What I Wore Last Week: Polished Everyday Style for Women Over 60
Personal style isn’t something you figure out once and then file away like an old recipe card. Mine keeps shifting…sometimes because I discover a fabric or cut that feels just right, and sometimes simply because I’m in the mood to shake things up. That’s the beauty of polished everyday style for women over 60…it can adapt to whatever the day brings, while still feeling like you. It keeps me curious and gives me plenty of excuses to fuss over details… which I consider a life skill, not a flaw.
I share plenty of dressing room try-ons and curated style roundups here, but those are ideas and possibilities. Today, I’m showing you what actually left the house with me last week. These are real outfits that worked for everything from a muddy forest walk with my grandson (white sneakers? not a chance) to lunch with my daughter.
And yes, there was one morning when I stood in my closet longer than I care to admit, weighing the merits of two nearly identical belts. Old habits die hard.
Think of this as a peek into my style in motion…comfortable, polished, and still evolving, with just enough room for a little experimentation.
A Week of Real-Life Outfits for Women Over 60
A Casual Summer Outfit That Still Feels Put-Together
For a relaxed day with my grandson, who we were thrilled came up to visit, I wore my J.Crew Factory cotton gauze shirt (size M) with their wide-leg crop jeans in a darker wash. The cotton is super soft and comfy, but it still looks pulled together. The wide legs gave me that breezy, easy-going vibe I like for summer and enough freedom of movement for crouching down to inspect suspicious-looking mushrooms, which is apparently an essential part of any forest walk.
I started the day in my Paul Green Carly low-tops, but swapped them for dark Hokas before we hit the forest. White sneakers on muddy trails are just asking for heartbreak… or at least an evening spent scrubbing with a toothbrush. A simple suede belt kept things looking intentional, and my Sézane basket bag added a touch of charm, even if it was more “farmers market” than “fungal field research.”
Double Denim with a Modern Twist
For a day of shopping and lunch with my daughter, I wore my J.Crew Factory chambray shirt with M.M.LaFleur ’90s black jeans. I’ve always liked a double denim look, but pairing chambray with black gives it a modern edge.
My Ecco Soft 7 slip-ons were perfect for logging plenty of steps without looking like I’d dressed for a gym run. I carried a lightweight quilted tote from Kohl’s that fit my essentials and a few “finds” I didn’t plan on buying (the danger of browsing). Accessories were kept simple — Yurman cable hoop earrings, a silver-buckled belt, and a bracelet — just enough to keep the eye moving and the outfit from feeling too one-note.
The whole look struck that sweet spot I’m always aiming for: relaxed, but clearly intentional.
Comfortable and Stylish: My Go-To Road Trip Look
For a quick drive south, I went with my Talbots no-iron white shirt and Pistola Monroe straight-leg jeans. The crisp shirt makes me feel instantly pulled together, while the jeans are forgiving enough to sit in for hours without leaving those dreaded chair creases behind.
On my feet, Papillio platform wedge sandals were an easy slip-on choice with a bit of lift. I added a lightweight polka-dot silk scarf for a dash of personality and a little sun protection. My earrings were delicate mother-of-pearl teardrops…light enough that I forget I’m wearing them, which is exactly what I want on a long day.
I carried my small zippered Cuyana tote. It didn’t exactly match, but the zipper wins every single time when I’m traveling. Note to self: if they ever bring it back in navy or teal, I’ll be first in line.
Easy Coastal Style for Everyday Wear
For a breezy day by the water, I wore my Quince cotton gauze shirt in indigo (size small) with Eileen Fisher straight-leg jeans. The gauze has that relaxed, just-breezy-enough feel I love, and the jeans give the outfit a clean, polished base…exactly what you want when you’re aiming for comfortable but still refined.
My Paul Green blue suede sneakers added a sporty touch and handled uneven sidewalks without complaint. I carried my small zippered Cuyana tote again — still wishing it came in black, navy, or gray, but since it worked with my belt, I let it slide.
Silver cable hoops, a chunky link necklace, and a narrow silver-buckled taupe belt tied everything together. Ray-Ban sunglasses topped it off, because there’s no reason to squint if you don’t have to.
Mixing Graphite, Marine, and Black for a Chic Day Out
This look started with my Vince scoop-neck top in graphite, paired with straight-leg black jeans for a sleek, simple foundation. I added my Eileen Fisher ponte knit blazer in marine blue that’s structured enough to feel polished, but soft enough to fold into my tote once the day warmed up.
On my feet, my new Margaux NY Phoebe Mary Janes. Since I own several pairs from the brand, I was confident enough to wear them straight out of the box for a full day… starting with hours of shopping and ending with dinner out. They come in sizes 4–13, with narrow, medium, and wide widths, and my wides were comfortable from first step to last.
Accessories were straightforward: my Lagos long pendant necklace, cable hoop earrings, and Warby Parker Pippa sunglasses. The mix of silver and soft shapes kept the outfit cohesive, while the colors made it versatile enough to carry me through an entire day without a change.
Easy Black Layers for Shopping and Dinner by the Shore
For a day spent doing dressing room try-ons before heading to dinner by the shore, I wore my Eileen Fisher bubble crew neck top in black with her cotton poplin wide-leg pants, also in black. Monochrome makes me feel instantly polished and it’s forgiving under fluorescent store lighting, which is a kindness not to be underestimated.
On my feet, Ecco Sculpted sandals gave me just enough lift to feel put together while still comfortable enough for repeatedly stepping in and out of shoes, pants, and my own patience. And yes, my Cuyana tote made another appearance. It’s the bag that looks like it won’t go with anything but somehow works with everything…like a fashion magic trick I don’t intend to question.
Wrap-Up
Looking back over the week, I can see how much I rely on clothes that let me move through the day without a second thought. Whether it was muddy trails, hours of shopping, or standing in a dressing room debating if I really needed another pair of black pants, these outfits worked just as hard as I did.
I’m past the point of chasing trends or dressing for someone else’s version of “stylish.” These days, I want pieces that fit my life, feel good on my body, and can take me from one part of the day to the next without a complete change.
And that small, zippered tote? It quietly turned up for almost every outing — like a dependable friend who never needs an invitation.
I agree with others…enjoy seeing your outfits in the”wild” (that cracked me up!) I always pick up something useful from all your posts. Wouldn’t have thought to put graphite, marine and black together so…thx! And I’m sure I NEED one of those puckered tops. Both look really good on you.
There are lots of options for those tops. Tomorrrow I’m sharing a few from Loft!
You dress like I do! Except for the black. I wear navy instead. I hate when I look like a zombie! Otherwise, I love wider leg or straight soft jeans in medium to dark washes. So far it is just too hot to wear jeans. I’m still in a light weight pale striped tee and flax linen pants. I can’t wait until it is cool enough to wear jeans and long sleeve shirts. I love how you dress in the wild! I’m still in linen or gauze until it is below mid 80s. Please continue to be you and please share your life in the wild when you feel like. Elizabeth’s River cruise sounds wonderful and I hope she will share her experiences with all of us. Your suggestions were quite good. The weather and usual temperatures there are important. She will probably need a light packable rain jacket. A knit blazer like yours in navy or black would be handy as well. Have a good week everyone! Sydney from Colorado!
I love the sound of her cruise too! Thanks for being here Sydney, and happy Monday!
I laughed when you said you love double denim. It is my favorite look, but I was often teased about wearing a “Canadian tuxedo”. I’m excited that it is so popular again. I’m also looking for great western style boots for the fall. Since it will be 104 degrees today, I’m shopping with my fingers on the laptop! Have you seen any great boots?
I haven’t seen many yet. The Nsale had a few but I was unimpressed. I’ll be keeping an eye out for some. I love all of my Canadian tuxedos 🙂
Jennifer,
Do you have many clothes? Like # of jeans/pants/tops/ sweaters ? Do you hang or fold ? Do you follow a 1 in 1 out rule ? Does it all fit in 1 closet. How do you keep it all curated?. Can be so frustrating.
If you wouldn’t mind sharing.
Thank you
I always seem to have too many clothes because brands send me so many things. I clean out and donate clothes every few months. My jeans are folded over a hanger here in Vancouver and hung straight on skirt hangers in California. This closet is teeny so I have to edit heavily. My sweaters are usually folded in a drawer here, and hung on flocked hangers in CA. Jeez…I never realized how different my storage systems are until now!
I noticed that in the picture where you are wearing the Mary Jane’s, the shape of the shoe shows skin and it gives your whole outfit a flattering look.
Finally…So happy I found your blog! Someone who actually understands real life and wearing good looking pulled together outfits that are (1) not fussy (2) not over the top or glitzy (3) actually what an active woman would wear!
Thank you for tucking in shirts, layering, and wearing clothes that fit. You are an inspiration. I’m 67, active and lead a pretty casual life (meaning I don’t have to dress up often). I appreciate your take on aging gracefully.
Welcome Nan! I’m so glad you’ve joined us. You will love this community!
Fun post that I always look forward to reading. I splurged on the Eileen Fisher jeans! Take care and enjoy the cool coastal weather.
Great post, Jennifer! Question: With your chambray shirt, how did you tuck it in your jeans? That’s a lot of fabric to conceal.
I just tucked the front and smoothed it down as far as it would go. Then I raise my arms to pull a bit up to blouse over my belt.
I absolutely love those blue Paul Green sneakers! You look great in everything you wear. Thanks for sharing.
They’re so comfy I love them too.
I always love to see what you wear out in the wild 😊 it makes me go back and think about the outfits I wore. Thanks for giving us a glimpse of your life.
Happy Monday Rosemary!
This is a great post! I love seeing what you are wearing. You look fabulous & provide so many outfit ideas!
Thank you so much, for stating your style is always shifting. I have everything in my closet from classic to boho, and have always had a mix. Depending on my mood, attitude I can do a polo and jeans one day, and flowy dress the next. It’s refreshing to read that others also shift. Have a blessed week!
I like to shift my look with my mood!
I love your Graphite, Marine, and Black and your black layers looks. You look so well put together and chic!
I had followed Life in My 70’s for a few years but eventually find most of her clothing choices too dressy for my life style, just too precious.
You and your look are much more in line with my “vibe”. Glad I found you!
Welcome Maureen! I live a pretty casual lifestyle and never worked a corporate job so my wardrobe reflects it.
I thoroughly enjoy reading your posts (on every topic) and look forward with anticipation to the next article and photos of outfits. My husband and I are taking our first river cruise in Europe in September. It will be 18 days beginning in Amsterdam and ending in Budapest. I am having a difficult time planning my wardrobe for this trip. I always over pack and truly want to learn how to simplify my choices. Do all the tops need to be solid colors? I was planning on 9 tops for daytime (wearing each one twice) plus 3-4 more dressy ones for dinner and 4 pairs of pants (1 each of black, navy, khaki and dark blue jeans). There are no formal nights so everything is casual wear. Looking forward to your response/ideas.
If you love pattern, you should bring a few.
Patterns are more memorable so people may remember them but honestly, does it matter? You’ll never see these people again.
And, I don’t there is any shame in outfit repeating. That does sound like a lot of clothes. You might consider 3 neutral bottoms and remove some tops. Your trip sounds amazing!!
I love the cuyana tote with everything, especially the black outfit! You might check Leatherology’s offerings for a navy tote. Great quality, soft and more slouchy than Cuyana and not pebbled (what holds me back on their stuff. ) I love a vertical tote on my frame and have three colors of the uptown tote. It doesn’t have a zipper (don’t tell my mom!) but it’s deep enough to be secure.
lol, you’re hilarious! I will check them out. I spotted a deep taupe Longchamp leather tote yesterday that stole my heart. It’s also taller than wider.
I wonder if the reason the Cuyana tote works with everything might be because it appears to be so similar to your hair color it doesn’t seem like you are adding an extra color to your outfit? Thank you for sharing your everyday looks. At 73, I am suddenly struggling with looking age-appropriate. Your examples are helpful and appreciated!
Exactly, although this is slightly off. Wearing accessories in our “inherent” (hair, eye, skin) colors always work.
Good Morning Jennifer. Love everything about this post. Thanks for taking time to share. And I especially love those Paul Green blue suede sneakers = wow. I have a tote I bought years ago at Nordstrom, I simply don’t know what I’d do without it. So, am currently searching for totes for Christmas Gifts. Don’t know if I’ll spend as much as the Cuyana, but everyone needs a good tote. And love your quote “dependable friend that never needs an invitation”.
Good morning-
I am new to your blog and I love your honesty and your humor! I laugh and take note of many things you say and show.
I’ve noticed that you tuck in your shirt and wear belts.
Is that a personal preference or a style thing? Maybe I’ve just gotten lazy. I can’t remember the last time I wore a belt 🙂
Thank you
I look forward to hearing from you.
Julie Thiel
Welcome! I think it polishes an outfit plus if pants have belt loops, I believe they should be filled either with a silk scarf or belt. They look unfinished otherwise. Tucking also helps my legs look longer and looks closer to the 1/3 – 2/3 proportion ratio that looks most pleasing.
Fantastic just what everyone needs
Clothes that fit our lifestyle but gives us a finished look