One of the benefits of a curated wardrobe that suits you and your lifestyle is that you will be prepared for any event using what you already have. Even if I wear black pants and a white shirt often throughout the year, the textures make them appropriate for the season.
I wore an open-design layered top from White House Black Market about five years ago. A similar top is here. I paired it with black linen trousers and strappy sandals for a summer evening out. The small bag, made of wicker, raffia, and bamboo, is perfect for summer evenings.
The only new piece in this look is the black linen trousers. I found them here. I invest more in all-year-round basics than garments I know I will only wear a few times during the season. If I am testing a theory or trying a new trend or silhouette, I look for the item on sale, such as linen pants or a straight maxi skirt. When I am confident the item is something I will enjoy wearing often for years, I will invest in higher quality when it is time to replace it.
The strappy sandal heels are here, and an adorable small black bag is here. (Mine is no longer available.) I must share a link to the best strapless bra I’ve ever worn. It actually stays put all day!
You always look fabulous!
Thank you, Maggie.
Oh Susan! You always look fabulous! I so enjoy your blogs!
Beautiful outfit!
Love this outfit! I can do the reverse, with black open work top and white pants, with no shopping!
You exude “class”, Susan. I love your simple, appealing style.
How do you keep that gorgeous hair so white?
I use Tone It Down Blonde Shampoo here about twice a month to keep the brassy tone away.
You are always an inspiration! I must tell you, after following you for a number of years now, I finally made your porridge! I was so pleasantly surprised at how delicious it was/is! I thought with all the combined ingredients that it couldn’t possibly taste so good. I can’t wait to make it again!
Thank you for all you share with us!
Your fashion tips have transformed my thinking and my closet.
Your eating habits and tips have been an inspiration as well!
Oh my goodness you look stunning.
I absolutely love black and white for the evening. Your hair is a gorgeous color and thank you for tip I will most certainly be using a similar product here in South Africa.
God bless you and Mr Mickey.
ELIZABETH SA
Classy, elegant, stylish as always. You are a great teacher. I along with many others, have learned a great deal. Thank you.
You look great
You look so pretty. I really like the white blouse on you. It is good to see a nice pair of tailored pants. I enjoy your blog so much. Thanks for sharing. Hi to Mr. M.
Susan,
You look so pretty! I love the outfit and your hair. One of your BEST pics. Happy Summer!
Love this look
Looking smashing as always.
Just curious….a year or so ago, you had given up on high heels. It seems that you now wear them again and I’m wondering what changed your mind. Either way, you always look stunning.
I own a few pairs of flat sandals and shoes, but I have high arches so I have not found many that are comfortable to walk in.
A beautiful little blouse, I love it!
Love the outfit, Susan! Very pretty pieces that go gorgeous together. I wish you would teach how to shop for and purchase pants online. It’s so confusing from one retailer to another.
If you compare your measurements with those in the description online, you may have better luck finding the style and length that is right for you. For example, I’ve learned that high-waist pants with an inseam of 30 inches for straight legs and 32 inches for wider legs work for me because of my shape. (Inseam measurement is from the crotch to the hemline. Rise is from the waistline to the crotch. Leg opening is how wide the leg is at the hemline.)
Lovely outfit! You always look so classy.
Very smart looking outfit!!
I’m glad you decided to teach rather than sell. I have followed you for many years and love your style and honesty about not only what you are wearing but your diet and other products such as hair care and makeup and skincare.
This is a lovely classic look! And your hair is beautiful!
Susan,
Have you changed your bra preferences since recovering from breast cancer? I have always depended on underwire bras for a more flattering look with my clothing. Since breast cancer I struggle with comfort versus style. Do you mind sharing info on this subject?
Debbie Sexton
I’ve healed enough to wear a variety of nice bras. Thankfully my size hasn’t changed.
Lovely outfit! Wondering if you found Wacoal sizing true to size? Thanks in advance.
Yes, I purchased the bras in my usual size, and the fit was appropriate.
Gorgeous!
Thank you, Donna!
Classy look on you. I love your quality classic basics, your commitment to be put together no matter what you’re doing , and your cute shoes and purses! Question about your purse. In this instance, are you using it more as an accessory? I was gifted a beautiful small purse from a family member but find I can’t fit much in it. A phone, folded wallet, lipstick, spray breath freshener, and a pen leave no room for sunglasses! What would you do?
Use it as an evening bag. I don’t take my phone so I only take tissues, lip balm and a credit card. Keys if I need them and that’s it.
“Long ago, I decided that I enjoyed teaching more than selling . . .” and I will be forever grateful that you did! I’ve learned and benefited so much from all that you’ve shared. I look forward to each and every post along with the adventures of Susan and Mr. Mickey.
Thank you for your fashion insights. My goal is to get to the mind set of fewer items that are versatile and classic. Yours are inspirational.
You have an incredible charm Susan, an absolute feminity that makes you so beautiful. Always with a pair of high heels of course, which are your perfect signature.
I have a hard time finding *clutch” purses (that I can afford!). Also curious about what you carry in your clutches-I need to carry my iPhone, billfold, sunglasses, pared down makeup bag…by this time, it’s not very sleek looking!
Your posts are really interesting & fun to read. I get good ideas for my outfits even tho I need to choose less expensive options
I don’t carry much in my bags. Keys, lip balm, tissues, small card case for ID and charge card and that’s about it.