Coordinated casual look with a sleek quilted jacket
When I consider my wardrobe workhorses, jackets are always near the top of the list. And jackets that can be worn indoors or out are Wardrobe Gold. Here’s a polished casual outfit idea with a lightweight quilted jacket.
jacket | scarf (similar) | top (similar) | pants (similar) | bag (similar) | boots (similar)
This lightweight quilted jacket from J.Crew is sleeker and more refined than a puffer, thanks to some subtle shaping. But it’s still quite warm (though I can wear it indoors too without overheating). If you live in a colder climate, you could easily wear this jacket as a mid-layer. The Primaloft insulation is made from 100% recycled materials, and the jacket is machine washable.
I’m wearing size 4. (The sleeves are just a skosh long…I’ve been wearing them cuffed or pushed up and will check to see if they can be altered after the holidays.) Top worn previously here. Pants are a prior season color.
I’ve been eyeing these colorful Roxanne Assoulin bracelets for over a year, and finally decided to go for a set of 8, which I can wear individually or mix with other bracelets in my stash. I love that they add a pop of color without being too in-your-face.
If you’re crafty, or know someone who is, you can probably make or find something similar.
Here are some budget-friendlier options for the bag and boots (I’m showing browns, but most are available in black too):
Asking a favor…
2021 has been a challenging year, that’s for sure. It was a tough year for me to get a handle on, both personally and as a blogger. Though there were definitely some high points (finding a window to travel again 🧳…yay!), the unpredictability has made long-range planning a folly. And at times I’ve felt uncertain that I’m creating content that’s interesting and relevant for YOU.
But I’m looking ahead to 2022, and have lots of ideas for posts and topics to share. And I’d love to know what you’d be most interested in reading at une femme d’un certain âge. So I’ve created a short reader survey HERE. Your feedback will be very helpful and much appreciated!
Thanks very much!
The after-Christmas sale roundup
I’ll have a post up tomorrow with some of my sale picks, but if you’ve had your eye on something and want to get a head start, here’s my sale “short list”…
Nordstrom – Half-yearly sale, up to 50% off
EILEEN FISHER – 40% off sale
J.Crew – End of Season sale, extra 50% off with code BIGSALE
Madewell – extra 30% off with code BYE2021
Talbot’s – Red Hanger sale, extra 40% off
Johnny Was – extra 40% off sale, code EXTRA40
Vince – up to 75% off, extra 25% off sale with code DECEMBER25
Brian + MW – Buy 1, Get 1 Free (skincare, including my favorite Re-Creation Lip treatment)! code BOGO21
Anthropologie – extra 40% off sale
Black UK – 20% off sitewide (luxury scarves & accessories for women & men)
Amour Vert – end of season sale, up to 85% off
Chico’s – Semi-Annual sale, up to 60% off
Net-a-Porter – up to 70% off
Ann Taylor – up to 50% off full-price purchase (code METIME), extra 50% off all sale styles
Everlane – Year End Event, up to 60% off
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Dear Susan, I hope you had a lovely Christmas. As one of your, no doubt many, UK subscribers, I can but look longingly at the links you provide and wish I could shop them. However, I still love reading your blog. I love your style. It is exactly what I hope to achieve one day, casual, but totally put together. I also love your travel blogs. I look forward to 2022 and to reading what you are up to and seeing your lovely outfits. I hope you and yours have a very Peaceful New Year, all the best Elisabeth.
Just LOVE your posts.
The truth is m I can’t afford most things you give links too but I get so much inspiration from the outfits you choose, I can usually duplicate your look. I look for quality fabrics so I buy from thrift stores, eBay, and used posh resale shops. I wouldn’t want you to change much because I love seeing it all but your lifestyle is beyond my pay grade. Actually I enjoy the challenge of trying to duplicate the look. I do crafts so I have already made the bracelets. I love your blog and wouldn’t miss it.
I like your outfit but would have loved to see a handbag in the colour of the dots in your top. I know, I am asking a lot haha.
Greetje
That would be good! Have actually been looking for an aqua/blue bag for a few years now, just haven’t found one I like.
Susan, I am thinking about getting a small Loewe puzzle bag but wondered how easy it is to get items in and out of. Is the opening large enough so you don’t have to struggle with sunglass cases? They really are beautiful!
Hi Jody, thanks! I find it’s easy to get in and out of, especially after the bag softens up a bit with use. I think as long as your sunglasses case isn’t one of those big, hard-sided ones you should be fine.
I consume blogs like the old coffee klatsch around the kitchen table with the neighbor ladies. So, Susan shows some pretty bracelets she found. Mildred found the perfect white tee. Jane wants advice on sweaters that don’t pill immediately. Bertha bought sneakers that are comfy and cute. If it feels like a blog is selling something that’s a turn off. I don’t like blogs that feel like a vanity project either. It’s the feeling of community and sharing that I tune in for. I know exactly nothing about blogging, just my two cents.
Love this outfit, Susan! You really glow in your colours.
Just filled in your survey and have a couple of more thoughts…
-enjoy your conversations videos, especially those with the Red Leopard Group. Would really like one with you talking with your EU friends, like Greetje and others, perhaps from France, Italy, Germany, etc. What’s current overseas?
– periodic posts on “aging” , like the latest findings on osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel, to name a few. I’m a few weeks younger than you, Susan, and am in good shape, but osteoarthritis is creeping in & knowing what clothing styles could be put on more easily might be an interesting post.
-going gray & smart hairstyles for differently shaped faces.
Thanks for considering these ideas, Susan. All the best to you in the New Year!
Just my thoughts: Blog is mostly good but often shows things you have “found” but do not own so no real way of determining what they are like to wear/use (fit, how well they last, etc.)
Please less emphasis on “colour analysis”….an analysis is only a guideline and they leave out a lot (like how dyes work on different fabrics, etc.)…..better emphasis would be “stick the item under your chin in good light and watch how your face looks”….half the time your blog reads like an advertisement for your colour people in England
And finally please use “my Husband” or “my son” or their given names….you are not French and the terms you use are not what the French use and just sound like you are trying too hard
“please use “my Husband” or “my son” or their given names….you are not French and the terms you use are not what the French use and just sound like you are trying too hard”
You are telling a writer (and a good one) what words – no, personal knicknames – she should use to refer to her loved ones.
Do you realise just how rude that is?
The French usage was meant to be tongue-in-cheek, but perhaps I’m not conveying it well. 😉
I see the French usage as a bit pretentious. Otherwise, your content, tips and ideas are excellent.
I refer to my husband as ‘the old geezer’, so I wouldn’t worry about the use of french terms. Besides, it is not necessary disclosing the names of family members on a public forum
Hi Susan — thanks for the reader poll and for all the work you put into your blog. I have used your travel and packing tips so often and to great success. My suggestions are to include more outfits outside of your color palette for those of us with darker coloring. Also, for those of us with tighter budgets, a splurge version and a saver’s version post would be fun and helpful. Or a “best under $xx” list for a specific item, like black pants or travel tote, etc. I would also love to hear reader comments, suggestions about packing cubes, toiletry kits and other useful hacks.
I wholeheartedly agree with all of the above suggestions from CD. While your colours look fabulous on you, they won’t suit everyone so more generic advice would be welcome.
I’m also not a fan of sponsored posts. They’re an immediate turn off. The clothing in the recent Eileen Fisher post was not flattering.
While I’m also not a fan of Eileen Fisher clothes because they don’t fit my height, I understand that bloggers like Susan get needed income from sponsored posts and ads so that we can continue to read the blogs for free. It’s a balancing act to not annoy readers, but still make enough to continue the site.
I love your blog, your casual style, your color transformation, your travel wardrobe, your travel recaps, and your pleasant personality. Keep it up, and thank you!
Further comments after doing the survey: I do think that Susan’s outfits are good for her in her environment and from her have found brands and items new to me which I do like; however, instead of casual and easy I would like to see more formal, simple and elegant styles. We are not as one. I would rather wear an elegant dress and heels to the opera rather than “dressy casual,” for example, even though that is now the norm, and I do not find blazers dull or confining as she seems to do. Because most of my clothes are from eBay, I can indulge my love of beautiful Italian and French clothes and shoes quite economically. It’s fun to dress up!
I love your blog! I like to see your ootd and how you remix and coordinate things. I like the variety and inspiration. But I think what I love the most is your travel capsules. I just hope I get to travel someplace besides to see the grandkids 2 hours away!
I am new this year and have really enjoyed your posts- especially the changes in colors and styles that you have shared. We have some similarities: love France for travelling and general inspiration, love retirement, enjoy good quality casual clothes. Otherwise, we are different sizes, different coloring and live on opposite coasts. But I can interpolate what I need to suit my life and I appreciate that you do you. I particularly appreciate the lovely clothing that you choose- lots of other folks are posting normcore or the really expensive Vogue looks. So thank you and cheers to all of the new experiences in the coming new year!
Many of the comments above reflect my own thoughts. I think there is more push back from readers in this demographic to the ‘sponsored blog’ than in the past. Many of us are retired and don’t require extensive wardrobes. It’s becoming seen as socially irresponsible to constantly add to an established collection of clothing instead of working on new ways to wear what we have. I read a lot of blogs and I am definitely seeing the ‘consumer’ attitude changing. I think less breathless referencing to all things ‘French’ if that is your culture or mother tongue ok but cultural appropriation is a bit weird. Being raised in a multicultural home I don’t quite understand. Is this an American thing? I see a lot of American blogs where the writers throw around incorrect French phrases with cringe worthy abandon. They don’t speak the language or have a clue about the culture. I often feel like saying if they identify so much why don’t they go and live in that country? I love your advice on planning a wardrobe for travel ( choose the shoes first has become my travel mantra:) I like that you are including ‘older’ garments in fashion shots…speaking of which the natural shots of you look so much nicer and relatable than the older ‘gotta pee’ or ‘1950’s Vogue chin up’ shots of the past. I have noticed that you do often include budget friendly options and colour ways for those who prefer ‘cooler’ tones and would not think it fair for you to purchase or model colours/styles that are not in your wheel house. I have watched your Instagram posts with the other three bloggers. I must say you come across very differently IRL. You are funny and rather endearing which I don’t always get from the blog. Now I’m wondering if the ‘posing’ was serious or just you being ironic….if so then Brava!!!
Hi Susan,
Would love to see posts on shoe “volume.” I remember you mentioned this once and it resonated. Examples (good, not so good, better, etc) would be super. Sometimes I’m not sure why a particular shoe doesn’t work; I just know it doesn’t. And SO glad you introduced Brian…love his neck cream.
Thanks for the time and effort, love your blog!
Susan, I’ve been enjoying your blog for many years and usually find excellent tips and ideas, especially about travel. I find myself struggling with your recent color and style journey, though. Prior to your analysis you were a strong advocate of the color black (which I didn’t think flattered you much at all) and a “long over lean” silhouette, which I thought WAS very flattering on you. You’ve done a 180 on both. While I think your new color choices look wonderful on you, I don’t think your switch to “boy style” crewneck sweaters flatters your feminine body type. That obviously is just one person’s opinion, but I sometimes get the impression that your choices represent an adoption of someone else’s style diagnosis and prescription rather than an evolution of your own true style. That makes your content a little less relatable and interesting.
Hi, Susan. I have enjoyed immensely your color journey and your finding your own style. I think you look comfortable and authentic. I don’t miss all the black. You wear what you feel good in, and I appreciate that you don’t go into all the usual chain stores and model outfits that aren’t for you just to show them. I love the travel tips and capsules. I would love to see more of you with Annie, Red Leopard, and Brian. Personally, I find that your blog is one of the best.
I have a similar quilted jacket in a dark olive colour that is perfect for spring and fall here in Canada. For now, though, it is put away in storage as the temperature at the moment is -37ºC (-35ºF)!
Crikey. I have just finished reading the above comments and what a pile on. As for the clothes and her posts – I am impressed how she incorporates older clothing items and accessories with something recently purchased. I doubt anyone wants to follow a blog where Susan ‘recycles’ the same outfit post after post, considering it is a fashion blog. I have watched Susan’s style journey over several years and must admit, I am very impressed with the post Red Leopard style. Many of us wish to update what we wear and Susan has done it with great success. Brava (oops, I have thrown in some Italian) It takes courage to put yourself out there on a public forum and giving her stick over ‘cultural appropriation’ is really rather rude and unnecessary. If Susan uses French terms, who cares, considering the blog is titled Une femme d’un certain age and it is obvious Susan is a Francophile. Happy New Year Susan, to you and your family.
I enjoy seeing your outfits but it’s frustrating because they’re far too expensive for me and surely most of the people reading your blog.
Also most of the brands you feature are American, which I can’t get here in France. By the way, I think the French terms you use are fine!
I have enjoyed your blog for years. I too like the new colors from your color analysis.. Just two remarks:: branch out into your palette, sometimes it seems you are stuck on 3 or 4 colors ,the full palette is so interesting. Also I would like to see more elegance
gamine looks great on you but you don’t need to dress like a tomboy all the time! Happy New Year
I am quite perplexed by the idea that using words in a different language in what is clearly a sign of affection and love for that language and culture makes someone “pretentious” or constitutes “cultural appropriation”. I also struggle to see how Susan’s style is tomboyish – but even if it were, what’s wrong with that?
From someone quite younger and with a quite different sense of style, I love the blog and your style, Susan, and thank you for what is quite clearly essentially a labour of love.
Who said there was anything wrong with the tomboy/ gamin look ?
I only said that I would like to see more variety. These days you can’t even suggest something without
Being misinterpreted
I can understand asking the author of a blog, who has asked for comments, to branch out in her discussion of style. But you are telling her how to dress, and frankly not in a very pleasant way.