CASUAL FRIDAY | Gingham crops and boat-necked top
A couple of weeks ago I had a reader request for some more Casual Friday posts (Shout-out to Bee, if you’re reading!) and honestly, that’s all the encouragement I need a lot of the time, so here I am, awkward hand position and all! (Er, I was in the process of putting my hand in my pocket, just in case you’re wondering. I’d normally just have deleted that photo and used a better one instead, but… there weren’t any better ones. That’s just the way it goes, sometimes…)
Anyway, this is a fairly standard casual look for me: I know a lot of people think that no outfit involving heels can ever be described as “casual”, but as far as I’m concerned, no outfit involving trousers can ever NOT be “casual”, so this one totally counts. And, of course, everyone has a different criteria by which they judge these things, I guess: one woman’s “casual” could be another woman’s “totally over-dressed”, but hey, variety is the spice of life and all that.
I bought these trousers a few weeks ago, but had to have the legs tapered slightly, because they were a bit of awkward shape on me. I’d been looking for a pair of black and white gingham crops forever, though (Well, ever since I wore the last pair I owned to death, anyway…), so I decided to make them work anyway: as I said, the ol’ “Gingham crops + boatneck top” combo is something of a uniform for me at this time of year – it’s just so easy to wear, but still has that vaguely retro feel to it that I love.
Not long after these photos were taken, however, I ordered another pair of gingham crops, having seen them on Sian, and decided that I just couldn’t live without them. So now I have two pairs of gingham crops, and honestly, I don’t even feel guilty, because the second pair were on sale at the time, and also because there aren’t enough pairs of gingham crops in the world, as far as I’m concerned. There are probably enough pairs in my closet, though, which is why I’ve promised myself not to buy any more. I mean, I’m not going to actually keep that promise, obviously, but I made it, and that has to count for something, no?,
Oh yeah, and I totally matched my shoes to my pants. I did that. Oh come on – like you’d expect anything less of me…
[separator type=”thin”]WEARING: Miss Selfridge gingham trousers; H&M top; Topshop shoes; RED Valentino bag*; Unique Vintage sunglasses (c/o)
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Jenny
I love those shoes so much! Very cute outfit. I like the simplicity but all the pattern makes it fun.
Sian
Aah, I was literally about to comment being like “I have those trousers!!” then realised you mentioned me, thanks! This outfit is essentially all I’m wearing at the moment, in fact I’m wearing them right now and have another set of outfit photos ready to go with them, oops! You look amazing in them. Love the bardot top too – I’ve got one of those ASOS ones that’s very similar and wore that with them last week, so basically this outfit haha!
Amber
I think the ones you have are the Dorothy Perkins ones I linked to – I just got those last week, so I haven’t worn them yet, but I actually like them better: you can definitely never have too many, though!
Bethan
Im bee! Well that’s my nickname anyway.
Thanks for the shout out and your casual look is simple and classic. I love that bag!
Your casual Friday’s always gives me ideas on how to put outfits together and how they can be used with other items which I wouldn’t of thought to put together.
Looking good!!!
Amber
Thanks for prompting me to get my act together and post something 🙂
Karlie
I used to have a gingham skirt and shoes that I loved to wear together. Everyone was always so shocked that I would match my skirt and shoes. I never understood why you wouldn’t.
Anca
The trousers look great, I really like the outfit. I agree with you, heels are more than appropriate for a casual outfit.
CiCi Marie
While you may have enough black and white gingham crops, what about all the other colours out there?? There’s more to be bought, for sure! Collectif have some pink ones coming, I seem to remember…
Amber
I’ve been waiting for those to come into stock for ages! I think I might just be tempted when they do 😉
Emma Everleigh
Lovely outfit, Amber! The bag is gorgeous. xxx
Erika
I love gingham and I love the the retro look of these pants. I wish I could pull the cropped look off, but every single pair of cropped pants I have tried make me look boxy and short. I think it is all about the heels though, and that is why you make this look work so well! It’s the perfect casual, spring outfit. 🙂
Sam
I’m fairly sure the Dorothy Perkins trousers you linked to are the ones I have!
I pretty much live in mine (they go with EVERYTHING!) although now I’m thinking I definitely need to get a pair of gingham shoes to match…
Amber
They’re awesome, aren’t they? I also have the polka dot version – love them!
Irene
I never ever wear trousers but you make me want to give them a try. You look beautiful and I love the retro vibe!
Jessica Lee
This…
“…one woman’s “casual” could be another woman’s “totally over-dressed”..” makes me giggle because I totally relate XD
Stella Kashmoney
You look great Amber. I love the pants. So ‘springy’.
Porcelina
Such a classy look, gingham’s always a winner for me! I love that this is your ‘dressed down’ style too, it’s still really chic and smart. x
Wild Tea Party
I totally struggle with casual outfits so I agree, trousers must be casual, I have no other answers to what this ‘casual’ dress people speak of is.
Just while you might be taking small outfit requests, I saw last year you bought a gorgeous cropped pink jacket with silver zip detailing from Zara – which promptly made me gaga about it and I went and got it too, in what was a long, painful saga of having to order one on eBay from Portugal for a ridiculous price because it was sold out everywhere ever and then the sale fell through, and then I had to stalk another one – anyway, do you wear it? I’d love to see how you style it 🙂
Amber
Oh gosh, I don’t actually remember buying a pink jacket – I definitely don’t have one, so I’m thinking it must have been something I ended up returning? Sorry!
Michelle
Hi ,
Your look is so chique , i just love it !