Upscale Casual Looks

Dressing casually has become almost universal in the last few years, but wearing ultra-casual looks doesn’t spark joy for me. I’ve settled on a relaxed style that allows me to feel authentic. While a thin sweater and faded jeans may start the look, it needs more personality and polish. Adding accessories has always been my favorite part of getting dressed.

When I took Mother for her radiation treatments on Tuesday, I added a large square scarf folded into a triangle. I draped it over my shoulders and tossed the longer side over the opposite shoulder for warmth. Tan is one of the scarf’s colors, so I added a tan belt, bag, and shoes to make the look cohesive.

Later in the day, the weather was much warmer, so I left the scarf at home and untucked the sweater to stand in line for over an hour to cast my early vote. I switched to a different bag because it has a more comfortable handle.

Both jeans shown today are the classic straight (now mostly sold out) from J. Crew last year. The navy sweater is also from last year, but this year’s version (here) is similar. The shoes are on sale now here.


For Mother’s Wednesday morning treatment, I wore black straight-leg jeans (these are similar), a black tank (here), and a striped sweater (similar here). The shoes are here.

In the afternoon, I visited Ulta to buy more foaming skin cleanser here. Since it was much warmer later in the day, I changed into a cashmere sweater (this year’s version is here).

I tucked in the front of the sweater and added a brown belt to blend with the Dooney & Bourke bag, which is a unique clay color. The animal print pumps are now on sale here. The sunglasses are here.

The image above shows how effortless a front tuck is with a cropped-length sweater. However, achieving a neat partial tuck is tricky when the sweater is long or bulky. Even a suggestion of a waistline gives better proportions.


At a minimum, I never leave the house without earrings, a watch, and a ring. Sunglasses and a belt with a coordinating bag add the icing on the cake. My shoes are often a wild card that may match my bag, the color of my pants, or perhaps nothing in my look.

When I return home, I remove all my jewelry and other accessories and neatly store them. Bare feet, soft, comfy jeans, and a tee are my perfect attire for relaxing at home. Lots of you have asked what I wear while working or relaxing at home, so this is for you.

At the end of the day, you will often find me in a tee (here) and the same style of jeans, curled up in the sunroom with a book. I’m reading a delightful book recommended by one of you. Thank you! The book is “What the Mountains Remember” by Joy Callaway here.

Whenever the items are still available, I share links to what I show. I’m always happy to help you find similar items if you ask in the comments section. If you use my shopping links to make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no cost to you, but I never have sponsors, and I don’t accept free products to review.

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68 Comments
  1. Thank you for wearing glasses in today’s pics! They are my most necessary accessory! LOL Your casual looks are always appealing to me for their comfort and elevated style.

  2. Casual chic at its best! These outfits give me so many ideas for using what I have and what needs to be added to the closet. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your style; no ripped and torn jeans, no graphic tees, no ugly shoes.

    We will be going to early voting on Monday, October 28. There are many locations here in Indianapolis and this spot is closest to us.

    Please give my best to your mother as she goes through her treatments.

  3. You look so pretty and elegant. I like the addition of the accessories. I hope your mom is doing well with her treatments.

  4. That’s my kind of dressing, Susan. You look lovely. Adore the little leopard skin bag!
    Only difference for me is home dressing is invariably LuLu Lemon and nice runners because of a dog and doggy exercise.
    Thank you.

    1. If I’m only going to be gone for an hour, I don’t need much more than keys, my wallet, a tissue and lip balm. If I go out for the day, my bag is larger.

  5. Love all the looks. You always look so polished! May I ask what skin care products you are using? Since BeautyCounter closed, I am struggling to find something similar that I like.

  6. Lovely looks! I’m like you, whenever I have errands or a trip to town, I call it soft elegance. Not overdressed but not my kitchen mopping attire, either. It makes me feel so much happier to be out and about looking well put together
    I’m hopeful the radiation won’t be too hard on your mother.

  7. Dressing up a little while wearing jeans sends a positive, polished message for us ladies. thank you for a great post.

  8. I love all these looks. Again you have given me more ideas. I love to wear jeans and a sweater. Now I can try some of my scarves and other accessories. One thing I like most about throwing on a scarf is that it keeps me warm when I need it and if I get warm I take it off. All the sweaters are good colors for me as well.
    I also voted because I think the lines will be getting longer.

  9. Susan,
    I notice that BeautyCounter is still not providing product. Do you have a replacement vitamin c serum and facial oil that you use as a replacement ?.
    Thank you.

  10. Hi Susan,
    Just wanted to let you know I’ve been reading your newsletter for years and really appreciate your evolving style and tips. I also look forward to your newsletter because the font is large and easy to see. 😉 Have a wonderful weekend.

  11. Susan,
    Wow, olive oil !!! Just regular garden variety oil oil ?
    Virgin or extra virgin ? Any particular brand ?
    It certainly has to be cheaper !

  12. Susan, you continue to inspire me! I love all the looks! You have shown us how to remain gracious and elegant despite the many trials and tribulations that life throws at us.

  13. I just love every one of these ensembles! You said, “At a minimum, I never leave the house without earrings, a watch, and a ring.” I have some beautiful watches that I’ve put in the safe deposit box, and you just sparked a real desire to get them out and wear them. I mean, what do I have them for if not to enjoy wearing them!? I always did love watches as jewelry but lost that concept somewhere along the way. Thanks for the reminder of how a few simple pieces can enhance simple fashion!

  14. You have really mastered the sophisticated casual style, Susan. All ensembles are lovely especially the jeans with scarf look. Some scarf looks can seem matronly or stodgy but yours definitely does not. The perfect addition to elevate your casual look to another level.

    I’m loving your longer hair. Looks easy-breezy and polished at the same time. Really shows off your beautiful silver color.

  15. I just have to thank you again for your tips on how to organize your closet. I purchased the camisole hanger and the tote organizer and love them both. The cami hanger freed up several inches in my closet and the tote organizer takes care of a problem I didn’t know how to solve. Whenever I’d change to another purse, I’d leave the previous one on a handy kitchen chair. This usually resulted in two or three purses left out in an area where they didn’t belong. No more purse clutter now. When I get home for the day, I just place everything in the tote on a handy counter in my laundry room.

  16. Beautiful looks. Love reading your emails. My sister and I just purchased a large antique store in Raleigh so going casual but upscale is a perfect post for me.

  17. I love your look with the scarf. How do you secure it so you don’t find yourself fiddling with the placement when you wear it this way? Thanks!

    1. The weight of the fabric holds it mostly in place. If it moves around, I readjust it and carry on, but you could certainly add a brooch if you want.

  18. I am in total agreement with you on the ultra-casual thing, which shows up as inappropriate for so many occasions. Let’s start a campaign to at LEAST dress nicely when going out to eat at a restaurant.

  19. Susan, May I ask where you typically find the great belts you wear with your jeans? I’ve been shopping for a black one in particular and maybe a natural/brown one, but I’m taken back by the cost?

    1. Some of my belts came from Nordstrom, others from Banana Republic or Gap and some are from J. Crew. Talbots and Chico’s sometimes have good looking belts also.

    1. I don’t wear knee-highs because the line at the top always shows on my thick calves. I will wear tights later when winter comes. I also sometimes wear thick crew socks with short boots when it is cold.

  20. Susan, thank you so much for sharing your life with us. I feel a bond with you when I read about all you do to help your parents. I was in that position for many years, and although it was certainly exhausting and frustrating at times, I have never once looked back and regretted doing so. You are such a blessing to them, as well as an inspiration to many.

  21. I also remove jewelry, wear comfy jeans and tee while at home. However I have to have something on my feet…flip flops, house shoes or just a pair of low top socks! Can’t do bare feet on floors!

  22. As usual perfect outfits that so work for me! It always seems that I have the same or similar items in my closet but you encourage me to add that special little something!

  23. Love the inspo. Exactly my style, but my at home relaxing needs to be kicked up a bit. I’ve bought a couple of nicer things for this fall. IF it ever turns cold! I’d be happy with cooler; we’re still hovering close to 90 degree highs. Ugh.

    I do have one question. Most of my scarves are rectangles, and I would like to add a few larger squares. What size do you prefer? Again thank you for a fun and useful post.

    1. The square scarf I show in this post is 51 inches wide. I like to wear those with a simple sweater. When I want to fill in the neckline of a jacket, a 35 inch style works great without all the bulk. A long rectangle is perfect to wear over a coat.

  24. Susan I love the shape and color of your Dooney bag. Is it new for this season? I have a really hard time finding mid size bags and that one looks about right.

  25. Thank you. That’s very helpful. And speaking of helpful, my cami-tank holder and my pants hanger for scarves have arrived. Again very helpful and very space–and hassle–saving. I think I said congratulations on your 1000 post! If not, I’m saying it now. That’s 1000 times you’ve shared your experience and insight and made others’ lives just a little brighter and more fun.

  26. Wanted to let you know I have wanted to buy the shoes you are styling today but the links don’t work. I get directed to download games from an app store. I think the shoes are Naturalizers but I had hoped you would get a commission when I ordered. Loved all of today’s looks.

  27. Susan,
    I really liked this blog. Good ideas!! Thank you!! I’m going to give my opinion on something I think you look younger and prettier with shorter hair! Thanks for all your good ideas and nice pics ! Peggy

  28. Hi Susan, I do like the look with the scarf, like lots of others have commented. However, my fav is the last look. With no adornment, you look incredible. I hope your mother is doing okay. You have mentioned helping to take care of your parents, but I didn’t realize she was going through radiation. I hope you don’t mind me asking if she has cancer? After you announced your diagnosis previously, I got my mammogram, and it also showed IDC on one side, and DCIS on the other. I chose to have a nipple and skin sparing, sensation preservation, double mastectomy, with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction. It took a tag team of 4 surgeons eight hours. I am told I am now cancer free, and am on the hormone blocker, Anastrozole, for the next five years. I am grateful for your reminders to get my mammogram, as I had skipped it the year before, because my GYOB retired during Covid. Thank you!

    1. I’m so thankful that you are now cancer-free. My mother has a small Squamous cell carcinoma on the top of her wrist. It is mind-boggling to learn how many are suffering from so many types of cancer now.

  29. i feel very grateful to have a peep into your life. You are very generous and it does inspire me to make each day a bit more special.

  30. I love your barefoot around the house outfit. I also added that book to my library request. Thanks for keeping it real!

  31. Hello Susan, I really like the different looks worn. But my favorite is when you return home, maybe because of the black color I think. I love when you wear black outfits. There is something more, something special in you. And for a perfect relaxation, nothing better than being bare feet… I am totally agree with you. Please keep long hair, you are absolutely adorable.

  32. Before I saw this, I just bought 2 V Necks … a red and a navy. Guess I did right. Being a Pear Shape – I read recently to buy things that attract my eyes upwards away from my thighs … and V Necks were one of the suggestions. Thank you so much once again Susan. BTW – you look great!

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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.