Three years ago, I sold my home and most of my belongings to devote myself to caregiving. Mr. Mickey and my parents are each in or near their nineties, so assistance is required daily.
Last week, I paid my annual insurance premiums, so when I wrote the check for my renter’s insurance, I thought about what I would buy again if I had to start my wardrobe from scratch. The basics form the foundation of every great wardrobe, so below are mine.
Basic Tees
Square and scoop neck tees are the perfect first layer on cooler days. V-necklines aren’t flattering with jackets, so I only wear them if layers aren’t required. Timeless tees are here and here.
Sweaters
Bulky knits are not the right choice for my busty inverted triangle shape, so I only wear fine knits. Cardigans, crewnecks, and v-necks are in my wardrobe year-round. Even if I only drape the sweater over my shoulders, I wear one often. Here, here, and here are the forever sweaters.
Button front shirts
I wear a lightweight cotton or linen shirt partially tucked into linen pants or jeans a few times a week. I may wear a tank underneath or a blazer over it, but I can’t imagine not having a few shirts in my wardrobe. Here is a great 100% cotton shirt.
Tailored Slacks
The easiest way to elevate your basics is to start with tailored slacks. I prefer fabrics that hold their shape, drape beautifully, and can be machine-washed. Dark colors are preferable to light colors due to their see-through factor. Here and here are examples of the slacks I wear often.
Jeans
Denim is a most forgiving fabric, whether a jacket or a pair of great-fitting skinny flares. Denim has enough structure to conceal and smooth lumps, bumps, and jiggly bits. Similar jeans are here.
Jackets/Blazers
A jacket or blazer instantly adds polish and extra warmth to any combination. I bought this denim jacket a couple of years ago. I have others, but this one is worn most often, so I would look for a similar style again. Here is one example. Here and here are examples of basic blazers.
Tanks
I only wear tanks that allow other fabrics to move freely across them. Bra-friendly straps are also a must. Here is the tank I wear most often.
Living in a four-season climate with a brief summer means I often wear layers. My lifestyle is casual, and my personal style is classic, effortless, and elevated. Your situation may be completely different, but I hope sharing the pieces I wear daily in endless combinations will help you collect your best basics.
Thank you, dear friends, for your kind comments, prayers, emails, and cards. EMS rushed my father to the hospital on Mother’s Day. My sister and I have taken turns staying with him to assist with meals, communicate with doctors and nurses, and help him be more comfortable if possible. We have moved him to an excellent facility with appropriate care as the patient approaches the end of life. We still visit him daily, but I no longer need to be at the hospital by 7 am. Thankfully, my mother and Mr. Mickey are both well at the moment.
*Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost. My posts are never ads, and I don’t collaborate with companies or get products for free.
Welcome back! Thank you for this post. As always, very enlightening. It’s hard during this transition time with the changes to get to a new normal. I learned with my parents passing that it’s part of the life process. Inevitable, but challenging to be sure. Wishing you strength through these times.
It is heartwarming to see you back writing your blog and bringing us thoughtful, practical and easily applied fashion advice. “What would I replace first,” really cuts through the jumble of what I have in my closet and helps focus on what is really used versus what is taking up space because it served me well at one time. Letting go of these items will allow me to get something that fits my current lifestyle. Warm wishes to your extended family during these challenging times.
It is so good to see you posting again. Your wardrobe suggestions are always feminine and practical And I love seeing the outings you and Mr. Mickey enjoy together. My prayers continue for you and your family.
Your devotion to those you care for is wonderful. I hope you can take a little time for yourself to replenish your energy. It’s so difficult to be the caregiver. I wish you the best.
I’m so glad that your father is doing better. I sincerely hope his health continues to improve. I’m sending prayers for you and your family.
This was a very informative post. You make it so easy to see what items we need to dress comfortably and well. Thank you so much.
This is such great advice and you always look so classy in your wardrobe choices. I have learned so much from you and have been able to declutter my closet, pass on years of my work clothes and enjoy a simpler style all the while looking my best. Life with the aging gets complicated and bless your heart. I know your family and Mr. Mickey appreciate your loyalty and love. You do remain in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you Susan.
Thank you for the update on your dad. It’s hard to see loved ones in poor health. I will pray for your strength as well as the health of those in your family.
It is a great morning when I find a post from you. Care giving requires a lot of flexible thinking to address the changes that occur, sometimes rapidly. Your family is fortunate to have you to help. Today you really got to the heart of your style selections in a simple way. I love the fine gauge sweaters. I’m short and need to not get overwhelmed with fabric. These examples you shared work well for me too. I hope your week brings peace and relaxation to you and your loved ones.
Hello Susan, First I want to thank you for updating us on the emergency and express my compassionate concern for you and your loved ones. You are in my thoughts. Next, thank you for taking time to share this post. You look lovely as always! I appreciate the shared information
I’m glad to hear that your father is able to transfer to a rehabilitation facility. Thank you for taking the time to write this excellent post. Both the content and the links are very helpful.
I’m so glad to hear from you.,Sending you positive thoughts. I look forward to your posts
Good to see things are back to normal. However normal is one of those goals that keep moving. I have noticed that since covid people are confused as to what day of the week it is and even what month. I hope you have a good week. Your beauty shines on another cloudy day.
It’s so nice to see you back. I’m glad your dad now has the care he needs. At least you live close enough to be there for him.
I like your style. Which you said is Classic, effortless and elevated. Again you showed some good examples of that.
Take care of yourself while you are taking care of others.
So very sorry to hear that your father is ill. Prayers for your family.
You style is timeless! Take care of yourself as you care for others
Dearest Susan so pleased to see a post from you and taking the time to up date us all on family emergency.
I was reading all the replies from others and so much love and respect for you comes through.
You make such a difference to us ladies on giving sound advice on style, fashion and other topics. You and your sister have each other to lean on when elderly parents are ill . Do take care of yourselves as well its important,
Glad your Mum and Mr Mickey keeping well . Pamela UK
Thank you for the great overview! I’ve purchased multiple tees and sweaters and the jean jacket. I’ve been very happy with my selections and passed them along to others as ideas! And great news that your dad is better and I hope he continues to be well and the rest of your family also!
Holding good thoughts for you, Susan. Caregiving can be exhausting so please take good care of yourself, too.
Prayers for peace and strength for you. Also for your family-which includes Mr. Mickey.
My husband is a stroke survivor and I have been his caregiver for the past 11 years. Being a caregiver can be hard but when love is in the mix, then it’s what a person does.
What kind of boots do you have on in the jean’s picture? Very stylish!
Thank you, Sue. Those boots are about five years old and they are by Sam Edelman.
Sending prayers and hugs. Please remember to take care of yourself as well. Glad you are back!
Best wishes to your dad on a speedy recovery. Glad that Mr. Mickey is well at the moment!
All the best to you,
Nancy
Keeping you in my prayers Susan. Great post. I need to let go of some of my working clothes as I work from home 4 days per week these days. I keep hanging onto them thinking, what if I changed jobs and had to go into the office. At some point I need to make the decision and get rid of some I think.
Susan, prayers for your father’s health and strength for you. I was a caregiver for several years for my parents. Being a caregiver is one of the hardest and most challenging rolls physically, mentally, and emotionally. I know some of what you’re going through; it’s rewarding, but exhausting.
Loved all of your looks. I enjoy wearing slightly updated classics each day. They are comfortable and appropriate for everything I do on a daily basis. I have a similar jean jacket to the one you have. I found that a jean jacket without the collar and lapel was much more to my liking. I bought a jean jacket at Loft with a round neck and no collar. Somehow that style is better suited to me. The jean jackets with collars always feel too heavy and too much fabric.
Susan, good to hear things are manageable at this point! Take care of yourself!
Caregiving is stressful and at times exhausting and yet there’s no place you’d rather be. I’ve followed your blog for years now and you strike me as a person who would know they need to take care of themselves too. I hope your Dad is better soon.
Caregiver is difficult. Prayers for you and your family.
Susan
I’m so glad you are back doing your blog. You have very good ideas about clothes.
I want to say sounds like you are very busy juggling many things for the people in your life.
Please take care of yourself through all this! It’s tough.
You are a wonderful person. I’m sure they all appreciate you being there for them.
Dear Susan, firstly how reassuring it must be for your family to have you close by and good news too, on the health fronts.
Your wardrobe is so simple and easy to wear. You live a casual life similar to mine and I would, without doubt, wear most of what you wear because we’re similar colouring and shape. I think the striped shirts and the navy and white looks are wonderful. I do envy your ability to wear heels with pointed toes – it’s not something I can do. So I try to find super elegant shoes that add to any look for the day. Ballet flats, elegant loafers and the Vivaia brand are my current go-to’s.
Keep on with your simple elegance and I hope all remains on the up with the health issues with the family.
So glad your father is improving and that your mother and Mr. Mickey are doing well. Your clothes are lovely. I wear the same type of clothing so I am always happy to see how you style things.
Take care of yourself and your family. Sending positive energy and prayers.
Fran
Oh my Susan, aging is such a long convoluted process. And you have 3 aging loved ones. A lot to contend with.
Hopefully the roads for each of them will be easy and they will find their rest and peace. May G-d bless them and you.
Beth
Scottsdale, AZ
Prayers for all of you. Caregiving is such a rewarding opportunity but can drain a person quite quickly without help.
My neighbor and “My Mr. Mickey” passed on Palm Sunday after I took care of him for almost three years, with the last six I moved in with him together 24/7.
My only suggestion would be don’t hesitate to get hospice. You don’t have to be dying, which is everyone’s mind set.They took so much pressure off me and we were able to have some quality time because I wasn’t totally frazzled.
Please take care of yourself too.
Thank you for this post. I love your classic style. My thoughts are with you as you care for your parents and Mr. Mikey.
You are so beautiful inside and out Susan. God bless you.
Happy your family stays well. Loved this post. So thoughtful and thought provoking. I also appreciate that your linked items are so reasonably priced.
Praying for your father. You are a wonderful daughter and caregiver. God bless you and your family and Mr. Mickey.
There is a special place in heaven for the CareGivers. Sending prayers and blessings.
You continue to bless our lives. Those you love are in our prayers also. Look after yourself.
Thinking of you. Make sure to take care of yourself.
Susan, I can relate to your situation because I was caregiver for my parents and husband. Totally agree with what Ann C. said about getting a hospice organization involved. Many families hesitate because they may not realize a patient can go on (and off hospice services, if appropriate) without a lot of red tape. As Ann C. said, they take some of the burden off family caregivers.
Thankfully, the facility offers hospice as part of transitional care.
Susan,
I am so glad you posted today because I haven’t heard from you recently. I pray for your father
as he is near the end of his life. Please take care of yourself… I love your style of clothes and you look fabulous….
Kathy in NC
Thank you Susan for pulling all this together at a time of stress and sadness in your family. Bless you and your sister for being there for your Dad and Mom. We’ve done this 4 times now and it never gets easier but the rewards are endless for being able to be with your loved ones often.
Saying a prayer for you all as I hit the submit button.
Patty V
STORMIN HEAVEN for your and Mr. Mickey’s parents. Thank you for your blog. It makes my day. P.S. LOVE YOUR SCARF!!
Most of us can relate to your situation and are mindful of your priorities . But, we do like your posts and thoroughly enjoy them. Keeping you and your loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.
Susan
You are a wonderful daughter & friend. Caregiving is very draining physically & mentally. Please take good care of yourself too.
What a true blessing you are to so many!
Sending prayers your way.
I always look forward to all your emails, well actually I have been following you probably since the beginning of time. Life isn’t always fair, but we must all go through it. I was in your shoes only a few years ago. Stay strong Susan and take care, hugs. Karen
Dear Susan,
These are challenging times for you, I hold you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. May faith and strength be your friend.
Sincerely,
Joan
Sending you love a strength
You are a beautiful woman with great style! But the best of you is what you give others, care, time, energy, not to mention love. Thank you for not only sharing your style, but your heart.
God bless you and Mr. Mickey and your parents.
So good to see a post from you with great tips as always. Sending caring thoughts for your father. I am just at the beginning of caring for my life partner who was just diagnosed with cancer at 82. Thankfully I am a heathy 70 year old & can be there for him.
It is good to hear from you. Sending prayers & positive thoughts. Thank you for the update & clothing advice. I especially like your jean jacket & sweaters. Stay strong & gorgeous as ever!
Dear Susan,
Thank you for spending the time and effort to write this thoughtful post, as usual. Mr. Mickey and your parents are blessed to have you in their lives.
My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Great post Susan! Many timeless and basic ideas! The best to you and your father! Being a caregiver is an honor, albeit a difficult one. Hang in there!
Another Susan
You are such an incredible and caring woman! They are lucky to have u as you are lucky to have them all this time in your life !
Tina
I enjoy your postings and your up beat attitude. Prayers for you and your family.
Great article, very helpful about focusing on basics as we age! Caregiving responsibilities are a season in life. I cared for my father for 7 years. I gave up and lost almost everything … but I am so thankful I had the opportunity to give my love and care. Those were special years and lifelong memories for me!
Being a caretaker is difficult but we do it for those we love. God gives us strength. I was caretaker for my husband during his fight with cancer. And I would do it again for this wonderful man I lost. God does give us the strength and skills we need. But Susan you remember to take care of “Susan” too. Many prayers, love and a big hug, coming from your “friend” in New Jersey, Vicki!
Continued prayers for you and your loved ones.
Continuing to think of you as you care for those you love. Take good care of yourself too.
I have been through the end stages of ill parents. Not an easy time. Get your rest. Relish your memories. Thank you for the post.
Hey Susan, watch you all the time and love your channel . I hope your parents and Mr. Mickey are doing good, lost my husband 10 months ago and it has been hard…My question is Under Tanks you are wearing a long gray sweater with buttons…where and who carries this sweater…thank you and Blessings to you and yours…..thanks again Nola Frisbee
The cotton sweater came from Banana Republic Factory about three years ago. This one is similar.
I’m sorry to hear about your father but I’m glad to hear you’re able to be near him to advocate and to provide comfort.
I do want to thank you for pointing me to the Banana Republic factory outlet site. I’ve purchased several of the sweaters and cardigans you suggested and am quite pleased with the fit, performance and price. And, I too, really like the fit of the Chicos tanks. Our body shapes are definitely different but I look forward to your periodic suggestions and recommendations for shopping sites.
So sorry you have this going on right now. May your God go with you.
Prayers of strength for your father and your family as you walk this final path with him,
Dear Susan,
You and your sister are present in the most important time of your father’s life. My thoughts go out to your mother, father and your entire family during this very difficult time. I hope the new facility will keep him as comfortable as possible.
In the meantime take TLC of yourself. We only have one Susan and she is a treasure to all of us in this blog community.
Warm hugs.
So sorry about your father. Prayers for all your family.
Susan, thank you for the informative post. Continued prayers for you and your family.
I understand how difficult it must be to see a parent declining. You do the best you can and in a way they understand how much you care & love them.
Glad to hear your Mom & Mr Mickey are doing much better. Don’t forget to take care of yourself, it’s important.
I wish you all the best!
I read your posts but never leave comments. I have been thru what you are experiencing with your father. You will look back on this time and cherish your time together.
Thanks for this heartfelt post. I’ve been following you for many years (Fifty not frumpy)! Many prayers to you, your family as your Dad begins to make his transition to eternal life.
Susan, my thoughts and prayers are with you. You just posted an excellent and most informative post. Thank you. ❤️
Your style is beautiful and you have certainly helped me in determining my wardrobe….many thanks. Your smile and outlook is very uplifting to all your readers, and you have been a gift to many.
I’ll be praying for you and your loved ones as you will face some difficult times. I am a few years older than you…I think 6 actually; fortunately my husband ( of 55 years this August) and I are in good health ….at this moment in time as I am well aware, but good friends are suffering and we all realize that our season of life is getting shorter. Thankfully our faith provides much comfort and peace and I pray that is the same for you.
God bless you.
Susan
It is so nice to have you back again posting! End of life can sometimes be a long process. I am relieved to hear you found a facility that can give both your father and his family the support you all need at this time.
I am very glad to hear your mom and Mr. Mickey are doing well.
Susan I have followed you for some time. I’ve lived in the Midwest all my life but we are moving to the East Coast very soon. Your tips on downsizing, warm weather clothing and using pieces in your wardrobe in multiple ways are coming in very handy as I pack for a cross country move and clean out a large house to live in a four bedroom condominium. Thank you!
It was such a lovely surprise to see a post from you this morning! Thank you for taking time from your family to send us this very informative post. Prayers for you, Mr. Mickey and your family.
Dear Susan, glad to hear from you. I hope that there is a better time ahead for you all, but especially for your dad and your mom. It must have been very difficult for your mother too. I will pray for you all, may God bless you !
Although I am glad to read your blog again I am sorry to read you are going through tough times. I’ve been there and I can relate to you. Wish you the best, Susan with your family, Mr. Mickey and your life. You are a constant inspiration.
Thank you for the update. You have been in my thoughts. I enjoy your posts. They are positive, uplifting and something to look forward to.
Susan, I’m so sorry to hear about your father. At the same time, it’s good that he is now in a facility where he’s being well cared for as he nears the end of his life. I hope that you and your sister can rest easy, knowing that you’ve done your best for him.
You and your family are in my prayers, Susan.
I love your blog. That being said, I’m retired on SS. I cannot afford to shop at the stores you shop at. Could you post similar clothing that comes from Walmart, Target, and Amazon. Affordable clothes but stylist from store like those mentioned would be wonderful for lower income women who would be amazing.
Hi Kay. Take a look for similar basics pieces from where you like to shop. There are often similar options from many sources.
I’m so glad you have found a good place for your dad – that makes all the difference in the world.
Would you source several of your accessories please
First picture – the white handbag
Navy and white scarf draped over your shoulder with the jeans
The wonderful orange sandals.
I still have the two scarves I purchased from you years ago and I so wish you were still in the biz though you have a lot on your plate I know
Your posts give us so much good information and I hope they never end.
Happy Summer
Diane Chapman
The white handbag is here. I bought it last year, so I was surprised to see they still have them. The orange sandals are from Nordstrom last year. The scarf is now on sale here. Many times my accessories are from years past.
Praying for you and your loved ones.
I love your wardrobe choices. Question… do you wear linen in the summer. I love linens but hate the wrinkles. I’m in NW Arkansas and our summers are brutal. Cheryl
I do wear linen in summer. It wrinkles, but I find the more I wear it the softer it gets. I love to visit Arkansas!
Best wishes to you and all your family – speaking from experience, you will have no regrets for everything you are blessed to be able to do!
You’re in my prayers. Taking care of an elderly loved one is never easy. Please take care of yourself.
Ann
Thank you for sharing, Susan. Sending prayers to all of you.
Was glad to see your post! Thank you for the update. Praying for you.
Your courage and graciousness are so very inspiring, Susan. I only hope that you take good care of yourself along the way.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers Susan. I took care of my mom. Most of us will in some way or another help our aging parents … as now my children are starting to help me. love Georgieanne
This is a trying time for you, Susan. Wishing you strength as you move through this time.
Dear Susan,
I am very sorry to hear about your dad.
Thankful you & your sister are well & able to be with your dad!
Will be praying for your mom& Mr Mickey’s health AND YOURS
Keeping all of you in my prayers for His love to cover your needs
Excellent wardrobe thoughts. Sorry to hear of your father’s situation but thankfully you have a sibling that you can share the load.
Susan, what a great joy to see you again, still as determined and even more beautiful than ever. On the first photo, I notice blue shoes that I think I’ve never seen before.I find them perfectly combined with jeans, exactly as you wear them. Have you bought them recently?
The Jeffrey Campbell shoes were purchased last year from Nordstrom.
Liebe Susan,
Sie sind ein so wertvoller Mensch mit viel Herzenswärme und Verantwortungsgefühl. Ihre Familie kann sich glücklich schätzen, Sie an ihrer Seite zu haben. Ich wünsche Ihnen ganz viel Kraft.
Ihre Meggi aus Germany
I’m sorry to hear of your father’s illness but how wonderful to have the support and love of you, your sister, Mr Mickey and other family. That will make a huge difference to your father’s quality of life and your mother will also feel supported as she goes through this worrying time. Make sure you look after yourself too. Best wishes from the UK.
I am so sorry to hear about your father.
I lost my father recently following a brief but intense period in hospice care. It was exhausting and heartbreaking despite help from 3 siblings. I hope you have a strong support system and will find time to rest and recharge. Sending you energy and comfort for the journey.
And have you ever worn them or featured them in a post, Susan? If this has already been the case, they deserve to be shown again. I found these blue shoes really gorgeous.
Yes, I think I’ve worn them before. I also have the same style in silver.
It was so good to see your post this morning, thank you for the update. I appreciate your pictures of outfits and links to find them. Praying for strength for you and your loved ones. God is good all the time. He is with you and them.
I have enjoyed you series for years. I’m very sorry about your parents & Mr. Mickey, they are very lucky to have you! You have helped move into my late 60’s with style & class! I still feel very young & stay in shape, but as we all know our bodies change as we age. What I would wear in my 40’s & 50’s aren’t the best for me. Your tips keep me from being grumpy or trying to look inappropriate. Thankyou & May God continue to bless you and your family,
So glad you are posting again. Prayers and positive thoughts as you navigate this part of the journey. It’s difficult to see our parents age and be in pain. Take good care of yourself also. Being a caregiver is hard, but what a devoted daughter you are!
Sending loving thoughts and prayers from Australia.
Dear Susan,
So sorry to hear about your father. It is good to hear that Mr. Mickey and your mother are doing well.
Praying for you and family
Prayers for your father and your Susan.
Prayers of strength for you and your family during this time.
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family at this time Susan.
Prayers for your family as you go through this difficult time with your dad.
I’ve been thinking about you, and I hope you’re taking some time for yourself while caring for your parents and Mr. Mickey. I have experienced how challenging and stressful it can be to care for those you love day in and day out. The love and respect you have for your loved ones shine brightly through your posts. You’re a good person. Stay strong, Susan!
Prayers for your father and for you and your sister.
Im so glad I found ur site again. I have been ur fan from ur column’s beginning, lost u and many other columns I liked, but urs was and is my favorite. You’re such a classy and beautiful lady. Thank u for the inspiration u bring to us oldies.
So sorry to hear of your father’s declining health. Caring for our loved ones is the most loving thing we can do for them. Please remember to take time for your own needs.
I read an illustration about two men who were to saw logs for a day. One man stopped in the morning and in the afternoon for a break and the other man worked straight through. The man who worked straight through was upset when he saw that the man who took breaks sawed more wood than he did , so he said to the other man “how could you saw more wood than me , because I did not stop sawing?” The other man said “while you were sawing I was sharpening my saw”.
(Thus he was able to saw more wood).
When I would get very tired in caring for my mom, I would remember this illustration, and it helped me not to feel guilty if I took some time off to rest, or do something I enjoyed.
I enjoy reading about you on Pinterest and your insight on fashion, design, travel etc. You have great taste and a lot of common sense. I wish the best for you in all you do.