Comfortable and Casual

In all but the hottest summer months, my casual looks include a tank or a long sleeve tee, a cardigan or jacket, and comfortable jeans. I often add a scarf to pull the look together and add a finishing touch. A pair of loafers, low boots, or oxfords are usually on my feet when the weather turns colder. I want to be comfortable, but I also want to look presentable and put together.

I wear belts more often now and at least partially tuck the front of the top in since adjusting to wearing mostly low heeled shoes. If I leave both layers untucked, it often creates a straight line at midthigh, which, when worn with flat shoes, cuts my body in half and makes me look wider, and my legs look much shorter. If you do not want to tuck the first layer in, I suggest wearing one shorter layer. If the jacket and top are not the same lengths, the uneven line creates the illusion of height and helps make us look more slender.

The jeans I am wearing here are Levi’s. I miss the classic slim cut they used to make. They have so many fits, styles, and washes now; it is easy to get confused when trying to order online. I have learned that if I am ever going to get the right fit, I will have to visit a store that stocks their jeans and try them on. Like bras, jeans need to fit correctly. Otherwise, we end up with a diaper butt in about two hours. Don’t you hate that?

The bag in black with cinnamon trim and a convertible handle is from Finley House Couture in Blowing Rock, NC. The Samoe Style collection is manufactured with a mechanism that easily converts the handle to three different lengths.

I purchased the soft, comfortable long-sleeve white tee from Covered Perfectly. I wear one of these tops almost every day in the colder months. They are the perfect first layer when trying to keep warm. The material is soft and supple, adding no bulk, and other fabrics slide across it without dragging or bunching up.

Some of you may remember that I used to model for Covered Perfectly before I retired. I am wearing the same top in this photo from one of the photoshoots.

When you shop with Covered Perfectly, you can buy two and get the third top for free. Susan After 60, followers can get a 20% discount on up to two items. Use the discount code FNF20 when you check out at Covered Perfectly. There are several great styles to choose from, and the discount will apply on up to two items; after that, you can take advantage of the buy 2 get 1 FREE special. Only one discount will work per order. The link to the Covered Perfectly site is here.

The long sleeve cotton cardigan was from Cali & York last year. I love it when the weather is mild enough to push up my sleeves. That little trick also makes me look taller and more slender than I am. The loafers are old by Nine West. The sunglasses are by Vera Wang via Kohl’s. The dark gray crew socks are from Belk by Ralph Lauren.

We took these pictures on the campus of The Mountain Home VA in Johnson City on a recent sunny Sunday afternoon before spending time with my family.