This post is a continuing deep dive into various outfits using the same base of classic basics combined with items you may already have in your wardrobes. I’m showing you looks I wear to events we might have in common at this time in our lives. Part 1 of this series is here, and Part 2 is here.
The scenario for today’s look is lounging or traveling by land or air. Even if I’m not planning to leave the house for anything more than an afternoon walk, I am usually dressed in street clothes by daylight. So, a pair of black pants in a soft, sturdy knit material that doesn’t cling or pill is a welcome addition to my wardrobe. A sleek-fitting top with a flattering neckline, combed hair, and a clean, moisturized face gives me a positive start for the day. If I’m already showered and mostly dressed, throwing on a comfortable sweater and jewelry isn’t time-consuming if I must dash out to help my parents or run an errand. When I travel, I always wear soft, comfortable clothes to layer as needed.
Soft knit pants and slip-on loafers will always be my first choice for travel. The pants are here. The tee is the best first layer I’ve found for cooler weather. The tee is here.
My reasons for liking this tee over others include a feminine, flattering neckline, a smooth fit, and fabric that allows outer layers to move freely across it. The key to successful layering is to start with a base of slim-fitting, smooth-textured garments.
A similar cardigan is here, and another similar cardigan is here. I like the shoes so much; I bought them in three colors. Shoes here.
The Teddy Blake bag is here. The watch is here. The earrings are here. The ring is here.
The bold silver link bracelet is here. Use the code SAS10 for $10 off any one item at Beauty in Stone Jewelry.
I’m loving this series. Thanks, it is so helpful.
This series is very helpful. I admit to wear my pyjamas in the early morning while feeding the dogs and other tasks. You are very disciplined and I greatly admire that trait.
You always look fabulous, and you are so sweet to share with us. Happy Thanksgiving to you, Mr. Mickey, and your families.
PS I have also recently had a lumpectomy and radiation. Praying for complete remission for all of us.
It is shocking how many women have told me the same. Yes, praying for complete recovery for us all.
Looking forward to more ideas in this series. This is very helpful. I do really like the basics your starting out with.
This series is one of the best you’ve posted in the several years I’ve followed your blog. I’ve learned much from you through those years but now I’m downsizing drastically (clothes-wise) and find these posts extremely helpful. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving.
Thank you, Jan!
Thank you for bringing reality to our wardrobes. I’m amazed at the clothing hawked to the 55+ community that has no basis in the life of this age group. You are always a breath of fresh air in helping to have clothing that looks great and current, is fairly affordable and doesn’t fill the closet with useless items. I’ve been a reader for many years and am grateful for the thoughtfulness you express in every one of your posts. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones. May we all take stock of all we have and celebrate!
Thank you for your kind words, Lynne. You will never know how much I appreciate you.
Love the hair!
I agree with Lynne, it seems like most bloggers or sellers just try to push their clothing on us with no consideration for our lifestyle or the affordability of what they advertise. When one is retired or near that age there is much more to consider than purchasing new outfits regularly. Susan is more than considerate of our many and varied stations in life. I have no idea where this series is going but it is so wonderful to see what ideas you are sharing next. If you haven’t already planned for it, I wonder if you might do a post on taking the two basic pieces toward a holiday theme. Or a casual/semi-dressy get together for family and friends.
As always thank you Susan for your special ideas that help us to think. Thinking can be more difficult than it should be for some of us.
I will close out the series with a holiday appropriate look that I wore recently. I am glad to know my tips and suggestions are helpful.
I really enjoy your blog. You make a lot of sense and pick classic clothes. The best tip from you are the Shapeeze bras. Yes, they are expensive but very comfortable and well made. Ladies, these bras are very comfortable. I wear the shortees but have one longer style. Thanks for your blog. I am thankful for you. Do you have any new recipes?
Thanks, Rory. I don’t cook very often these days, so no new recipes.
Love this look and it is one I wear often.
I live outside a very small mountain town. We had 4″ of snow fall yesterday so, sweaters are a MUST here!
Amazon has a men’s cardigan that looks very much like the one you are wearing. Look for Amazon Essentials Men’s Long-Sleeve Soft Touch Cardigan Sweater (in XS grey, it is $24.60). I have one in each color offered and they are wonderful! The “Soft Touch” line also offers crew, v-neck and turtleneck sweaters. I prefer the men’s sweaters instead of the womens as I feel the cut is much better!
So glad to hear of the continued good health and outlooks on life! EVERY day should be enjoyed and celebrated, if possible.
I love this series! Please continue to do the series with a focus on other basics such as jeans, white pants, tan pants and navy pants shown with basic tops/sweaters/jackets. Another interesting basic series could focus on shoes or handbags.
Thank you for that amazon suggestion. It looks very similar and has great reviews.
I live in Panama. Not a lot of “sweater weather” here, but I like to put one on in the morning and sometimes in the late afternoon during the rainy season. I will look up the Amazon sweater suggested by Leslie. Susan, I’ve been following you for awhile now, and my style has always been close to yours. Thank you for the great ideas. My wardrobe was pared down for Panama, but I like to look “put together”. Best wishes for continued good health and Happy Thanksgiving to you, Mr Mickey and your families.
Susan you look great. I love the mix and match and I do the same thing. I also add scarves to my look when I’m going out to shop or meet friends. My husband loves it that I dress this way when we have lunch. I think it makes him feel like I took extra time to look nice for him. I feel so much better when I take the extra minutes with hair, makeup and clothes/jewelry.
Thank you again for the posts. Hi to Mr. Mickey.
Thank you for the wonderful posts and I wish you and Mr. Mickey and the rest of your families a blessed Thanksgiving!
You always show useable information about how to put an outfit together. Thank you.
I love this series, Susan, but I would need to add a scarf to all of the outfits! At this time of year (and almost always, except for summer), I feel chilled with an exposed neck.
Looking forward to more in the series.
The scarf is in the next post. Stay tuned!
I love this series of posts and I hope you will do this more often. It seems so easy but it helps to see how you do it.
This is my favorite type of post to do. Teaching has always been my fantasy job, so I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned.
Aa a long-time follower I always look forward to reading your blog. I find it interesting and helpful to think about what is in my closet, — things to wear together and things that can go to another home! Happy Thanksgiving to you and Mr. MICKEY!
Thank you, Donna! We wish all the best and boundless blessings to you and yours.
Susan,
This series is wonderful! So easy to understand from foundation to finished look(s). I’ve been reading your blog for quite some time and appreciate all you do to help women look their best. Wearing good quality pieces that fit well goes a long way with the right accessories (casual or dressy). No more stress to figure out what to wear to events since the basics are ready and in my closet. I receive compliments quite often thanks to you!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and Mr.Mickey
Happy Thanksgiving, Cathlyn!
I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your posts.
You give me wonderful ideas on everything from wardrobe to health.
Thank you
I’m so happy to read your comment, Charlotte. Thank you!
I’m enjoying this series, Susan.
Dear Susan,
Love the outfit ideas and pairings with bags and jewelry. You have FABULOUS STYLE1
Thank you
Susan
Thank you!
With Thanksgiving still in mind, thank you for teaching me about style since I found you during COVID. Since then, my closet is more streamlined, makeup simpler, and therefore, my morning decisions easier. Compliments continue to roll in. I am truly grateful for SusanAfter60.
I’m so glad you are pleased with your changes and thankful that what I shared helped you.
I love this! I am working on simplifying my clothes and just ordered a pair of navy and a pair of black knit pants. i am going to order that tee. Thank you for these ideas.