Neutral Pale Blue

Neutral colors include black, white, navy, gray, ivory, brown, tan, and olive. These solid colors are the foundations of our wardrobes, and they allow us the flexibility to create a variety of looks to include prints, patterns, and statement items.

Pale blue is another neutral color that looks lovely with most complexions, and it also complements many other colors. Keep in mind that you will need to shop for the undertone that blends with your coloring. If you look better in gold tones, you will want a pale blue with yellow undertones. My choices always include cool undertones.

This is a favorite summer shirt. I bought it a few years ago from Everlane. It is tissue-thin cotton, so it always feels cool and comfortable. Similar shirts are here, here, and here. Other pale blue tops and blouses are here, here, and here.

I wear pale blue with camel, rust, olive, white, navy, black, dark wash denim, and my Malibu punch jeans about three years old. Similar straight leg jeans are here.

Great style begins with acquiring garments that fit you well in colors and fabrics that flatter you. If you narrow your choices to include a palette of colors that work together, you won’t need to shop very often, but you will always have something to wear.

I’ve been wearing the ring and bracelet for more than a decade. Similar accessories are here, here, and here. The watch is here.

The sandals are by Sam Edelman from last year. Similar shoes are here. The bag is also a few years old. It would have been my choice if I were going out to do my errands. Similar tote here.

Half-tucking my shirt allows me to sidestep the appearance of wearing a tent without showing my flat backside. Button the shirt all the way and tuck the center of the front into your pants. Pull it out a bit and roll the sides under to soften the look.

I respect Beautycounter products so much; I signed up to be a consultant about four years ago. I am wearing Dew Skin Light: Light Skin Tones (Previously No. 2) here, a very subtle tinted moisturizer with sunscreen. I used bronzer in the color Surf here to add sun-kissed warmth to my cheekbones and the bridge of my nose. My lip color is in the same color family as my pants. It is the color Poppy here. My twice-daily skincare routine is here.

I hope that seeing how I put together looks from a closet that includes simple basic items inspires you to use what you already have in new ways. I enjoy getting dressed each day, even when I am not feeling my best. Except for the worst first few days of my recent illness, I got up and got dressed each day. It pleases me to enjoy and use any of my items at any time, not just for special occasions or when I am going out.

Shopping links may provide a small commission for me at no additional cost to you. I use my Sony Alpha a5100 camera’s timer and a tripod to take my photos.

41 Comments
  1. Good morning. Setting the tone for the day with your looks. I also love a tissue thin shirt. Especially in July and August in the Carolinas. Continued wellness, Susan.

  2. Hello from. Australia. Love the idea of tucking in the front of the shirt. I don’t seem to have a the knack of making it look natural, though. More practice needed! Glad you’re feeling better, Susan. The fatigue from pneumonia can be so frustrating. Keep well.

  3. Susan I love your style and your posts. The posts are always to the point, honest, heartfelt and useful. Although some of your clothes are too expensive for me, I love the simple shapes and colors and classic styles you are always an inspiration! Wishing you good health and happiness.

  4. Today’s outfit is just my style! I appreciate how you have given style tips here to complete this look with tried & true accessories, showing how to step up the fashion look without stressing out my (husband’s) credit card! Lol! – Seriously, I admire how you continue to look so fashionable and in style always with your classic looks! You look very pretty! Best wishes for your continued recovery, Susan! I know you must be very anxious to get back to your full healthy lifestyle routine.

  5. Gentile Signora
    Sono contenta che piano piano si sta rimettendo dopo sicuramente un periodo di paura e incertezza.
    Come sempre comunque lei affronta, le avversità del momento con grazia. Anche noi qui in Italia, siamo stati pesantemente toccati da questo momento così inaspettato e drammatico. Devo dire che nella mia Città (Bologna,) le persone sono in maggiorita esponsabili e corrette. Speriamo bene per tutti, tanti cari auguri di una pronta e totale guarigione. A presto cara Susan.

  6. Your illness and not eating shows. Try to stay as well as possible we missed when you were ill. As usual you look great today!

  7. I’m so happy you are regaining your health. Covid-19 can certainly do a number on you! As always you are looking attractive and elegant.

  8. Susan, you are very inspiring! I am impressed that you are dressed and so well-groomed during your illness and convalescence at home alone. I believe that it’s true that if you look good, you feel good. There used to be a women’s dress shop where I used to live that specialized in fancy clothes and sparkly accessories, and their motto was, “Life’s a party. Dress up!” You could be their spokesmodel! That combination of light blue and bright pinkish-red is so flattering. Thank you for making my day, and I hope you continue to feel better and stronger.

  9. Susan, you look lovely as always! Great inspiration to put forth that effort to look good every day. Best wishes for your continued recovery and thanks for all that you do!

  10. Great casual looks, and your look inspires me to loose some weight and try the blouse tucked in the front. Thanks

  11. Loving the pale blue with your Malibu punch. I remember those. So pretty. You look beautiful as always. Indeed inspiring and thank you! Feel better.

  12. You look wonderful and you are such an inspiration to all of us..God Bless that your health goes to 100%! Please keep posting for us so we can be inspired from your lovely postings.

  13. I love icy pale blue shirts. This colour suits you so well.
    Susan, I think you made a short video on how to do a half tuck for a shirt. If so, would you please give your readers the link? Many kind thanks!
    Keep resting up and please take care of yourself.

  14. Susan, I think you look amazing for having been thru Covid and on the heels of that, pneumonia. That is a true testament to all the fantastic changes you’ve made in your life over the years. You look great, girl! Keep taking care of you to get your strength back. Thank you for staying in touch with your fans.

  15. Thank you for sharing as you are recovering. I always look forward to your posts and you look amazing. Take care and speedy recovery.

  16. Hi Susan what a chic little outfit. You look wonderful and relaxed. Thanks for cheering up my gloomy morning in Melbourne

  17. I’ve always treated my chambray shirts as neutrals but never thought of my other pale blue shirts. I’ll have to try this. I don’t have punch color but I do have plum. I think that will work. I’m glad you’re feeling better. I enjoy your blog so much.

  18. You always look elegant, even in casual clothes! Please continue to take care of yourself. It will take time but we’ll all get through this.

  19. Glad you are feeling better. You always look very pretty. Where you live looks beautifully lush and green, which I live bc I live in the Mojave Desert. Thank you for sharing so much with us.

  20. I am glad to see that you are over the worst of your illness. Your advice is very welcome as we all struggle to get through this time. It is so important that we try to maintain our routines while in insolation.
    Be well and be safe.

  21. Susan I think you look AWESOME! Love you so much 🙂 I wanted to ask you if you could send me in a good direction on brands of pants that suit the apple shaped body. I really love a comfort waist with no show elastic and I’m petite in height. I’m working on losing weight (with health the primary goal of course). I haven’t been comfortable for a LONG time with wearing regular button/ zip up pants but I want them to be attractive for work. I hope you continue recovering WELL and to your full prior strength and stamina. HUGS

  22. I am so happy to see you are recovering. Thank you for sharing your journey and keeping it real. You truly are an example of – when life gives you lemons you have made lemonade. Rest and heal.

  23. Thanks Susan. So happy that you are feeling a little better each day. You look great. I so look forward to your blogs. You inspire me. I have told so many people to click on your blog.

    Keep getting better. Have a good day and be sure to rest.

    Pat

  24. I’m almost embarrassed to submit this question but how do you keep the foot beds of your sandals clean? I personally find socks and/or hose uncomfortable and restricting but my sandals & shoes develop stains when worn with bare feet. May I add, that I shower regularly and have clean feet!

    1. I get that question occasionally, Barb. I have many pairs of shoes so they don’t get worn all day or very often, which may be why they don’t get worn looking. If I walked in them a lot more or wore them every day, I’m sure they wouldn’t stay as clean.

  25. Lovely look. I am considering a similar shirt from Everlane but am finding choosing the size difficult as it’s a relaxed fit. Could you tell me what size you are wearing please?
    Hope you continue to get stronger.

  26. Susan,

    You are a little tiny woman. How tall are you?

    You look great! I am so happy you are feeling better!

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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.