What I Wore Last Week: Spring Outfits That Worked for Real Life
This week, I’m musing about the outfits I wore last week and, in hindsight, reflecting on the Coco Chanel tactic I’m finding helpful. Interestingly, I did not wear denim every day. It was close, but because our temperatures yoyoed each day, I had to switch things up.
Last week, a reader asked if I changed into sweats when I came home or before I cooked dinner. The answer is no. Once I get dressed for the day, I stay dressed except for removing my shoes when I come into the house. If it’s my night to make dinner, I wear an apron.
I believe our clothes need to survive our life and not be treated like something precious…unless they are a delicate fabric, which I don’t seem to own. Your wardrobe needs to work for your style, aesthetics, and lifestyle.
Cashmere Tee and Denim Skirt
Here’s what I wore on Monday. Nothing exciting was on my agenda, but I knew I’d be running to the mall and the grocery store to stock up on food for my sister-in-law’s arrival.
It wasn’t warm or cold, so my new J.Crew cashmere tee was a perfect weight. I’ve been wearing Quince cashmere tees for several years and find them a perfect option for spring. To be honest, I prefer the Quince color selection, but I was curious to try the more relaxed sleeves at J.Crew…and I like them.
I tucked the tee into my Frank & Eileen denim skirt and added a simple black belt. The skirt arrived last summer measuring 37″ long, which was almost to my ankles, so I cut around the bottom and removed about 7″ to make the proportion better for me. That’s one of the benefits of unfinished hems; you can easily customize them yourself. I added this black cashmere cardigan around my shoulders, carried my black shoulder bag, and tied the accessories together with my black espadrilles.
I added my favorite cable hoop earrings and a necklace, but when I looked in the mirror, I saw that the necklace was too much, so I skipped it. It was Coco Chanel who famously advised, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory”. Funny enough, several times this week, I have needed to remove an accessory, but one time, I actually added something.
I felt casual but polished in this outfit because the colors all jibed. The eye travels up the black accessories and jams to a halt at my face, which may not be ideal, but it works for me. The next time I wear this combination, I’ll try my black frame glasses.
Linen Shirt and Wide Leg Pants
On Tuesday, I picked my grandson up from school and then took him to batting practice. Afterward, he came over for cards and stayed for dinner.
I wore my Quince short-sleeve linen shirt and wide-leg linen pants together as a set/suit. The shirt stayed open over a simple back tank top, and I added my Talbots leather slides, which have been a comfy favorite for years. The bamboo handle of my woven bag picks up the color of the sandals and adds some nice texture.
Because this outfit was making such a soft, neutral statement, I decided to zhush it up a bit with an old, large floral brooch from one of my favorite artists, Sarah Cavender. I don’t earn a commission from her products, but I want you to see her designs because they’re really unique. You can also find some here on eBay or Artful Home.
I wore small, low-profile Vintage Tiffany earrings and added a thin necklace…but after looking in the mirror, I removed the necklace to allow the pin to make the statement.
Striped Shirtdress and Sneakers
Wednesday was a warm day, so I pulled out this ancient J. Crew striped dress.
I had a dental cleaning appointment and needed to stop by Whole Foods to send some things back to Amazon. Since my bunion was being a stinker and I knew I’d be running around a fair amount, I wore my comfiest white sneakers. These don’t have any orthopedic claims, but I can wear these all day, day after day, and my feet are always happy campers.
Since the dress is a thin cotton, I draped a Talbots cardigan around my shoulders in case I needed some extra warmth. I also really like the chill vibe it gives my outfits, so I’ve been doing it often lately. I carried my Claire V woven bag, which feels so ladylike with its bamboo handle. Have you noticed the different vibe a handheld purse gives your outfits compared to a shoulder bag or crossbody?
I finished my outfit with a large link necklace and drop earrings. I took one look in the mirror and removed the earrings because I just didn’t need them. Thanks again, Coco.
Striped Polo Top and Wide Leg Jeans
Thursday, I picked up my grandson after school so he could visit with my sister-in-law and play card games hour after hour. He killed us at Dominos, but the cards didn’t go his way that day. A rare thing.
I wore my Lands End black and white striped polo shirt with white, wide-leg jeans and my Freda Salvador white woven flats. Since the top has a nicely shaped hemline and isn’t too long, I wore it out and skipped a belt.
I switched to a crossbody bag because I hit both Target and the grocery store in the morning. I prefer to be hands-free when I’m shopping so I can confidently turn my back on the cart and know exactly where my purse is. I wore my favorite bucket hat and chunky silver-toned huggies. Bold earrings with clean lines are still very popular, so I’ve gotten a ton of wear out of mine. I added a Sergio Gutierrez liquid silver mesh bracelet that I found in a boutique many, many years ago, and it’s still sold today. Does that make it a classic? I skipped a necklace because of the crossbody strap.
Denim Shirt, Jeans, and a Big Hat
Saturday was a little league game, and the weather was warm but breezy.
For this outfit, I broke Coco’s theory of accessories and added three necklaces. I can’t explain why it felt right, but it did. I wore my ruffle neck denim shirt open over a white tee and straight-leg jeans. I’ve always been a fan of double denim, and I particularly like it with touches of animal print, so I added my leopard print belt. Mine is from J.Crew, which is on backorder, so I linked a similar one.
I wore my slip-on Ecco sneakers and my big Freya hat that I bought during my trip to Hawaii last year. My handbag went inside my Cuyana tote bag, which carries extra snacks and my water bottle.
I started with my small vintage Tiffany earrings, added my Lagos necklace, and then just kept adding until it felt right. There was no rhyme or reason other than to wear enough to make it seem like a statement necklace.
So some questions for you:
- What makes something classic to you?
- Do you check your outfits for balance and accessory overload before you go out?
- Do you choose a handbag based on feel and/or function?
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
I used to change up my bag to go with my outfits but this past winter I carried a black purse the whole time, then this spring changed to navy. Not sure why I became so lazy. Thank you for the reminder to take the time to change over purses. It makes a big difference to outfits.
I keep my jewelry choices simple. A pair of studs – gold or pearl, a simple gold chain that I wear 24/7 and then, sometimes add another for length, depending on my top. I always wear a nice watch. To me, it is classic.
I totally agree about a nice watch! My strap is loose so I need to get it fixed
Love, love to see your outfits and read your explanations. I need to be more thoughtful about accessories. My jewelry tends to stay in the jewelry box and I only have a few purses that I change on occasion. My gold hoops that I have owned for 35 years are classic to me. I add a silver and gold braided bracelet and that is it. I used to have a gold chain I wore but it broke and I got too busy to fix it.
Bring your jewelry out and wear it. No point in saving it. Enjoy it.
Agree!
Hi Jennifer – I believe you recently asked for input re desired content….
“I never want you to feel that you have to buy new clothes to be stylish and feel confident. My goal with these is to give you a peek into how my mind works, or doesn’t, as I’m putting my outfits together.”
THIS! is exactly what I am looking for in blogs!!!
I realize it’s a conundrum of your income if we aren’t constantly buying, but I am truly trying to reduce my footprint & shop my closet.
I appreciate your “real-ness”.
TR
Bravo! Happily shopping your closet means you’ve nailed your personal style and that is the goal. An overflowing closet helps no one.
I loved your Saturday outfit! You look adorable. I’ve started changing my handbag to coordinate with what I’m wearing. I’ve also started going to smaller bags that aren’t so heavy.
Thanks Laura. It felt fun and a bit “extra” with the dash of leopard and stack of necklaces.
I understand that you want to know our favorite stores so here are mine. I have found the best fitting jeans at Soft Surroundings because they have a wide elastic band. I also love Chico’s, I’ve been shopping there for years. For tops and other items, I probably buy J Jill , more than any other. Their jeans don’t fit me but I find many other items I like there. I have shopped at Talbot’s since 1986 when they opened a store in Louisville Kentucky but I wish they would have more pull-on jeans. Their items are more fitted so I don’t shop there as often as I used to. I’ve been retired for almost 10 years now so I don’t need anything fancy. Thanks for helping me know how to put together a stylish outfit!
Thank you! Soft Surroundings has such fun, creative things. I love J Jill too.
Enjoyed seeing your outfits & reading the explanations. But am wondering if I’m the only one still wearing the same handbag in the winter & a different one in the summer? Unless I’m going to a very dressy event, of course. I find bags i just love & don’t get tired of them after 6 months when it’s time to switch. When I’m traveling I wear a cross-body bag though. I just couldn’t be bothered with switching every day or so.
I find bags fun and my outfits feel fresher when I rotate my bag every few days.
You must be the chicest grandma out there! I love every outfit you put together, and I’ve bought several items that you have recommended:). I’m with the person who asked if you change into sweats-that’s exactly what I do, and I don’t even get very dressed up. I’m going on a river cruise next week and plan on upping my game every day, inspired by you and your beautiful outfits:)
Have a fabulous trip! Those are so fun.
Unlike you I don’t have that many handbags, so my choices are much more limited. The only bags I have that have to be carried are evening bags. I have never gotten into handbags with handles only. Like EP, I’m also minimal on necklaces. I’m shorter than you and am uncomfortable with necklaces that bounce against my ribs.
Jennifer, this post makes me wonder if I’m ruining my outfits because I must ALWAYS wear a cross body bag? I can’t carry a shoulder bag anymore because it throws out my back. If I’m going to an event (rare) I will carry a bag, but my life is errands, grandkids, shopping, etc. I never even thought to omit a necklace because of the strap. Clearly, the cute sweater thrown over the shoulders is out for me. Is this conundrum worth a post? I’d love to explore it more. I wonder how others handle this style issue or do they just not worry about it?
Crossbody bags are very convenient. I love mine but sometimes it’s nice to switch things up.
I really enjoy seeing what you really wore. Love the SC pin.
Isn’t it fun? My Bee pin is hers too.
I like your posts about what you wear. You have some cute selections. I love your comment about when it’s your turn to cook, my husband and I do the same. He has meals he enjoys cooking and I have mine.
I used to do all the cooking but in retirement he’s discovered it’s fun to cook.
I love your hats! I want to feel more comfortable wearing them. I live in New Mexico and the sun can be intense. We just moved here and I’m still trying to figure outntue clothing vibe here.
Hats would be so helpful there! Just toss one on, waltz out the door and try to forget you have it on. It will become a habit and your complexion will thank you for it.
For a long time, I wore backpack style purses. My daughter was in a wheelchair and other purses would fall down or get twisted, and the backpack style was the easiest. Now she’s in an assisted care facility and I’m trying to use my other purses, but find myself returning to the backpack ones the most.
I always enjoy your posts!
Backpacks are so easy, I can see why.
I love your posts showing what you wore. You make such a thoughtful effort every day.
Hi, Jennifer. It was fun seeing what you wore all week! Thank you. As for your handbag question, I have found that function is my most important consideration these days. All of my many bags are crossbody bags because they are so useful. In addition, having my hands free no matter where I go is a safety issue. Finally, putting a bag on a table or the floor or wherever when I am doing something seems unsanitary. So I have switched to all crossbody bags.
I never, ever put my bag in the floor! It’s so dirty, the thought bothers me.
I really benefitted from what you wore last week. I have a casual lifestyle & the post helped me to be stylish with casual clothes. Thank you!!
I’m glad it was helpful!
Would you comment on how you cut the length of the skirt- how you managed to get it even all the way around? Have you trimmed any of the raw hems on the tops? Thanks
I used to sew all my clothes so I found it easy. Open over ironing board and I use a metal tape measure. Snip along a few inches, then spin skirt and place tape measure from bottom up. Snip up to edge of tape measure and spin again. I hope that makes sense. No I’ve never shortened a top that way. I just tuck mine in.
That’s so funny, Jennifer! My mother had always told me to look in the mirror before leaving the house and remove one accessory. I had no idea she got that from Coco! I admire how you change up your handbags frequently. Changing purses is something I just hate to do, so I just tend to carry the same neutral bag for several weeks before changing it up. The only deviation from this is that I’ll switch to a small handbag or clutch when we go out in the evenings.
I used to always carry the same bag but it’s nice to change it up so I get to use ones I love. It also helps keep my contents edited.
As always, love your style and the post. It’s fun to see what someone wore during the week.
Thank you – for real, explaining practical attitude toward clothing!
I love the beige linen set on you! It looks so classy!
I think it’s very tempting, at our age, to want to wear and enjoy a lot of the accessories we have collected or accumulated in our fortunate long lives. However, sometimes it makes us look fussy now that styles have become so casual in general.