Hitting Pause: A Style Reset
I haven’t posted many new outfits lately. Just haven’t been feeling inspired. Partly that’s because I haven’t added new pieces to my wardrobe recently beyond a few accessories. Some of it is seasonal doldrums; our weather remains mostly cool and we’re finally getting some intermittent rain storms. It doesn’t feel like Spring yet, but my winter clothes seem too visually heavy.
Above: earrings | jacket (similar) | top (similar) | bag | bracelet | jeans (similar) | shoes
Sartorial Sensory Overload?
And truthfully, I’ve been feeling a little burned out with trying to come up with new outfits and clever combinations. Part of this, I think, is having just been through a major home renovation (which still isn’t quite done…work still ongoing in the bathroom and not yet begun on the outside). Remember when I mentioned “decision fatigue?” Still feeling it. Add to that a recent flurry of travel planning for our trip in late May, and I just don’t have the mental buffer space for sartorial creativity.
When I’m feeling this way, I gravitate back toward a uniform: jeans (or Little Black Pants), tee or sweater, jacket. It works, it’s comfortable, and I feel like myself. Then I worry that it’s boring, that I’m boring. That I should be pushing my boundaries, creating New And Interesting outfits.
Time For A Style Reset
But I’m finding myself drawn to clean, minimalist looks again. There’s something about simple, streamlined outfits that I find soothing and appealing. No, they’re not as Instagram-able, but at present they’re a truer expression of my style. So I’m cutting myself some slack and giving myself permission be to a little boring. To let my wardrobe workhorses pull the load for a while, and not feel I have to apologize for it.
A few good accessories can also make all the difference. I love the clean lines of this bag. It’s also a very practical design. The bracelet is from French Kande’s “Luxembourg” Collection. This style had the option to switch out the medallion, which I did.
As part of my style reset, I have closet inventory and clean-out on my To Do list this week. Having a pared-down and organized closet always makes me feel less overwhelmed, and frees up some mental energy to create.
How do you reset your style? Is there an aesthetic you keep returning to?
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I am a minimalist also – I am a professor and feel that my wardrobe should be very professional, so I tend to use jewelry and scarves to add some personality, but black pants and simple toppers seem to rule my closet. Winter is such a blah time (former San Diegan who now lives in the midwest) – craving sun and warmth and less stuff!
Your style is amazing no matter what the season or mood and you keep me energized about what is possible. Thanks for your frankness – in this world of comparisons, it is refreshing!
It has seemed a long winter, I am sure the better weather will inspire you. Do you have any advice on Closet clearing, I find it very hard to let go of what no longer suits/serves me?
It is a relief to hear that somebody as fabulous as you can hit the inspiration doldrums now and then. I agree with both of the comments above and would love to hear some closet clearing tips.
You may think your style is boring…..BUT is far from it! I love your style and use it quite frequently as my inspiration. Less is more and accessories are definitely the fun part of pulling a look together. I have recently done a huge edit of my closet and now find it more fun and less confusing to get dressed every day. I’m so glad I found your blog and look forward to reading it every day.
I agree – not boring – just a comfortable and chic way to dress every day!
My style changes depending on my activities and the weather. I don’t worry about being boring because activities and weather constantly change and my wardrobe goes along with it. I am doing a shopping fast, so it isn’t that I am buying new clothes but that what I choose to wear happens in waves, with the same few outfits on repeat a lot and then not worn at all for months at a time.
What an honest and refreshing entry. As a “retired lady”. I’ve got rid of the professional wardrobe and am currently and sort of, curating a more flexible wardrobe but more to the point, one which reflects who Iam. However here is the problem…who am I?
I like your style and enjoy your blogs. I need to do a big wardrobe edit as Spring is finally coming. I have also decided that the style I wear most of the time is classic minimalist and anything else just stays on the hanger so time for it to go.
Not boring at all. I think it’s your best look – clean and minimal. Gorgeous puzzle bag.
Dear Susan, I always like to visit your blog, love to see your style (especially the clean, minimalistic) and I must say it isn’t boring at all. For me it don’t have to be instagram-able all the time.
But I can understand the “decision fatigue”.
Well, I can’t wait to see more “boring” outfits. I’m sure they will be beautiful.
Actually as a long time follower I have always liked your “boring “ look the best It isnt boring its tasteful and relateable and more “French”. A great basic canvas and one or two carefully chosen and edited accessories enhance your beauty. Otherwise it looks like you are trying too hard.
Oh… thanks for this, Sue. I thought it was just me. We’ve also had renos and are now shopping for rugs and furniture and the weather is still…well… winter… so I’ve not been inspired to do outfit shots either.
I recently did a closet inventory. Actually I just surveyed the shots from the past few years on my blog, and chose my favourite outfits that I’ll still wear this year. Looking at those kind of made me excited for spring. If it would just get here!
I love your black coat with your faded jeans. It’s a look I go back to all the time. Maybe it’s something about coming of age in the seventies…I think that faded jeans go with everything.
Thanks for continuing to inspire us!
Love the honesty, Susan ! And your posts.
Not boring- chic. My test question is always “would I wear this in Paris?” Keeps me straight!
As inspiring and helpful as it can be for us to see new seasonal offerings folded creatively into your outfits, it’s also encouraging for us to know that we’re not alone when, for whatever reason, we’re not able or inclined to add new pieces. Style can’t depend on our Retail Power, and when you rely on well-chosen separates and accessories to show us that, I don’t think you’re showing us Boring at all. There are so many reasons we might hit the Fashion Doldrums, but if we’ve built our wardrobe thoughtfully — as you’ve done (sharing the how-to’s along the way) — we can sail through those times stylishly — well, you obviously can, if this outfit is any indication!
Frances: I think I should have your statement made into a tattoo: “Style can’t depend on our retail power.” Well said and a good challenge for me. Thank you for the thought!
You’re welcome — it is a challenge sometimes, isn’t it?!
I’ve visited New York twice in the past two weeks, seeing family and theatre. I decided that (good) jeans and a nice jacket made for easy packing and wearing. We saw Angels in America (all 7 1/2 hours of it in one day), and I fit right in with the local crowd. (New Yorkers wear jeans or athletic wear on the weekends.) I love to dress up in the city, but comfort was the order of the day!
I love your minimalist style and I also enjoy your occasional foray into the unchartered territory of florals and other things mainly because they’re approached with the touch of a minimalist. I moved from a San Diego beach community to the Beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota 2 years ago and while my style as an ‘OBcean’ was casual, things are even more casual here. I refer to you as a guide for unexpected color groupings and for mixing fabrics that I might not have considered such as velvet and denim. Really I just all-around enjoy everything about your blog (including Paris updates, my favorite European city) and very much look forward to your posts.
Thanks so much! I can totally relate & I’m grateful for your daily inspiration! Trying to find “me” at 60 & my current style… Your suggestions fit right in with where I am… at this time. I’m pushing my reset button. Thanks for the thoughtfulness of your post & for allowing all of us to feel, and a reminder that our style (post reset) will soon follow.
Sue, I can totally relate to decision fatigue. I retired from my therapy practice in October (2017), and I haven’t wanted to make any decisions since, except to empty my closet of all my “work clothes”. Now, I’m trying to find my current me and my current style, and what you call “boring” is fitting with right where I am these days. My hand is approaching the reset button, and maybe this Spring I’ll actually push it. Thanks for the thoughtfulness of your entry today, allowing all of us to feel our human-ness, and the style will follow.
I think we all can relate/understand your point of view. BUT, classics are classics for a reason, right? I’ve been fortunate enough to find a couple of clearance pieces that have given me a wardrobe boost. My “uniform” is skinny pants (be it jeans, etc.), a tank or shirt and cardigan, add scarves, belts and accessories, I’m good-to-go. We are preparing for a cross-country move that has me clearing out items like crazy–no more keeping things in the closet for a “what-if” scenario. Anyway, I’ve ventured into TMI territory, we’re happy to have you keeping us informed! P.S. That handbag is scrumptious!
My own style is very similar to yours. I also feel it’s too safe or plain sometimes but what works works. Our accessories can make it pop. Hope you’re saving up for another trip to Paris . . . love to live vicariously through your adventures. boomerbroadcast.net
So many of us all going thru this same issue! I have been cringing when I catch a glimpse of my reflection , and it has everything to do with a total lack of interest in how I look. Last year was a horrible year, so much change and loss… Just recently I had a come to reckoning with myself and spent a little quality time in my closet. Just an hour or two to put together some outfits that don’t require morning creative thought. Pre- bundled?? It helped at any rate. Spending so much time helping my hubby get ready in the morning, even tying his shoes. ( Recovering from surgery) So it helps to have some Grab-and-Go options at hand. And for me, color is important. Black is an occasional look, but I have to have some color. Keeps me happy!
You always elevate even in exhaustion.
Also, after several years of a color journey I am suddenly wearing all black often these days. Perhaps you are not exhausted, perhaps you are a trend setter.
xoxox.
I think you look fabulous! I, too, occasionally tire of my blacks and neutrals, but when I try to shake things up with big swaths of color and pattern, I’m uncomfortable because it’s just not my style. I up my game with a colorful scarf, or a bag in an unexpected color. A great haircut also elevates any look.
At 54, I “ran away” to join a touring company. I live out of a suitcase 8 months a year and look to you for style inspiration in a capsule wardrobe. Never doubt that your “everyday” look is still a guide for those of us looking for our signature.
…and so these are the days when it’s good you have classic basics in your wardrobe, a good haircut, and lipstick!
I’ve been following you for years but this is the first time I’m commenting. Never have I found you style boring! Rather, I’ve been more gratified and empowered than I can say to see and hear from an intelligent, thoughtful, interesting woman of a certain age, like myself. I’m not retired yet, and my husband and I — both teachers up here in the Bay Area — also travel as often as possible. France again this summer, Paris, Normandy, Bordeaux, and the Dordogne. Your travel posts and travel wardrobes are a valuable resource, and I have benefitted from your experience over the years. You inspired my love for and dedication to Eileen Fisher, many of whose pieces I have added after seeing your styling. I agree with your assessment: perfect for travel wardrobes, and the rest of real life. I enjoy your explorations of different silhouettes and colors, your interesting jewelry, your shoe posts… but would read and revisit your blog daily just to see how you remix your existing EF wardrobe. Never boring!
P.S., I have the EF jacket you’re wearing, several years old and good as new (impeccable quality and fit). It’s been wear to work for me, in Fall and Spring. Now I’ll try it with an old pair of Vince Blair sneakers similar to your Warren, and jeans, and… I wonder how this shape will work with wide ankle crops? Decision fatigue and doldrums notwithstanding, Thanks for the inspiration!
Like you, I recently finished a major kitchen remodel then decided to tackle my closet in a big way. I’ve been retired for six years so I still had professional clothes waiting for an encore. I finally admitted that show had closed for good. Even when I dress up now, it’s with a more relaxed flair. My major tip for closet cleaning is honesty and self awareness. Get rid of the bad purchases (that money won’t come back), the clothes you just don’t reach for (whatever the reason). Just like my new kitchen, I had a vision for an updated and more functional closet. I’m not totally there yet, but I’m headed that way.
Susan, thanks for keeping it real.
Hi Susan. Loving your casual look. It seems that most of us women of a certain age are living more casual lives while wanting to look relevant and stylish. For me that’s easier to do when I don’t pile on too many pieces so am enjoying your current look. What would you think about doing a post showing what you’re editing from your closet? I bet we would all find it interesting!
I would never call your outfits boring. I think this is indeed your clean (lines) style and I bet it is appealing to a wide audience.
Love the bag and the bracelet. And by the way, the jacket too.
Greetje
of course a Loewe bag will lift any outfit, and pretty much use up the budget
I never find you boring. But I do understand style and creativity burn out. Right now we’re totally landscaping our home after removing huge pine trees. So my head is there and not everywhere. Give yourself a break and let us enjoy what you call boring but what I call refreshing. I know with my broken foot It’s so easy to simply wear basically the same thing every day. Bottom line you never bore.
Ditto what Val said. I would love to see what you are parting with. It may help us all in that process.
Susan, you are never boring and many of us are absolutely addicted to your blog!!! We live in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, but shopping is somewhat of a problem. You have been through an ordeal with the kitchen renovation, but now you have an absolutely beautiful kitchen. Love you. Emily
Boring? Not! Keeping it real! Yes! Susan you are both! Enjoy
Susan, I feel your pain. These shoulder seasons are rough on everyone. For me, much harder than making a new styling decision is the energy required to COMMIT to a single style during a week that brings us winter, spring, and maybe even summer.
Spring must be the adolescent of the seasons — full of enthusiasm, grand plans, and drama llama.
The truth is that the old adage “ Less Is More” works well at all times. Think Jaquie O, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, etc.. Givenchy, who just died at 91, dressed these women in minimalist ways so that it will not compete with their natural beauty. We are all beautiful, we all know our best features and try to exploit them. Overloading doesn’t work. It takes away and it screams of “ Look at me “ !
You look best pared down, simply elegant, and “soigne”. Your photo in black with the new Burberry scarf blowing in the wind is a winner! Very “ chic”, very “French”, without trying! That’s fashion! Keep it going.
My reaction to this blog post is pretty similar to the others with this exception. I found that since downsizing & streamlining my wardrobe, radically I might add, it’s more satisfying to look for the smallest detail on an item of clothing that takes it up a notch from it’s classic counterpart. If that fails it might just be a trip to the haberdashery store for a standout set of buttons!
Halston advised women to dress for the life they live. Right now, your’s is about renovation and getting ready to travel.
Besides, it’s that icky time of year-not quite done with winter/not quite spring.
Would I spend $2900.00 on a Loewe bag? No I’d just go to Paris. No boredom there! That price point is a little outrageous…as one commenter opined “Style can’t depend on our retail power.” I always go with ‘just because I can, should I?’ As someone who could fork out that much for a hand bag, should I? In all honesty I have to say No. Money buys fashion, not style. This is a miss for me on many levels.
The rest of you outfit is what it is. Simple, tasteful, appropriate. Is it boring? Who cares?! Right now you have enough on your plate to think about and many future blog posts left to ‘bring it on’!
The bag is actually $2100 (and I paid less for it last year), but we all have different spending priorities and I get that this isn’t everyone’s thing.
$2100 for a bag! I agree with Ainsivalavie that this is outrageous! I’ve an article about how to be happy which said we should buy experiences rather than possessions.
Sorry, that should read ‘I’ve just read an article …’. We don’t seem to be able to edit comments.
While over $2000 for a bag isn’t in many people’s budgets (including mine), the colour of the bag with Susan’s outfit is something that could be emulated at a much lower price, so I appreciate her showing it to us.
See my comment below – here’s a few very nice (and ethically made) bags in the same lovely colour
https://shop.poppybarley.com/products/the-perfect-handbag-caramel?variant=40253930122
People find happiness in many ways.
Dearest Susan, it’s your money to spend as you please. You are beyond gracious to respond to such rude comments. You need not justify anything you do to anyone. I triple-dog dare you to really get them to clutch their pearls by buying a Birkin! 😉
Susan, you rock! No outrage here. Just pleasure and appreciation. 🙂
FTR, I don’t read any fashion blog with an aim toward dressing exactly like the blogger is dressed. I read and watch fashion blogs to teach myself more about what works generally and what will work and won’t work for me. A natural fashion eye is not one of my superpowers. 😉 I’m one of those who learns by mimicing and then, after a while, experimenting.
BTW, many bags like the one Susan is sporting above are available at consignment and thrift shops at a fraction of their original prices. That’s where I buy many of my clothes these days. But first I have to figure out what works and doesn’t work together and for me. That’s why I read this blog daily.
I really disagree that there is an element of “should” to this. If someone can afford a bag at this price level, who does it harm for them to carry it? No one. And, in fact, one might argue that someone feeling happy in their style would be nicer and cheerier to the people they encounter during the day.
We could also talk about charity, but nothing in the purchase of this bag would indicate that there’s no room for charity as well.
Susan, your blog and your style choices are never boring to me. Instead, they are lovely, intelligent, and REAL LIFE options. Your blog is the one I have followed the longest, the one that has been most consistently relatable and useful. The rest–those people who dress in full-on Outfits every day–I have unfollowed one by one. That kind of dressing might represent their lives, but it sure doesn’t represent mine. I love your simple, sophisticated, and livable style, and I hope you don’t change too much. Thank you.
Please don’t feel that you have to come up with new outfits and clever combinations all the time. I like the ‘shop your closet’ approach, restyling items that you already own, without having to constantly buy new things. I think we buy too many clothes, many of which are sadly never worn. What a waste!
I have been feeling very similar recently. What with the very cold weater and grey skies here in London recently and a stomach virus I have been living in thermals and thick sweaters most days. I am trying to mix up my brighter colours but don’t feel like buying any Spring or Summer clothes yet. Many of us in the UK have been feeling the same as the high street shops are suffering.
Here’s to looking forward to some blue skies and sartorial inspiration.
I love your style. Your clothes are beautiful with clean lines and interesting accents. You may see it as minimalist, but it let’s others see YOU first! Then, they can appreciate what you are wearing. You wear the fashion, It doesn’t wear you.
Ah…I live in SoCa as you do; it’s easy to feel bored with ones clothes because we basically dress the same year round. I personally get excited when I think it’s cold enough to wear booties and not sandals! Really enjoy your posts, your style hints and especially reading about your adventures.
These comments have been most interesting to read. I have always had the same style and never considered changing it because it expresses me. In wearing it I never have to think about the clothes, the clothes do not “wear me”, yet I am very comfortable, free to be myself and do not need to have something new. I consider my style casual/sophisticated. There is never anything contrived about the look. I wear primarily dark navy, taupe/grey, white and some black. I wear solid colors, no prints, and use striped t- shirts and a few striped sweaters on occasion. Many of my pieces I have had for years – some designer pieces, others not, and many which have interesting designs (Japanese) and unusual fabrics. The designer pieces are mixed with the others.
Yoga pants and sweats are not my style but suitable for others if they so choose.
I love your blog, and your suggestions for how to accessorize and how to interject color are always right on target. At the risk of sounding repetitive I must chime in and agree with so many who have said, “I thought it was just me!” I, too, have been in the wardrobe doldrums — partly because of the weather (Northeast: snow/ice/snow/slush/ice). But also because of facing the reality that as I approach birthday #69, changes in both body and lifestyle must be honored. I am no longer a trim, relatively active 5′ 3″ but have morphed into a 5′ 2″ woman who is more plump than trim, and with less pep than I once had (arthritic knees). Classic simplicity is appealing, but I sometimes wonder if I am over-doing my reliance on quiet elegance to the point that my “look” is, well, just boring. I’d love to learn a few more tricks re accommodating the inevitable changes that come with a slightly aging body (!) and finding the right balance so I can feel as if my look is both classic AND interesting! Thanks for listening… 🙂
I read French Chic and started following your blog. I recently turned 53 and though except for 3 kg heavier (now 51kg) than I would like to be, I have sunk into somewhat apathy about my looks.
I started feeling this way which shifted more downhill at 48 when I finally realized I’m invisible to men and the world in general no matter what I look now, good or bad. I feel like I have lost my value on society, despite maintaining very good skin and figure and hair.
Also, the corporate world is happier to employ and pay young blondes a lot more than they would me.
I am following this blog to get some inspiration.
Madame, I implore you not to let anyone make you feel as though you are not of value. Your value is beyond calculation, and not dependent on men or corporations. But you must learn to value yourself!
Hi Jacquie, I’m so sorry to hear you’re feeling this way. I remember feeling much the same way around my 50th birthday, and I think many of us have been there. I hope that we can help you get your confidence back and that you go out and rock the world!
Ah, but this is my idea of perfection! Incredibly chic, and allowing all your own beauty to shine through. You are never boring, but always inspiring. Thank you!
It’s so funny. Despite all the color I wear, this is still one of my favorite go to looks. I have a very similar look already set up to post on Wednesday, it is not boring to me. I wear it even when the sun is hot and the sky is clear. You always look great, Susan.
You could never be boring…I quite like simple outfits, those that are comfy and appropriate for our activities. Having renovated our home on and off over the past 38 years I understand how you may be feeling a little burnt out! Your kitchen looks amazing btw.
And that coffee machine is very impressive!
I think after a few years of conscientiously working to streamline your closet and keep only the best stuff …you hit a plateau. Everything goes together, you feel comfortable in everything, your closet feels like a friendly place to create your outfit for the day. It is not about impressing others, but feeling good in your own skin… and the clothing you have chosen carefully. I say, you are at a good place, enjoy putting your energy on other creative projects such as your house and traveling.
That said, I love to buy a fresh spring color in a top, earrings, maybe a scarf to lighten up the core wardrobe. I mostly wear black and red and spring brings a fresh breeze of pastels to choose from and enjoy. Doesn’t have to be a major purchase, but does have to pull together in a new outfit or two.
It must be tricky, being a fashion blogger who is not devoted to costumes and “statements” and generally showing off. But because of this, and the intelligence of your personal style choices, you inspire those of us who aren’t shopaholics, don’t need to be ogled, know pretty much who we are and who like a fresh, clean look. So thanks!
LOVE the bag!!!
I love simplicity.
And a great handbag!
I’ve been needing a little more simplicity lately as well! So lovely that we all get to define simple for ourselves. Boring? No! Streamlined? Yes. Enjoy your reset, and the mental break that it will give you…
Gracious Sweet Susan. You always look smart and pulled together. The Carmel bag could come in lots of price points, bracelet cute hair makeup too. You aren’t bored you just have it together!! Your fashion life is complete for now. AND home remodels can just kill the brain power!! Hang tough!! PS Criticizing the bag price sounds (French word) “jalou”.
Dear Susan, thank you for hitting a special niche in the fashion blogosphere:) I find your approach to classic yet stylish outfits and packing an inspiration. I would LOVE for you to go into more details on editing a closet. I have been collecting a mishmash of items over the years of varying styles, moods, whims, etc. After a capsule wardrobe approach to packing, I feel I could use some guidance about how to pare down my closet “Susan Style”. Looking forward to your next post…. xo
I read a variety of blogs ( diff topics ) and some of them are personal style blogs. I read blogs where the writer is very colourful and has a style motto of ‘more is more’ and I read blogs where the writer leans more in the less is more direction. I can admire them all for different reasons and if I wanted to I could be critical for different reasons. My own style is closer to yours, my budget very tiny and my lifestyle very simple. I recently wrote about how my own simple style could be construed as boring by some and chic by others and that it doesn’t matter. If anyone looks at someone who is simply dressed and assumes she is a boring person that is their loss and lack of imagination. If anything, I tend to look at someone highly styled and abundantly decorated and suspect that she is trying to compensate for something. Personal style is interesting and fun but I like to believe there is so much more to me and to others.
I enjoy your blog and your style!
I loved this, so honest and refreshing! I follow your blog but can’t be bothered to dress smartly everyday. Since I retired, after giving all my work clothes to the charity shop I live in jeans. I thought your “ simp,e “ look was very chic!
Time for a style re-set here, too. I just haven’t had the mental room this year to do much creative dressing, so it’s been jeans/tunic since January.