Ready for Fall

I have a question about the jacket. Is the material like the old London Fog trench coat (that mixed poly with cotton, I believe)? I see this uses lyocell. As best you can, what is the feel or heft of the jacket?

Susan have you shared how to wear a denim shirt? If you have please tell me wear to look. If not please consider creating one. Thank you so much!

Curious. Why do you call your new red coat a “Mac”?

You look lovely in your red coat . Thank you for the time and effort you put into these blogs for us. I’ve learnt so much over the years. I’m wondering if you still wear jeans with a stretchy waist or have you gone back to the usual waistbands permanently.

Susan, I always enjoy your blog. Your look is always classic and beautiful. I wonder where you got the scarf you are wearing.

Hi Susan
I stumbled across your website when browsing for ways of putting together outfits for mature women from items you already own. I haven’t wanted to go out shopping during the pandemic, but it has allowed me to spend some time decluttering and re-thinking my wardrobe (closet!) I realised I have lots of clothes that I don’t wear much and I wanted to find new ways of putting them together.
Your website is fabulous – so classy, clear and uncluttered – and I love that you share your trips and photos on it.
I hope you don’t mind me saying, but although an ocean separates us, we are similar in so many ways. We are only 3 months apart in age (my 64th birthday is at the end of this year), I am 5ft 7in tall, weigh about 137 pounds, wear mainly trousers, own clothes that I have mostly had for several or many years lots of which are black, am classic in style, cool and blue-toned in complexion and colouring, feel the cold and have a great partner called Michael whom I met later in life (Mr Mickey is sooo lovely). And we usually share a pudding, virtually always chocolate-based! After two demanding careers and bringing up a family, my dream for retirement was travelling, which we have done a lot over the last few years, but of course it has now been put on hold. So now we are doing the same kind of thing as you – day trips to beautiful places nearby to see the autumn (fall!) colours.
I had my colours “done” several years ago and was advised to wear neutrals with brights for accents. My happy colours are red, fuschia, teal and violet. I cannot go near tan, yellow or orange, brown makes me look near death and I have to be very careful with green.
Differences – My legs are mercifully defect-free, so I do wear dresses and skirts. I am more column than inverted triangle and have a smaller bust. I have a long body and an oval face, with fine, poker-straight hair (how I envy your waves!) I own far fewer bags than you and mine are generally very utilitarian, but I love the way yours look and how they add style to any outfit, so will try to find some more for my wardrobe. Most of my clothes I get from charity (thrift) stores, as I am a bit of an “eco-warrior” and I prefer to save my pennies for travelling and eating out. But it does mean that I can sometimes pick up some classic, good-quality pieces for a bargain price. Or occasionally try a fashionable, frivolous item guilt-free. Over the last few months, spurred into action by joining a local sewing group making scrubs for the NHS, I have also started making clothes for myself again, which has been fun and really satisfying.
Your ideas have been gold dust, so relevant for me. You amply demonstrate that lots of black is not actually a bad thing – I lost count of your outfits that start simply with black trousers and a black top and yet each looks classy and distinctive. My scarves are going to be used so much more now. You have shown me that there is no reason why black and navy can’t be worn together. That shoes and bags don’t have to match. The importance of the right colour and weight of jewellery (I have bought myself a multi-hook rack for hanging on my dressing room wall after watching your video). I had of course heard about layering, but you show how it can be done in spades, so I will use my “summer clothes” in other seasons. That you don’t have to have lots of clothes which you only wear for special occasions. And that every day of being alive is a special occasion!
I love that you show photos of clothes that you used to wear and explain why they don’t work for you. Also, similar outfits with maybe only one (crucial) difference – like the Variations on a Theme post. More of those please.
I wish you continued health and happiness, in style!