Welcome to Project Design: Spring Fashion with Cindy, Annie and five other stylish ladies (links at the end of the post). I can’t wait to enjoy their spring fashion recommendations!
If you are new here, this blog is mostly about interiors and lifestyle but we also have fun with fashion occasionally. I find that my fashion is like my interiors: classic and casual.
Pantsuits are back! Just more casual than how we wore them in the ’90s.
My dad used to say that if you didn’t wear something new on Easter Sunday “the birds will get you.” As a child, I, of course, believed him. But who made that up? Retailers? Well, how about if we look in our closets and create NEW outfits from what may already be there.
Spring Fashion In San Francisco
Living in the beautiful city of San Francisco, we wear dark colors/business casual clothes almost all year round. I take the bus or cable car and walk a lot. It can be chilly so layers are smart. By the way, I’m 63 years old and meant to lose five pounds before this post, but oh well.
The Versatile Spring Pantsuit Four Ways
The versatility of the suit idea came from my daughter’s fashion stylist friend, Allison Bornstein (follow her on Instagram–her stories are great for women of all ages).
Here’s how to wear a lightweight crepe suit in different ways. You could use a jacket/blazer and pants already in your closet. My Theory pantsuit was a bit of an investment but I know it will get a lot of wear. There are some examples of where to get other lightweight suits later in the post.
Basically, by switching things up with accessories you can feel put together quickly. The suit concept is good for travel. There are some affiliate links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting CCH!
1. Casual Suit/Sneaker Ensemble
This is with the trendy white sneaker (thank you, fashion gods, for making something so comfortable considered stylish). I’ve seen this sneaker look a lot on the streets of Paris for the last few years. In this shoe, I ordered a size down.
The striped cotton button-down shirt is a classic. I would wear this to visit clients.
2. Dressy Casual with a White Tee Shirt and Block-heeled Sandals
A basic white tee-shirt makes it feel more modern. I’m wearing a “statement necklace” but Chief is my favorite black and white accessory.
3. Silk Peasant Blouse and Espadrilles
With high waisted slacks, you can wear them with or without the jacket. I’ve had this Joie silk blouse for years.
I find these four-year-old espadrille wedges to be really comfortable. If you have feet issues, or just want happy feet, check out The Walking Company. My sister introduced them to me.
4. Casual With Suit Jacket and Jeans
This is what I wore to the movies downtown on Sunday. I walked there to meet Howard…1.5 miles in those comfortable perforated booties. On super sale at Nordstrom Rack. I’ve had mine for three years and would order another pair but they are out of my size.
Push the sleeves up for a different look. I buy most of my jeans at the Banana Republic. The leopard leather belt is new. The crossbody bag doesn’t get too heavy on my shoulders and holds two pairs of glasses, phone, wallet, etc).
Also, for Spring suits check out Ann Taylor and the Banana Republic.
And that’s how to wear a Spring Pantsuit Four Ways!
Love all your looks! I am petite like you (though not as cute and tiny) so I can use these great suggestions.
Btw, your apartment is “the bomb”, just beautifully designed, an incredible building and your location….almost no better! I’m in Tiburon but born in San Francisco.
Thank you for all the beauty you share!
Ellie
Thanks, Ellie! You are so close by! That jacket is hiding my hips 🙂 Thanks for the virtual visit!
Love the casual look with the leopard print belt! It is simply classy and looks fabulous with your sunglasses.
Thanks!! I got the sunglasses at Saks Off Fifth. Kate Spade.
Such creative ways to wear that darling pantsuit. I haven’t had a suit in years. I don’t really go anywhere where I would need one, but you have shown us so many chic ways to wear one! I love that pic Howard took of you near the tulips. You honestly look like you could be my daughter!! Kudos to Howard he is getting good! You should wear your hair in a pony more often. Our friend Debra says it is “youthful”. !!!
There is nothing better than a black suit! I wore one the other night that was an investment….Tahari…. at least 15 years ago and threw on some pearls and viola……easy black tie look! So funny because I did not know they went out of style and came back….hahaha! Love your choices on how to break it up with different looks. Genius!
Another great post with loads of suggestions on how to stretch your beautiful little black pantsuit into several amazing looks! Every version was a solid hit😍
Thanks, Linda!
Mary Ann, I love your style! You make a black suit look so chic. I think this is something everyone needs in their closet. It’s such a versatile look. So perfect for your glamourous city life SF!
xo
annie
I’m SO happy the pantsuit Is back. I love blazers and have saved several favorites from years past and am so happy I can wear them again. Love all the ways you styled your pantsuit, you look so chic. It’s sad people don’t dress nicer, it’s really not that hard. Simple, classic pieces go a long way to looking your best. Love these fashion posts!
You always look chic and classic! I too am
63 and wish to loose 5 lbs. Keep up whatever your doing.
Walking Chief on hills and the occasional yoga class which I need more of!!! Thanks for commenting, Karen.
OH San Francisco will NEVER BE THE SAME!I BET YOU WILL BE STOPPED NOW especially if CHIEF is near by!!
YOU ARE SO GOOD TO WALK AND TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORT………I know parking is TUFF!
XX
Public Transport is really convenient… just worry about the virus …but I carry hand sanitizer.
Just wanted to say that I love your blog and that you look absolutely fabulous. You don’t need to lose an ounce! I am turning 50 this year and, unfortunately, am already familiar with the struggle with the scale that comes with middle age. I would be thrilled to look like you in 13 years. You are fit, beautiful and classy. Thanks for the great posts!
Thanks so much, Sue. Made my day!
Love that pant suits are back,yours is great! I am here from Dressed for my day!
Thanks so much!
Mary Ann, you are too cute for words. I hate having my picture taken and my husband is not patient with letting me get my best angle and pose down before he snaps. Your photographer is a pro!
I have so many basic pieces that I cannot part with, even though they don’t fit and I need to lose 10 lbs! You’ve inspired me to get busy and lose the weight so that I can wear them. I would even wear some pieces on Easter with a bright scarf, since its usually still chilly and sometimes rainy in Atlanta in April!
In other news, it took me all of last weekend to clean out my closet. I took all the trendy stuff to consignment and kept the classics, including all the pretty scarves! Karen L.
That sounds great, Karen!!! Annie is wearing scarves and reminding me to wear them too.
Love this post! Great ideas and you reminded me of a class I taught at a community college…back in the 90’s!…called Professional Development. It was for women who were entering or re-entering the workforce. One of our segments was on getting mileage out of your wardrobe from mixing a few basic pieces, just like you’ve done here. I love the more casual spin on the same concept – my fav is your jeans and leopard belt. Thanks for another fun post, Mary Ann!
Thanks so much, Robin. I don’t really like having my photo taken so this is not that easy 🙂
You look great!!! It is obvious that you take good care of yourself!! No need to mention losing weight…you are perfect!! Know it!!
Thanks, Peggy…but it’s the one foot in front of the other and sucking it in 🙂
Love it! Classic!
Girl, you speak my language! I absolutely love a classic suit. And you’ve styled it beautifully…four ways! These days I especially love wearing my blazer with sneakers. So fun! Thanks so much for teaming up with me today. I hope you have a wonderful day here at your beautiful blog space.
Thanks, Kay! So glad you could join us!
This is great news. I love pantsuits and the versatility you’ve shared speaks to the practical nature of something so versatile. Thanks, Mary Ann.
Karen
Thanks, Karen! I will be wearing the heck out of mine 🙂
Hi, Mary Ann, I enjoyed your fashion show. I’m a casual girl too so the last one with jeans and black jacket and leopard belt really spoke to me. I love that belt and might have to get a new one myself.
Thanks, Rhoda…love how you styled your jean jacket and gave me some good ideas!