Color Limit

When I wear just one or two tones of color from head to toe, I feel more confident, well dressed, and taller. Adding one statement piece finishes the look nicely, be it a silky scarf in beautiful colors or a dynamic necklace. I find that fewer noticeable accessories are always more elegant. Small stud earrings, one ring, and a watch are basics.

If you break down what I am wearing in these photos, you will see that it is essentially jeans and a tee. It is my choice of accessories and, of course, the fabric quality that makes this look appear more dressy.

Think of wearing the same tones of color instead of matching the colors exactly. For example, when wearing white pants, do not break the long, lean line by wearing dark shoes. A nude shoe always looks ideal for the daytime. A metallic shoe close to your skin color also looks very appropriate with white pants.

I don’t wear white shoes, other than sleek white sneakers with very casual looks. I wore a pair of white sandals with white pants once. After a few hours, I looked down at my feet, which looked huge and very pink. Lesson learned!

I wore this look to have lunch with Mr. Mickey and one of our dear friends on Wednesday. The navy waterfall top is by Clara Sunwoo, and the white denim Sasha style pants are by Lior Paris. Both those items are from ShopMyFairLady.com. The bold artistic statement necklace is from Chico’s. The bag is several years old by BCBG from T.J.Maxx. I look for a good quality bag from a designer’s line from a previous season. Look for high-quality construction and materials rather than cheap fast fashion, which is always a poor choice. The Kivah Block-Heel Dress Sandals are from Macy’s. (I shop for shoes at Dillard’s, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Saks Off 5th when I need a new pair.)

25 Comments
  1. I don’t like white shoes either and only have one pair of white flats that look great with my white jeans. Otherwise, like you, I only wear white sneakers.

  2. I have never thought of myself as a detail person (at least, when it comes to dressing) but thanks to your clear, educational (and always fun) postings I can say that I’m way ahead of where I used to be and now have an appreciation for the large impact little details can make.

    Your recent post about how a too-short haircut can make a woman of mature years look too masculine confirmed my concerns that I had a problem there. Yesterday, I started over with a new hair stylist and was showing him your photos from the last post as the direction I want to move in. Many thanks!

  3. I like this combination a lot. It is serene looking with just a little snap! Great hair too. Have a lovely weekend.

  4. I love the tops you have in your closet, but I’m not able to purchase any as I wear petite sizes. Will you be offering petite sizes?

  5. Would you share the size of the navy waterfall top you are wearing? Ordering online can be such a guessing game.

  6. Hi Susan, I have tried over the years to buy white shoes but somehow I just can’t; they seem to just say ‘look at my feet’…So glad you are suggesting other shades to wear with white. I love your statement necklace as it just finishes off your outfit. I like the waterfall top but I need a longer top because of my tummy. Maybe when some of the weight comes off I will be able to wear shorter tops. Great post….

  7. Love your look. I notice you tend to wear ankle length pants instead of longer ones. I have read that longer pants make your legs look longer and thinner vs ankle length. What do you think?

    1. In summer, I wear clothes that show my ankles, forearms and a V-neckline as often as possible. Because I have an inverted triangle shape body, I look heavier in long straight pants. I do not wear cropped pants of any type, nor do I wear short sleeves or tops that show the shape of my middle.

  8. Hi Susan,

    I just recently found out about your blog and I must say, I love the outfits you put together. Loving it!

    I have lost weight on and off over the years and am currently about 50 lbs overweight. I know this is not about fashion ( or maybe indirectly ) but I would appreciate any advice. I tend to be a non-stop eater when it comes to carbs.

    With appreciation,

    Nancy

    1. I have always shared lots of information about what I eat and why in hopes that it would lead others to a healthier way of eating.
      I will blog more about this next week. Please check back for an updated post on Wednesday.

  9. I’m liking your new cut very much. Can you describe how it is different than your previous style? I can’t seem to figure it out.
    As a long time reader of your blog, I think you have discovered a great deal about what is flattering for your figure and personality. Your style is so simple and elegant.

    1. Sam, my new stylist, cut more layers into the middle portion of my hair so that it isn’t so round. Since my hair is wavy, it was giving me a mushroom effect because it was almost all one length. A previous stylist had cut the top layer way too short, so we are trying to let that grow out to get the layers in more of a gentle gradation instead of the choppy horizontal lines that were there two haircuts ago.

  10. Do you have a fiormula for choosing shoe or sandal colours to wear with trousers? For instance
    White. Trousers ….nude or skin tone.
    Grey trousers with …….. .?
    Navy trousers with …….?
    Dark colour jeans ……. . .

    What would you wear with tan coloured sandals ?

    Thanks for any advice, especially in streamlining options !

    1. Nude shoes almost always look best with white, navy and other light colors. Gray looks nice with black. The tan sandals would look fine with most summer looks, especially if they are near to your skin tone.

  11. Hi Susan,

    I just purchased a couple pair of off white or winter white pants at Stein Mart. Do you ever wear that color?

    I’m changing my closet to be more like yours. We’re built pretty much the same. I just wish I could wrap my head around losing 40 lbs. It’s a constant struggle. Some days are better than others.

    I’m staying with solids and trying necklaces and scarves. I’m still working on what is my best color. Black, navy and white seem to be the best.

    I want to thank you for this site. It’s been hard to adjust to the new older me. I’ll be 60 in March. I never want to be frumpy and you’re such an inspiration for me. I just wish I could rock those heels of yours. Don’t change your style. I try to look my best every day because of you.

    Thanks,
    Tanya

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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.