Jumping Ahead
Trying to create outfit posts this time of year is always a challenge. While much of the hemisphere is gearing up for Fall, in Southern California we’re just now heading into the warmest weeks of the year. And it usually doesn’t start to cool down until late October. But I want to share some of my Fall Finds while they’re still available, so will be styling a few pieces even if it’s still too warm to wear them here. (And when it does finally does cool off, I’ll have some workable transitional season outfits ready to go.)
Jacket | Necklace | Necklace | Top | Bracelet | Pants | Bag | Sandals
I’m really impressed with this faux-suede jacket! The quality is quite good, as is the fit. (I’m wearing 0 Petite. Chico’s has their own sizing system; this corresponds to 4-6P in standard sizing.) And it’s machine washable!
The gold layered necklaces are both from French Kande’s FK Petite collection. These are lightweight and perfect for everyday wear.
Taking a shot at Fall’s “tonal dressing” trend, I decided to go with a croc-embossed bag to add some texture and visual interest.
I haven’t had much luck finding non-denim pants that are in my color palette, and in a style that works for me. So much of what’s currently available is either too full, too wide, or too high in the rise. These are what I’ve found so far, and I still have a couple other styles on order to try.
My weight’s crept up about 5 pounds in the last year, and I can really see it in how my clothes are fitting. Yes, I’ve added some muscle since starting Pilates a year ago, but I don’t think I’ve added that much. 😆 I’ve been a bit lackadaisical about trying to drop those pounds. But now that I’m looking to revamp my wardrobe, I think this is a good time to address it. A few people I know have had good results with FASTer Way to Fat Loss, so I’m giving that another go. (I started it last year, but dropped out after a few weeks.)
The sandals are probably a bit more rugged than I’d like for this outfit, but I have yet to find anything better that’s as comfortable.
Have you started planning your transitional season outfits yet?
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I really like those colors on you, and they work so well together. I find it difficult to get browns to play nicely together. As soon as one has the least cool undertone, the others look orangey. You have a good eye–I would think two pieces would work, only to get home and discover they were a big fail.
We are having our first cool day of fall and it’s the first time in months I’ve even thought about a sweater.
Thanks very much! It’s really helped me to have a color palette to follow…makes combining so much easier!
Un million de merci for your Red Leopard share! I follow them on Instagram now. Pure Joy and I love the scarves they have by https://ivananohel.com/ .. how gorgeous.
Well worth a shout out!
Very nice! You look so much nicer without those blue jeans all the time!
I don’t know if you meant it this way, but that could be read as a backhanded compliment. I’m pretty sure that Susan wears what she likes, and if she wears a lot of blue jeans it’s because she likes them. “Look so much nicer” makes it into an external judgement rather than discourse about style and personal preference.
Just wanted to respond…I didn’t take any offense. I know some people don’t like or wear denim jeans as much as I do. 😉
I love the Chicos jacket, it looks fabulous on you! but wish they had it in black or gray……warm colors do nothing for me. I have learned over the years that even though I love the way beiges and warm browns look on everyone else, they just don’t work with my wardrobe and my winter pallette :~(.
Susan, you make putting together a tonal look so easy to do. And, I know it’s not as mentioned by Taste of France. When I try to do it everything looks blah. This is a fabulous outfit!
Thanks very much, Katrinka!
They have a black faux leather (as opposed to suede) jacket just out too. And the “Vintage Brown” jacket (Susan’s color) also comes in something called “Duchess Blue.”
I have my eye on the longer black faux leather jacket! The Duchess Blue is a little too bright for me.
I have and love the Chico’s camel jacket. For the commenter looking for cooler tones, there is a black one cut along the same lines, but in faux leather, not suede. I have that one also, and love it too. Susan’s also comes in a rich blue. After a long hiatus from Chico’s (it looked nice on friends but was too embellished/boho for my classic wardrobe), I have been shopping there again. They have absolutely wonderful basics – check out their Juliet pants and their no stain, no iron blouses in various sleeve lengths and many gorgeous colors and elegant stripes or geometrics. The quality of everything I have purchased is excellent, especially for this price point. Sales are frequent and often are a significant percentage off the entire store.
I never shop at Chico’s, at least partly because there are no mirrors in the dressing rooms! That just irritates me. Plus, as you mentioned, I felt their pieces were too “embellished”. Maybe I should give them another look, though.
I’ve been seeing some good basic pieces on their website lately…am going to visit the store later this week.
I have a pair of those pants on order…will report back! 🙂
Love everything about this outfit and how great it looks on you. Unfortunately, in North Carolina we are still at 90 degree days with high humidity, so the thought of putting on long pants and a jacket is just beyond feasible. My daughter and I are SO tired of our summer clothes and long for a change to autumn wear like your outfit. Is anyone else feeling this way?
Me in Houston!!! Temps in the mid-90s every day, and humid. Envious of people who are starting to wear jackets and long pants!
Thanks Memee! I understand that end-of-season malaise…hope some cooler weather heads your way soon.
Hi, Susan, You mentioned 5 pounds creeping up on you…join the club of aging! Has happened to me also and is frustrating (most is in my belly area which I never had before). Have been a bit remiss in my exercise routine so that doesn’t help. And the clothing…I’m a lover of Chicos Bridget pants that have a special smoothing layer to hide the belly. Love that jacket and think I will have to add it to my list! Still quite warm in PA…not ready for our harsh winters. Enjoy your lovely weather.
Hi Jannie, thanks! I find I can never lose with exercise alone…always need to adjust my food.
This is beautiful, Susan! You’ve stayed true to your colors and style without looking overdone, and that’s not always an easy task. This jacket is warm without limiting undertones. I’m an autumn and it works well with my coloring, too.
Thanks very much, Elizabeth!
I’d wear this outfit in a heartbeat, Susan. I’m glad you’re showcasing the FK Petite Collection. Um, may have to add the chunkier necklace to my cart!
Thanks so much, Kimberly! I love these lighter necklaces, so easy to wear!
Lovely outfit. It looks so good on you. I have done FWTFL and had good results. I’m on round two now and wish you good luck with it.
Thanks very much, stephanie!
Shoes are perfect with the outfit. Less fussy than a more “tailored” shoe so fits the casual pants and more relaxed look
Thanks, Kathy!
I’ll say just one word on the weight issue – Orangetheory. It’s intense and it works! I was walking and doing light weights at least three times a week for the past eight years and once I hit 50 (four years ago), I instantly began gaining. Nothing I could do including eating even healthier than I had been, increasing protein, or limiting wine worked – but Orangetheory has. The secret is high intensity cardio (broken into manageable intervals) and heavy weights. Of course, this can all be achieved on your own too. It takes motivation and the willingness to be “uncomfortable” during exercise but I promise you, done right, this type of exercise works.
I’m a fan of Orange Theory Fitness too! I go 3 times a week and it has tightened up my core and given me upper arms I can bare in sleeveless tops. I haven’t lost weight but stopped gaining and have more energy.
Love the petite necklaces on you! I am on round 2 with FWTFL and I really like it. I did go on vacation a couple weeks ago and it was hard but its a doable program. Good luck to you!
Thanks Jen! I’m in a good place to do the FWFL program now, as we don’t have any more travel planned for several weeks.
Did you have the Moto jacket tailored? I tried it on Friday and the cut was “off” lots of fabric under the arms and the sleeves seemed too wide. Nice jacket however and looks great on you!
Jan
Hi Jan, no alterations done, this is right off the rack. Thanks!
Susan, this outfit is amazing on you, and I like the sandals with it. This is a “study” in how to style tone on tone beautifully! I’ve admired your style for months (even though I’m a “classic” with what used to be called “Winter” coloring); I learn so many tips and tricks from you.
Faster Way to Fat Loss is amazing. I highly recommend doing at least the first session; then you can take it on your own as I did. I started 2 yrs ago at age 56 and didn’t do the exercises, just strictly followed the food plan. I lost 15 lbs, am back to size 10 (my size in high school although things have, um, moved around a bit since then), and my tailor marvels with me at what a difference FWFL has made in my body. My tailor has certainly benefited financially from this, ha ha!
Please keep up the wonderful columns, which I look forward to each morning!
Thanks so much, Michelle! I’m really committed to following through with FWFL this time, and even on day 4 I already feel better and less bloated!
I envy those who can wear fall colors in Fall My coloring is so cool and mousey soft. Grey all the time. I sympathize with the weight issue. Have gone back to Weight Watchers now known as WW. It works for me. Love your new gold French Kande necklaces. Perfect on you!
Thanks, Marguerite! Sounds like you may be a Summer. I’m seeing a lot of your soft and pretty colors in the shops at the moment.
What a beautiful autumn colors, love the bag and the necklaces too!
Thanks, Nancy!
Love this entire outfit. You look gorgeous!
Thanks very much, Darling Lily!
Well, good to see the blue jeans replaced!!! The jacket, though, is too slouchy and I still believe that for your shape long over lean is still “ de rigeur”. Colors work well, but with this outfit a loafer (leopard?) would do it some justice and would add some punch to a safe yet very conservative look.
Heh! I knew you were going to say that about the jeans.
Love this outfit on you, Susan. The colours are perfect. Sorry about this comment, but I think that booties in a soft coloured suede would look better with this outfit. However, you have hot weather where you are & it has been quite cool here in Canada, west of Toronto. I couldn’t imagine wearing booties in hot climates! Give yourself a pat on the back for changing your look and for going with this new colour range.
Thanks, Elizabeth! I would definitely add booties to this look; they just feel a bit too warm and heavy at the moment.
You look great! I love the shorter jackets on you. With your weather I’m sure that a light jacket with sandals works often. It does where I live also. And why is it so difficult to find pants that are between jeans and dress pants? Something casual but not denim. Hard to find. As far as creeping weight gain I think I am going back to low carb. Less sugar helps me keep weight off my middle.
Thanks, Rondi, and yes I hear you about the pants! It’s hard to find styles that are simple but not too “office-y”.
Very nice Susan! Style journey continues…
Weight. Ugh. I found low carb, healthy fats, plenty of lean protein, exercise and mindfulness meditation worked. Lost 20 pounds over 4 months. I started with a program here in Marin where I had to see a coach every week and get weighed. It was pricey, but life changing.
Thanks very much, Nicole! Glad you found something that’s worked for you.
I love this look, Susan. You’re so talented – well done! I’m a shorty and find that wearing cuffs on shorts or trousers doesn’t help the cause to try to look taller! I wonder if you might re-capture the full length photo with and without ‘cuffs’, post it and ask everyone what they think?
Hi Suz, thanks! I’m a shorty too at 5’1″ 😉 . I cuffed the pants because they’re a little too long currently, am going to have them shortened.
It’s still so hot where I live. It will be at least six weeks before we get to cooler weather. I am starting to cast longing looks at my drawers of fall/winter sweaters…
I think your outfit works great for you. It really illustrates how the textured bag can add interest when the colors are all very tonal and close. Always learn something from you!
Thanks so much, Cinzia!
Just want to offer encouragement as someone who has been trying for 30 years to dress well with warm “autumn” coloring. It can be done and can be great, but it is never as easy as wearing black, grey, navy, blue denim, and pure white. It’s as if the fashion industry has conspired to make all the basics and “classics” in just those colors, which–added bonus!–all work with each other. Other frustrations: the best time to find one’s warm colors in stock tends to be during summer and autumn, while black and white, etc., are “seasonless,” and spring may offer little except reds and blues. There’s also the difficulty of achieving with a warm color the simple elegance and drama of black (although Eileen Fisher’s “cassis” is excellent). While all-black is chic, all brown is not. And “you can’t go wrong” in black or grey but most certainly can in orange, teal, gold, green. And most blacks can mix together–don’t try that with brown!
The fashion dominance of the cool palette can seem a bit unfair and burdensome, but making an effort to wear the right colors has flattering rewards. Thankfully, faded blue jeans, whatever their tone, remain a perfect base for almost any color top. These are my observations over time. Best of luck with your adventure!
Yes, yes, yes! I think we’ve also been trained to believe that cool, dark colors are more slimming and chic. And I’m with you on the faded jeans…I wear them often because they really do go with everything! And thank you.
Thanks for showing something from Chicos.
They have incredible quality for the money.
Glad you like it! I used to have a lot from Chico’s a few years ago, but then they seemed to go in a really embellished direction, and it was just too much for me. But they seem to have some good basic pieces, so I’m taking another look.
I am in the process of losing weight (25 lbs. since January) and the secret is no added sugar and low carbs. Myfitnesspal.com helps me track, not only my calories, but the set amount for each food group. I only eat the natural sugar found in fruits and vegetables. I walk 5-8 miles most days and use the elliptical trainer when it’s bad weather. The real challenge will be if I can maintain my weight while spending a month in France! Leaving Sunday with 30 RX bars in my suitcase 🙂
I almost never gain weight in France, even though we eat much more than we do at home. I think that’s usually because we walk enough to offset. But this summer, I did gain a pound or so because it was too hot to do a lot of walking.
oh, I LOVE RX bars. they’re the only non-candy-like protein bars that really carry me several hours. good for you for walking almost every day. I try to get in exercise 4+ x per week but it’s always a struggle. I keep telling myself it will be easier when I retire.
I have a couple of things: I was in Chicos last Friday and happened to try this jacket on. For me at 5’4″ and size 1 there, the jacket was too long and the sleeves were a great length but kind of a lot of material but the sales lady said if I ordered a petite the sleeves would be 1.5 inches shorter!
I really want this jacket but while it look tremendous on Susan, I’m just having a visual problem with it.
Next, I have been living a ketogenic lifestyle for over a year now. I am over 65. I’m 30 pounds lighter, tons of energy, clear mind, and no gastric reflux. No bars. Nothing but real food including “fake” sugar that is real because I use only monk fruit. Anyway…I raise this because now I can be excited about fashion again and not feel or look thick and heavy and old!
Hi Jan, I think we all have to take our own proportions into account. I’m broad through the shoulders, so maybe that’s why this jacket worked for me?
You always look lovely, Susan. While, I don’t know much about the “season colors”, I can’t help but notice that you look very washed out in this photo. Could be the photo, I know, but there is little distinction from your face and your clothing. I say this respectfully, honestly. In your “stay in touch” photo above, you are wearing a green sweater and scarf. You look 10 years younger in that photo. Just sayin….
I was thinking the same thing-in the stay in touch photo, her face glows like a lovely portrait, but in the recent outfits, the color of the clothes is what my eye goes to, and Susan’s head and face just sort of blend into the background. Some years ago when color palettes and personal seasons were also very big, hair color definitely was a factor to be considered in determining seasons. I also remember being advised that some colors in the palette would not be as flattering as others, based on the intensity or delicacy of one’s coloring, including hair color, and to discard those colors that were too soft or too strong. Susan’s fair skin and blond hair would look lovely in Spring’s light clear yellows, aquas, peaches, leaf greens, and reds, but the currently popular golds, oranges, and tans seem too close to Autumn’s palette for someone so fair. As she feels her way through this transition, I am looking forward to seeing her experiment with other sections of the Spring palette.
Hi Shelilah, I’m looking forward to experimenting with them too! 🙂 I’ve been limited by what’s available in current collections; hopefully Spring collections will offer more color choices.
You look adorable, head to toe. If I had warmer coloring like you, I would take full advantage of the fact that earth tones are so popular this year.
Thanks so much, Anne!