Chic Casual Style and Travel Wardrobe Tips | Une Femme d’un Certain Âge
Welcome to all of my new (and new-ish) readers! I’m really glad you’re here. I hope you’ll take a moment to say hello and introduce yourself in the comments. It’s been quite a while since I’ve given a “tour” of une femme d’un certain âge, and now seems like as good a time as any.
I’ve been blogging about style since 2007, so there’s quite a bit in the archives. These days, I’m mostly focused on chic casual, everyday style and travel wardrobes and tips. My goal is to help you get dressed with ease and confidence by building a cohesive, stylish, and functional wardrobe.
The nickel tour…what you’ll find on une femme d’un certain âge
If you haven’t explored much beyond the latest articles and home page, you might want to start by visiting The Style Hub. If you hover over the images, you’ll see a caption appear with a style topic. Click on the image to see all articles on that topic.
(example, Shoes, Style Tips, My Outfits, etc.)
There’s also a widget at the bottom of each post that allows you to search by specific keywords or phrases to find related articles.
Travel wardrobes & packing tips
If you’re making travel plans, be sure to check out my Travel Wardrobe Resource Hub. I’ve shared travel wardrobe ideas, travel gear reviews, and packing tips to help you pack lighter and smarter. You can even filter articles by season and trip length!
Bespoke style services
In 2022, after training with Red Leopard in London, I began offering Personal Color Analysis and other style services. You can check out my Style Services page for more information.
What you won’t find here…
- I don’t promote “hauls” or fast fashion. I believe in the concept of “fewer but better” when it comes to wardrobe building.
- A few months ago I made the decision not to accept any new sponsored or paid posts. (I have no issues with the concept of sponsored posts or those bloggers who accept them; for me it was a personal decision.)
- Negativity. I believe as women we should lift each other up, not tear each other down. For that reason, I do moderate comments, and will not publish any that are rude, offensive or disrespectful.
Thanks again for reading! If you haven’t already done so, I suggest you subscribe to my newsletter for updates and exclusive content. You can also follow me on Instagram, LTK, and Facebook.
And please don’t forget to drop a comment to say hello, and let us know where you’re reading from. 🌎
Top photo credit: Marcus T. Thomas Photography
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
I am 71 years old, retired last year as an assistant superintendent – former high school principal, in a Houston suburban school district of 22,000 kids. My lifestyle is now casual; however, I have a wardrobe of professional attire that I rarely wear. I haven’t found the courage to edit it. I wear cool colors, love sweaters and jackets even though I live where it is above 90 degrees several months of the year.
Hi Nyla
When you get ready to edit your professional attire, I have a suggestion for you…there’s a great organization in Houston called Dress for Success, which serves disadvantaged women by providing them with interview appropriate attire to help them secure jobs. We (I’m a volunteer) are always happy to accept donations of gently used professional attire, including shoes and bags. We are located near Kirby & Richmond. Please google Dress for Success Houston for specifics, when you’re ready! And congrats on your retirement!
I have donated to them many times! One of my good friends is a volunteer and is so good about picking up my items for me. Thank you for the reminder.
Hi Jill Ann, Dress for Success is such a wonderful organization!
Hi Nyla, welcome!
Hi,
I’m reading from Virginia Beach, Virginia! My favorite posts are the capsule wardrobes. I enjoy your blog posts!
Trish
Hi Trish, welcome! Thanks so much.
I greatly appreciate that you don’t promote over-consumption or fast fashion. Over the past couple of years I’ve unsubscribed from all but two style blogs for this very reason (obviously unefemme.net is one of the two).
I highly recommend the documentary “Brandy Hellville”, which focuses on the moral, ethical, and environmental bankruptcy of fast fashion juniors brand, Brandy Melville, and continues on to reveal the devastating toll the fashion industry writ large takes on both humans and the planet.
Thank-you, Susan, for your commitment to shopping our closets and ethical fashion.
Hi Lianne, thanks and that sounds like a fascinating documentary! I’ll add it to my watch list.
High Susan I have followed you years but rarely comment. No paticular reason for this as I really enjoy reading posts.
Anyway firstly I absolutely love the photo of you with your gorgeous little dog Bella, is she a long haired chihuahua? I have two Tina and Taffi they are such characters.
Back to fashion love your outfits but I don’t get on very well with the fuller
trouser look, I don’t like skinnies so am I between . I find column dressing suits me best with a contrasting jacket or coat. I have a lot more browns and beige colours this year even in house decorating and accessories.
Have you any thoughts on this ?
Thanks for all the hard work you put into your blog I feel I can emulate your style I only follow one or two petite bloggers do you know if there are any more out there for the petite chic woman . I don’t do scruffy lol.
Regards Pamela UK
Hi Pamela, thanks! Bella is a Chihuahua-Pomeranian mix with also a bit of Poodle, Cocker Spaniel, and Llasa Apso too. A real Heinz 57 dog! 😉 It sounds like you’ve found what works for you, and I think a column of color is always a great starting point for an outfit.
Good Morning Susan….I am a new reader. I retired early two years ago. My husband has been retired. We are both healthy so we decided for me to retire early and travel some while we can. I also help take care of my precious Mother and volunteer at my church so I am quite busy. I enjoy seeing your travel wardrobe ideas and tips.
I appreciate the simplicity with your blog.
~Lisa from NC~
Hi Lisa, and welcome! Thank you and I hope you enjoy your upcoming travels.
PS . In one of my sentences I meant to say I have noticed browns and beige . Oh dear I should read before I press send x
hello dear Susan, i am a 65 year old, again working and i am reading from Italy
many kisses!
Simona
Buongiorno Simona, and welcome!
Love your style, Susan! I’m 60 and similar height and weight so I appreciate the tips and links for petites and smaller sizes. I know you’re all about purchasing quality over quantity. But most of your linked items are out of my reach, even on sale. Would you consider including a “less expensive look-a-like” option sometimes?
Hi Shirley, thanks and welcome! I will keep my eyes open for more budget-friendly options.
Hi Susan
Loving the hair style it really suits you. Always enjoy your posts 🙂
Thanks so much, Elisabeth!
I have been following you for about 3 years now. I think you have great style and love to see how you put it together. I now live in Portugal but I lived in California for some years.
Thanks very much, saysee!
Hello Susan, do you have a current promo code for Sole Bliss shoes ? Thank you, I love your blog !
I don’t at the moment but will ask them.
Good Morning from North County San Diego. Glad to hear there are no longer sponsored posts. I know it is human nature to want “the newest”. I struggle with the entire world over consuming everything and I appreciate when you style things that are already in your closet. I read somewhere that 5 new items per year is the max for sustainability. I know I can do better. You have a lot of influence and I appreciate when you “shop your closet”.
Hi Queenie, thanks so much! Yes, I’ll continue to emphasize different ways to style pieces I already own.
Hello Sue, I’m Marguerite from central Texas. I think I’ve been reading you since 2007! My goodness, that is a lot of writing for you and reading for me!! I’ve followed your style journey over the years and enjoy your point of view and your friendly, no drama message. I have learned a lot, so thank you. Btw, what colors do you think will be showing up in clothing for fall-winter 24/25?
Hi Marguerite, thanks so much for your loyal support! I keep hoping that maybe we’ll be able to meet up somewhere one of these days. I’m currently working on an article about fall color trends and will be posting next week, so stay tuned for that one.
You’re the friend I’ve never met!
Hi. I love the style you have and I often find pieces that match my preferences.
I particularly love the travel pictures along with fashion recommendations.
Hi Marie, welcome and thank you so much!
Love your blog, keep it up! From Little Rock, AR
Hi Barbara, thanks so much!
I’m in Michigan. I’m in my late 50s. I’ve been reading your blog since you had red hair! I don’t remember how I found your blog, but I appreciate your sensible advice. Even if my style doesn’t quite match yours, you offer guidelines that are useful for anyone trying to employ a thoughtful approach to getting dressed. I find most fashion blogs too noisy and lacking focus, but you have a very clear and consistent approach to defining style. Thank you!
Hi Tracy, wow that goes back a few years, LOL! Thanks so much and I’m glad you find it helpful.
I’ve been following you for a while. I retired in 2018. Since then I have been reworking my wardrobe. I’m getting some good ideas from you finding my style somewhere between business and casual without going too casual. Thank you for that.
I have a question on the color analysis. I had it done almost 40 years ago. They only had four color groups then, I’m a winter. Do the right colors for a person change over time?
Hi Bonny, thank you! Color Analysis has evolved a lot since the 1980’s. In the system we use, there are still four seasonal palettes, but we now have four sub-groups in each season. And each client’s color palette is very individualized within those sub-groups. For most of us, our season doesn’t change over time, but our best colors within the palette may shift as our contrast levels change.
Hello Susan,
I am a 61 year old who was a stay at home mom for many years. I worked as an exercise tech in wellness prior to staying home full time, then started working as a substitute teacher for the past 15 or so years. Now I volunteer and travel with my husband. I enjoy your travel capsules for ideas. Your seasonal tips to incorporate into my wardrobe are helpful too. Definitely trying to up my game from nice sweats and workout style clothes to casual for day to day.
Hi Patty, and welcome! I’ll be putting together some fresh travel capsule ideas for fall, so look for those later this month.
Hi Susan! Transplanted NY gal who has landed in the SoCal desert because of grandkids. When I moved here 6 years ago, I started following you because you are in California. I needed help with changing my east coast professional wardrobe into a California casual chic look and you have helped a lot! I just turned 73, play golf 3 days a week and help out with the grands who live 100 miles away on the coast. Yes, I do that round trip at least every other week on the dreaded 10! Hubs and I have several trips planned in the next year and intend to travel as much as we can while we are mobile and healthy. Your travel posts are wonderful and I use them as a guide when packing. One of these days I intend to visit you to have my colors done! Thank you for everything you do!
Hi Linda, thanks and I’m so glad you’ve found it helpful! Yikes, the 10 is no fun… I’d be delighted to do your colors when you’re in the area!
Hi, Susan, I found your blog several years ago and read it consistently and comment sometimes. I am about 70 and your height, so your choices speak to me, although we have very different taste in shoes. When I was a teenager, I was on a clothes allowance (except for winter coats, etc.), and I am trying to be much more circumspect now – e.g., far fewer items but focused on B Corps companies. I recently traveled for a month and realized – thanks to your capsules – how few clothes I actually needed. It was an eye-opener!
Hi Maeve, thanks so much and I’m glad the travel capsules have been helpful!
Hi Susan! I’ve been reading your blog for years and look forward to new posts. I am a retired teacher in my late 60s from Western PA. I am petite, apple-shaped, and a “winter.” I enjoy playing golf with my husband and friends, traveling, and spending time with our family and grandchildren.
Although I’ve been retired for eight years, I’m still trying to find that perfect mix of classic and casual attire. My three style words are classic, minimal, and modern. My biggest challenge is finding tops that aren’t too long, don’t cling, and don’t require a lot of fuss (tucking, etc.) I usually need petite sizing to accommodate my narrow shoulders and short arms.
Thanks for all of the great tips you’ve shared over the years. You do a wonderful job of keeping us informed without succumbing to the hated “hauls” and fast fashion. I appreciate you!
Hi Barb, thanks so much! I’ll be keeping my eyes open for some stylish and “fuss-free” tops for fall.
Hi Susan,
I’m a 60 year old who has returned to school to be better equipped to provide pro bono legal work. I have been a long time reader and have been slowly editing my super casual, fast fashion wardrobe to one more classic yet still comfortable. I’m pretty bohemian and love oversized fit and deep, saturated colors like olives, burgundy,—proportionally long arms and legs—so have been shopping in men’s departments for years. I really love the travel capsules and the shopping tips as I hate to shop.
Hi Celeste, thanks so much for reading, and kudos to you for taking on this important work!
Susan,
I’m looking for shoe recommendations for the first week of Oct. in London.
From London, we set sail & end up in the Caribbean.
Im really only concerned about having a shoe or boot that is good for comfort & possible rainy weather.
Thank you !!
Hi Debbie, I’m working on some fresh travel content for fall, and will be sure to include footwear!
Susan,I have been following your interesting and inspiring blog for a few years now. I especially enjoy your travel tips and photos, since I have also travelled to London, Paris , Milan and Amsterdam , and plan to do more in the next couple of years. Now 74, and in the end weeks of a “grey divorce”, I hope to enjoy perhaps two more long haul trips from where I live on Vancouver Island. I have mentioned before having my colours done at Red Leopard by Manina, and how useful it has turned out to be. I also have written about your tips for travel I have used and some excellent purchases I’ve made because of your suggestions. However, I am somewhat disappointed that you are rather sparse with your response to comments and questions , not just from me, but others. Part of the fun and interest is reading the responses you add. Please consider ,going forward, checking what others have written, and give time to some responses. You put in a lot of time and creativity with your exceptional “une femme de certain age”, so this suggestion is meant with respect.
Hi Cath, thanks! Travel is so good for the soul, isn’t it? And yes, isn’t is a game-changer to know and wear our best colors? It makes such a difference, and saves money and time.
Susan–have been following you for years now, and it’s been fun and informative to join you as your style and life have evolved. I have to say–this photo of you and your dog is the absolute best!! Thanks for continuing to do what you do, and for doing it so well!!
Hi Liz, thanks so much! I love that photo too, was taken by my friend Marcus at Marcus T. Thomas photography.
I rarely comment on your site, but I really want to tell you how much I appreciate your blog! I especially love seeing how you put outfits together using different shapes and colors. Although my body shape is different from yours, you give me ideas as to how best to dress my body. I am also a spring and so your color expertise is brilliant!!!
I have been using a somewhat new approach to using color in order to have less items per season. For example, in summer, my clothes are mostly periwinkle, navy and beige such that every item of clothing goes together effortlessly. I am already looking forward to wearing my green, brown and camel/gold clothes in the fall! For winter, I will be adding red, navy and black. My goal in getting dressed is for it to be easy and look put together. It’s also helping me to be more creative with what I have within each color story. I appreciate you!
Hi Lisa, thanks so much! I’m so glad you’ve found it helpful. Yes, building a color-coordinated wardrobe does make getting dressed SO much easier, no matter what system you use.
Hello everyone, I’m 65 and live in Chicago. I’ve been retired for several years and have found this blog very helpful for figuring out what to wear. I no longer need to dress for work, but I don’t want to look like a slob.
Hi Martha, welcome and thank you!
Hello Susan,
Your site revamp is lovely and your new pic with the gorgeous Bella is smashing! I’m 67, semi-retired, female, married to a teacher(bless his heart), slender, 5’10”, love travel, gardening, yoga, archival work–and your blog! Une Femme has been a welcome inspiration for a few years, love your ethos and sartorial choices, thank you sharing with all of us! x bises x
Hi Rona, thanks so much for being a loyal reader! I’m always so grateful to know that it’s been helpful.
Hello Susan,
I just discovered your blog, and I’m getting ready to dive in 🙂
One of the comments here mentioned that you take petite sizing, is this the case? This would be extra helpful. I do take petite sizing in pants, and it’s nice to see how they may work for you. I appreciate when shops offer petite sizing or short leg length 🙂
Best wishes,
Janice from NC
Hi Janice, welcome and thanks for commenting! Yes, I’m 5’1″ so definitely petite.
I have been subscribed for several months and have greatly benefited from your columns. I now try to adhere to the colours that flatter me (autumn) and I regularly receive compliments. So thank you.
I live in Vancouver, BC and have been retired for 8 years. I am fairly active and love to travel so your travel capsules really help.
I look forward to receiving your emails. Thank you so much.
Linda
Hi Linda, thanks for being a subscriber! I’m glad to hear you’ve found the color content and travel wardrobes helpful!
Hi Susan! I’m a longtime reader living in Philadelphia. Reading your blog actually saved the day for my husband and me in 2019. We were on an extended trip in Europe when we suddenly learned that we had to change our plans for the following week. Since we had rented a car and had flexibility, we decided to head directly to the hotel in Beaune that you had beautifully reviewed a few weeks before. Fortunately, they had a wonderful room available and the restaurant was as delicious as you had said. It was a highlight of our trip so thank you very much indeed!
Hi Anne, thanks and I’m so glad it was helpful! Isn’t that a beautiful area?
I have been following you since 2009 from Chicago.
Hi Gayle, thanks so much!
Hello from Chicago! I’ve been reading “une femme d’un certain age” for several years. Just want to say thanks for all of the inspiration and also that I think the short haircut you’re sporting up top in the pictures is fantastic!
Hi Gloria, thanks so much!
Good morning
Greetings from Northern Virginia! I have been a subscriber for several years. I found your blog during the Covid quarantine, and decided I needed to “up my game” fashion wise. I am semi-retired and am enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle, and I have been updating my wardrobe to reflect this change. My husband and I are also traveling more. Your blog has helped me focus in on my best colors (I’m a winter) which has made shopping so much easier. I also enjoy your travel capsules as I try to plan and not over pack. It’s all a “work in progress”! Thank you.
Hi Karen G, what a beautiful area of the country you live in! I’m so glad to hear you’ve found the travel wardrobes helpful.
Hi Susan, I have been reading for a while now, and your blog is inspirational. I am from the chilly upper midwest and my family is currently on vacation in Quebec City Canada.
I am trying to hear you on fewer but better, although I confess I recently bought several new things from WalMart, yes, WalMart, in Autumn colors. I am starting a new job that will be potentially messy with children, and so maybe a few inexpensive things are OK. (Shoes are often the splurge!) I also really like shopping secondhand, and I have learned my colors better through experimenting with thrift store purchases.
I always enjoy reading your blog. Keep up the great work and many happy travels! I especially like how you accessorize!
Hi Karen, thanks so much. I think we all have to make accommodations for our lifestyle, and congratulations on the new job! Have fun!
As a fellow Francophile, I started reading your column many many years ago because of the name.
We have similar hair, and I have shown your picture to countless hairdressers hoping for similar results. (It took me 5 or 6 before I found one who would listen.)
Your color posts have helped me to finally find my correct pallette.
But my favorite posts are the travel capsule wardrobes. I love seeing what you packed, but even more, I enjoy your post-travel assessment of how it worked out. I am getting ready for a 2-week cruise and hoping to pack carry-on only. (Like you, I’ll be grading myself afterwards.)
Thanks again.
Thanks so much, Lyn! Yes, a good hairstylist is worth their weight in gold!!
Hello! I am a community college English instructor who loves the work. I’ve been reading *une femme* for five+ years and appreciate the style and life insights shared here. This summer I read *Georgia O’Keeffe Living Modern* — a fantastic exploration of how she integrated a modernist aesthetic within her homes, clothing, and art. As with so much else, she was talented at sewing, and the chapters reveal how O’Keeffe built a practical daily work wardrobe while curating a public image in conversation with trends in (primarily American) fashion. Lovely, lovely photographs of her homes, clothing, and art are included. She represents the antidote to fast fashion.
Hi Lori, welcome and thanks! That Georgia O’Keefe book sounds fascinating. I’m going to add to my reading list.
Hello Susan,
I am a fan, a 73 year old, living in Alberta, Canada. Your website is full of great fashion ideas, so positive and appropriate. It’s wonderful to see older women portrayed as looking stylish and having fun with clothes. Your travel capsules are extremely helpful.
My “style” for the past 40 years has been sporty-professional, and I was colour draped back in the day. I wear jeans a lot. I shop a couple of times a year and buy items that build on my existing wardrobe. I bought a pair of barrel leg jeans (so comfortable) in the spring and felt a little “out there” wearing them – but you helped me get over that with your photos.
The only thing that is different for me is that I have never purchased any clothing online. Some of my friends shop online at Cos, and now Nordstroms is back online in Canada.
Thank you for your inspired information and for presenting classic, up-to-date stylish clothes.
Wishing you the very best. Please keep on doing what you do.
PS I was truly sorry about the loss of your husband.
I have been following you for several years from Minnesota and also Naples Florida and really like your content! As a result I had my colors done by a local House of Colour consultant and it really changed my fashion life! I also did the style segment. For those that feel it is too expensive, I believe I have saved thousands of dollars by not buying items I “thought” might work. Even though I don’t travel much, I really enjoy your travel blogs and packing advice.
I have been following you for a couple of years now and have enjoyed your posts and most of the clothing that you feature. I am from the capital of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario…
Susan, I actually went to one of the sites here..Comstylish and I ordered a top….or at least I started the order. When I started to check out, what should have been around 25.00 showed a charge of $24,000 +. There was no invoice showing the breakdown or anything. I was using my PayPal which I have not had any trouble with and when I clicked to pay, as I said there was no invoice, just a charge for over $24,000. I was stunned to say the least and I feel like someone was ready to rip me off. I loved their clothing, but if this is the way they do business, I will not buy from them, nor recommend them. Maybe this was a fluke…or maybe not! Thank you
Hi Sandy, that sounds frightening. I’m not familiar with nor have I promoted any brand or website called Comstylish.
Susan, I am not doubting you at all. I have followed you and love your style for a while. It’s weird that I went back to check and the advertisement was not in your blog. Initially, it was in the middle of the blog and that’s what caught my attention. When I looked a few minutes ago, I saw the same clothing in one of the ads on the side and when I went to click on it to see if it was the same, it disappeared. Anyway, I looked up the company and the reviews were not very encouraging, so I’m really glad that I caught the change in price before buying! Thank you for responding. I just wanted you to know I was not blaming you….the server needs to be more proactive in accepting ads……..Thank you, Sandy
Hi Susan,
I’ve read your blog for years but don’t often comment. Love your travel posts, especially the photos. I’m European born and now live in an adventure town north of Vancouver BC, as I’m retired, or as I like to say, re-invented. I welcome wider legged pants, as I have knee issues and sometimes wear a brace for stability, but have worn flowy linen pants seasonally for years. Totally embrace quality over quantity, and often when I’m looking at a new item, realize I have something very similar already. I’ve learnt from your colour personalities, and purchase more successfully because of that. Look forward to seeing more good stuff!