Another “dressed up, not trussed up” outfit idea

A comfortable special occasion outfit: Susan B wears a green shantung jacket over navy separates.

Getting dressed up isn’t something we do often (even in “normal” times). So I don’t have many Special Occasion pieces in my wardrobe. I won’t sacrifice comfort, and I won’t consider anything that requires shapewear or a special bra. 😆

My first choice will always be to start with basics and find ways to dress them up, which is what I’ve done here. This outfit was created as a part of my Instagram collaboration with Chico’s. All of the pieces shown except the shoes, bag, and sunglasses were gifted.

jacket | tee | necklace (similar) | pants | bag | sandals (similar)

I’m wearing a simple linen tee and a pair of pull-on slim-leg pants, both in navy. The shantung jacket, necklace, and metallic sandals dress up the look. This outfit would pack and travel well, and both the tee and pants could be re-mixed and worn more casually.

I’m wearing Chico’s size 00 in the jacket, top, and pants.

If you missed it…

You can watch my latest Zoom with Brian of Brian + MW below. Brian shared tips and tricks to enhance and define our eyes, and answered many of your questions. For those who weren’t able to attend, he’s kindly extended his offer to save 15% on the products (and kits) mentioned in the video (correct code is eye15). I LOVE the new eyeshadows we used!

We’ve had such a good time, and will be doing at least a couple more of these live Zooms, so stay tuned for details. You can also book a virtual one-on-one or group makeup lesson with Brian if you like.

Fresh picks…

Linen clothing for women.

I’ve updated my SHOP page with some new spring pieces, and have added a LINEN Shop! And you can also get details and shop my Instagrams HERE.

This week’s sales…

J.Crew25% off 2, 30% off 3, 40% off 4 styles with code SHOPMORE

Madewellup to 40% off select styles with code SPRINGITON

Talbot’s40% off 3 or more items

J.Jill extra 40% off all sale styles

Banana Republicup to 50% off select styles

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37 Comments

  1. Such a perfect outfit, colorful yet also simple and effortless. I’m looking forward to dressing up again. I’ve missed your Zooms with Brian because we’re in the process of moving so I am glad I’ll get to see them. Happy weekend !

  2. Thanks so much for presenting the Zoom meet up from last weekend. The eyes one was the one that I really wanted to catch.
    That green jacket is amazing and such fun.

  3. Hi Susan – this is off-topic, but in a previous post (March or February) you were pictured wearing a pair of shoes your purchased during a Paris trip. I recall in your post that you found them comfortable right out of the box. Could you remind me of the name? I loved them and trying to find them stateside. Thank you!

    1. Hi Joan, I purchased these Mephisto sandals in Lyon a couple of years ago: https://bit.ly/3t79An0 I’ve worn them comfortably all over Paris (and at home).

      The only shoes I can recall mentioning having worn right out of the box are these Clergerie oxfords (similar: https://bit.ly/31YS5JV ) which I purchased in New York and then wore all day (and walked several miles in).

      Hope this helps!

  4. You look beautiful, Susan! Every single piece looks like something you would be complimented on. I love the jewel tone green and the cut and fit of your pants!

  5. Thank you for sharing this interesting video from Brian.
    Susan, you look terrific in this emerald green jacket. Also, you are looking quite thin. Have you lost weight?

  6. That green jacket is gorgeous! Do these colors, navy and green, work in your new color scheme? They look good to me, so just wondering.

  7. The jacket reminds me exactly of a tunic my father (a very creative person) made for me when I was in high school: poison green shantung silk. I had also had Barbie doll clothes from the same fabric when I was much younger. The tunic was a Folkwear pattern I think, a fisherman’s tunic with a row of pockets on the bottom front and a stand up collar. That tunic was my “go to” dress up outfit for at least a decade. Black pants usually (leggings having not been invented) made the outfit. Now I wonder what happened to it……

    1. “Poison green,” I haven’t heard that in a while, but yes, I know exactly what color you mean!

  8. Love the outfit, Susan. Navy and green is one of my favorite color combinations – so fresh! I need to visit our local Chico’s (we can actually shop in-store; hope you can soon).

    1. Thanks Christi, I really like the combo too. I think we’ll be back to shopping in person soon…

  9. That’s funny, Susan. I had images of myself as a stuffed raw turkey in a dress. I’m with you on this. After the pandemic will I ever buy a special occasion piece? No. I’d rather have a star piece like the gorgeous green jacket, worn over existing pieces from my wardrobe. I would find occasions to wear that.

  10. Hi Susan, I hope you are having a nice Saturday so far! I have a question. I am getting your emails-re: this one. Then I also get another one that is different and keeps going to my junk mail file. This latest one was titled “Best in Sale” and did not have a comments section. Please clarify. Maybe both are yours? Thank you! PS I love your posts every time. Thank you for the time you take to write these. Take care.

    1. Hi Christie, thanks! Yes, both are mine. The second email you mention is my weekly newsletter, which features exclusive content for my subscribers. You can flag “[email protected]” as a Safe or Preferred Sender in your email settings, and that should keep them from being redirected as junk or spam.

  11. “I won’t sacrifice comfort, and I won’t consider anything that requires shape wear or a special bra.” I heartily agree, and cheers to you for spelling this out! Women should not have to suffer to be attractive.

    I love this outfit, as I do practically everything you wear. Your California location makes a great many of the clothes you picked perfect for me in South Florida. Of course we sweat more here. Thank you for generously sharing your style!