I’ve been wearing the same one for over five years, so a coat with a more modern oversized silhouette has been on my wish list. I also needed some lighter-weight sweaters for lounging at home. The wider-leg and darker jeans have also been on my radar.
Several people have asked me to share some inspiration and sources for reasonably priced items for fall. As always, my choices are classic, simple items that can be worn for a few seasons or years.
Some updated styling tips include wearing larger earrings and carrying a handbag or tote as a clutch. I found the earrings at T.J.Maxx, and the shoes were from Nordstrom last year. They are by Vince Camuto.
When I saw this coat, it ticked off all the boxes. Since we rarely have freezing weather, I can wear it for most of the fall, winter, and spring on cool days.
The Amina Double-Faced Top Coat is here. I bought it in Heather Gray in a size medium. It is excellent to wear over blazers and cozy sweaters but is best for mild winters since it isn’t lined.
The Merino Wool Turtleneck Sweater is here. I bought a size medium in black. It looks great dressed up with nice slacks or jeans and boots. The neck isn’t too tight, and the fabric isn’t itchy.
The V-Neck Forever Sweater is here. I bought the Heather Gray and Black in a size medium. They are soft and not at all bulky, so they look great with silk scarves and jeans or tailored slacks.
The Crew Neck Forever Sweater is here. I bought it in Heather Gray, Preppy Navy, and Black. These sweaters are the perfect foundation under jackets and with silk scarves, dressy slacks, skirts, or jeans.
The Chunky Cardigan is here. I bought the Light Heather Gray in size medium. It looks great with white, blue or black jeans. I wore it with black jeans and a v-neck black camisole and received many compliments.
I know styles and tastes change. Everything looks so oversized. I will look forward to seeing them on you. Sometime back you said that raglan/dropped shoulders were not flattering to sizes with bigger chests. Have you revised this advice?
Dolman is the style that I avoid. Drop shoulders can be tricky to pull off, also. Raglan sleeves are ok.
Not a fan of the wide leg jeans, but I love every other item and color choices. I especially love the color choice of the coat.
It’s so nice to see fall clothing showing up everywhere!
I love the coat, I have one similar style in boiled wool that always feels smart with jeans and ankle boots.
I’m also admiring the beautiful blue and white planters in your photos! I search vintage shops in Britain for similar. No luck yet!
I am loving these updated looks! I have been a bit hesitant to jump on the flared and wide leg jeans bandwagon, but seeing you in them has convinced me to give them a try. You look fabulous in the coat and the entire outfit is perfectly proportional. Thank you for sharing so many great Fall ideas!
Thank you, Melinda. I’ve learned that the key to those flared and wide-leg jeans is to look for fitted styles through the hip and waist. The pleated versions add too much volume in the wrong places.
How do you keep the jumpers looking good and avoiding or minimising pilling or bobbling?
I bought a de-bobbler here to use on sweaters including cashmere. Pilling is a normal feature for almost all knits.
Happy birthday, Susan! I wish you many more. So glad you seem to be recovering well from your recent surgery.
Really enjoyed seeing these new fall items, and I look forward to seeing how you style them in the future.
Thank you, Cheryl!
Love the new items. I have a question/request. I have very similar hair color and texture as you. I’ve been hearing more and more about shampoo bars and conditioners, but I feel like I need to use hair products specifically for my very light gray hair to keep the brassiness away. Do you have any recommendations for shampoo and conditioner bars? There are a plethora of them on the market but I’d appreciate guidance before investing in the unknown.
I have never used shampoo and conditioner bars. I’m allergic to so many things, I’m hesitant to try something new. Here is my current routine and products.
Happy Birthday Susan!!
Thank you, Gayle!
Happy birthday, fellow Virgo! I’m glad you are posting again and I hope you are on the road to complete healing. I bought three of these Banana Republic V-neck sweaters last season at Costco in black, sage green, and lavender. Mine look identical to the one you posted. I imagine they are very similar. I love these sweaters because they are lightweight, layer-able, and wash like a dream. I traveled with them to Scotland last month and was glad I did!
Chère Susan ,
Joyeux anniversaire tout d’abord ,en espérant encore pour vous beaucoup de rêves à réaliser !
Enfin l’automne est arrivé, ou presque …Ici il fait encore très chaud ,pas loin de 30 degrés centigrades .
Mais j’ai commencé à sortir mes vêtements plus chauds et à acheter ce qui me manque .
Votre look est fabuleux ,j’adore le manteau ,sa couleur est très douce.En France on la nomme le ” gris souris “.
Je n’aime pas porter des vêtements trop larges car je suis petite . Je choisis un modèle intermédiaire , ajusté aux hanches avec des jambes droites plus ou moins larges .
Le problème ,pour certaines femmes ,en France ,est que les marques de qualité ne vendent pas de vêtements au delà du 42 ou de la taille 4 ,ce qui équivaut au L .C’est une forme de snobisme et de discrimination.Elles n’ habillent pas les femmes rondes encore moins les grosses .
Je suis enchantée lorsque je vois vos mannequins avec des formes .
Quant à moi je suis plutôt mince et facile à habiller .
J’essaie de suivre vos conseils et d’acheter de nouveaux vêtements avec discernement .
J’ai beaucoup de mal !!!!
En réalité ma garde robe est trop fournie avec des vêtements classiques et intemporels dont j’ai beaucoup de mal a me séparer parce que leur roulement fait que je les porte peu dans l’année et qu’ils sont quasiment neufs .Mes amies sont toutes plus rondes que moi et nous n’avons pas d’associations caritatives pour recevoir le type de vêtement que je porte Dans le cas où elles acceptent il faut fournir le reçu du pressing !!!! . Et j’ai du mal a les laisser dans une benne de recyclage .
J’ai lu avec attention votre message sur la manière dont vous gérez votre dressing .
Quels conseils pourriez me donner pour faire le tri ? Je désespère de mon manque de caractère…
Merci Célia !
Avez-vous un refuge pour femmes maltraitées ou un groupe Dress for Success dans votre région ? Je suis convaincu qu’ils seraient ravis de recevoir vos vêtements.
Happy Birthday!
Thanks, Nancy!
♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸Happy Birthday to you♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸Happy Birthday to you♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸
♥•*´¨`*•.¸♥¸.•*´¨`*•.¸♥¸.•*´¨`*•.¸♥¸. Best Wishes and Enjoy your special day!
Thank you, Karen!
The coat looks beautiful on you! I’m also looking for a gray wool coat but not oversized. I’m short so a more fitted coat would be more appropriate for my frame. The sweater picks are also great.
Happy Birthday!
Thanks, Judy!
Loved the fall look on you, thank you. I do not care for the wide pants nor the very skinny ones. Please show some pants and jeans that are less wide if you find them out there. All good wishes for your continued recovery.
The jeans here have a straight leg as do the pants here.
Malheureusement ,en ce qui concerne les associations qui viennent en aide aux femmes , la France n’en compte pas beaucoup !
Mais je vais me renseigner !
Merci d’avoir pris le temps de me répondre .
Susan,
I believe you have mentioned a footie that you wear with your sling back shoes. I am in need ! Could you supply that information please Thank you, Abby
There are many styles and types of no-show socks here.
A nice shade of grey on the classic coat, love the whole look except the wide leg jeans, I think classy well cut black tailored trousers or pants
as you say in America, would have looked much smarter. I was never a fan of wide flapping jeans or pants. The fine knit sweaters are timeless
and a black high neck is always so smart. I love the column one colour look with a fab coloured scarf .You look well Susan and so many have
wished you a Happy Birthday so I send you my wishes too. Hey the black Chanel bag would have been the cherry on the cake with this chic look .
Hint hint Mr Mickey she really did love it . Have fun ,
Best wishes Pamela from Wales UK x
Thank you, Pamela.
Susan, Happiest Birthday Wishes! Here’s to all that’s special being part of your celebration. Enjoy your next romp around the Sun with adventure, good health, inspiration, Love & Laughter. Cheers, Ronda
.
♪ღ♪*•.¸¸¸.•*¨¨*•.¸¸¸.•*•♪ღ♪¸.•*¨¨*•.¸¸¸.•*•♪ღ♪•*
♪ღ♪ ░H░A░P░P░Y░ B░I░R░T░H░D░A░Y░░♪ღ♪
*•♪ღ♪*•.¸¸¸.•*¨¨*•.¸¸¸.•*•♪¸.•*¨¨*•.¸¸¸.•*•♪ღ♪•* Here’s to a FUN & SPECIAL celebration!
Thank you, Ronda!
Happy birthday Susan. I love your coat. Looks very stylish. I have avoided wide leg jeans since skinnies came in a few years ago and I have just loved them. But I am thinking of giving them a try as I used to love them.
Is the handbag Teddy Blake?
The handbag is from last year and it is by Antonio Melani from Dillard’s.
Too short to wear bell bottom pants.
It’s still 90° in Florida
Beautiful beautiful!
Happy birthday Virgo sister! Love the gray coat, I do have a passion for jackets and coats! You look beautiful!
Thank you, Donna!
Love, love, love these fall offerings! These are ‘my’ colours. Such a lovely coat. However, because I am only 5’ 1/2” I would need a petite length for sure. You continue to inspire me and all of us.
Happy, happy birthday and celebrate another successful trip around the sun!
Thank you, Rhea!
I am wearing my new fav quality light brown cashmere sweater that I got at the N sale inspired by your smart advice to go with classic and stylish! I wish I had gotten more. So versatile and lightweight. Thank you for your style advice!!
Love the coat! It has a beautiful drape to it.
Happy birthday! Hope you have a lovely day.
This really is a departure from your usual style! I’m looking forward to see how this trend continues! Love love love the color of the coat. Seems especially flattering for your hair color – something I’ve struggled coming to terms with since I went from brunette to silver. So many things just aren’t in my color wheel anymore and it’s been an adjustment (and old preferences die slowly).
Wow! Great ideas. Thank you. Looking out for that camel v neck.
Yes , I would love to see pictures of you in the way you style them . Thanks. I hope all is going good for recovery.
Happy Birthday Susan! I’m not sure you’ve ever received this type of comment but I want to thank you for your continued blogging. This past year you have completely changed your look and seemingly without guilt, have let go of many beautiful items. I have struggled with this and you have just given me the nudge to let go of the guilt!!
It may be the refusal to change with the times that ages us most. I love the new shoes, bags, and pants styles, so I’ve happily embraced them. Thank you for your comment.
Great looks
for fall! Thanks! Ellen
Thank you for the fall inspiration. I love these clothes.
You look beautiful!
Can you tell me the name and style of your glasses frame? Very attractive!
Thank you!
The glasses frames are by Ralph Lauren via LensCrafters a few years ago. Similar current frames are here. Thank you!
Thank you Susan for the latest looks. I too have been updating my wardrobe with wider leg jeans. I still like the other jeans (jeggings) I have to wear with higher boots this winter so I’ll keep those too. Nice to have options. Say hi to Mr. Mickey for me and what will he wear this coming fall?
Patty V
He enjoys vests of all types. I’m glad they are trending this year, since they will be easy to find in stores. Here and here are examples.
Thank you for showing us these new oversized styles and silhouettes. It certainly helps to see it on a lovely model to help ascertain if that is I look I want to embrace.
Do you know the brand of the earrings? I love them!!
I don’t remember if they had a name brand but they were made in Israel. I bought them about four months ago in a store (not online).
Happy Birthday, Susan. Best wishes for a safe and healthy year. You mentioned “elevated” in a recent post. Would you expand on that concept, or point me to another post with examples. Thank you for all your work on this blog.
To me, elevated means good grooming, natural-looking makeup, clean and pressed clothing, shined shoes, and well-thought-out accessories appropriate for the season and the event.
Hi Susan,
This is a great, updated look. In your opinion, what is a better choice in pants for someone 5’4”, the wide or flair leg?. I’m short waisted, so legs appear long for that height. Thank you for all your fashion advice.
I hope you are feeling as good as you look. Continue to take care. Pat
Thank you, Pat. I am healing well.
High-waisted pants always make the legs look longer, and if the pant legs skim rather than hug the legs and stop at the top of the foot, it is almost always the best option for petites. Proportions are most important for the petite woman or anyone with short legs.
You look stunning!
Thank you for the inspiration! Banana republic has really been terrific lately! Very good looking sophisticated pieces that are classic. The quality is also good. Everything looks wonderful. Fall is my favorite time for fashion.
Thank you Susan! I bought a few of the pieces you suggested.
I hope you are as pleased with the pieces as I am. Thank you, Linda.
I followed your link to the jeans and they were on sale so I ordered a pair! My first foray into wide-legged jeans this season. Thanks for the inspiration–though I could never hope to look as good in them as you do!
Thank you, dear Rebecca!
Hi Susan! Love all your new choices. I enjoy when a good classic gets that little ‘tweak’, that makes it a bit more modern without being too trendy. The coat & jeans look great on you! Elegant! Thank you for sharing.
Susan
Thanks for some great new items to drool over. I am ordering the coat in black to try it. I am in PA but with hot flashes this will be warm enough for me. Also the wide leg jeans look great on you. Now that my eye has adjusted to the new Jean styles I want to try them as well.
Happy birthday!
Thank you again Susan! I ordered three sweaters and the wide-leg jeans today. I haven’t bought enough casual clothes the past few years and your selections are so helpful.
So glad you are doing well. You look marvelous!
I saw this post yesterday and liked the sweaters so much I ordered two of them. I’ve always like your style and your beauty suggestions.
You look great!!!
So so thankful you feel strong enough for posting!
Thank you for your always-excellent taste and information!
Prayers for yours and Mr. Mickey’s health and strength and comfort continue.
Grace from Springville, Alabama
I am sorry sorry…I sent you a question twice. I didn’t realize you had already answered.
That’s perfectly fine. It happens all the time.
I found the large silver earrings!!! YAY ….. E&L brand made in Israel.
I’m so glad for you!
I just received the crew neck Forever Sweater in 3 colors and promptly ordered 2 more colors. The weight is perfect for Texas and the fit is just right! (Medium for me) We are sending good health thoughts your way!
I’m so glad you are pleased with your sweaters!
Susan,
I’m so relieved, as I know you are that no chemo for you. I hope & pray the cancer does not reappear in the future.
Susan, it has been a long time, so this is a stretch to ask if you remember the earrings that Mr. Mickey gave you for an occasion? I beiieve the Pearl was on the post and there was a pewter medallion hanging from that. I bought those, and they were my favorite with certain outfits. Unfortunately, they have gone missing. I would be so happy, if you remember the ones, and that maybe a slim chance they would still be available?
I have been missing you and hoping you are well.
Susan, I believe the silver medallion was at the top with a Pearl drop on the earrings, I was asking about in the previous message. They weren’t small earrings. I would appreciate your assistance in a replacement.
Pat Dickerson
The earrings I linked to are the only ones I remember.
Susan, the earrings are spot on. They are on order. Sorry for the duplicate posting. Thank you so much.
Be well! Pat