so versatile!! jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • Reply
      Lisa
      March 21, 2016 at 1:55 PM

      Thank you, Jodie! Yes, it is weird how persistent these perceptions are. I still feel so much more at home in black, but navy is certainly a gentler colour to wear. xx

  • Reply
    Suzy Turner
    March 21, 2016 at 2:32 PM

    I absolutely love all these looks and navy looks gorgeous on you! But I know the feeling about navy, up until four years ago I never liked it either, I didn’t own a single thing in navy and then I lost loads of weight and cut my hair pixie short and then navy suddenly became one of my favourite colours. It was really weird! I adore it now… and own quite a few pieces in navy.
    I’ve never looked at Winser London but I know I must now!
    Suzy x
    http://www.suzyturner.com

    • Reply
      Lisa
      March 21, 2016 at 2:40 PM

      Thank you, Suzy! Maybe it will grow on me, but I need more time between my life in banking and the present day before that happens! xx

  • Reply
    Mithra Ballesteros
    March 21, 2016 at 3:19 PM

    Never say never, baby! It is indeed very Purple Rain and all you need now is a motorcycle and the Minneapolus skyline behind you. It truly does justice to your lovely swanlike neck. (Legs and necks can never be too long, don’t you agree?)

    • Reply
      Lisa
      March 21, 2016 at 4:40 PM

      Hahaha, thank you Mithra! Never say never, indeed. I’ll have to organise a full-on Prince shoot one day. xx

  • Reply
    Laurie
    March 21, 2016 at 5:43 PM

    I love this blouse, and I am so tempted to by the cream version. The jean/trousers look really good too. I think the whole look is lovely on you. I dont own any navy either, other than a blazer but I’m wondering if it could be my new softer black.

    • Reply
      Lisa
      March 21, 2016 at 6:02 PM

      I got the cream one too; it is so so beautiful! Maybe give navy a whirl; it really suits some people. Thank you Laurie! xx

  • Reply
    Catherine @ Not Dressed As Lamb
    March 21, 2016 at 8:41 PM

    Lisa this look and your photos are STUNNING…! I get that you wouldn’t normally wear such a conservative colour as navy, but it’s anything but in this gorgeous style, the pussy bow is totally you!! I love that you added a true Lisa touch with those amazing sparkly heels – lookin’ hot hot hot, lovely lady!!

    • Reply
      Lisa
      March 21, 2016 at 8:47 PM

      Thank you so much, Catherine! I had another pair of CRAZY multicoloured rhinestone shoes on with one of the looks, but the photos were too blurry to use. You noticed the glitter ones though! 🙂 xx

  • Reply
    Abby@midlifecrisisnut.com
    March 21, 2016 at 8:56 PM

    I must admit I’m usually not a fan of navy neither. But this outfit on you – OMG! And these amazing pictures – stunning! Plus, I adore your antique earrings, where did you get these? BTW, somebody tweaked on the logo again 🙂 xx Abby

    • Reply
      Lisa
      March 21, 2016 at 9:05 PM

      Ah, so you understand my Navy Issues! Thank you, Abby. The earrings look antique, but they’re modern. There’s a link at the bottom to the website for them. I love them too, they’re by far my favourite! (Still not finished tweaking the logo…) xx

  • Reply
    Michelle
    March 22, 2016 at 8:57 AM

    Lisa I’ve got three words for you – WEAR MORE NAVY!
    Because you’re rocking it girl. Loving the pussy cat bow, I think it’s my favourite of the three looks and one which I have tried, and failed, to pull off.
    Michelle xxx

    • Reply
      Lisa
      March 22, 2016 at 9:35 AM

      Hahaha, Oh Michelle, thanks so much sweetie. I’m also really liking this pussybow blouse; so different from what I usually wear! xx

  • Reply
    Annette
    March 22, 2016 at 12:23 PM

    Just the other day I had a look at Winser’s new collection! Gorgeous brand.
    This look suits you so well, Lisa and I never assumed you are not “into” Navy. However, I can understand how you feel since I had the same thoughts when I first tried on red. Meanwhile I like it a lot but only when I am in the mood for it 🙂

    xx
    Annette | Lady of Style

    • Reply
      Lisa
      March 22, 2016 at 12:41 PM

      Winser is brilliant; they’re wardrobe staples, but somehow aren’t boring like some staples are. I think you’re super in red, Annette! I feel much more at home in red than navy 🙂 xx

  • Reply
    Stella Asteria
    March 24, 2016 at 12:23 PM

    I am totally obsessed with this classy navy blue look! Great post and alternatives 🙂
    Stella
    http://www.stellaasteria.com

    • Reply
      Lisa
      March 24, 2016 at 1:14 PM

      Thanks Stella! I’m pleased you like it. I’m still getting used to navy…xx

  • Reply
    Liz
    March 24, 2016 at 7:07 PM

    Wow!!! Lisa, you look absolutely stunning. The navy works so beautifully with your blonde hair and your complexion. I love the head-to-toe-ness of the outfit and think you look classy and super sexy. I love it! xxx

    • Reply
      Lisa
      March 24, 2016 at 10:15 PM

      Thanks so much, Liz! I might be convinced to wear navy more frequently with these kind of comments 😀 xx

  • Reply
    Nicole Mölders (@HighLatitudeSty)
    March 30, 2016 at 5:49 AM

    Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. Great look!

    • Reply
      Lisa
      March 30, 2016 at 7:23 AM

      Thank you, Nicole! xx

  • Reply
    Tianna
    May 4, 2016 at 10:23 PM

    gorgeous look – I really love that top!

    • Reply
      Lisa
      May 4, 2016 at 10:38 PM

      Thank you, Tianna! xx

  • Reply
    No Fear of Fashion
    November 2, 2016 at 11:02 AM

    I never bought navy either… until three years ago. All of a sudden it seemed every piece of clothing I bought was navy. Or blue (for a change) or black and navy. Very strange. But I just go with the flow.
    And I think you look hot in this outfit. Great idea to add these modern shoes.
    Greetje

    • Reply
      Lisa
      November 2, 2016 at 11:10 AM

      Thank you, lovely. I still don’t own any navy other than what is pictured here! Like you, I just go with the flow… xx

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