One way to overcome trauma is to serve others through teaching, sharing, and inspiring. Perhaps your love language is cooking, or maybe you sew beautifully. If you use your talent to give back or pass along what you’ve learned, the reward will be fulfillment.
I’ve learned that not everyone has a way with putting together various outfits using the same basics. That seems to be my gift, so sharing my tips and tricks for combining classic and very basic clothing with different accessories may help you get more out of your wardrobe.
If you combine a skirt or pants with a shirt and the result seems boring or too one-dimensional, pair it with a different-colored accessory set. Shoes, a bag, and a belt in a third color will often give the outfit the finishing touch it needs.
The shirt is here. The skirt is here. The shoes are here. The sunglasses are here. A similar belt is here. The bag is several years old, but I found it here.
Shopping links may allow me to earn a small commission without costing you anything.
The hoops were a gift from Mr. Mickey about fifteen years ago. They always look great with one of my favorite bracelets here. Use my code SAS10 to take $10 off your Beauty in Stone Jewelry purchase.
I wore this look to the bookstore to buy gifts since Christmas is only a few weeks away. It was a beautiful sunny day with temperatures in the low seventies, but those in Milton’s path have been on my mind all day.
Hi Susan, your outfit is perfect I love it. How would I put something like this together as my tummy is the problem. At 66 years old I am really struggling with that part of my body.
I hope Milton does not cause to much damage and will be thinking of everyone in its path. I have a niece who lives in Tampa Florida so my thoughts are always there.
Keep safe and well.
God bless
Elizabeth sa
Try wearing a shorter denim shirt with a black skirt or pants. If the top stops just below your tummy and is not too tight, you will still have pleasing proportions. When the shirt is long and loose, and the bottom is also loose, we can look larger than we are.
Hi Susan, Greetings from Australia. I am 68 and have the same body shape as Elizabeth and really appreciate your advice. I have recently started reading your blogs and find them very helpful. Robyn
Dear Susan, you have been a great inspiration for me in dressing better and looking after myself. You have beautiful manners and grace. Your blog has created a lovely sisterhood for many so women around the world. Thank you so much for your time and effort xxx
I appreciate the fact that you share your talents with us. I have learned so much about putting an outfit together from you since I am not similarly talented . Thank you very much for starting your blog. My thoughts and prayers are with those in Florida.
Where are we standing now with stockings? My legs aren’t bad, but the skin tones aren’t good and I’m awfully splotchy. I sort of miss pantyhose for this reason. I still like black tights in cold weather. What are you seeing, Susan?
As soon as my tan fades, I have a drawer full of pantyhose at the ready.
Susan,
Thank you for sharing your genuine gift to us with your blog. I love your style ideas and your building with basics foundation. It has been life changing for me. I discovered you 2 years ago and have been a faithful fan ever since.
Thank you again and Happy Fall.
Jennifer
Port Angeles, WA.
Susan, you remind me of one of my longtime close friends. She’s so kind, and lovely in every way. She’s always calming, whereas I tend to be a worrier. I get the same feeling from reading your posts – like to take a deep breath and everything will be ok.. Thank you for the time you take to share, and be a friend, even though we’ll never meet! You’re a special lady!
I’m glad you have the talent to take something ordinary and make it look extraordinary. You have given me many ways to take things from my closet and add to them. I would probably just put on the skirt and shirt but the few additions helped a lot.
I feel the same about the online friendship. It’s very important to me.
This isn’t Susan. I just know it. Susan hardly ever wears skirts, shops on line, and Christmas is 11 weeks away. Misinformation! See how easy it is? And the government does not make hurricanes. Please vote. I do love your posts. Thanks for continuing fresh ideas!
Thanks for making me laugh, MC.
I am so glad you saw the humor in that. It’s always risky writing without being able to see facial expression and eye rolls!
Stunning!
Susan you always look great! Yes it is a talent what you do and share with us. Thank you!
You are very generous with your talents, and we are grateful! I love this outfit and will add it to my growing portfolio of ideas to replace garments that went to the charity shops. The accent color in the shoes, handbag and belt is perfect. I am checking out how you rolled up your sleeves. Have to try that as what I have been doing looks sloppy. You probably have done a post on that process.
We have been following the storm in Florida and have yet to hear from family concerning their safety or damage.
Hi Donna! Thanks for your always sweet comments. Check out this post (not mine) on how to do the J. Crew sleeve roll.
Thank you for sharing your talents Susan! I don’t always respond but I do appreciate your insights.
You look lovely and the third color addition is enlightening. Great suggestion. Please show us more options utilizing this technique. I’ve learned so much from your talent talks. Yes, it’s definitely a talent you have been blessed with and thank you for talking us through the process.
I enjoy your blog and readers. Whenever you have a posting, it’s like sitting down with old friends. Ha! Was the skirt out of your comfort zone? It looks great paired with shirt and accessories. I’ve been watching the terrible destruction on the other side of the US. My heart goes out to all impacted by these stunning weather events. We on the western coast have seen changes along our coastal areas, but mostly erosion related. Not only do you give great advice on style, you are also good at giving advice on living fully and healthily. My husband just passed away in August. It is difficult after 54 years of a wonderful relationship to make my way on my own. I was truly blessed, and I’m focusing on that. Sending you many good wishes as you navigate the week.
Oh, Lynne, I’m so sorry for your loss. I always feel as if I am visiting with an old friend when I read your comments. I hope all the precious memories will give you comfort.
I love how you use simple denim shirts in a variety of different, interesting ways. Thanks to you, I now own several denim shirts.
You have a gift indeed and many thanks to you for sharing it with us. I always look forward to reading your posts!
Thanks for your beautiful posts and inspiring clothing and lifestyle tips, Susan. So many women appreciate you (and Mr. Mickey as well). I also appreciate that you wear and “re-style” clothing you’ve had for a while, in new ways. I used to feel I had to buy new things to be in style, but savvy fashion bloggers like you have taught me to rethink that idea. Thanks for that too.
Here in Michigan, we’re sending prayers and healing wishes to fellow Americans in North Carolina, Florida, and other places in recovery from these storms. Oddly, our climate in southeast Michigan is very warm still — more like the south in the fall. We’re still wearing summer clothes and flip flops! It’s a little warmer every year here. Not like your typical old Midwestern fall days. Colors haven’t changed yet — and I wish I could start wearing my fall clothes!
Susan, I’ve learned so much about styling my clothes to feel very well put together. I often receive compliments about “how classy” I appear. I’m 81 years old and those compliments make me feel great! All of this is thanks to you. Also, you and I are sisters in the sense that we are both breast cancer survivors. I walked last week in the Orange County CA Komen Race for the Cure and celebrated as a 40 year survivor!
Is it just me, but I cannot find the purse on the link provided.
Thank you for sharing your talent. It certainly helps me refine my style.
I linked to the same brand, but I bought the bag a few years ago, so that exact style is no longer available.
Thank you! I pinned it to a Pinterest board so it will be handy until I get the hang of it.
Thank you for sharing your talent.
That looks super. What a shame they don’t have that skirt in dark blue denim. I would buy it like a shot. I probably couldn’t wear it with heels but I think a really classic pair of leopard ballet flats could still make it look smart.
I’d love it with a white shirt and leopard belt too.
It’s hard for anyone to enunciate their talents, I think, without being presumptuous, so I if I have any, I guess I will leave it to others to enunciate.
Hoping all are as well as can be expected with the weather and with the elections approaching.
Perfectly polished outfit! Love it!
I love the color you added to the black. I’m not sure of the color name…I’m going to call it Oxblood. It looks great with the black and I wouldn’t have thought to use that color. Great idea! Thank you for all your tips…You always look so elegant and there’s alot we can learn from you.
Always look forward to your posts! Your sound fashion/skin care advice inspires me to keep trying to look as wonderful as you do! Thank you, Susan
Reply to Prue Batten: I don’t know you personally but writing is definitely one of your talents. I was an editor before I retired and I always enjoy your comments on this blog. You are very well spoken. I googled you and discovered you are published! Keep being a great example to all women as you let your light shine!
Curious if you find a book you like and then give it as gifts to everyone on your list or do you pair books with your friends and family knowing what they like?
I have a few friends who also love to read, so we constantly share books. I tailor gifts to the person’s interests.
I was surprised to see you respond to MC who brought politics into your site. Those on the other side know exactly what she was referring to and this was inappropriate. We really appreciate receiving your input on fashion, health etc which is so refreshing and removes us from the day to day divisive politics! The fact that you haven’t worn skirts was humorous as being misinformation but she should have left it there.
Hi Susan: it’s Sharon, your 68 y/o horse riding friend who just adores your style! I too just purchased a denim maxi (midi on my 5’9” frame) and did the exact, yet opposite, as you. I bought a light denim skirt and paired it with a black crisp button down shirt. I too did accessories like you in leather brown. I wore cowgirl boots, a western style belt and silver cuff bracelet and hoops! I’ll try to snap a picture tomorrow when wearing my outfit to dinner. Thanks for sharing your talent with me/us. I’m trying to donate time and horse ( who is a Tennessee Walker!) to teaching special needs kids! It’s been so rewarding, and my horse, Gator, loves it!
What lovely photos of you in I assume your garden . The light and shade really sets off your look.
I love that length of skirt , it’s so elegant and Suits you very much . It’s rare to see you in a skirt and the combination you put together demonstrates your talent . Thank you for sharing. My talent is caring about people. I worked as a fully qualified Nurse for 35 yrs and when I retired I was told I always brought a calming influence to what ever Department I worked on. I always and still do respect people’s choices even if I don’t agree with them. I personally prefer to calm a brewing situation than inflame it and look at it objectively. I can imagine you being like that Susan you come across as being unflappable, but like me you would not suffer fools gladly.
I must admit I thought it bonkers that Hurricane Milton was engineered by the government, where do the people get these daft ideas from.
Hey let’s see you in more skirt combinations, you have great legs to carry them off even with a sexy subtle slit.
Take care Pamela UK
I always look forward to your new posts. Thanks you for sharing your gift with us. It has been very helpful for me since I started following you about 9 years ago. I still look in my closet and say “All these clothes and nothing to wear” but not as often now. You’re the best!,
Please add this to my comment. I just posted and I didn’t answer your question. My gifts are sewing, upholstering, decorating my home ( especially for holidays).
Thank you for sharing your gift so generously.
In a world that needs us, you help me show up with more confidence.
You look so elegant.
You look the picture of calm, grace and elegance which I find so inspiring. Thank you for all your caring advice.
I thank you for the many things I have learned from you through the years–the best was discovering Beautycounter products. Any news when they may be returning? Do you have a recommendation for a cleansing oil? Thanks!
Beautycounter was slated to return in October. I’m sorry, I don’t know more. In the meantime I am using the foaming cleansing cream here.
What do you do to style your hair everyday – curling iron, hot rollers? It’s so pretty! Thanks
I use a vented brush to lift my hair from the roots and smooth it a little as it dries. The less I do to it, the better my hair behaves.
And seeing your posts with my morning coffee is always a pleasure for me. Like you, my heart and prayers go out to all of the folks who experienced Helene and Milton. I live just north of Houston, and experienced the “dirty side” of Beryl. Personally, I have been through many hurricanes, but that one was scary.
I truly love reading and seeing your advice about styling the same basics a different way. It’s time for me to pull out those scarves and the bags, shoes and hats and put my thinking cap on.
Thank you so much for sharing. You always look great!
I appreciate how you defined talent. You certainly have a gift for fashion ideas. Thanks for inspiring me to use my talents in unique ways.
Ok. Can not stop giggling. “Christmas is only a few weeks away.” We think alike as I am making a trip out of town this coming week to find Christmas goodies for the kids on our cul de sac…As always, you look lovely.
As always a great post!
I still love tee shirts. I am trying to break my knit tee shirt habit. Any thoughts
Try to wear something else at least once a week.
Susan you look lovely both coming snd going XOX
You do have a gift with fashion. Thank you for sharing your talent.
You do have a special gift in putting fashion together. Thank you for sharing your talent.
Dear Susan,
Your gifts just keep giving each and every post. We are all so thankful and grateful to you. You are a gem.
Warm hugs.
I love the length of your hair. I think it suits you and makes you look younger. Thank you for all the tips using basics. I am trying to incorporate these ideas into my wardrobe more.
You look absolutely terrific in a skirt!!
Your texts are so helpful, always inspire me and thank for uplifting words esp during aftermath of flood . Blessings to you , Patty btw I brought bracelet from Beauty in Stone due to your info .. love it
What a great ensemble! Casual enough to be comfortable but super smart. You have such a knack for putting together stylish outfits that are within reach of the majority of us either using pieces we already have, or adding new pieces to our wardrobes without breaking the bank.
what are some of your favorite author? Always enjoy your blog.
‘Love that you share your talents with us! Styling is not my talent, and I love that you simplify it for me! Enjoy these cooler days! ❤️
I have enjoyed watching your changes over the last few years. from straight pants to wide pants but your basic stay the same. would you mind sharing who are some of your favorite author.
Thank you, Sae. I notice the subtle changes in trends and try to make a few tweeks to stay current.
I read “How to Wear Everything” by Kay Barron week before last. Last week I read “The Women” by Kristin Hannah. This week, I’m reading “Be Ready When the Luck Happens”, by Ina Garten. I read the final in the Maisie Dobbs series last month. Jacqueline Winspear is the author and I’ve read them all. Here they are in order of publication.
Maisie Dobbs
Birds of a Feather
Pardonable Lies
Messenger of Truth
An Incomplete Revenge
Among the Mad
The Mapping of Love and Death
A Lesson in Secrets
The Comfort of Ghosts (final book)
Can you suggest a lower heel, not any taller than 2” ?
The shoes I showed here have a two inch heel.
I love all your suggestions. Would love an article on makeup. I’m lost since BeautyCounter closed.
Here is a post about my makeup routine. The post here shows the skincare routine I follow now.
I always enjoy your simple but very classy outfits. Thank you for your great tips.
I love the elegance of you dressing in a skirt or dress or suit.
This look is classic.
Susan, here is another post where you still look absolutely pretty. I like this classic outfit, I like the style too. And most of all, I love these pointed toe sling pumps. You wear them wonderfully, like all heeled shoes in general. It is also the main accessory through which all your feminity is felt. The hairstyle is stunning, and the associated sunglasses are just…perfect.
Love the outfit. Thanks for the info on the ‘sleeve roll’.
Did you know there is a mail in recycling program for old pantyhose? Recycled Crafts uses them for various craft projects, so they can be in any condition. If you are interested, search online for savemyhosiery.
Susan,
This is a great post. When I began blogging, I assumed everyone could accessorize and put outfits together, but I have found–as you pointed out–that isn’t true.
I loved the way you have put your “Accessories in Sets” as we describe in our book QUINTESSENTIAL STYLE: CULTIVATE AND COMMUNICATE YOUR SIGNATURE LOOK.
Would you allow me to use this photo of you and your accessories to illustrate the point? I will post a link to your website along with photo credit to you.
Please let me know.
Thanks so much.
Sharon White
Temple, TX
Yes, of course you can use the photos. Thanks for asking.
Dear Sue
I love hearing from you and inspiring us with wardrobe ideas and your wisdom thru life
I’m 71yrs time flies very fast. I also used to work in retail and did Mary Kay. and some modeling on the side.
my life changed at 40 with Multiple Sclerosis , still drove my kids to school. now I cannot drive.
I use a walker, exercise, maintain my diet, stay positive.
now that I” am home most of the time I like elevated casual wardrobe , need to wear flat shoes like, nice sneakers, moccasins
can not wear heels. , still looking for comfortable ballet flats.
can’t wear shirts with buttons. I wear knee tops, vests. pull on pants.
Thank you
Liz