Party In Palm Springs

Casual Summer Party Look: Style blogger Susan B. wears printed pants, a duster cardigan, bamboo bag and yellow slide sandals. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

When the Invitation Says “Casual, But Wear Something Pretty…”

We’d been invited to a party in Palm Springs to celebrate the recent wedding of le Monsieur’s uncle. I knew it would be an arty crowd (he’s an artist) and that it would probably be hot. We were driving out and back the same day (2+ hours each way), so I wanted to be comfortable.

cardigan (similar) | tank | necklace | necklace | ring |  bag | pants | sandals

These pants were the perfect choice. The silk fabric is gossamer-light, and the loose enough to allow air flow. The print is festive but not overpowering. (They’re the ones from Momoni I bought on my shopping excursion in Paris.) When we arrived the light was so nice we stopped on our way in to the party to take a quick outfit shot. I didn’t get closeups of the accessories, so took those at home.

I’d originally included the sweater because I wasn’t sure whether the party would be inside or out. If it had been inside, odds were the air-conditioning would have been cranked up and I get chilled easily. But by the time the party started, it had cooled down enough that the linen cardigan was comfortable to wear outside.

The Details

Details: Aurelie Bidermann ring and French Kande necklaces accent a summer party look. Info at une femme d'un certain age.

These are two of my favorite French Kande necklaces from prior collections. (I’ve just received one from the new “Chatelet” collection I’ll be showing you soon.) I love how these necklaces work together, and thought they coordinated nicely with the pants. The ring is from Aurelie Bidermann, and was another Paris purchase.

Detail: Cult Gaia bamboo ark bag. Info at une femme d'un certain age.

This bag is turning out to be a real Hero Piece in my summer accessories collection. It adds visual interest without competing with other pieces in the outfit. Many of you have mentioned that you had something similar back in the 1970’s; I think I did too.  (A couple of more budget-friendly options HERE and HERE.)

Detail: Style blogger Susan B. wears mustard slide sandals from Madewell. Info at une femme d'un certain age.

I loved the look of these sandals, but was a little worried the heel might be too high for comfort. While they aren’t shoes I’d walk all day in, they were perfectly comfortable for this type of event (backyard party). I LOVE the mustard color, both with these pants and with jeans. I think they’d also look great with this season’s rusty hues. You’ll be seeing more of these shoes in future outfit posts.

The celebration itself was such a warm and joyous occasion. One of the grooms is in his 70’s, the other in his 60’s, and it was obvious that they’re very much in love. Unfortunately we had to leave to drive home just as the music was getting started (the party hosts are blues musicians) but we were grateful to have been a part of their special day.

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35 Comments

  1. That purse is perfectly suited for Palm Springs! I have seen bloggers use that purse in NYC, Nantucket, etc. and I never felt it looked right but it is clear to me that Palm Springs is where it belongs.

  2. Although this outfit is lovely, and I appreciate it like I appreciate most of your selections, isn’t this layered look uncomfortable for Palm Springs in July? The temperature yesterday was over 100. Even at a Pittsburgh summer party I would look out of place in a long sleeve sweater. Even if it’s linen. Dressing well in hot weather is one of my biggest challenges.

    1. But it’s a dry heat lol
      Agree that long sleeves in Pittsburgh would feel suffocating in the summer & look a bit strange too. As a Burgh-to-DC transplant, I feel your pain.

    2. Hi Roseanne, I brought the sweater because I wasn’t sure whether the event was going to be indoors or out. If it had been indoors, odds are good there would have been artic-level air conditioning, and I get cold easily. As it turned out, we were in the backyard and the temperature had dropped down into the 80’s by early evening, so I was quite comfortable. And as someone said, it’s a dry heat.

  3. I loved your outfit. The colours too. I live in a hot
    climate here in Australia and your clothes were perfect. I’m glad you enjoyed a lovely wedding.

  4. The joy of my life is when it’s warm enough in Baltimore (usually late April) for me to wear loose, flowing pants. That’s pretty much my entire summer wardrobe.

  5. You look lovely! I think this may be one of my favorite outfits you’ve shared with us. Perfect in every way, and so incredibly flattering.

    Please pass along my very best wishes to the gentlemen!

  6. So glad you enjoyed your evening in our desert! Wow, you look smashing! Gorgeous outfit that is perfect for the heat of our desert evenings, and the chill that can come with the air conditioning once you go back inside! Love the slacks and the accessories! Mazel Tov to the newlyweds!

  7. I can appreciate your bringing the long sweater in case it was indoors. Here in Florida, it is 90 degrees outside and usually 68 degrees in the air conditioning. Just cannot bring myself to wear patterned pants, but you look good in them.

  8. You look fabulous in your new clothes. I live in Tucson and am finally learning to adjust to summer clothes. So I really appreciate your summer looks. Love thos pant! May try something a a cool cotton, as silk does not work in this heat.

  9. Hey, sorry but the bag is ridiculous and I don’t care how many blogs and magazines show it! First, you can see all the stuff inside your bag. Second, the handle makes the bag uncomfortable to hold. Third, it is very impractical for a party – you’ll want both hands free to eat and drink! Otherwise, nice duds.

    1. All of the women left their bags inside on the sofa, so it wasn’t a problem. 😉 Chacun à son goût.

      1. I love the bag! I had one in high school (or maybe junior high) and we would line them with a bandana. Much cheaper then and I think I bought it at Cost Plus Imports (remember them??). They are actually quite comfortable to carry and after seeing you with them, I wish I had kept it! 🙂

  10. I like how you have come up with a “uniform” …a silhouette that flatters, suitable for many seasons and climates by adding a tank, scarf or duster, can be accessorized up or down, casual to formal. I find that as my lifestyle changes ( don’t need “work” clothes, dresses, heels, hose, etc) I too stick with a very similar look, mostly separates, changing the fabrics to suit the temperature. Another way to simplify. I wondered at first if I’d feel out of place in palazzos, tee and flats when others were in more traditional “girly” clothes…..nope! If anything I swear I get the ” wish I’d thought to wear something like that” looks.

  11. That outfit is DIVINE! Every piece/accessory is perfection. While it does seem to be a little outside the norm for your wardrobe….it works on every level and goes so well with your coloring. Just love it. You definitely hit the mark for a party outfit that was casual but pretty!

  12. Love your pants and your shoes. Thinking of those shoes with blue denim tempts me… Lived in Newport Beach for a year in the 1980s. Attended events in Palm Springs. Totally get the decision to add a layering piece in case the air conditioning is set to Flash Freeze.

  13. Susan, I would like to let you know that you have been such an inspiration to me. See, I have fibromyalgia & depression. It’s a double whamy; getting up each morning & get dressed in one of my favorite outfits, put on makeup & just shine as much as I can!! I may still not feel better; but, looking better makes things better! Thank you SO much!

  14. Outfit looks great. Thought I should mention that the link to the cardigan is linking to the sandals.

  15. I have that same long cardigan and wear it often.
    I live in Florida where it is perfect in season and even during the summer where when it is too hot outside, it is freezing inside…everywhere. It definately dresses up any outfit, even jeans. I love it. I love your look but for me the last time I wore patterned pants was high school. Maybe I will get brave…:)

  16. I’ve been looking for some of these patterned pants ever since I noticed them being worn late last summer in Italy and Spain. These are gorgeous! Love them AND your whole look.

  17. I have sandals of exactly that color which have been a mainstay of my summer outfits for awhile now. If you figure out how to clean them, I would love to know!