Because some days you just need a no-brainer outfit…

The no-brainer outfit: Susan B. wears a navy pullover sweater, jeans, gold jewelry, and white hi-top sneakers.

It’s been a hectic week. Productive, but I can’t seem to get ahead of the train. Under the heading of “keeping it real,” some days I don’t want to have to think much about what to wear. I just need to get dressed and get on with my day. But I still want to feel put-together and feel like myself in what I’m wearing.

earrings | sweater | necklace | bracelet | jeans (similar) | sneakers (c/o)

This J.Crew Margot sweater is of the hardest-working pieces in my wardrobe. I love merino wool because it adjusts to fluctuating temperatures (which we’ve certainly had our share of the last couple of weeks…yesterday was definitely a sweater day!). And it’s light enough to easily layer under a jacket. I’m wearing size Small. The sweater is currently marked down, and is offered in several colors, sizes XX-Small to 3X.

But I don’t feel completely dressed without a little jewelry and lipstick. All of these jewelry pieces are from French Kande, and are perfect throw-on-and-go styles. They’re comfortable to wear all day. My wrists are small, so I was able to customize the bracelet length to fit.

The 5-minute face

Most days, my makeup routine is quick and to-the-point. Last Saturday on a live Zoom with Brian + MW, Sandra Sallin and I took up the challenge to apply our makeup in 5 minutes or less. On camera, with the clock running. 😆 It was such fun, and thanks to all of you who joined us. You can watch the whole thing HERE.

Brian has offered an additional 15% discount on the products used in the video. Use code 5minuteface. And if you purchase one of the complete sets, you’ll be able to have a personalized one-on-one Zoom with Brian (a value of $125).

How style bloggers decide what to keep or toss…

Today I’ll be joining Jennifer of A Well Styled Life and Deborah of Fabulous After 40 LIVE on Instagram as we talk about how to decide what to keep and what to purge from our wardrobes. We’ll be going live today at 2pm ET/ 11am PT, and I hope you’ll join us!

The sales to know…

Chico’sMix & Match sale, buy 2 or more, get 25% off

J.Crewup to 40% off select summer styles

Saks Fifth Avenue – Spring Sale, up to 40% off (including Eileen Fisher pieces)

Ann Taylor40% off full-price styles, code MOTHERSDAY

Lands’ End – Friends & Family, up to 40% off with code FAMILY

Madewell – Flash Sale, 25% off select styles

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17 Comments

  1. I need a no brainer outfit everyday! Thanks for the reminder that no brainers can look put together too. This spring I have worn some version of that combo most everyday. When I want to spice things up I wear white jeans. J Crew Factory has a nice affordable light weight sweater called the Teddy. It does run a little large but the weight is great for spring.

  2. It may be a no brainer, but that’s what I call classy! It’s how I would like to look all the time!

  3. Agree that the Margot sweaters are great! I ordered te pale blue, Cloud, and since it’s a bit sheer, I wear another tee in similar color underneath. Hope your pace slows a bit, we can all do intense for awhile but not indefinitely. I can’t join the session about closets today, hope it is available later in a recoded form

    1. Agree with Deanne. Please offer today’s Instagram session on closets as recorded in a link for future viewing. Thanks, Susan.

  4. I ordered the gorgeous coral sweater on your recommendation awhile back and love it! Will need to get more colors. They are great alone and especially under a jacket! Thanks for featuring it again along with the sale price!

  5. I wore the exact same outfit Wednesday but with navy sneaks with ivory laces! Felt very put together but easy in it too.
    Love your blog, thanks for all the great advice.

  6. It is a classic outfit and one I wear a lot. Slacks or jeans with a sweater is one my favorite combinations. I have a similar sweater from Halogen in multiple colors in both cashmere and a cotton blend. I have come to love sneakers. You can easily elevate this outfit with a change of shoes. You look fabulous!

  7. I love this. All winter, now spring too because of thetemps, this has been a go to look. Black, grey or blue denim or cords and wool, merino or cashmere. French tied scarf or rectangle to keep out draft. Thank you so much.

  8. Less can be more. I love a casual look that is understated yet elegant. I own the Margot in several colors and agree it’s a workhorse. The navy is my favorite – a great color on you!

  9. Love the lariat necklace!

    There’s a cardigan version on sale, and a men’s v-neck on final sale, though I’m not sure of the men’s sizing. Merino wool is one of my favorite fabrics.

  10. Just watched the 5 Minute Face on youtube! What fun! I learned new things and chuckled as well: “Down in the Valley”. Thank you, Susan, Sandra, and Brian!

  11. I love that look Susan. You nailed it. I usually wear a longish shirt and tights with a bracelet or two. But I love that simple look with style. You get the 5-minute Face award. You did it. I think Ianguihed at 6:30. I’ll get there.

    Great look.

  12. Hi Susan. I want to order the lariat necklace you’re wearing with this outfit. Do you have a discount code for French Kande? Thanks!

  13. I have heard many people rave about the Margot sweater. I love the idea of a light merino sweater but there is a problem with this one for anyone like me that has LONG arms. Unless this has changed the sweater has a so-called three quarter length sleeve….but on me it barely clears my elbow so it is just not long enough. “sigh” I wish that J Crew would make the Margot with a full length sleeve because then it would work as a wardrobe staple

    1. Hi Lauren, this style has a full-length sleeve. (It was the Audrey sweater, I think, that had a 3/4 sleeve.)

  14. I know what you mean. I don’t always look splendid either. My go-to outfit is boyfriend jeans, flat boots and a jumper (sweater) or shirt.
    Still, with accessories you can do a lot as you have shown.
    Greetje