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.
Jennifer, you knocked it out of the park with each outfit. So classy and so fresh. Your attention to detail is what curates each look. I often channel my inner Jennifer lately as I have achieved a much more comfortable weight and need to shop my new size. Thanks for the inspiration as I navigate heading to 65 years young!
Thank you Cheryl!
I really like this kind of post. They give us a glimpse into your day to day life which is not that different from many of ours, I think, and they help us see how we can put together outfits that work well with what we already have in our closets. Thank you!
My pleasure Elaine. Shopping my closet is truthfully, my favorite kind of shopping. It means I’ve chosen well and know what works for me.
Warmer weather with dresses and skirts are on the way – and panty hose is so unappealing. What suggestions do you have for older very white legs?
Self tanner or leg makeup. I have some suggestions here Best Self Tanners and Leg Makeup for Mature Skin
Hi, Jennifer. I’m coming late to the party due to work, but I made it. I loved all your outfits but my favorites were Tuesday’s linen separates with the flower pin and then your Saturday outfit. I have a couple of flower pins from a New York company that has been a family business since 1916 that remind me of the corsages my Dad would get my sisters and me for special occasions. I am going to check out Sarah Cavender’s brooches because I adore the ones you’ve shared with us. I also love all your hats, being a hat lover myself. Also, my 30-something niece said I should pass along her “Thank you very much” because she has been following your advice to “wear what makes you feel beautiful” since I mentioned it to her when we were shopping together last summer. Her style is completely different from mine but is perfect for her. She stands taller, smiles more, and her confidence has simply blossomed. She is also my regular shopping buddy now. I also need to tell you “Thank you very much, Jennifer” because your advice and recommendations have been invaluable. I am no longer the invisible woman.
I am so happy to hear that Christine. Thank you for letting me know. This is why I work as hard as I do on AWSL! To help women look and feel their best. Bravo to you and your niece.
Thanks for showing what you wore all week. Love seeing your different combinations! You look like you care about you wear and still look comfortable and appropriate.
Thanks Susan. I do care and consider dressing well is a form of self care.
I hope you continue with What I Wore Last Week posts : I really find them useful . You had some great tips for every outfit. Your hair is also looking fabulous . Any posts on thinning hair is also greatly appreciated. Are you still using rogaine ? We will be moving to a retirement community in 1 year from country living. I will have to amp up my game and get dressed for the day . I am looking forward to it !
I’m still taking oral minoxidil and don’t plan to ever stop. It’s been a miracle for me. It’s exciting to move and have a new adventure. Good luck.
Thank-you so much for answering my question . One month ago at the suggestion of my dermatologist , I started on a nightly routine of applying Vichy fortifying treatment . I have not seen any improvement . Oral minoxidil will be my next plan. Can I ask the dose you are taking ?
I’m taking 1/2 of a 2.5 mg tab each day. Very low dose and it works!! Nothing topical works as well for me, including topical minoxidil.
I love the three necklaces. I agree, it’s just right. Someday I will figure out how to layer my jewelry. I just can never get it right.
Just toss them on and play a bit until it feels right
As a nurse, I was only allowed to wear stud earrings with my scrubs. The scrubs had to be turned into the laundry in the morning after my shift. I usually showered and put my pajamas on, breakfast and bed. Jeans and tees got me to the locker room to change into scrubs. My life was like that for 30 years. So now I rarely wear jewelry except earrings. I have a linen outfit like yours and love the cool comfort. I usually wear a blue or turquoise tee with it. I never wear black unless it is slacks. I pretty much live in jeans and tees with a chambray or denim shirt as a topper. I can’t wait to get my Chicos no iron linen shirt like yours and your SIL. Mine is the Paradise Spring blue which I love. My gift card paid all but $12! Thank you again. What an unexpected surprise.
Awesome!! That blue is beautiful
Love the new what I wore last week, helpful for inspiration. Also find myself dialing down at times on accessories but never earrings, feel they finish an outfit, if necessary to not overwhelm I use a small stud. I have gotten used to a crossbody for convenience but am using your tip to change my bag every few days. I have found bags in my closet I forgot I owned! Some of your vendors are pricey for me but I have purchased some key pieces from Nic and Zoe and Frank and Eileen and love budget friendly Quince and Caslon. I am feeling much more confident in my appearance at 76!
That’s awesome! It’s a shame to waste our nice things. Bring them out and use them.
Love seeing your outfits for the week. Your hair looks so cute on Monday. I laughed at your comment on not changing clothes when you get home- I am the same way, and my shoes come off immediately, but I probably carry it a little further by not changing until bedtime! I don’t change into loungewear or a robe. I hate changing clothes, and shopping and trying on clothes, so your blog saves me tons of in person shopping! I’ve had a thing about denim on denim unless there was a big shade difference but your Saturday outfit showed me that’s not necessary, especially with a tee underneath and a statement belt. Thank you!
A-Plus week of outfits! 🤩 You looked great everyday! 👍
Thanks Judie. I know my taste is not to everyones liking, but since I love people watching, I thought this might seem similar.
Great outfits as always! I love you shortened your skirt! I recently cut off the hems of black
Wide leg pants that are so comfy but just too long. I figured if it failed. they were already a fail because I couldn’t wear them. They are a knit so the raw edge works great. I will admit I took it from my 16 year old granddaughter. One of her fav pants for dance practice have the raw edge..lol.
Really love your linen 2 piece set!
Good for you!!
The linen and black tee outfit looks wonderful on you. I am inspired to see what I own that approximates it! And since I hate to change clothes once dressed unless we are going somewhere fancy during the evening, I rarely change clothes once dressed. But we have removed our shoes when we enter our house for probably 30 or 40 years. Someone looking at our carpeting after 30 years once said that it looked unworn and the best thing I could think of is that we took our shoes off when we entered the house. And the quote from Chanel is wonderful but I also read a quote ostensibly from Chanel that a little bit of bad taste adds spice now and then!
I agree with her other quote too. I think it’s important that we experiment and have fun with our outfits
I love seeing your outfits for the week. You always look so put together. We’ve been going to baseball and soccer games on Saturdays too but are still wearing winter coats in WA state. I always try to coordinate accessories and remove one too. Love Coco Chanel.
I change bags every month – always a neutral
I always look for crossbody, especially for shopping.
Why make life harder than it is?