A full skirt and orange heels...

When I first put this dress on the other day, I was a bit unsure about it. With my less than willowy legs I have always been quite wary of midi lengths but with my favourite pair of heels, I felt surprisingly elegant for a Thursday- usually by that point in the week I have resorted to cosy knits and jeans! This dress is a good compromise, though. The material is lovely and heavy, making it super cosy but thanks to the fact it is a dress, it still looks fancy! Based on the response I had from people (online and off) this has been one of the most popular outfits I have worn for a while. I have never had so many compliments! :D I will definitely be pulling this out again when I am in need of a confidence boost...

Coat: Marks & Spencer, dress: Marks & Spencer, shoes: Clarks c/o Spartoo, unimpressed face: model's own
Although I do tend to get quite warm, I really like the fact that this has sleeves, it definitely makes it look much more elegant and actually cuts down on the need for lots of layers. It was a mild day but I was the perfect temperature all day, no mean feat in my office! I really like the black detail around the top of the dress too, originally I was going to add this necklace but actually it looked too fussy. You can sort of see my new glasses here too, I love the gold band across the top of the frames!


A close up of that gorgeous textured material and the waist detail. I can't resist adding belts to outfits (I blame Gok) but anything that has one built in is even better!


I was going to play it safe with my shoes and wear my trusty black heels but I spotted this pair of shoes in the hall as I left and I am so glad that I changed my mind. I think they lifted the outfit to take it out of the ordinary and give it something a little bit more special. I cannot recommend these heels enough, they are ridiculously comfy and although I am notoriously unsteady on my feet, even I can walk comfortably on the slim heel. (Plus the colour is just so jazzy!) I just wish they came in more bright colours, please take note Clarks!


Which outfits boost your confidence?

20 comments

Amy said...

You are my favourite fashion blogger by FAR, Maria. You're the only one I know who doesn't have C/O or "Sponsored" splashed about every page, and your outfits are always just the kind of thing I love. J'adore x

Anonymous said...

I agree with Amy, you always look absolutely amazing as you dress for you and not just what's in 'fashion' - I get bored seeing the same rehashed items on some blogs! You always look so classy and elegant and have a brilliant shape, I'm envious of your dress collection and your curves! This is by far one of my favourite outfits on Frills n Spills so far <3

Much love! Sarah xx

Lucy in the Clouds said...

Argh - I'm still annoyed that I can't get hold of this dress! It's so gorgeous and looks amazing on you - will definitely have to keep an eye on M&S for work clothes. Check out those pins in the last photo too!! xxx

daisychain said...

You look so amazing in this wifey! My dream dress...anything that shape makes me feel confident xo

Sophie said...

You've done it again Maria! Your work wear outfits are always so snazzy! My idol!
Sophie
X

Sherin said...

Such a lovely dress. I love the style so much. I need the same dress! I think with a pair of wooly tights and chelsea boots, it'll be the perfect winter dress.

daniela kate morosini said...

you look A+! my favourite outfit is a little black dress...xx

Sophie in the Sticks said...

your dress is so very lovely. Adoring your bright shoes and jacket too :) x

Elizabeth @ Rosalilium said...

Erm.... you have a banging pair of pins on ya!

also heading off to M&S immediately!

Shes Dressing Up said...

This dress is so beautiful! It suits you perfectly. And the shoes! Just lovely. :)

Winnie said...

You look fab Maria! That dress is such a great cut for you too - love the band at the waist and I love a dress with a sleeve too!

char said...

This is such a lovely dress on you, Maria. You always seem to know what suits you so well. I love it with the colourful coat and shoes.

Chloe said...

Well look who's miss elegant! Totally 50's with the full skirt and cute heels, and you look absolutely amazing with the glasses and your beautiful dark hair. *sigh* Wish I could nail elegance like this.

Sarah said...

Gorgeous dress! One of my favourite outfits is my Celia Birtwell for Uniqlo dress :)
x

The Style Rawr said...

Such a lovely dress, I really like the sleeves too and that it looks so tweedy. The splashes of colour are perfect.

Tara xo

Peacock's Hat said...

You look beautiful here my love, something about the combination of that textured jersey next to the beautiful peachy suede looks so nice... I just want to stroke the picture! I know what you mean about the built in belts as well, much easier than having to constantly fiddle to make it stay in place!

Jo said...

There is absolutely nothing wrong with your legs, Maria! The dress is a lovely length on you. Love the colour contrast with your shoes and jacket.

Unknown said...

Ohh wit woo! Your legs look super long mrs, and I LOVE that bright orange on you :D More of this please! <3 Claire @ Jazzpad

Temporary:Secretary said...

The shoes are gorgeous, I don't have anything in that colour but I have been eyeing up a few colourful court shoes these past few months! I see that Katie from F&F have sent over an email, have fun shopping on the website! Can't wait to see what you've chosen!! xxx

Matthew Spade said...

Some really cool stuff coming from M&S then, really cool.

Buckets & Spades