When I walked out the front door on Monday to start my morning walk, it was only fifty-nine degrees. As much as I hate to bid farewell to summer, I know it is time to start planning for early fall outfits. I’ve noticed some 2024 trends that appeal to me, but I plan to use what I already have to bring those elements into my looks without shopping.
I am stranded today while my car is being serviced, so I decided to make the most of the time and try different fall outfits using the same base. A simple scoop-neck white cotton tank and a pair of medium-wash straight-leg jeans have been my favorite starting point for years. All the following looks are built around that base, but of course, I tucked the tank in to define the waist and balance my proportions.
Sneakers and stripes will continue to be featured in the fall. Most items shown today are not new, but I’ll provide links if they are still available.
Cognac is a great color all year, but it is most popular in the autumn. My loafers are here. The classic combination includes a navy linen blazer with a canvas and cognac-trimmed bag. Smaller bags and top-handle bags will be on trend. Linen was super popular this summer, but it will continue to appear in fall looks.
Messy hair in the natural color is trending. Bold earrings and chunky bracelets are also the focus. Tunics and oversized shirts worn open will continue to be a favorite combo for fall. The tunic is here. The belt is here.
Tweed jackets and the color burgundy are already showing up in stores. The heels are here. Pointed-toe shoes will be super popular.
Strappy flats and kitten heels will be popular, as will long, lightweight, refined duster-length sweaters. The strappy flats are here.
Hi Susan, was just reading some online articles and happened to check your site. What a great post.
I agree, that bit of cool air in the early morning is a nudge to think of autumn. Sweaters and pumpkin spice. Lol
What a lovely couple you are. Beautiful picture. Thank you for inspiring us with your layering tips. Have a great rest of the week!
You definitely need to put that bottom picture in a frame!!!!
Wonderful post. Always gives me ideas!
Thanks for all your work!
Great post! Your eye shadow looks lighter than usual. Are you wearing a new color? Your eyes look soft and beautiful! Also, your bare complexion is lovely. I haven’t yet given up foundation and concealer completely. I love Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer. It provides moisture and light coverage without being overdone. Thank you for all the fall looks. I always learn something from your posts.
The eye shadow is about the same, it might be the change in lighting.
This is my favorite kind of post. I always love seeing the different variations that you are able to create from the same basics. Your creativity is amazing. I think my earliest introduction to you was a video that you made seven years ago, where you showed how to create different looks from the same basic black pants and black scoop neck tee. It was exactly the kind of advice and inspiration I needed and I have been a huge fan and follower of yours ever since. After I lost a lot of weight due to cancer a few years ago, you helped me rebuild my wardrobe and regain my self-esteem in the process and for that I owe you a huge debt of gratitude. Thank you so much!
And, since I am writing, I would just like to add that I love the way you have styled your hair in these pictures. The natural, more casual look really suits you, and you look stunning!
Thank you for the lovely comments, Shelley. I’m so glad you’ve found my posts helpful over the years. It’s so great to learn you are doing well and enjoying your new wardrobe.
One of my favorite posts! I especially appreciate the “shop your closet” approach. I have noticed that you often dress with the “golden ratio” perspective. That might be a post your readers would find interesting.
After I studied the golden ratio, I published a simplified version of the formula in the post here. Dividing your ensemble into thirds, creates an elongated silhouette that enhances natural stature. This division leads to a more balanced appearance, making us seem taller without any added effort.
Hello Susan, this is a very interesting post. All these different outfits are, once again, very well worn. The combination of heeled shoes or not is always… perfect. My preference is for the first photo, where the same outfit seems even more casual. No shoes and uncovered shoulders, you look totally lovely with your amazing smile lighting up this stunning photo.
Susan you look great. I hope you and Mickey feel as well as you both look.
Thanks Brad. We are well.
Very helpful article. Thank you. May I ask what size dress you purchased from Dillard’s? Did opt out of wearing nylons? You both look so lovely and classic!
Since the dress is so long and I wore sandals, I didn’t wear nylons. ( I also have a bit of tan on my legs now.)
Susan, thanks so much for this informative post.
I am looking for some block heels similar to these. Where did you purchase them?
Thanks again. I gleaned so much helpful information from this post!
I bought the block heel sandals here.
Thank you for article. Very informative as usual! May I ask what size dress you purchased from Dillard’s? You both look so lovely and classy.
I purchased the dress in a size medium.
You always look so pretty and classy. I enjoy your posts and you are an inspiration to me. Thank you.
Susan, you always have the most interesting shoes! I need to step out of the box and invest in something other than plain pumps.
Susan this is a great post. I like the different ways you showed how to change the basic look. There are so many ideas with just changing one or two things.
I like these because of the suggestions.
Susan, thanks very much for this post. I love how you started with the same base and then changed things up. I particularly love the tan accessorising. And lastly, what a great photo of you both!
Golly – you wear pointed toes so well. I’m so envious as neither they nor heels are good for my feet. I do have a couple of pairs of pointy heels (one is delicious animal print) for attending the theatre glammed up but that’s it.
You carry off the messy hair so well, but it’s one of the trends I won’t follow – for me, my hair has to be smooth, or smooth but with a kick up or slicked back in a neat pony tail.
And yay to animal print shoes (and scarves)!!!! I’ve always considered leopard print to be one of the neutrals. Do you think so?
Finally, you and Mr. Mickey both look so very elegant. A stunning looking couple.
Animal print is neutral; however, near my face, black, gray, and white animal prints look better on me.
Susan,
Thank you for this post!! You look so lovely in all of the photos , as always!! The outfit choices are all very attractive on you.
Thank you for helping us make wise choices when shopping our closet or clothing stores.
Susan, would you share where your Navy Blazer started out its life, or perhaps a similar Blazer option? The one you are wearing is excellent! Thanks
The blazer I am wearing is the Alfie blazer in Italian Linen from J. Crew. This one is similar in style.
Loving this new casual “messy” look of yours, it makes you look so much younger…the prim and proper look is so aging, and the longer hair is sexy and fresh!
Hi Susan,
You look so pretty with your natural looking hair, it’s a natural pretty messy look. ❤️it, suits you.
All the pictures are great, you always rock your look.
Fabulous picture of you and Mr. Mickey heading off to a wedding. Tell Mr. Mickey he needs to be on a cover of a Paris magazine. What a cool dude.
Your comment will make his day! Thank you.
Susan, you always look gorgeous and are always so well-dressed. I really like your style. Also, longer hair brings out even more of your beauty and makes you look astonishing!! I enjoy all your posts. They truly inspire me!
Good Morning Susan
Thank you for another super post. I can’t explain how much easier your posts have made it for me to go shopping for clothes. I must say you and Mr Mickey make a lovely couple.
Thank you, Annie. I’m so glad that you have benefited from the things I share.
Hi Susan, I have enjoyed your posts lately. At first, I didnt know about the style difference in your hair, but now I love it. My hair is very similar to yours so I decided to try your natural sporty look on myself, and I have received numerous compliments. Just had to say thank you, for in viewing your posts I was encouraged to try something different. Keep on posting for us! Love the photo of Mr. Mickey and you! Wow! Beautiful couple!
Hi, love the way you styled my favourite colour and style of jeans and the different options how to wear them. I am not a fan of anything baggy especially the wide leg style pants BUT as I always say it’s a personal choice .
Well what can I say about your dress , I think ‘Fabulous ‘ you look gorgeous and the length and delicate pattern in monochrome dress and length really suits you so much . Mr Micky looking very smart indeed but he has left us reader wondering no doubt what design socks he has on . Maybe wedding cake, or bells or may be plain black ? Just love you two, The photo of you both is worthy of framing it’s lovely.
Pamela UK
The socks were plain black this time. Thank you for your lovely comments, Pamela. It’s always good to hear from you.
A little anti dote, I noticed you are wearing different belt with your jean and they look great.I must get some tummy fat off because I would love to wear belt like that. Also the ? Champagne coloured belt and classy bag and sandals in same shade looks brilliant,.I wouldn’t have thought of a using belt with the dress and same accessories, the colour is
softer than maybe white , such a clever choice Susan. No cake with my tea today if I want to wear a belt .
Kind regard Pamela UK..
.
Thanks so much for the different looks. Love the photo of you & Mr. Mickey. You both look fabulous!
Thank you once again for the inspiration, I love all of the outfits you shared! And your hairstyle is so flattering, you look great, as does Mr. Micky …what a striking couple you make!
That hairdo looks so fantastic on you. Just goes to show that we don’t have to cut our hair short when we get older. I’m noticing more and more women growing out their hair gray and longer. They look really nice with the right hair products and a good trim.
Love love you longer hair honestly it makes you look younger. You are looking very tan – what type of self tanner do you use? And also as personal or intimate as this seems what type of bra do you wear? As I age I’m finding it harder to find things that work or are comfortable for me in the lingerie department
I sit out by the neighborhood pool for a few minutes whenever I can, so the tan is from sunshine. I wear the type of bra that suits what I am wearing over it. Some days it is the Ultimate Pretty from Shapeez.com. I have a really good strapless bra here. I wear a few different styles of bras from Soma. Here is one to wear when it is really hot and humid under a cotton or linen shirt. Here is a great one to wear with tees.
I think you look great in the dress from Dillard. I love the look of the champagne colored belt you have chosen to accessorize it. Is the belt still available?
I found the belt at Chico’s about five years ago.
Thanks for post, always appreciate the info. Susan, I like your hair, how does one do the “messy” look? Enjoy the rest of your day.
As for me, my hair is naturally wavy, so I don’t do very much. The less I do, the better it turns out.
I used to follow a blog that gave a spring and autumn fashion forecast each year but she retired. Thank you for keeping us up to date. I was wondering where you get your information.
Thank you,
Carolyn
I watch the runway shows, study Vogue, Pinterest and Instagram as well as watching videos about trends and fashion on YouTube.
I’m ready for the Fall! Always enjoy your posts!
I love the belt and the bag worn with the dress. Do you have a source for those? Thx
The belt is several years old. I bought it at Chico’s. The shoes are here.
I always enjoy your posts. Wish we had some of your fall weather here in Texas. You and Mr Mickey are always so elegant. Glad you are doing so well!
Each look, one after another, was a pleasure to behold!
Love all the shoes and wish I could wear those pointy-toed heels! Elegant and sexy at the same time.
You and Mr. Mickey (so dapper in that cravat!) are such a beautiful couple.
I like your wedding attire selection. In October I will be attending a wedding at a small seaside chapel, and the dress code is “business attire”. I have selected a dress very similar to yours, with a block heeled shoe. I think I will meet the dress code! I live in south Alabama, where we are still suffering in the upper 90’s. I love wearing cardigans and sweaters, so please send some of your cooler weather our way.
Looking fabulous Susan, as well as Mr. Mickey
Love all these looks; although it breaks my heart to see pointed toe shoes coming back! Wore them in the ’60’s and that was enough!! They make my size 10-11’s look a mile long! I will have to tuck this email somewhere where I can find it to save the info on different looks with jeans. Thank you for what you do!!
It’s my pleasure, Gail. Try an almond toe shoe instead. Those are not as lengthening.
Hi Susan –
Thank you for the fall preview. I grabbed a pair of the JCREW jeans, before they sold out. The package arrived today and you are 100% correct, they are perfect. Thanks for all the great tips.
Janet Regan
PS . Loved the wedding look with MR. M!
I have been following you for years. Love your simplicity of style. It has helped me a lot since it’s hard to find other grey haired ladies with similar style.
Love the dress. Did you have to shorten the length? Several comments on the Dillards website said the dress was very long. Where did you purchase the striped sweater. As always you & Mr. Mickey are a very handsome couple.
I bought the striped sweater here last spring. I didn’t have to alter the dress. (I’m 5’5″).
Thank you for another great post, Susan!!!
Hi Susan, I noticed the lovely tan too! Please tell us what sunscreen products you use on your face and body, when at the pool, and how long do you stay out? I love all the looks styled above. You and Mr. Mickey compliment each other so well! Another great post!
I use olive oil and I wear a hat and sunglasses. I never stay longer than 40 minutes. (20 on each side.)
Thank you for the outfit ideas. I have a long black cardigan and just ordered the BR scoop neck tank.
Your hair looks lovely styled this way.
I love getting a blog from you. You inspire. Been following along for many years.
I always love to see you both looking so put together – together. XOX.
It is none of our business But could you tell us – why you have not married? Your a perfect match.
Thank you, Beverly. We are the best of friends and life partners, but as I told him when I first met him. “Your daughters come first. We don’t need to get married to be a happy couple.”
Susan:
Thanks for this! I live in the Midwest and our weather lately has been all over the place! Two weeks ago we had fall weather. I got out jeans and a sweater. Today it’s 90 degrees and a humidity of about 85! I really need some ideas for summer/fall weather.
You wear belts with many of your styles. Those of us that have a belly are Leary of wearing belts . They seem to accentuate the belly below the belt.
I’m 74 years mature and wearing heels of any style are not practical for me. Please mention that flats are acceptable. I want to reach 75 yrs.
Where is the belt you wore with your dress to the wedding. It looks silver ? Also the silver belt you wore with your white pants. How wide are these belts.
I’m 5’4” and weigh 163 lbs.
The belts would be a great gift. Also, did you size down for the oversized tunic. Thanks
I advocate wearing what suits you and helps you feel like the best version of yourself. Flats are always acceptable! I just bought these flat sandals in three colors.
The belt worn with the dress is from Chico’s about five years ago. I prefer belts that are no wider than two inches. The silver belt might have come from J.Crew. I purchased my regular size in the tunic.
Loved everything. How nice and easy to dress casually like that and look terrific.
Susan, I love your hair’s natural curl. You look beautiful both ways but I think the waves give off a youthful vibe. You are glowing! Blessings to both you and Mr. Mickey.
Your hair looks so pretty. Do you blow dry and use a curling iron? Thank you!
Thanks! That’s how it looks when I mostly let it air dry.
I love this post about trending styles. I love your hair like this!
Hi Susan, Thanks for the super simple, yet refined, outfit formula. You prove that dressing chic is easy when you have the right basics and accessories. You and Mr. Mickey make a fine looking couple!
You look wonderful. I love the cognac loafers! They satisfy my preppie side! Thanks to you have booked a week at the inner banks in Edenton and Manteo. Thank you for suggesting the area!
As others have stated, this post is great! Such a big help as to what (and how) to wear clothing/accessories going into the Fall. I will be attending a wedding mid-September. Love the dress you are wearing in the last photo. Two questions, did the belt you are wearing come with the dress? If not, what color is it, and do you remember where you purchased it?
The same questions for the purse. They look like they match so well.
The belt is from Chico’s about five years ago and is a bronze/metallic color.
Susan,
I have he dress and wear it often. I like the way you accesorized with gold belt and clutch. Any tips on where you found the belt or clutch.
Thanks,
Janet
The belt is from Chico’s about five years ago. The bag is also more than five years old. That company has closed now.
Love, love, love the lipstick color! I like the casual hairstyle, too! You are gorgeous and a wonderful inspiration. Thank you.
Your hair looks AMAZING! I love that it’s a bit longer.
Susan, I enjoy your posts especially using what you have to create new looks.
You always look great and I would love to see a post on posing for photos.
Thx!
I Love your site. I’ve learned so much from you … the simplicity of a core wardrobe and then add the accents to either be current or change as the day happens. I’m now trying to buy more of what you wear … the foundational items like a good T and a short sleeve and 3/4 in that. Add dark jeans or lite – or slacks .. a jean jacket or Navy/Black blazer and you are pretty set. Thank you Susan.
Thank you again, Susan for your great tips and pictures. I think you and Mr. Mickey make an adorable couple. <3
Your hair looks lovely at that length, it really suits you and is very youthful and natural looking. I have been following you for many years, but never sent a comment before. I like the way you put classic outfits together, and try to follow that method. I have many classic clothes from when I was working, so just try to add the odd newer item to update my look, as you do. Thanks for many years of inspiration! Fan from Canada.
Thanks so much for the lovely comments, Jane.