we’re well into April. hard to believe, really. and that’s an understatement. time may be going quickly for you or incredibly slow. but before getting going today, i wanted to do a quick check in. how are you all doing? how are your spirits? how are you staying busy? have you exhausted Netflix shows yet? there are so many unintended consequences over the past six weeks, it’s impossible to gauge the true fallout. but we still have to be here for each other. we still have to continue to lift each other’s spirits. as always, the entire crew over here at style at a certain age remain committed to bringing you a daily fashion distraction. but do let us know how you are in the comments below.
because i’m staying home these days, i’ve had a lot of time to continue to peruse our archives. sometimes looking back is a good way to move forward. seems paradoxical, but little reminders of the simple joys in life is never bad. that’s what prompted our what were you doing one year ago today post earlier this week. we got a lot of great responses: you, my readers, were going to weddings, heading out on trips, and enjoying the simple company of family and friends.
in going through the our archives, i was also reminded of my simple fashion pleasures. take blazers. i love blazers. i cannot state that enough. so here’s a blog post from 2019 that highlights my ongoing love affair with blazers. they’re regularly featured on this blog. last fall, we did a blazer blowout as well as compile a guide on different ways to wear them. and as it turns out, a lightweight blazer is a must-have spring item. blazers never go out of style, and neither do blue jeans. they’re a match made in heaven. just add a pair of your favorite denim to a lightweight blazer, and you have an instant summer outfit that’s relaxed yet chic. today’s outfit is channeling one of my favorite classic style icons – the Duchess of Cambridge, and it features a lightweight blazer. living in Georgia with a somewhat mild winter climate, a lightweight blazer sees lots of action. two of my favorite brands that always have a great selection of blazers are J.Crew and Talbots. (both brands are having some pretty nice sales right now too.)
similar denim | similar shirt | similar blazer | similar espadrilles | similar handbag
gingham is a perennial spring favorite. a gingham button-down is a perfect choice with a lightweight blazer and blue jeans. add a pair of espadrilles and wicker handbag and there’s a definite prep to my step. espadrilles (old, similar here) are a comfortable shoe with height. for those of you who can’t wear heels anymore try an espadrille wedge on for size. these shoes are comfy through and through and look fantastic with a dress seen here and blue jeans. a wicker handbag is a must-have for summer.
similar denim | similar shirt | similar blazer | similar espadrilles | similar handbag
is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.
She’s 65, 5’8, and size 8.
Looking fierce, as always. ⚓️⚓️
Got a black and white blazer. Gonna wear with my jeans and my black and white shoes. Now gotta decide on shirt color. Thanks Beth!!
you will look sharp, nancy! nothing better than a blazer and blue jeans. xo
you can’t help but feel good when you have on one of your favorite outfits. xo
Another really great outfit, Beth. I love to wear blazers in the summer so I’m glad to see your series. Here in Texas, it can be blazing hot and then you walk into a theater or restaurant and it’s absolutely freezing.
sam here in georgia, pam! sometimes summer indoor temps feel colder than winter. go figure! xo
Hi Beth, what a lovely outfit. I’ve noticed that you have some really lovely handbags too but they are only small ones. I’ve always carried a large handbag mainly because I tend to take everything but the kitchen sink with me and I’m sure, well know I don’t really need a good portion of it. I’m trying to scale things down so I’ve purchased some smaller bags to stop me from putting in so much but I do struggle at times. For those ladies out there that are trying to do the same, maybe you could give us some tips and suggestions please, any help would be much appreciated. Xoxo
Julie, One thing that works for me is to carry a large handbag with everything I think I will need and inside that I carry a small crossbody with wallet and phone. When I get ready to shop I only take the cross body with me, leaving the larger bag, with nothing worth losing, in the car just in case.
great suggestion, suzi! thanks for the tip.
That’s a great outfit. I’m wearing something similar today – only red blouse instead. We’re on the same page.
i could wear a blazer and blue jeans every day and not get bored! xo
Hi Beth
Love your style. When is it not good to wear denim on denim?
personally, i think denim on denim is a good thing. xo
This is one of my all-time favorite outfits. It is versatile enough to wear anywhere. I LOVE when you show how the classics still feel fresh. Great job!
classic style works year in and year out. add a few on trend accessories and you’re good to go. xo
good day
please also include your match to a popular person in your daily email. i don’t do the Instagram thing
thanks for the feedback, christelle. but this series was created for Instagram. xo
i love your daily news though.
thank you! xo
Hi Beth, can you tell me if that blazer is lined. It finally came back in stock at Ralph Lauren, but the description is vague about the lining.
the blazer has a partial lining. the sleeves and upper back are lined. but the seams have a beautiful finish. the inside of the garment looks just as beautiful as the outside. hope this helps. xo
Looking fab Beth! Have a great weekend 🙂 Renata xo
hi renata! always love when you swing by the blog. hope all is well in your world! xo
How long/short should the blazer be…sometimes they are “dowdy” looking
there are so many different lenghts for blazers, so it depends on personal preference. the most important thing is the proportions . are they right for your height.? if you are 5’4″ or under you need to be shopping in the petite section. and if you are 5’8″ and above a tall might just be what you need
I love this look! So fun yet chic. Take care during these turbulent times.
Speaks to me.
I Iike this outfit today Beth. I don’t have a check shirt and it certainly looks so great with the navy pants and blazer.
Hope all is well with you. Enjoy each day reading your posts. Are you letting your hair grow?
Love a blazer with jeans- makes a casual outfit classy. Talbots is a great place for classic blazers – a hint for your readers Talbots has plus and also plus petite sizes. It’s really hard to find plus petites but theirs work great for me. Also, their sales are great. Their very best is always on end of season items. They will be good next year because they are so classic and won’t be out of style.
This is one of my favorite outfits. It’s a great casual chic look. I’m looking to step up my jacket game because they look so great with jeans. I also love gingham. We are one more day closer to being out & about again.
I adore blazers. They are my fave ‘jacket’ and I could literally live in that outfit 24/7 365💕. The slim fit jeans give it such a modern edge. For myself, nothing, nothing, we’ll, except for a great lipstick, makes me feel as fantastic as a well tailored wool blazer.
Just a note to say Happy Easter to you and all your devoted followers. In that vein, whether it’s religious or just chocolate, please do not have a gathering, do not go to church, and do not visit those grandchildren. If you truly value life and the lives of those most precious to you, do not endanger them…FaceTime, Snapchat or telephone. Give the gift of life 🎁
I do love those gingham wedge shoes with it. I remember seeing Kate wearing very similar. You’re stylin’, Beth. You and the team have done a yeoman’s job with this current craziness in the mix. Kudos.
Hi Beth,
I love the outfit in today’s post. I tend to wear a smart casual look but never wore blazers (maybe because I had to wear them to work everyday in the 90s). This year my daughter got me the jcrew black sweater blazer and I love it. Just a little less formal but looks great with my vertically striped button up shirt and jeans. It looks equally good with an animal print or horizontally striped tee. Always enjoy your blog and videos!
I, too, love blazers. They are extremely versatile. Just like that LBD, many can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
I live in Illinois and I think we have been on shelter in for about a month. Lucky my son’s family is close. I eat with them a couple times a week. I get to pet their dog which is relaxing. It gets lonely as a widow but I’m doing ok
I love gingham and those shoes are just perfect with this outfit. You look amazing.! There are Blazers I like but they must be of the loose, casual type with soft material.
I am cooking a lot more, reading, dreaming up future projects and staying in touch by Internet and phone but I miss, as my Mama called it, running the roads. LOL
Best outfit ever! Love the gingham and the shoes. Wish I could have seen the belt a little better.
I love, love, love this look. It’s my style – I call it updated preppy. I have only left the house once every two weeks for a large grocery haul. Actually, I am finding that by doing a major shop like this it is easier as far as meal planning. I just make sure that I store fresh produce properly, and it really holds up pretty well. With so much out of our control these days I feel that fixing great healthy, immunity building meals at least makes me feel I am doing something to protect us. Today we are going to our daughter’s home about 15 miles away, and we are going to drop off Easter goodies for our granddaughters. I purchased everything prior to the virus outbreak and each girl’s gifts are being put in plastic bags. After we set them on the porch, we are going to go back to our car and they will come out and open their treats. We are very close to our family and this has been the hardest thing of all – the separation from our little gals. When I saw this morning’s news about a woman who just lost both her husband and adult son and she has to sit in her car for their burial it really hit home. We are so lucky to have each other. I am a very positive thinking person but it’s getting harder.