A casual summer look that always feels appropriate includes a three-quarter sleeve cotton knit top (any color) with white lightweight cotton jeans. Accessories can change this look in countless ways.
I could easily wear the same top and white jeans with a blazer, tan loafers, and a tan bag for a more dressed up look. Sandals and a basket tote would make the same pieces look even more casual.
When most of the foot is showing in an open style shoe, or the vamp is very low, I wear an ankle-length narrow pant. With loafers or other such types of shoes that cover most of the foot, I wear straight leg longer pants that almost touch the top of the foot. It’s less stressful to use general guidelines rather than strict rules. Fashion should still be fun!
I look for 100% Pima Cotton tops that are not clingy and have a flattering neckline. A crew neckline is wrong for me because it makes the bust look much bigger. A scoop, V-neck, or relaxed bateau neck work best for me, but only if they show the collar bones. A top that is too long draws attention to the behind and emphasizes the belly. Mid-hip is the sweet spot for me.
On a recent, very casual Sunday, I wore my Sperry Crest Vibe sneakers (here). The pop of color came from the orange bag from last summer. It is by Dooney & Bourke. Similar here. My sporty Bulova watch is very old. (Similar here). My sunglasses are also old, similar here. Similar earrings are here. Similar crystal ring here. My bracelet is here. (Use the code SAS10 For $10 off any Beauty In Stone item)
Pretty sporty vibe! I’m a sucker for stripes! Loving the orange bag! …Very useful fashion tips here Susan! Thanks!
Wonderful tips! I’m so glad I recently found you as I have struggled over the past few years as I head into the sixties!
Thank you ❤️
Great classic look, and so adaptable! My two striped tops are the tops I wear most often these days. But it was a real hassle to find them because 99% of tops this summer have such low bateau necklines that the bra straps always show—not on the catalog pages, which can be so deceptive, but in real life. I finally found my two, which have necklines like yours, at Lands’ End and Talbots, both on sale. So happy with them. But why do the clothing people follow one another like lemmings over the low-shoulder bateau neckline cliff? (I have a photo of myself from 40 years ago wearing the L.L. Bean classic striped top with a bateau neckline that was cut higher than their bateaus are now. Go figure.)
Such a classic look…Striped tops are always a favorite of mine & I have several versions. I just picked up those Sperry sneaks – so comfy righ out of the box!
Susan, I could not get dressed without my stripe tops, and white of course. The neckline is important, and thanks for that reminder. You are an inspiration with the weight loss.
I am in my mid 70’s and it seems I glean several tips when I read your posts. Love the classic styles and the upbeat tips you share. The “older” seniors can still look good with your helpful advice from one classy lady, you! Thank you.
Clara Bulens
You look great! Your blog entries are always interesting, and they are just the right length. Thank you so much for sharing your tips.
Looking forward to next week. I’m retired but I still seem to buy “work clothes”. Can’t wait to read your tips.
love this look, but I rarely wear white because for whatever reason, I always have a stain on white–pants or shirt! I’m just a messy person!!
Susan, great topic for next week!! Can’t wait. Todays post verifys importance of detail in accessories (including grooming) for a very put together look. For example, just switching out laces in our Keds ( or similar sboe) with a brigbt color or leather gives a new look. All items sbown can be purchased at a lower price point if necessary for tbe same look. Your advise to buy the best we can afford is right on and especially in basics.
Thank you for all tbe helpful information with each post. I do not need wardrobe advice from any other source. Other sources want me to buy a minimum of 10 pieces daily LOL – Just saying….
I enjoy your blog so much!! I also prefer a cotton top; nothing feels better. I never thought I would say this, but I can’t wait for Monday to arrive.
Perfect look, I too am a great fan of stripes as they can be worn year round no matter what age you are. Thank you for all of your help.
I am a big fan of yours too and I’ve just turned 50. However I can’t bring myself to wear white pants They look great and I’m not clumsy but I just know I would sit on something. The first time I wore my long white puffa coat I got cappuccino chocolate on it. Luckily it washed easily. I love stripes too. I am always waiting for your next blog They are full of great advice
Your hair looks fabulous! It frames your face perfectly!
Hello from Australia Susan
Love your suggestions on clothes and makeup….when you say ‘bronzer’ instead of foundation for makeup do you mean what we call in AUS ‘blusher’?
Cheers
Margaret.
Bronzer is a bit like blush and a bit like contour. It should be close to the color you achieved when tanned by the sun.
YOU LOOK WONDERFUL, AND YOUR SUGGESTIONS ARE VERY USEFUL. I HAVE BIG HIPS AND A STOMACH, BECAUSE I HAVE PUT ON WEIGHT. WHAT SORT OF TROUSER DO I HAVE TO WEAR FOR A SLIMMER LOOK. SHOULD THE BOTTOM OF THE TROUSER TAPER TO MEASURE ABOUT 8.1″ DOUBLED/ AND STRAIGHT LEG PANTS AT THE BOTTOM ARE 11.6″ (SIZE 18 MARKS & SPENCER). I MUST SAY THAT WHEN I WEAR THE TROUSERS WITH THE BOTTOM SMALLER, IT LOOKS MORE SLIMMING. BUT FOR DAY WEAR I WEAR THE STRAIGHT LEG TROUSERS. IF I WEAR A TANK TOP, HOW LONG FROM THE SHOULDER SHOULD IT BE, TO HIDE THE STOMACH AREA.
SINCE I AM BIGGER MADE, I THINK A TANK TOP WITH AN OVER BLOUSE WITH 3/4 SLEEVES LOOK GOOD FOR EVENING WEAR. IS THIS OK. I AM 78 YRS. OF AGE, AND 5 FT. 8 ” TALL. I WEAR BALLERINA SHOES MOST OF THE TIME, AND HAVE GIVEN UP WEARING A HEAL OF 1- 1/2 TO 2″ BECAUSE OF KNEE SURGERY.
LOOKING FORWARD TO ADVICE FROM YOU. I LOVE YOUR OUTFITS. I LIVE IN A TROPICAL COUNTRY.
THANKS NUALA
When you taper your trousers at the ankle or do the same with a long sleeve at the wrist, it makes one look more slender. Show off your collarbones, ankles, and wrists to look slimmer.
Susan,
Your many fashion looks and your advice just get better and better! You are a treasure!
Can you tell me some vendors other than JAG that sell good quality pull-on style jeans?
Thanks very much
NYDJ (here) Eileen Fisher (here), 1822 (here), FDJ (here).
Look forward to your retirement series. I have been retired almost 2 years. I decluttered my closet at that time and never looked back.
New series is very interesting to me. Will be following.
You look great. I have a very casual lifestyle and dress exactly like you are dressed today. White pants/jeans are perfect summer wear and almost any top looks good with them. I appreciate your advise so much!
I love your shopping tips and the reasoning behind them. I have changed the way I shop thanks to your thoughtful advice!
I’m looking forward to your retirement advice next.
Great tip about when to stock up on white jeans. I also love them all winter.
Looking forward to those retirement wardrobe tips – I’ve got it in my sights in five years….
You & I could be twins because this is my go-to outfit for summer. Must have a half dozen striped t-shirts and my favourite 2 striped dresses by the French company, St James. But the best thing about this photo is the purse! I have 2 bags in this colour from my travels in France & Italy and now I see how I can use them more, especially with casual outfits. Thanks Susan!
Wonderful UNpacking video.
I love the way you think!
Good Morning!
I have been reading your blog for years and want to thank you for sharing your style!
I do have a question – I ordered the black maxi wide strap tank dress from your shop last year and plan to wear it to a wedding next weekend. I know you styled it several ways and am curious to know how you would style it for a casual wedding. What color shoes, what type of necklace, cover-up, etc? I do have black and nude low heeled sandals but am not sure what would look the best. I’m also thinking a necklace that hangs in the “v” of the neckline.
I do appreciate you sharing your knowledge of what makes an individual look taller, slimmer, sophisticated and that is exactly what I’m looking for when wearing this dress.
Thank you!
Try the dress with nude low heeled sandals and a short jacket or cardigan. A necklace would be a lovely touch as well. Have fun!