Warm weather clothing can be a challenge for those who don’t want to bare their upper arms or wear shorts. Today, I’m sharing some of my old favorites and some new additions to my wardrobe. I’ve added some tops to replace the long ones I sold or donated when I stopped wearing heels every day.
The cute, comfortable red top above with little ruffle effects at the 3/4 sleeves is the perfect length to wear with lower heeled or flat shoes. This Clara Sunwoo top is here. The white jeans I’m wearing in all these photos are here.
The high low hemline top above has very flattering and slightly bell-shaped sleeves. Click here for this Clara Sunwoo top. The Franco Sarto shoes are from last year but still available in other colors here.
This versatile 100% cotton jacket is perfect to wear with white pants or my Malibu Punch jeans. It is by Focus here. It can be worn open as a jacket with a tank or over a tank dress or closed as a top.
I’ve been wearing Covered Perfectly tops like the one below for several years. (There is also a long-sleeve white one on the rail.) I love how soft and comfortable they are, and they never add bulk, so they are perfect to layer over. When you buy two tops from Covered Perfectly, you always get a third for free! I’m wearing the red Simple V-Neck Top here with a vest I found at Chico’s here earlier this year. Similar sandals are here. A similar bag is here.
The periwinkle top below has clean, simple lines and V-neckline making it a great choice to wear with a scarf draped over my shoulders. Some restaurants are super cold even in summer, so I always have a scarf folded and stored in my bag. The top is here.
Most of us don’t buy a whole new wardrobe every season, so it is essential to keep your favorites in mind when you shop for something new. The pieces in my closet can usually be worn with all the others, allowing me to create endless combinations. Except for the red top with the Malibu punch jeans, all the pieces on the rail will mix and match to create different looks. I wear many of my items all year round and for at least a couple of years.
The Dooney & Bourke Salmon color tote is sold out, but other colors in the same style bag are now on sale. The orange crossbody bag is also by Dooney & Bourke.
The blue and white button-front shirt is from Everlane here. The light blue denim jeans are cooler to wear in warmer weather. They are by Levis here. My slightly faded denim jacket is also by Levis similar here. The white linen cardigan and the dressy low heeled nude sandals were from J.Jill last year.
The Bronzer in the color Surf by Beautycounter is here. The Rejuvenating Toner Pads are here. The Poppy Sheer Lipstick is here.
I loved this post, you are such an inspiration. I really enjoy your wardrobe updates and how you style them. I also love your packing videos. You are the same age as me and your ideas help me with my own style, thank you.
Thank you for the lovely comment, Sue. I appreciate it.
Love your tips and style!
This is so so helpful! Your efforts are appreciated!
Thank you so much for this post! Can you tell me more about the hat from Dillards? I looked on line and did not see it. I have a large head and look for adjustable band hats.
There is a link to it in the text. I found it at several locations.
When traveling, there have been times when I could not carry a purse. I do not like crossover bags. Any other suggestions? (I do own a travel vest with pockets)
I found some options for women’s travel bags on Amazon.
Yet another inspiring post. Thank you for all that you do, Susan!
Thank you for the kind comment.
Love the jacket and it’s a reasonable price.
Great tips Susan. I have such a hard time finding a white pair of jeans that I feel comfortable in. They seem to show bumps and lumps I didn’t know I had. How do the Lior Paris jeans compare size wise to Levi’s? I’m an 8 in Levi’s.
Thanks again.
White denim is the only white form of white pants that work for me. I ordered the Lior Paris pants in size 6. My size in Levis is 28.
I find the weight of jeans to be too heavy when it gets hot – do you have suggestions for a lighter alternative, please?
Try cotton or linen pants.
One of the things I love about your posts are the links to similar items. Thank you for that.
Thank you for all the great tips.
Where can you find skinny jeans with a short inseam 26″?
Click here for skinny petite jeans
I love your choice of clothes. I am in my 70’s and do not want to look like an old lady. My problem is I wear petites and none of the items you suggest come in petites. Can you please suggest items or lines with comparable items that do come in petites? Thank you
Talbot’s, Dillard’s and Chico’s carry petites. Here is a jean jacket in petite sizing.
Hey, Susan, great tips, as usual. How do you feel about clothes with initials on them? The sandals have MK.
I prefer not to wear labels. If there are no other options, I opt for discrete ones.
Enjoyed your post so much. My taste seems to run parallel with yours and that is so helpful to me. I will definitely try suggestions on pants, Lumps and bumps from zippers,loops are so ugly on otherwise “nice” look. Thanks so much for sharing.
Hello Susan,
I just found you! On Facebook that is and I am already learning so much, since I just officially turned 58 lol.
I am havening a wonderful time going over your old posts and already set your blog page to my desk top.
And it’s amazing how many friends I can share your FB site with….
Melanieguidas@ Gmail.com
Western Pennsylvania
Thank you for such a lovely comment, Melanie. Welcome to you and all your friends. I’m so glad you found me.
Most helpful and informative post! Thank you for the links to almost every item, great examples and suggestions. These items and looks are all similar to what I wear. I am looking forward to seeing some new sateen scarves and purses. The poppy color lipstick looks pretty on you. Happy spring.
Oh my, I actually had to take notes from this blog. So, so much to help plan for the months ahead. I am finding this blog especially helpful as I prepare to leave on cruise to the Baltic next months and was having trouble planning a wardrobe that would fit different activities & weather. Saying thank you for all you have done for me, Susan, seems rather trite… You have no idea how you have helped me in so many ways.
Anne A.
Thank you for the lovely comment. I’m so glad that what I share has been helpful to you.
This post was filled with so many helpful and informative tips. I think it’s my favorite so far. I’m wondering what body types can wear a square necked top? I’ve tried them on and wasn’t quite sure about the look on me. You look lovely in them.
I like to add a necklace or scarf to lengthen all high round or square neck tops.
Hi,
I hate to shop. I am tired of walking through miles of shopping centers and malls for clothing appropriate for our over 60 age, only to come up empty. I am an average size 8.
What is your list of go to “countrywide” stores chains you rely on. What are your on-line list of shops? If you shop on line, how do you avoid having to return clothing that doesn’t fit right adding more cost to it all. It’s all very frustrating.
I am a size 8, yet size 8 can be all over the place. Do you know which manufactures run small or large?
Any help would be appreciated. Oh, also does the Shapeez long line bra keep you cool in summer? I have a barn wedding and reception in August as the mother of the groom. No air conditioning! Not looking forward to sweating!
I’m not a fan of shopping either, so I buy most of what I need online. If I find something that suits me, I will buy one in every color that I like. I always link the products I am wearing so that you can have a look at them or something similar. Mostly, I look for classic styles, well-made garments, colors that flatter me and work with the other items in my closet. I never even notice the Shapeez bras after I put them on. (I don’t live in a sweltering, humid climate as in the deep south.)
Thanks Susan for great ideas. I will copy them with the clothes I have. Also, I enjoyed the Video and got good ideas from that also.
I have a question for you – I use E45 Moisturing Cream as a Moisturiser for face and body. I presume you have it in America.
Would you be happy to use it on face all the time.
Thanks,
Mary in Ireland
I don’t think we have E45 here in the states. I’ve never heard of it before.
Love your elegant and non-fussy style. Would you mind sharing what size you wear?? Are you a petite?
Thank you, Marie. I am 5’6″ tall, and I wear a size medium (or a 10) in tops and blazers. I wear a size small (4 or 6) in pants.
Thank you so much for this post. It is difficult in the summer sometimes to find light pants, and tops that cover my arms since I no longer wear short sleeves or shorts. I always learn so much from you! 🙂
Great post Susan. I love your style and each of these looks. I look forward to your posts. (I am 49 and like classic looks as you do)
Thank you!
Dear Susan,
I love your posts! Such a classy lady with wonderful classical style. I’m 68 years young, 5ft. 2 in., and plus size. Your classical style goes everywhere and works for any size woman. Thanks so much for the inspiration.
Sincerely, Kat
Do you have a site for plus size? Where can I buy street scarfs?
Susan
What size do you wear in the Clara Sunwoo tops? They don’t seem to have petite sizes. I’m 5’3
Thanks.
I wear a size medium. I am 5’6″.
Brings such good memories of living in HL in Johnson C. Loved going to the very same places & shopping the very same stores for same styles’
Thanks SC
Susan, I am enjoying your posts. I am working my way towards a capsule wardrobe and learning a lot from you. Thank you!
Love love love your style! Thank you!
This was so helpful and I would like to purchase Ralph Lauren shoes and other items.Do you have sources ?The tops and jacket would also be helpful.
I’m sorry, but this post is from 2019. Unfortunately, none of those items are available now but you may find similar items at ShopMyFairLady.com, SaksOff5th.com, or Talbots.com.
Excellent tips and suggestions.