a little light drama

linen long cardigan
cardigan | necklace | tunic | bracelet | clutch (similar look) | jeans (similar) | shoes

I wore this outfit to dinner with le Monsieur last weekend. I love the dramatic effect of this long linen cardigan; it’s so much fun to wear and I enjoy how it moves when I walk. I’d initially envisioned this outfit with white jeans, but ultimately preferred the softer effect of the light grey. Though this look is more specific an evening out, I plan to work both the cardigan and tunic separately into more everyday outfits.

No drama at dinner, though. We enjoyed some of this lovely Chablis…

2013 Chabliswhich went brilliantly with my Boudin Blanc.

Bouchon boudin blanc

Because our childcare arrangements on the weekend can sometimes be a bit tentative, we don’t often plan ahead when we go out. But we’ve found many of our favorite restaurants offer a full menu at the bar, and we can almost always get a seat last-minute if we show up before 7pm. We find this a very low-key and convivial option, and always enjoy chatting with the bar staff and other patrons.

French Kande jewelry, studded clutch

All of the pieces here except for the jewelry are from Eileen Fisher. The jeans are a couple of years old, and the clutch…can’t remember exactly but I’ve had it for a few years.

nude block heel sandals

And I was treated to a Lars photobomb while taking these shots…

cat photobomb

Do you have any “dramatic” pieces in your wardrobe? Do you find ways to work them into your every day outfits?

Linked up: Throwback Thursday, Fun Fashion Friday, Style Focus Lifestyle Linkup, Visible Monday

MORE LIKE THESE:


Affiliate links in this post may generate commissions for unefemme.net. See complete disclosure policy here.

Stay in touch

Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.

Affiliate links in posts may generate commissions for unefemme.net. See my complete disclosure policy here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

79 Comments

  1. Beautiful! And it’s so wise of you to have found a way to dine out even when your plans are uncertain – good for you!
    big hug,
    Janice

    1. Janice, thanks so much! We really need a little “couple” time by the weekend, and being flexible with our plans does help.

  2. Susan that looks fabulous! I think we are of similar height — 5’2″? I’d be terrified to wear something of that length because I’d be afraid of looking like Puss in Boots but it works the way you’ve styled this. Perhaps the asymmetrical tunic with the long necklace suggests length? But I wouldn’t be brave enough.

  3. I have the grey jeans but I wonder if you would mind packing up that gorgeous tunic and long cardigan and sending them to me;) Just kidding, but wow this is a beautiful look. The fall and drape of the garments is so beautiful. It’s actually quite breathtaking. The pendant and cuff are perfect accessories. You have reminded I have a very similar tunic in black which I haven’t worn yet, now I know how:)

  4. I often forget that you are not tall because you wear a variety of different lengths of clothing. At 5’3″, I still enjoy some dramatic pieces of clothing. I bought a beautiful linen tunic last year at Sahara London. Judi Dench shops there according to their webpage. Your sweater is beautiful. That looks like a delicious dinner.

  5. Stunning. Glamorous but soft at the same time. Please keep going with the light colors– you look radiant in them!

    I’m not sure if I have any “dramatic” pieces. For some reason my personality doesn’t seem to lend itself to that look, rats! Oh— I know. My jewelry tends to be unexpectedly bold and rather individualistic much of the time. That’s my drama.

  6. Well, this is a definite keeper!! This is such a very beautiful look on you!! The colors really work well, my favorite palette in general, and with your coloring and hair it is just the cats meow!! What a nice get away and how nice to dress up for it. Enjoy! One of my most cherished memories was looking forward to a dinner out with something I knew looked good on me. Seriously do more with this color pathway!! Shoes are great too. Love love love the color!!! : ))

    1. susie, thanks so much! I’ve picked up a few pieces in this color recently and love it for spring and summer.

  7. Wow – you look beautiful. And so glad you showed this long cardigan from EF – have been admiring it in the store and love how it looks on you. I’m tall, so think this is a great look for me, too!

  8. Wow, you look amazing! You can really pull off those tunic tops and long sweaters! And I see you have a Bouchon in Southern California! My husband and I love Bouchon in Yountville. Looks like you had a lovely dinner out.
    I love these light colors on you.

    1. sybes1, thanks very much! We love Bouchon. When they first opened here there was a lot of talk locally about them being “snooty” but we’ve always found them to be friendly and welcoming. And the food is reliably fabulous!

  9. That is such a great outfit. Date-worthy but it also looks comfortable–and you look beautiful! We really like sitting at the bar as well. Even better if the bar is situated so that you can watch some of the kitchen action.

  10. Nothing like flowy pieces to add thrill and romance to an outfit and you’ve got it with that beautiful top and cardigan. Very champagne-y. Smashing. I’m glad you and your husband have found ways to enjoy the things you love. Hello, Lars!

  11. Love this outfit, Sue. I saw that Eileen Fisher combo of tunic and long sweater in the fashion mags. Gorgeous. And I love how you coordinated the kitty-cat with your tan sandals. That takes planning, girl. So would Lars be considered a “neutral”???

  12. I love these light colors on you. They look wonderful with your pale hair, and of course with your cat. I think you look better in bone than in pure white. I also love the way you look in black, but it’s always good to have a choice. Your loose, flowing clothing is an inspiration to me, and I may have to try this look myself.

    1. Cathy, thank you! I agree that bone works better with my coloring. I can do white underneath a jacket but otherwise avoid it.

  13. Given that your son isn’t a little boy and his companion for the evening is likely a high school or college aged type, it’s probably good to catch an early dinner and be back in time for the sitter to make a late date or party. When you’re young the night has hardly gotten going by the time the old folks are turning in! I like to eat at the bar, sitting side-by-side with your beloved is more intimate than across a table.

    1. RoseAG, at this point we generally have young adult men watch him, and yes I’m sure they’re happy to be cut loose by 9pm. 😉

  14. I have just begun adding a few dramatic pieces to my wardrobe after having my “colors” done. The stylist felt I was a “dramatic gamine” and made a few suggestions on style, in addition to color. My latest acquisition is a cream, thigh -length boyfriend blazer that I wear with cropped black pants. I love it and it truly dresses up an otherwise mundane outfit.

    We have been eating at restaurant bars for several years. The conversation is usually lively and the atmosphere convivial.

    Your outfit is fabulous. I wonder if my stylist would consider you “dramatic gamine” also.

    1. Kris, is that part of the Kibbe style types? I keep taking the self test and coming up with either Soft Natural or Soft Classic, but would love to know how your stylist defines the different types.

      1. Yes. She did base her recommendations on the Kibbe model. She refers to my type as “dramatic gamine” instead of “flamboyant gamine.” But I must say her suggestions have been helpful and explain why some of my choices remain in the closet unworn.

  15. I love your blog and I love your outfits as a general rule. So I hope I’m not being obnoxious here, but the proportions of this outfit seem off to me. The long cardi and top are beautiful, but somehow the jeans and sandals seem to make your legs look short. Maybe a longer pant that covers the shoe? Just my €2!

    1. Jill Ann, thanks. I generally don’t wear pants that long, but I’ll try it at some point just to see how it affects the proportions.

  16. You look lovely! Very feminine & pretty.
    I really love Eileen Fisher.
    Last year I got off track & bought some Bali nice quality print dresses, skirts, etc.
    Needless to say they are off to the resale shop, one with the tags still on.
    I really appreciate that you feature plus size options in your blog.
    In most Eileen fisher I can wear medium to XL.
    I have purchased many items you have featured & have always been pleased.
    Just had knee surgery thus long post.I wore an Eileen Fisher Dark Grey Dress/ cover up that was perfect over my wrapped knee and super comfortable.
    Just read your recent interview.
    Enjoyed it immensely.
    I read your blog every AM with my coffee.
    It is my favorite Am ritual.

    1. Hi Kim, thanks so much! I do think that a lot of style is about listening to that inner voice and following our instincts.

  17. Stunning outfit! I love the bone and grey combination – with long pearls, it’s a modern day Chanel look! Love your style – you have inspired me to purge my closet of prints that don’t suit me and go back to my dearly loved neutrals and classics.

  18. I’m going to be the voice in the wilderness here, and say that I predict you will tire of the long cardigan very quickly. Maybe fun to wear a couple times, but they’re much better when you’re standing rather that sitting. Because they can really be unwieldy when you’re sitting – what to do with all that fabric. Of course, it could always be shortened at a later date. Eileen Fisher always uses such beautiful fabrics.

    1. Hi Rita, I hear what you’re saying. However I’ve worn the black lightweight wool version of this cardigan pretty frequently, including to the office. Because it’s not bulky, doesn’t seem to get in the way.

  19. This outside is fabulous on you! Eileen Fisher has an eye for luxurious style. It’s always good to have a little couple time. We are so pleased to have you join us for the Stylefocus Lifestyle LinkUp today and share your stylish inspiration!
    Have a fabulous weekend!
    xx, Heather

  20. Wow-sa, I’ve linkedIn from the Lifestyle Linkup, and so glad I did. This outfit and picture of you is so amazing. I want to run right out and start shopping for the same look. awesome. xx Nancy

  21. OH YES and YES!To answer your questions!LOVE The long linen duster…………..a fabulous look!How old are your children?Lucky YOU to still have them at HOME!
    The girls sent me………you know those TWO DAMES called JENNIFER & HEATHER over at their style blogs.Enjoying the morning viewing all the LINK UPS!!!

  22. Love, love, love the cardigan! So happy to find your blog! You exemplify the same style I strive for! I’ll continue to ck out your blog for continued inspiration! Love the cardigan!

  23. It’s beautiful! I can imagine how dramatic it must have looked when you move! The length is perfect too.. it probably ends up sweeping the floor on me but hey, there’s nothing a pair of heel could fix, right? 😉 The jewelry complete this dramatic borderline dreamy look. I am absolutely a fan!

  24. Delicate with an edge is how I would describe this look. The fluidity of the sweater and the creamy color are very gentle and yet the accessories offer an edginess. Very nice and eclectic.