While doing laundry today, I also decided to multitask and work on a new post. These inspirational images using some of my favorite fall pieces from last year may give you some ideas for using your items. I have several styles of cardigans in various shapes, so the first look features a cardigan I bought last year. A few of the same styles of sweaters are still available here.
A cardigan over a tank with jeans has long been a favorite combination for dressing up or down. I would wear this look to lunch with friends.
This would be a great look for a doctor’s visit.
I wore the brown linen oversized shirt a lot this summer, so I’ve been thinking about ways to continue to style it in the fall. Partially tucked in and crossed over in front before tucking the ends inside the waistband works over a tank top. The back view is below. The brown color is sold out now, but other colors of the linen shirt are here.
After looking for a leather jacket for several years, I found my best option late last year. I plan to wear it a lot in the fall. A similar jacket with a zipper front is here. The pumps are here. The belt is here. The bag is here. The jeans are here.
I would wear this look to meet friends for a drink after a busy day.
Cashmere sweaters have been in my collection for more than a decade. They are great for three seasons here in East Tennessee. I look forward to wearing the V-neck cropped versions with jeans in casual ensembles. The cashmere sweater is here. The sneakers are here.
I am so happy you posted today. I really look forward to your posts. Your shirt tuck is amazing with the linen shirt! you look beautiful in all the looks. Thank you for the inspiration. You put everything together beautifully.
Thank you for the kind words, Jennifer. I’m so glad you enjoy what I share.
Great post and I love the idea of cris-crossing the front ends of the oversized blouse! As always, thank you for your great ideas!
I always enjoy your posts and have followed you for some years now. It is an inspiration every time. I love your classic and elegant style, it is an inspiration for new ideas to go closet shopping myself
Thank you for following along, Bente. I’m glad you are here!
Again you have shown me how to use the clothes I already have in my closet. As the other lady said I also love your classic style. So put together and not fussy. I really like the sweater in the first picture I may have to add to my wardrobe though.
I’m so glad you took the time to do this. I like your ideas.
I’m glad that sharing this was helpful to you, Paula. Thanks for your comments.
Love the last picture the best. You look youthful and happy. Thanks for sharing your posts. As a longtime follower, I have been inspired by your creativity. You show that a classic style does not have to be boring
I love the wide-leg black pants. I saw them earlier in the year, but can’t find the article. Can you tell me where you bought them and where I might find something similar. As always, I love how you put things together, and look forward to your posts.
They don’t have the same style anymore, but these trouser jeans are very similar.
Love the looks! Also, your hair looks great! Robin
Always such a treat when I see your latest message Susan! I live in the UK so can’t buy the brands you wear… but I buy the nearest version available. You have transformed the way I dress…. thank you!
I love all these looks and I also really like your longer hair!
An email from you…..yes open it asap! Thanks so much. Love the looks, perfect and I’m so ready for fall! Always so pretty!
I don’t think brown is one of your usual colors, but you look gorgeous in that brown shirt! I love the color and the way you have it styled. Thank you for your posts and suggestions. I’m retired and don’t buy fashion magazines anymore so I tend to wear the same items the same way over and over. You’re giving me inspiration and some incentive to pay more attention to how I look.
If I like a simple brown piece with a red tone, I usually buy it because I know it will work with my coloring and all my other items. If the piece is too busy with details or the brown is more golden, I pass on it.
I love the linen shirt styled with the black jeans even more than with the white. Great job, Susan!
Susan: Love the use of your pieces from last year. I am going through my closet this week; I live in Houston so it is still warm here. I am curious about your longer hair; I like it! My hair is thinner in the last few years and it is very frustrating.
Mine will get a much needed trim on Monday, but not too much. My hair is so much easier to work with at shoulder length.
Good morning, what a great idea for the Saturday before I give into my obsession of Houston Texans football. I’ve spent the past year going through my clothing and reducing everything down to what I love, what I feel good in and what works for my body today.
Thank you for your lovely posts and suggestions I look forward to every one.
Love your style & as always thanks for your outfit ideas. ❤️
Always a classy look!
Hi Susan,
Would you mind sharing how you crossed over and then tucked in the brown linen shirt? It’s such a beautiful look!
Thank you,
Paula
Fold up the back half of the shirt and then gather the resulting “tails” at the front. Cross one over the other and tuck them in. To help keep my shirts snuggly tucked, I put them in place, pull my shapewear or panties over the shirttail, and then pull up the jeans. This gives a smooth look under your pants or jeans.
Susan,
You wear jeans so well and I see lots of ideas that I’d like to replicate,
however ……. I don’t understand why you wear pointed toe shoes so often.
In my mind, a buzzer goes off in my head when I look from top to bottom
at these outfits. The shoes don’t seem to work with an otherwise great
look and fit. Why not do navy espadrilles or something with a more
square toe?
The pointed toes are more modern looking and elongating with fuller leg pants.
Susan
As always you look fabulous in all of the outfits.
I know you bought the black leather jacket last year but would you mind sharing the maker and the size? Sometimes these items can be found if you dig deep enough. Thanks in advance. I wish it would cool down here in FL but I am saving my cool weather clothes for Nov to Jan Europe trip. Again!!!
I too love your longer hair.
Best to you.
Hi Judy. I bought the jacket here in a size large.
Really liked everything! And may I add, the picture where you put your sunglasses up and it pulls your hair back, you look very pretty like that. Do you ever wear your hair in a messy updo way?
Thank you for the inspiration*
I sometimes use a banana clip to put my hair up.
That brown linen shirt ensemble is fabulous! And I love the tip on the cross over tuck-in!
I love the blue & white striped bag! I live at the NC Coast, now, & would love to have one like or similar to it! If you will let me know where you purchased it, I will appreciate it! Although I suspect you didn’t purchase it locally, I will be visiting in the Tri-Cities & Knoxville in October, if so, or I could check NC locations you visited on your recent vacation & buying trip in NC!
Thank you!
~ Anne
The tote was a bonus I earned while a consultant for Beautycounter. I found a similar one here.
I just recently bought everything turquoise from Chico’s but after your blog I will start getting the deep burgundy red tops.
Loved your tips on using the brown linen shirt tucked. The color looks great with black. Thanks so much for your advise and time.
Love, love, love the brown linen shirt tucked like that. Also looking forward to a day when I will be able to wear my cashmere sweaters here in North Fl. Most importantly, Your hairy is absolutely gorgeous in this length. I wear my hair long and I am older than you. We have to wear what is most becoming. Forget what “they” say. Always happy to see your posts.
Susan, I love this post … a great transition to fall in the Midwest! I am very interested in the jeans worn with your leather jacket look … do you have any info on them?
I too admire your hair – suits you so well!
I thought those were sold out but they are still here. Thanks for asking about them!
Love all these looks. You mentioned that you sometimes use banana clip. Would you post pictures of that look? I’ve let my gray hair grow almost to my shoulders & put it up in fussy bun at home sometimes but would like to go out with it up but haven’t decided that it looks good enough. Any ideas? Also, love your handbags. Do you always carry a small one?
I just pull my hair back as it I were going to put it in a low ponytail and then twist it up toward the top of my head and then stick a banana clip over it. It isn’t pretty but it gets the hair out of the way when I’m working.
I sometimes carry larger bags when I am going out for the day, but if only going out to lunch or for a couple of hours I carry a small bag.
What resources have you used to learn your best styles?
I know intuitively what works for me after so many years of having my photo taken, and buying mistakes taught me a lot. For example, I know ruffles and prints do not appeal to me. I like structured masculine garments worn with feminine touches such as open collars and a defined waist with heels.
Thank You. Appreciated your post. Look forward to it. Great suggestions. Wondering what size do you wear ? Thanks Katie
I am 5’5″, weigh about 135 pounds and I wear a size 6 or 28 in jeans. A size medium top is almost always the best option.
Susan,
You wear jeans so well and I see lots of ideas that I’d like to replicate,
however ……. I don’t understand why you wear pointed toe shoes so often.
In my mind, a buzzer goes off in my head when I look from top to bottom
at these outfits. The shoes don’t seem to work with an otherwise great
look and fit. Why not do navy espadrilles or something with a more
squared toe?
The pointed toes are more modern looking and elongating with wider leg pants. Round and square toes cut the visual line and make one look shorter.
Hi, love your blog! Would a cashmere blend be a good buy or not?
If it feels soft and supple, you may enjoy it. I have both blends and full cashmere. They all pill a little but the cashmere is softer.
Hi Susan,
These are great looks! Thanks so much for sharing them. Your purses are so small wonder if you might also share what you have inside. I love how you are able to carry such a compact purse.
If I am only going out for lunch I don’t need much. Keys, lip balm, tissue and credit cards are about it.
Susan please share how do you store your cardigans? And how do you clean them? Thank you
Heavier cardigans get folded and placed on a shelf to keep their shape. I hang lightweight sweaters inside out on felt hangers, spot-clean them as needed, hand wash them in cold water, and always lay them flat to dry. I usually only wear something for a few hours, so it rarely gets dirty. I always let those garments I have worn air out on a rail for a couple of days before putting them away in my closet.
Susan, you still look perfect in all your outfits which I love. Even in sneakers, you still look elegant. My preference is for the second outfit, predominantly brown, including high heeled sandals.