When I shared my spring/summer purchases here, I promised to show you some styling and outfit ideas using those pieces. The first look is what I wore to the bank and the grocery store today. The sun was shining, and the temperatures were in the mid-seventies.
The denim jacket and white straight-leg jeans were from J. Crew last year. My shoes, but in a lighter color, are still available here. The handbag is here. The sunglasses are here.
The links to the new items featured below are here.
I’ve been wearing the style formula of an Oxford cloth shirt open over a tank and jeans for decades, but it is still a favorite. The tank is here. The wicker basket handbag is here. The super-lightweight rattan earrings are here. Use my code SAS10 to get $10 off your Beauty in Stone Jewelry purchase.
The shoes are here. The bag is about five years old, but I bought it here. The earrings are old, but these are similar.
I bought the flats here last year. Sometimes, I tuck in only the front, leave the shirt mostly unbuttoned over a tank, and leave the back untucked.
I bought the bag here last year. Even when I wear the shirt mostly open but untucked, it is still a comfortable, smart look.
The jeans are here. I’m wearing a size 28/6. The sneakers are two years old, but these are similar. The tote is here.
The shoes are here. The earrings are here. Get $10 off your Beauty in Stone Jewelry purchase with my code, SAS10.
I purchased the shoes and bag here a couple of years ago.
The dresses are fully lined, and the seams offer support, so you may not need a bra. I often wear a cropped jacket with this style of dress.
Similar shoes are here. The clutch bag is old, but I bought it here.
I purchased the black linen shirt here last summer. I paired it with the shorts to create a two-piece look. The shoes are now on sale here, but the bag and earrings are about three years old.
If you have questions, please feel free to share them in the comments. Mr. Mickey and I so enjoyed reading your lovely comments on the last post. Thank you!
This post is a companion to the one here. Some of the items I used to style these looks may have been in my collection for a few years. However, if they are unavailable, I linked to the site where I bought them. Here are summarized recent looks. You can sign up for the newsletter here to learn when I publish a new post.
*Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost.
Thanks for this great post! I always learn from your combinations. Ex: I no longer wear sleeveless tops, but the vest picture shows me how great my white top, lite blue jeans and tan shoes will look.
Susan, thank you for such a great post. What an inspiration you are to so many of us. Love the combinations, the pops of color with accessories, and mix of different pieces. You’ve given me some ideas for spring. Now we need that weather every day-it’s been teasing us here in the upper Midwest!
Congrats to you and Mr. Mickey and thank you again for the wonderful ideas and adventures you share. An early Happy Spring to you!
Where is the bathing suit picture? Nice hat and legs.
Would you be able to provide links to the vest and hat?
Thank you.
Those links and closeup pictures are here.
You and your outfits are always beautiful. When you are wearing something tucked in the front, I would also like to see a side or back view. I have not perfected the tuck in its transition from the front to the back. I can’t get the look to not look messy on me, the way others are able to do. Thank you!
I showed the back version when I partially tucked a shirt here.
All these summer outfits are perfect Susan, with shoes always very well combined. But my preference is for the last three, because you are just magnificent. With these high heel mules, your feminity is amazing Susan, I really love. And if I had to choose between the three, this would definitely be the last outfit. Perfect legs and a dreamy smile… once again, I love.
What lipstick are you wearing? Thanks. I bought what you recommended previously and lost it
I am wearing a lip liner by Clinique called Intense Passion here and the chubby stick here in the color Fuller Fig.
FABULOUS cheerful post, you look great in every outfit! !
Thanks for cheering me up on a cold grey day here in UK.
Pamela UK
Thank you for posting all these great but simple styles! It gives me lots of good ideas.
Your outfits look very nice Thanks for the ideas. Now the weather here has to cooperate. I can’t wait to get out of cold weather clothes. Good post.
As always I learn something from your posts. The neckline on the dresses seems wide and might show my bra. Can I ask what you are wearing under them? Thank you
You can try a strapless bra, but because of the snug fit of the bodice, I am braless.
Susan, in your picture with the black top and shorts, what color is your toenail polish? It looks great!
That is Big Apple Red by OPI here.
You’re braver (and tidier) than I am! I rarely wear white because I always spill something on it. You look great and ready for Spring!
You look lovely in everything. But for me, that red shirt and the little red shoe look is a winner.
I’ve never been a fan of the long shirt undone, even if it is a tailored oxford. I’d be more inclined to do a little half French tuck as I’m only 5 foot 3. Also, I can’t wear platforms anymore. For some reason I see them as a fairly inelegant shoe. But your other shoes, oh my gosh, they’re the finishing touch! Your shoe choices always remind me of Courtney Blood, Bibi Horst, Stacy Flinner and Susi Rejano who have shoes down to a fine art.
The wicker handbag is over $US600 which is enormously out of budget for me. However, I purchased a gorgeous wicker picnic style handbag about five years ago on e-bay for $A40.00. I think all up with postage, it cost me $A80.
Thank you for a super post – even though we’re heading into autumn. Best wishes.
You are so right, Prue. We don’t all have the same budget, but I will share links to my items for those interested. Some women can take inspiration and run with it as you do. I hope you have a lovely autumn.
Love the spring looks! Your lipstick color in each photo perfectly enhances the youthful vitality in your already gorgeous face. Thank you for providing encouragement and inspiration in your blog.
Cynthia
You and Mr Mickey are so elegant. You are lucky to have so many great places to eat near you. On our way back from New England in August, we stopped in Abingdon at Greekos. We had our dog with us, do we sat on the patio. It was a gorgeous night, the food and service were terrific.
Question how long do you walk every day? My husband is ill and I need an energy soothing activity.
I love your area, and I’d move there in a minute, but my grandchildren are in the NE and we spend most of the year in Texas. Especially now for medical care.
Thanks for your optimistic posts…
I walk for about an hour each morning and as often as I can throughout the day.
Wow! Thank you, Susan! You look terrific in all of these outfits, and every one of them is something I can do with what’s in my closet now. Thank you so much!
Where can I find this smart striped, oversized shirt?
All the main items including the shirts are linked with pictures here.
Looking wonderful, as ever Susan. I often use your looks as inspiration, but I still wear the slimmer cut of jeans etc that you seem to have veered away from. I find it more flattering. But I wonder why you don’t wear slim fit so much. Am I wildly out of fashion? Like you, I have the inverted triangle body shape.
The fuller (not wide) cut legs are more flattering for my legs and silhouette. They provide visual balance, so even though skinny jeans seem to be coming back in style, I will not be wearing them because they do not flatter my body now.
I love all the looks! Especially the dresses and shorts. Thank you!
Hi Susan,
Do you ever wear self tanner when wearing shorts? I think your legs look great in shorts. I haven’t put together outfits with shorts but love the look. I’m just a little concerned about my own white legs.
Thank you,
Kathy
That is my winter-white pasty skin without any sunshine for months. I sit in the sun for about fifteen minutes a few times a week when we are blessed with no cloud cover, but I haven’t used self-tanner in years.
Wowser! From not going out in public without shapewear to no-bra in close fitting sundress. A sea change. A breast reduction and reconstruction perhaps? Maybe even some lipo? Come on and spill girl!
The dresses are fully lined and constructed with supporting seams, but I likely will wear a short jacket over them when I go out in public. Other than a partial mastectomy for breast cancer almost two years ago, I’ve not had any surgical procedures on my face or body.
Great outfits. Where are the black and white dresses from?
The dresses are linked at the top of the page here.
I enjoy how you put together new looks by using a lot of what is already in your closet. Thank you for sharing your style with all of us. I have used your “looks” by raiding my closet and then shopping only for missing pieces. Keep it coming!
Thank you for giving me wardrobe ideas so that I may not look frumpy at 77 years old.
Congratulations to you & Mr. Mickey on your anniversary,
Susan
Great post! I loved all the combinations of outfits and accessories. I especially like the red outfit. I think you look fabulous in red. Always looking forward to your new posts. Cheers!
Hi Susan, Great post. I am about the same size as you and am wondering what size you purchased the red/white striped oxford? Thank you for your inspiration!
I purchased the shirts in a size medium, but they are meant to be oversized and loose fitting. If you want more of a classic fit go down a size or two.
I have a question and a request for you, Susan. Do you still have the straw pouch clutch bags that you carried in past summer seasons? I am considering purchasing one and have debated between the large and medium sizes. I wondered what size you chose and whether you found it to be adequate. I seem to think you may have had two different sizes. My request concerns the half tuck you displayed with your red shirt. I see that another reader also struggles with how to deal with the shirt in the back. I second her request to show side and back views when wearing a shirt this way. Thank you!
I have a medium size straw clutch bag. It is similar to the bag here.
I leave the back of the shirt out and roll the edges a bit on the sides and tuck the front part in. I show the back view of another half tucked shirt here.
Beautiful looks! You always look so casual and put together! You know exactly what works for you, you always look so nice. I love the navy dress, where did you purchase it? Also, you have great legs, you should show them off more. Have a beautiful day. Katy
Thank you, Katy.
There is a black dress and an off-white one. They are the first items linked here.
Susan,
I am a new observer of your website, and as a 37 year old who is feeling as if a revamp of my closet and style is at hand, has found such inspiration and beauty in your elegant style. Many things you write about and explain, touch exactly to how I presently feel. Truly your elegance and beauty is timeless and I am hoping with your continued tips, I may be able to find a similar result.
What I love and am drawn to is how dressing more modestly seems actually to appear most beautiful of all.
Blessings to you both and many thanks for this heartfelt and thoughtful website.
Thank you for the lovely comment, Jessica. I don’t have children, so I felt compelled to build this website and offer the tips and lessons I’ve learned over the years. It makes me so happy that you enjoy and have benefited from what I share.
I absolutely love your videos! The way you’ve arranged to showcase them on the hanging rack allows me to see at a glance how all your choices can mix and match beautifully. It gives me new incite into what I can do with what I already have in my closet Please keep those videos coming!
Thanks so much for the styling tips !! Your ideas are always fresh and innovative. I would like to ask if you do your shopping on line or do you frequent the different stores. Lastly, I did love your basket handbag. It will never go out of style.
Thank you, Diane. That’s why I was willing to invest in the basket handbag. I can carry it every summer for the rest of my life.
Great inspiration for summer, Susan! I wish I could wear these things now, but it will probably be mid-July before I could wear these outfits here in the Pacific NW. I love the shoes you show in the third view, and bought them a while back when you showed them before. They have the elegant look of a heel without being a high heel. I will probably wear them tonight to an event that has a dress code along with a black turtleneck sleeveless maxi dress with a silk watercolor top over it to hide my upper arms. I bought the black Misook dress about 25 years ago and it has been great for dressing up or down (can’t find that brand anymore, so if anyone knows what happened to it, please let me know). I may have to wear boots instead of the cool shoes, and will top it with a black wool coat. Like your other fan, Prue, I am only 5’3″, and will be 80 at the end of this month. Thank you SO much for all the inspiration you give. One is never too old to look fashionable!
Hi, Kathia. I enjoyed reading how you have styled that dress to work for you over the years. Misook is still around. I found their latest styles here and here.
Another great and inspiring post! Thank you. I too love jeans w/tank w/an open button-front shirt. I can kick it up a notch by shifting to linen pants and matching pants and tank for a column of color as you did in the red outfit. It is so fun to see your styling.
All of your outfits are a breath of fresh air. They’re perfect for our cool spring weather. Thanks for the great ideas. I’m glad to see you and Mr Mickey enjoying your outings together. Sweet times!
Thanks so much, Susan!
Where did you get the white vest, you are using as a top. It has good coverage and looks professional. Is it roomy enough for a tank or tee under it?
Thank you,
I bought the vest here.
Susan, you always give special attention to your pedicure. Your polished feet are an integral part of your feminity and charm. Just like your outfits, your hairstyle, your smile… and your great collection of high heeled shoes. Your mules and sandals are absolutely perfect for who you are, Susan, so feminine from head to toes. Have a great Sunday…
Hi Susan!
You so inspire me, thank you.
I have a question. I have a lot of handbags and I am curious on how you store yours.
Sincerely,
Victoria Peters
I have much less space for storage now, so I’ve had to get very creative. Here is a post I shared about how I am storing things now.
Very nice spring sommer outfits ! A big surprise , Susan , you are wearing shorts ! Never say I dont , especially in hot sommer days. You look faboulous in them .
I absolutely love this type of a post and all the outfit ideas! Thank you!
Wow, all great looks! I am going to use your links to pick up some for myself . Please tell us what size vest you bought in look number 7. Thank you!
I bought the vest in a size medium.
I’m 5′ tall but still find most of your style flattering ,even on my short stature. I enjoy seeing your grocery store style, compared to ,Out to dinner style. I’m 72 and enjoy dressing stylishly.Thank you for sharing your fashion sense!