Keeping The “Personal” In Personal Style
You may have noticed that I haven’t been posting many outfits lately. One reason is because it’s been slow going adding more color and pattern to my neutral wardrobe. I’ve mostly been wearing the same few pieces on repeat. There’s just not a lot out there currently in my color palette, let alone that suits my 5’1″ frame and shape.
Wearing: Jacket (similar) | Top (similar) | Jeans (similar) | Shoes (similar)
Another is because I haven’t been able to drop the few pounds that I gained earlier this year, and haven’t been feeling as comfortable in my body. When I was wearing more black, weight fluctuations were easier to deal with. 😆
The Challenges Of Adding Color (And Pattern) To A Neutral Wardrobe
Style can feel like a juggling act sometimes. Proportion, texture, details, personality. Adding another “ball” to the mix (in my case, color) can throw the rhythm off. Some of my recent outfits have felt awkward and “off-balance.” So I’m giving myself permission to slow down. To gently nudge the boundaries of my comfort zone rather than trying to blast through them. To respect that voice that tells me when something isn’t quite feeling authentic.
I was quite pleased with this outfit; to me it feels coherent but interesting. The blue top and jeans create a quasi column of color, and there are colors in the top that tie in the jacket, bag, and shoes. Only the shoes (similar) are new here; the rest of the pieces you’ve seen before. The jacket was purchased during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. The tiger top was purchased in the Spring from the-Bias-Cut.com (it’s sold out, but there are a lot of fun print options here) and was part of my Summer travel wardrobe. These leopard loafers are from Mercedes Castillo, and were love at first try-on (sold out now, but similar here). The haircalf uppers are butter soft, and the heel is a comfortable height for walking.
I know, they’re spendy; here are a few options that are more budget-friendly:
I’m not looking to completely abandon the simple style aesthetic I’ve developed over the last few years, which has come to feel organic and authentic. I just want to evolve and enhance it. And express my whimsical, quirky side periodically. Some days I’m most at home in more neutral, minimalist looks; at other times I want to play with more color and pattern.
But yes, on most days I am in jeans. I find them comfortable, easy to style, and appropriate for our climate and locale. And I do still wear black from time to time, when the mood strikes. Some of you have told me you don’t like my outfits with more color, while others used to kvetch about me wearing so much black. I know that not everything I wear will please everyone, but I’m working toward a balance that pleases me.
Does your style lean more toward the expressive or utilitarian? How do you reconcile the two?
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I had noticed that you hadn’t been wearing a column of colour and assumed it was problems with finding the right items in the right colour, not easy now you are moving away from black. I also like wearing a column of colour because it is simple and easy to dress up or down. I think you look good in the blue base with that lovely jacket. Also I think you look happy and confident in the outfit which are some of the best gifts our clothes can give us.
Susan
I love your new color palette on you. I am sure you don’t want to go out and buy things that don’t really work for the sake of the blog. I have a vintage leather jacket in that color. You inspired me to pull it out and wear it!
How do I post a comment? I simply wanted to say that there are many shades of black just as there are many shades of white so I never understand why the color advisors are so anti- black – a blue black, A French black or one with green undertones may work well
I think the column of color is a keeper. You aren’t the only one who has issues with the scale, and keeping a strong vertical line is flattering. For those who reject attempting to look slimmer, I’d add that the column of color focuses the viewer on our faces, so what we say and do can be front and center. That’s a good no matter where that dial rests on the scale 🙂
Focusing on your newly-found best colors and gamine style makes you look brighter, happier, and yes—younger. I understand the challenges of finding just the right thing, so don’t rush into filling your clean closet with “almosts”.
Susan, I agree with Barbara. And, this is a process not a race. I purged 90% of my blacks and grays but still own some “almosts”. But, I don’t want to add in anymore “almosts” or I’ll be back to where I started in the beginning. As I add some great pieces in my colors I continue to work on eliminating that other 10%. The same is true for adding good pieces. It takes a while to find fabulous pieces that work. Just because you have this blog don’t feel under pressure to provide us with a whole “new you” wardrobe in one go.
You look great Susan in that outfit and I love your longer fringe!
Looks terrific on you and the proportion for your petite frame is perfect!
How are the French Kande necklaces fitting in?
This resonates with me since i’m very utilitarian when it comes to style, and have worn mostly black for years. I would like to break out, but find it difficult to leave my comfort zone. The column of color is a great concept since I can experiment with color without going too far out on a limb and introduce new ideas slowly. Thanks for your inspiration.
This is a great outfit for you! Lookin good!
I totally respect that you’re taking time to find items that are authentic to your sense of style and your new pallet. You look great in what you’ve selected so far. Love that you are back in your pixie cut too. Stay true to yourself. I will continue to follow where ever you go ❣️
Ditto!!
Susan, I love your style. It’s so refreshing to see women of a certain age embracing current style trends but tweaking them to be age appropriate! I have never seen you post outfits from Massimo Dutti and wondered if you are familiar with the brand? Very classic, beautiful colours that I think might appeal to you. Check them out online!
Hi Jane, thanks! I have shopped at Massimo Dutti. Haven’t found much there for me yet (le Monsieur has found a few shirts and pants), but do check them out whenever I’m near one of their shops.
It’s good to be more discerning with clothes choices at this stage of life. I am in the pre retirement stage and trying to purge out what doesn’t work or fit. I am mostly utilitarian with style expressed in accessories. I am an autumn and love all Browns, beiges, creams, textures, but still like black. Scarves and jewelry give style. I find the really colorful pieces sit in my closet and are hard to piece together in an outfit. Be yourself with a little eye to the trends to stay modern, that’s my motto.
Susan, you look great in that outfit and your jean choices are perfect, great for your lifestyle and figure flattering. I too am a very utilitarian dresser . I think it must have been all those years wearing a school uniform! LOL I’m trying to add more colour and interest to my choices but it’s not easy so keep inspiring those of us who don’t have a natural ability for colour and style .
Have you considered getting a second opinion on your color palette? To my eye, your “old” colors were more flattering. Or maybe I just like them better….
This is such an attractive look on you! I think a lot of us get caught up in the ‘column of colour’ idea thinking it means a solid line of black, navy or whatever…often that reads as boring…I like the pattern top it ties in with the other pieces nicely. The cute shoes are a little exclamation point to the whole look. Yes, they could read as neutral but here they are fun and sassy..
My own opinion is that the basic column of colour is great for travel or those days when we have little time to ‘think out’ an out fit. It’s so worth it to spend a free day putting together different outfits while shopping the closet, even keeping some photos on the phone to refer to. It’s also a great way of culling that which really doesn’t work, deciding what needs to be added to refresh and it helps us break out of a ‘uniform’ look’ by trying different mixes of pattern, colour etc.
Oh what a lovely lot of photos Susan. Not only do I love what you’re wearing, but love the pix location. Thanks heaps for sharing about the ‘column of colour’ and giving me pause for thought to look at this in a different way.
Susan, I totally understand your issues with color. I am happiest in all black or in jeans with black on top, then add colorful scarves and jewelry to break it up when I go out. This past year I added some tunics to break up all the black, one in teal blue, a hot poppy red, and olive green. During the summer I added a pair of white jeans and a pair of white capris. I vary my scarves by weight with the seasons. Just recently I added an open front cardigan in something between a gold and a tobacco brown. But I am most relaxed in all black or my jeans with black. I make jewelry, and I find that wearing a color distracts me and affects what colors I choose in my work. So black is my neutral. Good luck with your newfound colors. You are lovely whatever you choose to wear!
I’ve moved away from jeans as a daily choice. Instead I wear slim cut wool pants in black and navy. I have two other pairs of wool pants with wider straight legs, one gray, one bluish. I can make the slim pants dressier with a low heel slingback pump or dress down with flats or suede sneakers. I love wearing white shirts and I have a few soft cotton or silk printed tops/blouses. If it’s cool I have 2 Regent blazers (red, navy) I can throw on. I have 2 dresses that are more expressive and colorful, while my day to day is tailored. We have young grandchildren and I have a few very casual washable pants and tees to wear. I admire you for sharing your process with us. I think we all are learning from your experience. I’ve seen some older photos of you wearing black and thought you looked great. Maybe keeping some of the “old” while adding some of the “new” would feel right. I do like the change in proportions like the shorter jacket.
Susan, I think staying true to yourself is the key in keeping your style personal and yourself happy with it. As I’ve said in the past – you’re doing it with both courage and wisdom. There is no deadline to rush towards, after all! So you can take your time, enjoy every step, and inspire us by writing about this.
I love that you’re open to trying new things, but it is difficult to try to fit into an all new color scheme “assigned” to you and let go of colors you love. Did you wear black because it was a slimming color or because you like the color? I’m 62 and love to try new things, but I wear whatever I love. I feel incredible freedom at this age to open up fully and dress as I please without rules. I’m fair and blonde like you and love black. So I wear it with a splash of my favorite color somewhere in my outfit. Personally I do not like the color of your coat, but if you love it then that’s awesome! Wear what makes you feel amazing! ❤️
Susan, you look happy and healthy not to mention stylish in your outfit! How I admire you for sticking to your commitment to buy fewer items!
Like you, jeans are my “go-to” as part of my dressing regime; my uniform, if you will. Finding a great fitting pair of jeans just makes dressing easier for me. As I move toward retirement (soon, yeah!!), jeans are increasingly the most suitable choice for my lifestyle. Even jean shorts in warmer weather.
For tops, t-shirts are my favourite choice. I’m working on finding good quality, well fitting t-shirts at a reasonable price. Harder than it seems.
I look forward to your blog posts, not only for the style tips, but for your skill as a writer. Very enjoyable!
You always look great! I’m a big fan of a column of color, and love that you managed to do it with a little pattern in that top. I’m a big fan of a column of color, it feels better to me than a look that’s too chopped up. Your new look has more spunk to it, but still looks classy and sophisticated. Thank you for sharing your style journey with all of us—it’s inspiring!
You look happy and put together in that outfit. And I love the pretty background in your photos today. It is true that trying to find specific colors does complicate shopping. But I’m hoping it’s worth it to buy only the colors that are most flattering on me. For example, a white blouse is pretty easy to find but finding an ivory one is not so easy. As I was recently choosing clothes for a trip I was disappointed that I didn’t have as much that mixed and matched as I thought. I am starting to have a nice base of navy (and khaki and olive, my chosen neutrals) but I have a long way to go for the cohesive wardrobe I would like. I appreciate all your tips and guidance.
Susan, I have been a huge fan of your style blog for many years, it’s the first one I check out every morning. I have used so many of your styling tips and have bought so many of the same items you’ve bought, you have been such an inspiration. Please remember that most of us have been fans long before having your color palette done, so you shouldn’t abandon all those great looks and yes, blend the new and the old in only the way you can. That’s why we LOVE you.
Another wise and thoughtful post–I think dressing comes down to mood some days. I have an executive level job in corporate America (sounds like you may be familiar with that), and for those times when I have all-day meetings, I pull things from my wardrobe that look pulled together but feel like pajamas–usually Eileen Fisher. Other days, the Seattle weather gets trying, so out comes a bright pop of color. Then there are those days when I need to feel protected–that’s when the all-black comes out. I love hearing your posts about evolving your style–thank you for taking us with you on your journey!!
I agree with your thoughts. I do think I have worn black to feel protected. But it honestly is not a flattering color on me and I have purged most of it from my closet.
It seems to me that you are sort of “stuck” trying to conform to the color palette assigned to you. I’ve read your blog for a couple of years because I love the outfits you post and the travel wardrobes. I have noticed fewer outfit posts since your Red Leopard consultation. Your own instincts are sharper than a consultant’s—go with what you love!
Hi Susan, love your style, old & new. Enjoy reading your blog. My husband & I are finally at a point to start doing some traveling, so I’m looking forward to using your travel wardrobe & packing tips. Thanks!
I love your journey, I am learning so much. Being ourselves and unique takes courage. I am going through a similar thought process , some things may look great on me that my age group finds uncomfortable, like dresses vs pants, or color vs black, tucked tops vs tunics etc. I noticed in Italy, older women wore nylons and tights, with skirts to go shopping, can you imagine what my age group said about that….It wasn’t positive… there was a lot of pushback, so I was thinking, why are we so critical, or why is our “ focus” so narrow? I love your glasses and your yellow jacket bee yourself!
I totally agree with wearing what you love…whether it be all black, pink, blue or purple. Go with the flow, i.e. instincts, we know what looks good on us! I find if I have to talk to myself to like an article of clothing that it’s really not for me. I personally loved your previous looks. I thought they looked great on you and you looked happy. Good luck with your color journey.
Susan – thank you for keeping it real! I think you’ll find it easier to find your “new” colors in the retail world when that season is selling in the stores…That’s what I’d found once I realized I was an “autumn”…it’s not realistic to be able to reinvent an entire wardrobe in a season…do what works for you. This super-fan will always be here to read and learn. Thanks for all you do! BTW – I’m utilitarian as towards fit and comfort and then expressive when it come to print and color. I often try on clothes turned away from the mirror, and if it is comfortable, then I look and assess THAT component…with some grace!!
You can wear what ever you like but in some colours you feel at home. I think that’s important too. You do not have to stick to certain rules. Personally I liked your style before better, you looked more authentic to me.
Succes on your yourney to find new colours and proportions.
I’m a newbie to your blog, thanks to Brenda K.
These days I think of adding color as an “evolutionary” process. That’s because at the tender age of 75, I’ve gone silver. What I didn’t expect was that going silver was more than just hair color. My entire palette, which was decidedly warm has changed. That’s because while you are busy coloring your hair for years, you don’t notice that your skin tone is also changing…in my case from warm to neutral.
So I dipped my hesitant toe into the waters of color with a bit of Eileen Fisher’s “cassis,” a dark plumish browish version of well, red…yes, a color that I’ve shunned all my life. I’ve discovered that saturated colors (teal, blackberry, navy, chocolate brown and gray also work well with silver hair. I’ve even changed my eyeglass frames to a brownish red.
Susan, I appreciate your equanimity. We complain, you take it in your stride, thank you for being gracious.
I go through the same challenges of being petite and looking for colors rather than all black. Even trying to get navy or blue hues that work together is a challenge.
Retailers do not make it easy. But – it’s them, not us. If we don’t let them know that there is a world of unblack we won’t get it.
So please keep up the good fight, for all of us.At a pace that makes sense for you, of course.
What I like so much about this outfit is it seems you’re edging back a little bit toward the authority and sophistication I have always associated with you. Almost as though you had to fling corporate self aside after the color consult, which, I applaud you and think it’s a great way to really benefit from new ideas, but having done so, now you pick up some of the aspects you let go, the darker patterns, the tonal mixing and the mules, and bring them back to make this really *personal* style.
Love this look! You look very comfortable and very YOU!
I am enjoying your color journey. Although your pallet is different from mine, the analysis has been truly helpful to me. I was able to quickly return a recent online splurge when the color turned out to be different than I expected. A few months ago, I would have tried to make it work and then felt guilty about not wearing it. (Been there, done that.)
At work I wore a lot of black – it was sort of a no-brainer for me. Now that I’m retired I started wearing a lot of jeans with tops with navy – so I basically substituted my black wardrobe for a navy one! After you wrote about your color analysis I had my colors analyzed and I found it fascinating. The neutral colors I typically wear are in my palette and like you, I’m trying to add more bits of color. When I do add a little more color it does make me happy, but I also think it is because the addition of color is usually with an accessory and adds a little more “style” to what I’m wearing – I’m pretty utilitarian! I really like what you are doing with your color transition and I appreciate you sharing your process with us!
For what it’s worth – I think the new palette is absolutely gorgeous and totally spot on for you – definitely more youthful and just seems more “you”! I also admire that you have the confidence to build your wardrobe slowly and only adding pieces that you feel are right – versus trying to force it – a very good lesson for us all!!!
To my eye, the outfit you’re wearing in the photo *is* colour. It’s not black with a splash of something-something – the colour comes from the patterns and textures, and yes colours. I would love to be able to wear a jacket in the colour of that one, but not for me. So while I may have one in a vibrant red or plum, and yours in a more “neutral” shade on the palette, we’re both wearing colour.
I think a gray Jean would look good with your jacket and perhaps more seasonal than the medium blue. Your hair looks great!!!
It is a real challenge to find your colors in store — I always tell my clients expect the process to take 3-5 years to replace everything in your wardrobe. As a fellow “Spring” I find it much easier to shop for my colors in the Spring/Summer Season but I have turned to Thrift and Consignment stores, small boutiques, and online stores to broaden my options. But the one thing you simply cannot explain to people until they’ve experienced it themselves is the sheer joy of being in visual harmony with yourself. It’s like dressing from the inside out — it requires vulnerability, yes, but frees you too. Keep at it Susan, you are doing great!
Love this! The authenticity and the struggle. Thank you for keeping it VERY real!
I can’t imagine having to come up with new outfits continually for your blog, Susan. I live in NYC, and although I am very different in build and coloring (5’7″ and more winter/deep summer coloring), the pickings here can be awfully slim. I find little variation in brands and many of the smaller, more unique boutiques no longer exist.
Your recent style journey has been so interesting and inspiring to me. I think your new palette and style recipe really flatter and enhance you.
I find this discussion on color and black most interesting. I had my colors done many years ago. I was (am) a winter. Jewel tones and colors with a blue cast. Also black and white. I was told at that time we naturally gravitate towards our best colors. I hadn’t been wearing black at all before that. So having my colors done helped me discover black. Now my wardrobe basis is black and white. I do add some color and browns and beige. I am realizing from these discussions that some more deep blues and reds and pinks would be good to add in especially now that my hair is gray. And those colors go with black! I agree with those who say whatever color you choose you should feel pretty and happy. It shouldn’t be a struggle.
I love black, and the column of black. I’m also a fan of beautiful jewel tone colors. Color blocking is my best friend, but I have more height than you. As I am a pure spring, my colors involve a hunt and buying when my colors are “in”. I have gone years between purchases sometimes. Bonus: colors that don’t suit others go on sale!
Summer is my time for color, though. My column of black turns into a column of white with bright, flowy toppers.
I keep shoes pretty simple and classic.
I find one of the many challenges in shopping is what the fashion industry has decided we shall wear from the perspective of color, cut, proportion and style is not what we want to or can wear. I am a true petite in proportion, short arms, torso, rise, inseam, narrow shoulders which is getting harder to reliably find except for a few retailers. Too often I find a much smaller color selection for petites, a couple of basic colors vs. a larger selection for standard sizing. Makes shopping such a chore.
Your new colours are right on you. I have just had mine done and am a warm spring. A petite 5′ 1″ also I sympathize, even here in the UK with the shops full of Autumn colours there is not much for us. I prefer the column of colour with a bright jacket, I wear a lot of dresses now with opaque tights. It took me a couple of weeks to go over to the new colours but now I love them on me, a definite improvement. Do you look at second hand clothes? I have found a few gems there. I will watch with interest to see how you get on. Happy shopping.
Hi Susan. While your new color palette isn’t my thing, YOU remain my thing. Your clothing choices may no longer be relevant to me, but I will always enjoy reading your musings on style, and following your journey.
Linda, I think you and I are in the same place on the post Red Leopard era. 😉 The colors and proportions aren’t my thing, but Susan’s writing is my thing and I enjoy the intelligent thoughts on style, the travel tips, the accessories, and generosity toward everyone who reads the blog.
Like you I’ve found it really difficult this year to find anything in my colour palette. Top that with styles that don’t flatter a soft H shape it’s making for a lean shopping experience. I have found myself working with other personality styles as I feel the right colour is what makes me feel happiest. Also with the overseas travel bug hitting hard I’m determined to not run two wardrobes. Upside is more dollars left in the treasury.
Susan,
I love your blog and have been following it for several years. Your efforts at trying to find looks that make you feel comfortable and authentic are a real inspiration for me. Please do not think you have to show a constant string of different outfits. There are plenty of other bloggers who do that, and I tire of them quickly.
A few years ago, i decided to try dressing in my favorite color, blue, with occasional touches of white, light tan and red in accessories. Now when I open my closet doors, I see mostly blue, from navy to paler shades. I love wearing everything in my closet, and it all goes together! Fortunately blue is a popular color and is usually easy to find. I’m not suggesting this approach will work for everyone, but it is making my life much easier for the time being.
Cathy,
I read your above comment and feel the same way about Susan and her blog. I recently had my colors redone after 36 years to find that I am typed as an autumn , not a spring (although there are some similarities). This came at a great time of my life since I was holding on to pre-retirement clothing and too much black. I banished ALL of my black, and I realized that I already owned so many colors in my ‘new’ palette; plus, I had the advantage of being in the actual autumn season in order to purchase some basics. What I wanted to say to you is how I can relate to your opening your closet and being happy with your color choices that you pared down. All my colors now coordinate , I have more breathing space, dressing is a breeze, and packing so simple. Shopping has never been easier.
I, too, have followed Susan for years and she has been a great inspiration on her new journey. She has given me the impetus to be on my own.
Hi Susan, I understand your journey. I too have studied seasonal colors. At first I wanted to throw out all black. Over time I realized I like black even though it is not in my palette. I have discovered I love neutrals. , Because my eyes, hair, and skin are all about the same color I need to wear soft muted colors. If I want to wear brighter colors I use them as accents. I have dabbled with muted colored jackets, vests, sweaters and tops. I like them but tend to chose my neutrals. I learned a lot about myself studying skin tone. After the confusion settled I feel more confident about my choices. You have fabulous taste. The outfits are chic. Have fun learning. Thanks for sharing. patval
“Obviously color is a key element,” says fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg, “but the rigidity of telling people they can only wear certain colors is ridiculous. You’re not necessarily the same woman from day to night, from Monday to Saturday and all your life.”
Continue to work towards that balance that pleases you!
I love your quote, Patrish. I wear what makes me feel good, whatever the so called “season” and people tell me I am lucky to be able to wear all the colors. I am more conscious of the cut and fit of the clothes in my wardrobe and if they can styled multiple ways. I might add a new shoe or sweater to the classics I own. I love jeans and strengthen up and casual. I also think I Susan has looked great whatever she wears I know reading her blog and the comments
I love those new shoes of yours. Spendy they may be, but it pays out in comfort. As for not everybody being pleased… just listen to the song: “You cannot please everyone, so you gotta please yourself”. Or the cartoon joke: You cannot please everyone, you are not a Nutella jar.
Greetje
haha!
You look great. The brighter colors and haircut definitely are flattering. You are definitely on to something. So restrained of you to only purchase new clothing that is really right for you. All the black people wear now seems boring. Love this look. Jill
I think this outfit is a wonderful choice. You look great!
Imo, try a dark wash jean in a high quality denim, an inch or so longer.
I love that outfit and love the jacket …though I’d look like death in it. Fabulous
This nice jacket makes me think of you!
https://www.nordstromrack.com/shop/product/3027138?color=DK%20SIENNA&utm_source=google&utm_medium=display&utm_content=prospecting&utm_campaign=dpa&utm_channel=display_acq_p&sid=1635070&mid=dpa&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIo8DD3M2m5gIVhGt-Ch25NweqEAEYASADEgLTZPD_BwE