The temperatures climbed into the high seventies on Wednesday, so my look required no layers. I had a lunch date with gals I hadn’t seen in ages, followed by an afternoon of errands.
Simple tops with a round neckline benefit from adding a bold long necklace. The resulting V cuts the expanse of fabric across a full bust. A V-neckline or long necklace also makes the wearer look taller. When I wear a bold necklace, I always pair it with tiny earrings.
My summer formula is white jeans with a statement top, so I reached for last year’s straight-leg jeans and slides from Nine West. I bought the shoes at the end of the season last year, but they will serve as my nod to the metallic shoe trend this spring.
The top is lined and loose-fitting, making it perfect for days that start a little cooler with warm afternoons. It is on sale now, but consider getting a smaller size than you usually wear.
The formula of a statement top and white or faded blue jeans is one that I intend to wear on repeat this summer, so the following blouses might be added to my wardrobe.
I bought the white and the black tops last year, but this color tempts me. The underlayer is a matching solid cami, and the outer layer is open embroidery.
I never tire of your simple formula, timeless but elegant and often fun (with color pops and accessories)! Affordably priced too. Before I read your blog today I had something in my inbox from another “over 60 fashionista” where all the clothes/shoes/etc. looked like costumes for runway models and were ridiculously over priced! It gave me a headache and I thought “I need to see what Susan is up to today”……therapeutic! (I do wish some of those tops came in petite; I am not a tucker-inner and I tire of “hemming” everything for my proportion.)
Dear Susan,
I retired from the military in 2012 and was in the process of building a practical retirement wardrobe for my new lifestyle. At the time, there weren’t many fashion blogs for women our age so I was thrilled to find your wonderful site in 2014. I binge-read every archived post and have been a loyal follower ever since!
I want to thank you for sharing all of the practical, and useful tips for styling basic pieces to change a look; and I always keep your advice on sizing handy when I head to the tailor. Your posts are fun, upbeat, and so very helpful – you even kept us company during the covid lock down! Thank you and please know how appreciated you are.
Thank you for your service and your kind comments. You’ve made my day!
Thank you so much for all your suggestions on how to put an outfit together for women of a certain age. I am a 74 years young woman and don’t want to dress like a teenager but I still want to dress young but approriate for my age. Your decision have helped me to dress update! Thank You!!!
I love all the tops featured here today. I must say I prefer dark jeans, either very dark blue or black. I have always been scared of white jeans in case I sat on something – lol. But they do look great. Maybe I will try one day! I stick to a formula of dark blue or black three quarter jeans over summer, with a coloured or multicoloured top, and a dark jacket in either navy or black. I have had faded jeans in my life but not really for a while now as I am not really a fan of them. I am still sticking to skinny jeans too though once upon a time I loved bootleg jeans. Thanks as always for this blog Susan. It is fantastic and I look forward to your posts.
Love white jeans, I began wearing them after admiring following your formula. Thank you! I am always happy to see your posts!
Your style formula of a statement top with jewelry and a solid pair of pants is one I have adopted for warmer weather. I think it suits a retired lifestyle.
Love the stylish bag. Does it hold eyeglasses, wallet, keys, tissues, hand sanitizer and a cell phone?
It holds a card holder, keys, tissue, and lipstick. I leave my phone in the car, and more times than not, I don’t even know where it is until it starts ringing.
I’d like your advice on what type of neckline / necklace /scarf that would ‘take away’ from my aging neck? I hate my ‘turkey neck’ and feel it’s the one part of me that really ages me. Any suggestions? Thank you!
My favorite tip for hiding crepey skin is a silky scarf casually draped around your neck. I also enjoy wearing shirts with a collar or a higher neckline now.
The pink blouse is lovely! I’m so jealous of your shoes…..can’t wear heels…lol.
What a nice outfit. I really like the black and white! We are told many times to stay away from black , but with silver hair I think it looks very nice.
One question thought is that do you wear more color on your face? Sometimes I feel a little washed out but don’t want to wear too much makeup.
A little brighter red lip and a smokey eye makes all the difference.
Love that button up open work blouse! I don’t feel comfortable in white jeans, yet navy or black seem a bit dark for summer. Do you have any suggestions as alternates or do you wear darker colors on the bottom in the summer too?
Any light color will be cooler than dark colors.
Lovely, as always.
Do you purchase the majority of you clothing online?
Yes, I purchase most of my items on line.
I am on the south coast of England and can only imagine temperatures of 70F. It is 6C ( about 40f) and tonight will be zero c (32f)
I dream of wearing less than 3 layers each day.
Hi, Susan-
I just love this look! The black blouse and white pants are so crisp and fresh looking! I also love your blouse suggestions. They will be great for spring and summer.
And on your prior two posts, your lunch at the Bristol Hotel looks wonderful. We had a friend who always wore outrageous socks and my husband and I had the best memories of the joy he brought to us at church each week. Thanks, Mr. Mickey for reminding us of what fun we can have with our friends! Waiting to see your Easter socks!!
It took me a while to find the right white jeans for my body and life, but once I did I found them wearable year round just as you do. Thanks for all your sound fashion advice, but particularly for all your outfits with white jeans.
Susan, I always learn from your posts! The long necklace is flattering with the round neckline…I wonder if you might consider a post with more on that subject—what kind of jewelry to wear with button-down shirts, v-necks, turtlenecks, etc. I love jewelry, especially earrings, but since I wear glasses (and am full in the bust), I sometimes find necklaces hard to wear. Thank you!
The best tip I know for wearing necklaces or earrings is to ensure they don’t interfere with the collar or the neckline.
Great outfit Susan!
You look awesome!
Super classy!
Susan, I got that cute black accordion pleated blouse from Chicos that you are wearing in the photo. I absolutely love it! Thank you so much it arrived the other day and I tried it on, it’s very flattering. Usually I buy a medium because I like a little bit of room this, however, was recommended to size down so I did and I’m so glad.
Love your style, so refreshing.