Simple Moves
Maybe it’s due to watching Fosse/Verdon, but lately I’ve been inspired by that “Dancer Off-Duty” look to wear my Little Black Pants. Here I styled with a tee, cardigan, and scarf. And then topped the whole thing off with some big sunglasses. (If you love dance and/or theater, and you haven’t been watching F/V, you’re missing out!)
Sunglasses (similar) | Earrings | Scarf (similar) | Cardigan | Tee (c/o) |
Ring (similar) | Bag | Pants | Mules
Plus options: Cardigan | Tee | Pants
As I mentioned in Tuesday’s post, I have no intention of banishing black from my wardrobe completely. It often hits my Style Sweet Spot, and is a no-brainer option for a simple, polished casual outfit. The trick, I think, is to break up the black with lighter pieces, especially near my face. These little black pants are such workhorses, especially for travel.
The tee (gifted) is from Mott & Bow. It’s a slim cut, and I found the Medium a good size for me, fitted, but not tight. The fabric is very soft and light, and the v-neck isn’t cut too low. Ring was purchased in Paris; the woven leather tote bag is a Spring purchase.
Black loafers would have been the obvious choice, but they felt a little bit too literal and heavy. I swapped them out for my favorite mules, but I think what this outfit really needs is a pair of cognac sandals. I’ll be on the lookout. 👀
Are your outfits ever inspired by characters in movies or TV series?
Housekeeping note: I’ve had some intermittent tech “hiccups” the last few days. As a result of a recent one, some of the comments posted yesterday vanished. If your comment was one of them, I apologize!
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Love how you made black work for you! I think the light shoes nicely “bookend” the light cardigan and lighten the overall look.. The scarf and purse are great pops of warm color that you wear so well.
Thanks so much, BeeeBeee!
I love all the textures and warm tones mixed in here. And I love that ring more every time I see it!
Thanks so much, Lisa! I love adding warm tones to a black or other cool neutral outfit.
Have you ever had your colors done? What do you think about the colors categories?
Yes, I’ve had them done three times, and each time had a slightly different result. 🙂 I’m having another color consultation done in a few weeks when we’re in London, and will report back.
Are you having David Zyla do your colors and archetype? I know he will be in London in a few weeks. I have seen him, and it has been a life changing experience!
No, I’ll be meeting with the folks at Red Leopard.
Oh, that ring! Wow!!!!!!
Thanks, it’s one of my favorites!
Loving Fosse/Verdon! Yes, I can see the reflection of the sleek dancer in your outfit.
Thanks, sophia!
I am excited you are having your colors done, I hope you post all about it . Love the woven bag.
Thanks, Eileen!
You look so slim
Your hair looks fantastic
Thanks, Marta!
This look of a column of black, or navy, with a 0.75 length sweater/coat has been my go-to forever! It’s a very fast way to dress and look pulled together with elegance, especially when travelling. A thought…maybe simple white sneakers for a very casual take, or, I’d do red flats to spark it up.
Having been raised on the National Ballet of Canada ( Mom started taking me regularly in 1967, and we still go! ) and having a retired ballerina as my longest time best friend, means that I must check out the Fosse/Vernon series. Thanks, Susan!
Hi Elizabeth, I also thought about sneakers with this look, will give it a try.
Did you not keep those (sort of) cognac Madewell slides?
Yes, but they’re more a light tan than a cognac, and didn’t have the visual weight I was looking for. I felt this look needed a little more “lift” so opted for a low heel.
This ensemble looks great on you! I tried on the sweater at our local Dillard’s. Sadly, it did not look as good on me as it does on you.
Your link for the scarf is directing to the pants.
Thanks, I’ve fixed it!
Thanks, Susan.
This look is you! No need to mess with success.
Thanks, Lily!
I love, love this look. I got a beautiful white sweater for my birthday and I am shopping this look in my closet so I can replicate it.
Hi Monica, thank you!
Susan, I too have had my colors done several times. I think the season for me depends on the color of my hair. I have tried red hair color, with the suggestion of a colorist, when I was younger. It is not my best color, in fact, when I colored my hair, it most always went brassy. It makes life simpler not to color, other than an occasional toner. I believe I’m more summer who looks best in their muted colors. Also, I can wear autumn colors that don’t go too warm, or golden. Do you agree that some of us are more neutral, crossing over from one season to the other? There are some who are a definite season, and some of us who are difficult to pin point it. Perhaps that is why we continue to get color consultations. I look forward to you sharing your newest one.
Hi Pat
That’s what I felt too. Try violet shampoo, it really tones the brass in my now lighter coloured hair. And yes, I believe I’m a neutral having looked at the veins on the underside of my wrist. Neither blue nor green.
Hi Pat, yes I think our colors change as we age, and that some of us are more neutral, can wear some warm and some cool colors.
Perfection, Susan! This outfit looks so good! I think the shoes really lighten it up too…
Thanks, Marybeth!
I’m really wowed by the texture in your jacket. Gee, that’s luscious. And I love how texture is repeated in your great bag. You look very chic!
Thanks very much, Brenda!
Hi Susan. Have you found a good cotton tee that doesn’t develop those annoying and costly little holes that all tees seem to develop lately? Despite gentle washing in a laundry bag/pillowcase and hanging to dry they all seem to develop holes, especially J Crew tees. Also tried Talbots tees but don’t like the heavy cotton weight and they too develop those holes. How have you made out with the one you’re wearing? Too early to tell?
What size tee are you wearing? I’m usually a M in J Crew and have a 36D bust. Was thinking of ordering a M in the MOTT and BOW but according to their size chart I’d be a L. Just wondering if you found the fit true to size.
Hi Lisa, I’m wearing the M. I think it runs maybe a little small, but it’s meant to have a slim fit.
I love this outfit. I am so jealous of Fosse/Verdon. Did you hear the interview Verdon did with Terry Gross of Fresh Air? Wonderful. I’m a total dance nut.
As for movies, oh so many! Anything with Audrey Hepburn, of course. And Grace Kelly. Also The English Patient and Damage and anything with Isabelle Huppert.
Thank you! I did not hear that interview, but will try to find it.
Another great look. I took your advice and wore my Eileen Fisher silk long sleeve t-shirt in NYC. Perfect to wear underneath a sweater for really cold days. What luggage are you taking? My husband and I are on the look out.
Thanks, Sandra! I’m glad the long-sleeved tee worked out for you. I’m currently debating about the luggage. Le Monsieur wants me to bring the medium-sized suitcase so we have room to bring wines/mustards home. We’ll see…
Dancer off duty. Love the previously unheard by me expression.
It describes my favourite look for myself and reminds me to stand straight and walk lightly. Love this outfit right down to the bag handle.
Thanks, Lynne!
Great outfit combination! Simple and elegant. LOVE your pixie hair cut—so stylish.
Thanks very much!
LOVE this look on you! And with the light cardigan, I think the shoes are perfect. The scarf’s light background helps it all work together as well. The cognac sandals would also be a nice choice, although maybe with a different color jacket or wrap?
I’ve been recording Fosse/Verdon and was hoping I’d read some positive reviews before I dipped in. I’m excited you’ve given it your endorsement!
Thanks, Lee! We’ve really enjoyed Fosse/Verdon so far. I think it’s very well done.
Your new hairstyle is a winner!!
winner hairstyle!!
Thanks!
Thank you! Good to know. Have you searched out any solid tees that aren’t prone to the dreaded holes? I’d love to find a company that could just get me through the spring/summer without having to toss out shirts after a month or two of wear. Never had this problem years ago, Only the past four or five have I noticed a true deterioration of quality of fabric.
I haven’t worn this one enough to judge how the fabric holds up. I love the look and feel of “slubbed cotton” tees, but they seem to be more prone to wear out quickly. I’ve heard good things about Everlane tees, but the ones I’ve tried were too long for me, so didn’t keep them.
Can I ask you what the “dreaded holes” are? I keep getting holes in the bottom of my tees where I might be buckling my jeans. Is this what you’re referring to?
Hi Janice. Yes!
You look fantastic!
Thank you!
Susan, this is a great look! How do you get your scarf to stay like that; do you pin it in place? Thanks.
Michelle