Cat Deeley's pomegranate red co-ord from ME+EM is the ultimate September layering hack
"The second September hits, the 70s are SO back"
September is something of a reset in the world of fashion, but it's also a month that's really quite tricky to dress for. One moment it's warm enough for your best summer dresses, and the next you're eyeing up jackets to buy.
And that's exactly why Cat Deeley's latest outfit really caught my eye as she hosted Tuesday's This Morning. After returning to work yesterday following the summer break, wearing a pretty halterneck dress from Zara, today's combo is what I can only describe as a wardrobe lifesaver.
It is, of course, from the very clever people at ME+EM, and it's made up of a sleeveless button-down top in pomegranate red tweed and a pair of matching trousers with a Seventies flare to them. The top can be worn on its own or with the buttons open over a white T-shirt, or you could even go the whole hog and wear it as a three-piece suit with the coordinating jacket over the top. Is this the best money you'll spend on your autumn capsule wardrobe? I think it might just be...
Available in UK sizes 4 to 18, this top has a tweed-like finish, but is actually made from jacquard jersey. It's a really versatile piece that you can layer up depending on the weather, and it will look just as good with blue jeans as it does with the matching trousers on Cat.
ME+EM do trousers particularly well, and I love the generous flare on these. You'll get a lot of wear out of these in the next few months, plus they're machine washable. If you're an avid bargain hunter, the ME+EM sale is always worth a look.
Get the look
Cat's shoes are pre-loved from M&S, but these suede ballet flats are a great option to complement the pomegranate colour of the co-ord.
These Boden trousers are available in three different lengths so you can find your perfect fit, and the check print gives them a heritage feel that's perfect for this time of year.
If you're still loving linen, this gingham set will do the trick. The fit is loose and comfy, and when you're not layering it up for outside, it's perfect for cosy days at home.
Cat's look proves that matching separates aren't solely for summer. The really clever thing about investing in pieces like this is how much mileage you'll get out of them. Worn together, they look effortlessly chic, but you can also pair each piece with other items from your wardrobe. How stylish would the trousers look with a chunky knit when it's really cold?
Until then, you could also try them with a crisp white shirt or a simple T-shirt to keep things a bit more casual. And that gorgeous deep red shade? It's an easy way to inject some colour when it's so tempting to fall into a black, grey and brown trap in the colder months.
The British clothing brand might cost a bit more than some of your high street favourites, but as a ME+EM fan myself, I can attest to the fact that their designs truly do stand the test of time.
Posting on Instagram, Cat alluded to the retro feel of her outfit: "The second September hits, the 70s are SO back". She also noted that she found her red M&S pumps in Oxfam, and she's wearing them to celebrate Second Hand September.
It's the National Television Awards tonight, and Cat has worn red several times before, so perhaps she's even giving us a clue to her look for this evening?
