2017: The Year In Outfits

Style blogger Susan B shares her favorite

For the last few years I’ve done an annual roundup of my favorite outfits. And every year I realize that there are some consistent themes to my picks: simplicity, neutrals, a little drama. In spite of a periodic impulse to experiment with more color and pattern, I keep circling back around to an uncluttered style that feels authentic. These may not be the biggest “crowd pleasers,” but they’re the outfits that consistently hit my Style Sweet Spot, and make me feel like a million bucks.

2017 Favorite Outfits

jeans and a tee with long cardigan

cardigan (similar) | necklace | top (similar) | bag | jeans (similar) | shoes

I love the movement and lightness this duster cardigan adds. I wore versions of this combo often during the year. Those suede mules are such a great color and go with everything. (More budget-friendly option here.)

black, grey and white outfit

sunglasses | jacket | tank | necklace (similar) | bracelet | jeans | bag (similar) | shoes

I’ve hung onto a few of my “office” jackets in hopes of working them into more casual looks. I think this was one of the more successful attempts, and really like how this jacket adds a little polish to a denim look. I also love the grey-jeans-and-black combo, and have made a note to myself to wear these jeans more often. But I decided the bag wasn’t for me and consigned it.

what I wore to explore Lake Como

scarf (similar) | jacket (similar) | sweater (similar) | jeans (similar) | bag | boots (similar)

This outfit made my list not because there’s anything particularly striking about it, but rather because these pieces worked out so well as part of my travel wardrobe. I always felt comfortable and well put-together in this combo. And also because I so enjoyed Lake Como, where this was taken.

casual outfit with navy jacket, jeans and leopard bag

sunglasses | jacket (similar) | tank | necklace | necklace (similar) | bag | bracelet | jeans (similar) | shoes

This long lightweight wool navy jacket has been such a wonderful addition to my wardrobe! It’s from the Belgian brand, SCAPA, and I found it in a boutique in Venice, Italy. It’s a beautifully made piece that suits my style and fits me perfectly (once I had it shortened just about 1½ inches). I loved everything about this outfit, and re-wore it several times during the summer and fall.

style blogger Susan B. wears an easy white shirt in linen with jeans, a bucket bag and slide sandals. Details at une femme d'un certain âge.

sunglasses | shirt (similar) | watch | bag | jeans (similar) | shoes (similar)

The Easy White Shirt became a wardrobe staple for me during the warmer months. This linen shirt allowed me to stay comfortable in both outdoor heat and over-cooled interiors. And that funky little bag has turned out to be surprisingly practical. It’s lightweight, and easy to get in and out of. And a funny thing…it gets tons of compliments from men. Go figure. Those floral print slides add a feminine element to balance the look.

Susan B. wears a black tiered bell sleeve blouse, French Kande pearl necklace and Chanel flap bag. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

eyewear | necklace (similar) | top | bracelet | bag (similar) | jeans (similar) | shoes (similar)

I was slow to warm up to statement sleeves, but this top won me over. It’s a great “going out” piece, and jazzes up my jeans. I like that neckline too…not too high and works well with my necklaces. I think the French Kande pearl jewelry looks fabulous with it too.

Susan B. wears a black velvet duster, black scarf with Swarovski crystals, jeans, and black suede boots. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

earrings | jacket (similar) | scarf (c/o) | jeans | boots

How can you NOT feel fabulous in black velvet? This outfit came together rather serendipitously, and I was thrilled with it. The scarf (gifted) has embedded Swarovski crystals, which are all the sparkle this look needs. I’m planning on wearing this again to a holiday party this weekend. BTW, the boots are now 50% off

Do you review and assess your outfits at the end of the year? Have you made any discoveries by doing so?

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52 Comments

  1. what a stylish year you’ve had! and yes to circling back to what feels authentic.
    if i had to pick favorites i’d go with the navy wool jacket outfit, and the simple easy white shirt outfit….
    and i love the variety of locations…those colorful hearts in the 1st picture are just so fun, and the travel locations, just make me long to travel.

    1. karen, thank you very much! I’ve had such fun this year working with a photographer and getting out and shooting in local spots. Travel is wonderful, and I very much recommend it!

  2. I can’t fault any of the outfits, they are all truly stylish but I especially love the outfit with the navy wool jacket. It is just perfect and one that anyone could copy and wear. Just fabulous!
    Thank you for sharing your adventures and inspiring purchases- looking forward to more in 2018.

  3. I enjoy your blog because you are so authentic. And your style reflects who you are. Thank you for sharing your style and yourself.

  4. Thank you for sharing your style year end picks they are wonderful. My favorites would be the simple white shirt with the colorful mules – this will be my style inspo for the upcoming warmer weather. I tend to struggle with fashion during the summer months. My second favorite is the green jacket and the amazing scarf. Like you said it all just works. As far as my personal style preference, I find that I admire my looks when they include a long over lean silhouette – longline cardigan and skinny jeans with booties.

    1. Hi Susan, I also struggle with style during the warmer months, and that white shirt was a lifesaver. Thank you and Happy New Year!

  5. I bought the red version of your black J. Crew blouse and wore it on Christmas Eve…I felt so festive with my sleeve ruffles. Thanks for a great blog, and best wishes to you and yours for 2018!

  6. Thanks so much for sharing all your style advice. I’ve picked up a few items you’ve reviewed (my navy Scapa jacket from Rome) and look forward to reading your posts in 2018. You’ve saved me from some “DON’TS” in the style department this year. I thank you as does my wallet!

  7. I love all of these outfits, you always look so fresh and modern! But I have to say that hands down my favorite look of yours this year has been your hair! The color and styling is on point and your choice of sunglasses is the perfect complement to it! Best wishes for a healthy and happy 2018!

  8. +1 for the grey jeans. They could have substituted for the blue in most of these outfits and looked just as fabulous, I think.

  9. You look like yourself, stylish but not trying too hard and although my personal style is quite different than yours as I lean towards boho, I learn a lot by following you. I notice that although the major part of your wardrobe is moderately priced, you buy designer shoes and purses. I would be interested in a budget breakdown some day. Percentages would be fine so as not to reveal totals. Do you budget monthly, seasonally or ?
    Happy New Year and thank you for a year of style!

    1. Thank you, penmorePenelope! I’m working on a series of Wardrobe Refresh posts for the new year, and will include thoughts about budgeting and investments. Happy New Year!

  10. Susan-all the outfits are “wins”, but I really like the black topping the grey jeans. Its nice to see you wear something shorter on top. The whole look is very figure flattering and appropriately youthful!

  11. I always love whatever you wear, Sue. But I particularly love that former “office” jacket. Really chic with those shoes and jeans. Hope you and your family have a great New Year celebration… however you decide to celebrate. And a wonderful 2018.
    P.S. And that the kitchen reno continues apace with no surprises … except for the good ones:)

    1. Thanks very much, Susan! I love that jacket and am so glad it still has a home in my wardrobe. Have a wonderful 2018 yourself!

  12. Always smashing looks and well worth copying (or at least trying to!) Your foundational wardrobe is always so beautifully accessorized. No wonder you get great mileage and versatility from high-quality investment pieces. I particularly love your leopard clutch and pretty much everything else leopard print (my fave!) Keep on inspiring us, Susan, and have a wonderfully stylish 2018!

  13. I love these looks. I feel like I should print these pics and hang them on my closet door as a guide for putting together gorgeous, classy, unique and chic looks. Thanks for posting and Happy New Year!

  14. Thanks for the recap, Susan. My fave still is the black jacket/grey jeans. In fact, I loved it so much at the time that I did a style steal on it by Being Susan! Thanks for another great year. My best wishes for a Happy 2018, hugs, x.

  15. I never thought I could wear Eileen Fisher because I am a petite but now after reading your posts, I think I will try this brand. Like you I favor basics. Since retiring it has been difficult to switch wardrobe choices. I travel quite frequently so that has to factor in too. Your blog has been a help and inspiration. Thank you and happy new year!

    1. Thanks very much, Elizabeth! With EF, I look for styles that are less boxy, as those tend to work best for petite frames. The tee shirts are quite good basics, as are the stretch crepe pants.

  16. Susan, I like so many things about this post and about your blog throughout the year. But today I’ll mention how much I enjoy the fact that you “show up” online so consistently and predictably. I truly admire and appreciate your constancy as a blogger. It parallels the constancy with which you explore and embody your personal style. I know there must be days / times / weeks / longer? when you would like to roll over and go back to sleep or take a long break. And of course, you’re the master of your own schedule. But with only a little embarrassment I admit that if your posting were more erratic I’d miss you, since yours is the first fashion blog I read daily. I truly appreciate all that you bring to us each week!

    Bonne année à vous, le monsieur, le jeune homme et le petit chien!

    1. Hi Ann, thanks so much! Working on this blog is one of the things that gets me out of bed in the morning (that, and coffee ). I’m so glad you enjoy and find it helpful. Happy New Year!

  17. Love the black top with grey jeans…I have grey jeans which I like, but haven’t worn them with black (but I will!). I also love the duster cardigan; I had a black wool mesh one from EF which I absolutely adored, but it disintegrated on me. Very upsetting, since it was expensive AND because I loved it so much. Debating ordering the one you show, since it’s long enough and on sale, and they have a black one in my size. Hope it would last longer than my previous one!

  18. Whatever happened to the Missoni jacket? I was obsessed with it and thought you would wear it a lot, especially since it was a splurge.

  19. PS I got gray jeans the first time you mentioned them. Mine are LL Bean 1912 Favorite Fit, and I live in them. A nice change from blue jeans.
    My favorite outfit is the Lake Como. You are such a stylish traveler! Even frayed ankle jeans look great, although that look is a struggle for me. After carefully shortening my own jeans over the years, I can’t face the possibility that I could have saved myself a lot of time by just lopping them off. The fussy seamstress in me just can’t do that.

  20. Love the outfits, and I get so many ideas from your blog. But you left out leopard print shoes which really picks up a mostly black outfit, I wear leopard mules with white jeans an long black silky tee, jewelry and get so many great comments, taken from you. Also a favorite this year was the blue velvet jacket, stunning and it added some color. Thanks for all the fun ideas. I live in the middle of the forest fires, my house survived. This blog is helping me to get back my old life, love the distraction and just fun. Thank you

  21. Hello! I have a small problem. I love Eileen Fisher and have many pieces from the collection. But I am a tall person with a 33” inseam, so her pants are not long enough for me. I wear her ankle length pants as capris, but would love to have a silmilar, but longer pant for travel. Any suggestions? I love your blog. Thanks!!

  22. I have a black duster left over from my “working” years that I never wore, but still looks like it’s in fashion. I was inspired by your pic so yesterday I wore it over a long striped black and white tee, black leggings, and knee high black boots. I tossed a white pashmina over it. I think I had the most “together” errand day ever! As a recently retired empty nester, I’m still trying to forge a new identity and my wardrobe needs to keep up. Thank you, and keep up the great work. Merja