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Casual Couple Look

When the dress code is casual, I’ve always found it challenging to find a compromise that feels authentic. On Friday, we visited an old favorite barbecue place in Johnson City, so a casual look was more appropriate. We decided jeans and a turtleneck would be comfortable for the weather.

Mr. Mickey often wears timeless Polo Ralph Lauren items, but many of his pants are way too big for him now. He lost more than twenty pounds during his numerous hospital stays.

My look included a white turtleneck tee here, a long cardigan (similar here), and straight-leg jeans here. I am wearing a size 28 regular in the jeans and the dark wash. My Frye boots are about five years old. The silk scarf is by All Saints but is at least three years old (a similar scarf is here). My eyeglasses are by Kate Spade, similar here.

We had a delightful lunch at the Firehouse Restaurant. The steamed broccoli, potato salad, and baked beans are filling and delicious if you don’t want to order meat. They also have a great baked potato filled with broccoli. Their award-winning barbecue keeps the place nearly packed every day.

Do you have a favorite casual formula that never lets you down? I’ve been relying on my tee and jeans combo for years.

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49 Comments
  1. So happy to see Mr. Mickey! You both look fabulous, as usual. Does Mr. Mickey need a bread pudding to put some meat on his bones? I’m sure he wouldn’t turn it down.

  2. Nice to see you both getting out. And I do like your casual look. It’s casual yet classy. It really doesn’t take an overfilled closet to look nice. I love the addition of the scarf.

  3. I like the look. You can’t go wrong with jeans and a white or black tee as a base. Please tell Mr. Mickey he is looking well. I’m so glad to see you both getting out and enjoying yourselves. Wishing you a fulfilling week!

  4. Love it. My casual formula is jeans with a button down and a blazer or cardigan. Love the scarf. Great to see you and Mr Mickey out and about

  5. FABULOUS to see you both looking so smart to go out for your meal together . Clearly Mr Mickey has had a tough time but he’s pulled through and he’s smiling his cheeky smile. Warm Spring sunshine will help with his recovery too, and you have the summer months ahead as well.
    No wonder Mr Mickey lost weight hospital food is never appetising. and of course that aside being unwell like he has been weight does fall off. Susan you have done a great job of looking after him and I am sure he is eternally grateful for
    such a lovely lady in his life .
    Just adore the scarf it sets the whole casual outfit off . Look forward to to Mr Mickey’s sock capers when he feels up to making us all smile from readers all over the world .
    Take care both xx

  6. Such a nice surprise! You both look happy and ready to enjoy a spring day. Jeans and black are a favorite of mine too. Hope bbq lunch was enjoyable.

  7. Hi, Susan,
    Am very sorry to learn about Mr Mickey’s health issues…. Will be praying for him to maintain his health…..
    You two are sooo blessed to have each other
    Loving you two from Texas,
    Carole

  8. Great looking couple as always! Mr Mickey will soon be back to his old self now he is out of hospital. Sure you are taking great care of him… but look after yourself too! Sending love from England x

  9. Susan, you and Mr. Mickey look so classy for your outing. Hope the weather cooperated and that you had a fantastic day.

  10. Always classy. I’ve said it before but you keep me authentic. Meaning I follow a lot of fashion bloggers and I used to try and wear on trend things that weren’t always me and I’ve learned from you too be me but on trend and im always way happier that way. My go to is jeans and a nice ribbed tank and in cooler weather with a cardigan usually on the longer side cause that’s what I prefer and in warmer weather same ribbed tank but with a Ruana or kimono style cover. That’s just my no brainer, leave the house in 5 minute choices.

  11. You both look wonderful . Glad Mr. Mickey was able to get out and about. Wishing you both the very best.
    Thanks for all your great posts.

  12. It is so good to see Mr. Mickey, I have wondered about his health. It’s always enjoyable to see his smiling face.

  13. So happy to see Mr. Mickey. Thankful he is doing better and how nice you both got to go to one of your favorites spots. As always, you both look amazing.

  14. Great look and great photo of you both! You two are too cute!
    Love your styling tips as well as your upbeat attitude toward life.
    Thank you!

  15. How wonderful to see Mr Mickey heading out for a special lunch! He looks great! Love your casual look, too. I’ve enjoyed your recent posts about skin care and glasses. Coincidentally, I wear glasses and use Clinique, too. You have beautiful skin.

  16. I’m a jeans kinda girl too and I’ve found they are timeless. The occasion helps me decide which ones to wear. I guess I enjoy them now so much because during my 42 years of teaching, most schools did not allow them…or if they did, it was a Friday thing…or pay a dollar for cancer research…I never understood it since jeans can be so dressy! Dark wash (no holes) with a white button down shirt or jean shirt (tone on tone) with a blazer and you’re set. I’m not a scarf person but they do add so much. I think you and your friend look wonderful! Enjoy life!!!

  17. You both look fabulous, as usual! Thank you for sharing, Susan. I learn so many helpful fashion and life tips from you. It truly helps me with fashion choices, builds my confidence, and just makes me happy! May you be blessed always. (From Bloomington, Indiana.)

  18. Susan,
    I just realized that I have several cardigans that I should start wearing. Thanks for reminding me. Time to shop my closet!
    Happy to see you and Mr. Mickey out and about.

  19. It was such a treat to find you and Mr. Mickey in my in-box this morning! Looking well and heading out to lunch!

    As for my “uniform” or “can’t fail formula,” it’s much the same as yours: tee (or turtleneck or button-front shirt in white or blue or blush) plus jeans (slim-straight or demi-boot) with a cardigan or jacket…and often a scarf. Done!

  20. So wonderful to see Mr. Mickey out and about!
    This season my coated wide leg jeans have been my “go to” pant paired with a sweater and boots. Seems like the coated jeans look much dressier than regular denim.

  21. I hope that Mr. Mickey is feeling better now. He looks great in your pictures. I always enjoy your posts when they feature both of you!

  22. My go-to casual is a nice long-sleeved shirt from Chico’s, Talbots, Loft, or Lands End which I wear out (my middle is too big to tuck most things in ) with jeans. I’ve added cute quilted vests this winter. But I often carry a denim jacket all the other seasons because our restaurants and buildings are quite cool to compensate for our Gulf Coast heat and humidity. Pretty earrings and occasionally a bracelet will complete my ensemble.

  23. Hello Susan,
    It was good to see you and Mr. Mickey together. I hope he is feeling better and continues to improve.

    Thank you for sharing styling tips and links to purchase.
    Vickie

  24. What a great looking couple you are! Love the jeans/turtleneck formula for casual. My husband and I go to a lot of concerts and I love to dress up. I’ve tried to explain the concept of “dressy casual” but it hasn’t sunk in. We live in the Pacific NW where grunge is prevalent even with the senior crowd. Could you please put your spin on the concept of dressy casual?

    1. My spin on dressy casual includes steamed or pressed clothing worn with accessories. A tee and jeans look more elevated with a cardigan or jacket and belt. Cargo shorts, a sports team tee, flip-flops, and a ball cap won’t cut it.

  25. I always find that dark wash blue jeans and a white button down shirt can make an outfit for most casual outings.
    Add a cardigan or blazer and a pretty scarf for warmth and impact.
    Love your blog posts and style ideas.
    best wishes to you both from a 75 year old women who lives in Wales
    regards Gloria

  26. Susan,
    I have a red cashmere cardigan similar to what you are wearing….One day, when I wore it with a jeans and a white blouse, someone said “wow! that’s really red!” It made me wonder if I was doing something wrong! My coloring is similar to yours and now I’ve been thrown off by that remark. It’s interesting how one remark about your clothing can stay with you and make one think about wearing the item again. Your style is so “spot on” and common sense.
    Happy to see that both you and Mr. Mickey are looking spiffy. Will take a while to recup but keep enjoying yourselves; you are fortunate to have each other.

  27. You two have been through a lot and always come out looking fabulous. I am glad you can get out and about together!

  28. Lately I’ve been cold everyday up here in the NE. My casual formula is layers of course. Usually heavier pants or leggings, as I find jeans do not keep me warm. On top I wear a mock turtle neck shell, or a long sleeved tee, usually with a cardigan. I don’t like to layer an “over the head” sweater over long sleeves. Makes me feel too confined. I wear knee high trouser socks and short boots. Then of course a coat! I hate winter! Too much to put on! Can’t wait until spring and we need no socks, sweaters or coats!

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I share tips and inspiration for using what you already have in contemporary ways. Defining words include effortless, classic, refined, discreet, and elegant. My style is chic, minimal, and timeless with a bit of edge.