In yesterday’s YouTube video I shared 12 Spring Wardrobe Essentials, and I’m mixing three of them today in one of my favorite style formulas. This is the no-fail spring outfit formula that you can duplicate with full assurance that you’ll look so chic and stylish…every. single. time.
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Now I know a few of my readers don’t care for my full leg modern chinos, but I love them. And if they’re not your bag, please be nice to me today in the comments feed; it’s my birthday! For real. Yes, I turned 59 today. I’m counting down the days to 60 now. Oh boy.
I’ll take a moment to share that I am wearing two different types of shoes in today’s post: my white leather sneakers (similar and more economical option) and my modern loafers. I think both work beautifully with these casual pants, depending on the vibe you want to create with your outfit and the styling techniques you want to use to reach your personal style goals.
But today’s post really isn’t about the chinos or the footwear. It’s about the no-fail spring outfit formula that you can actually work with most any pants and/or shoes.
Solid Tank Top (color of your choice)
+
Striped or Solid Button-Up Shirt (same color)
+
pants, skirt or shorts of your choosing
no-fail spring outfit formula
I know it sounds simple…and it is…but the dividends produced by working this style formula are exponential. (If I just butchered mathematical language, please forgive me…it’s my birthday!)
Hopefully you’ve heard me say it before, but one of the keys to looking “chic” is to create outfits that are easy on the eyes. When an outfit looks cohesive, harmonious and fairly simple, but also signals that a little effort was made, wow. That’s chic. So any time you can duplicate the same color in your top and outer piece, that’s a step in the right direction.
To work this simple but effective no-fail spring outfit formula, I wore my azalea pink ribbed tank top (size up) under my pink striped relaxed fit shirt (TTS). I love pink and khaki, so I completed my formula with my full leg modern chinos here. But Tuesday I wore this same pink combo with my Paige jeans, ivory mules (more economical option) and trench coat. I got so many compliments on that outfit. My hairdresser immediately said, “I LOVE all the pink!” when she saw me.
So you could easily work this same outfit with other colors, too, of course. I recently picked up this tank in Sapphire (no longer available in that color) to wear with this blue striped shirt (new favorite! TTS) and this one (great price, but final sale; TTS). I tried on this blue striped shirt at Talbots Tuesday, but it’s too long for my liking. But if you prefer a longer shirt, it’s a nice one. And it would look great with white ankle jeans and a blue tank.
You may have noticed that I added some blue accessories to the outfit above, too. I personally think the addition of the blue bag and earrings in the same color looks really chic. But that’s really up to you. We all have different style aesthetics, and some of us will feel more comfortable layering on a lot of the same color while others will prefer a more subtle approach. But the key is to keep your colors to just the one in your top and whatever neutral you’re wearing. Otherwise, that’s a completely different outfit formula and not quite as no-fail either.
I’ve mentioned this style formula before in terms of blazers and tanks or tees. But with button-up shirts “having a moment,” I think it’s really smart to create this style with that shirt and tank. And this is a formula you can carry on into summer, working it with gauze and linen button-up shirts, too.
Can you think of items you have in your wardrobe with which you could work this no-fail spring outfit formula? Will you need to add a new tank or tee to make it work? What color will you wear in your two top pieces? I’d love to hear from you today. Have a wonderful day and thank you so much for stopping in.
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Blessed for My Day
Especially in a world where so much news is at our fingertips and we’re made privy to more than our share of hard realities, we’re going to have moments of panic. It’s natural and normal to occasionally feel a little anxious about something. But the question is, what happens next? When those feelings of anxiety and unsettling fear land on you, what do you do with them?
The Bible addresses fear more than most any other topic. God is aware of our frailty and insecurities. And He’s undoubtedly understanding of how harsh life can be at times. So I don’t believe He gets angry when we get afraid. But He does whisper to our hearts, “Do not fear.” He does not want us to be afraid. Instead He calls us to trust in Him. I find that when I reflect on how much God loves me and nestle down into that assurance, my fears are replaced with trust and peace returns.
There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. ~ 1 John 4:18
Happy Birthday, Kay!!🥳🎉 I hope you have a wonderful day!😃 I’m about three months behind you – will be 59 in May. I want to thank you so very much for all you do for us. I’ve been following you for several years now and credit you with completely transforming my wardrobe and fashion sense. I’m a very late bloomer to fashion and love dressing for my day now that I have more confidence and beautiful, fun, and modern pieces in my closet. Brava, Kay!!🤗
Thank you so very much. 🥰
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAY🎂💗🎂
I also like wearing a shirt over a tank or cap sleeve top. Two reasons for me…..it may be chilly inside and this look also makes it look similar to a jacket and like you said, more Chic.
Have an Amazing Day Kay!!
Blessings,
Thank you for the kind birthday wishes. 💗 It’s shaping up to be a good day.
I love the pink on you and your idea about matching tank. I picked up the Everlane shirt on sale. I am now in the hunt for a matching tank. Any suggestions? As for the chinos I have to get used to the look. I’m more bottom heavy and I think they make me look heavier. So I am going to stick to a slim fit. I love your style formula posts
This one comes in a wide variety of colors and I think the light blue would work nicely. https://rstyle.me/+aXeXHQE7xJVdSH-1iDCNDA
Happy Birthday! Hope you have a wonderful day!
That’s so very kind. Thank you. 🥰
Happy birthday! Have a blessed and lovely year. I admit that looking at 60 makes me a little nervous. I’m grateful to you for your advice and your approach. You always remind us that we don’t have to follow ‘rules’ and that we all have our own style. I wish people would stop themselves before criticizing or posting the tired, “Wear what you want” trope. I wonder why they’re even here! I’m here to learn, be inspired and try some new things. You’re so good at helping me do that, but of course I’ll wear what I want. Have a lovely birthday!!!
Thank you so much. That’s very encouraging. Thank you for the kind birthday wishes. 💗
Happy Birthday! I hope you get to do something special today. 🙂 Thanks to you, I am having so much more fun getting dressed every day! Some days I get dressed in jogging pants, but I put effort into the outfit even when it’s that casual. I have always had trouble finding clothes that fit me correctly, so my closet consists of whatever I can find that fits, and some of those clothes happen to be jogging pants. But they are nice jogging pants. And I’ve also recently found a few dressy items, and it feels great to have them for church, or doctor appointments, or an occasional lunch. I am learning about putting things together from head to toe, and I am feeling better all the time about how I look each day. I love getting up and getting dressed every day now!
Thank you so very much. 🥰
Happy Birthday! 🎂You look fabulous, even if I do hate those chinos! 🙂
Thank you for the kind birthday wishes. 💗
Happy Birthday Kay!! Wishing you a beautiful day!!! I love your spring looks! Pink and khaki are so pretty together and it’s fun to try out the new styles! I’ll be 60 in July! Woo! We aren’t getting older we’re getting better!!! 🎂🎉
Happy Birthday Kay!!🎂
Happy Birthday!!! You look pretty in pink!
Happiest of birthdays, Kay!
Happy birthday!
The wide-leg chinos look great, along with everything else you are showing today.
Happy Birthday! Thanks for your fun and informative posts and videos. I look forward to them every morning. You look fantastic! Hope your day is wonderful.
Happy Birthday Kay!
Happy Birthday. I enjoy your daily emails and blog. I love the pink colors too. I think it the color of the chinos that isn’t to my liking. They remind me of my car harts work pants. But glad you love them. Have a fantastic birthday.
Thank yo for the birthday wish. 😊
Happy Birthday, beautiful Kay!
I have just recently discovered you & am so grateful. You have inspired my faith & encouraged me to give my best to every single day. Thank you for your work. Prayers that the year ahead will be your best year yet!
XOXO
Mary Carpenter
Thank you so much, Mary. That is very kind of you.
Happy Birthday, Kay! You are truly a blessing for so many of us. I love your style blog and your willingness to put yourself out there. I truly winced when I saw some feel the need to tell you of their dislike of your outfit. My mother taught me that if I can’t say anything nice, to say nothing at all. But I wanted to thank you most of all for your BFMD, and for encouraging us to memorize Scripture. Thank you so much for this. I say them in my head all day long, and it brings me peace. Thank you for all you do! And I will definitely try the outfit formula. I have the items in my closet!
Thank you very much Patt. I appreciate your sensitivities. I’m very much just another girl doing her best to get dressed for her day. Thank you for the birthday wish!
Happy Birthday Kay!!!🎉🎁🎈🎂Hope you have a wonderful day celebrating!
Thank you so much, Diana. It’s looking like a good day. 😊
Happy Birthday Kay. loved the post with an easy styling formula. Pink is definitely your color and I do like the option of the modern chino style.
Thank you. I do love pink. I wasn’t totally on board with this shade when it first came out, but it’s grown on me like wildfire and I’m loving it now.
Hi Kay,
I actually started using this formula a few years ago when I needed a few outfits surrounding my son’s wedding. This look is a complete winner for those of us that are overweight and/or short. I have a yellow pinstriped linen blouse over a yellow tank, a light blue floral linen top, with blue shell and several others that are quite flattering. I’ll be looking for a pink set to add to my wardrobe this year!
Happy Birthday Kay,
Enjoy your day and thank you for fashion knowledge for us seasoned women. I love the pink button down shirt but it’s too pricey for my budget
Also thanks for the blessing of the day.
Thank you for all you do!
Thank you so much for sharing and for the birthday wish. I really appreciate you ladies! 😊
Exactly! Thanks for sharing, Margo.
Happy birthday! What do you think about the same formula but wearing a white tank instead? I have a pink gingham button up and I also have a light blue button up but do not have tanks to match the shade.
Thank you Heidi. I love wearing a white tank under a colorful shirt, too, but that’s not really the same formula. The double color is what makes this work so nicely. But absolutely nothing wrong with a white tee or tank either.
Happy birthday from NE OH, Kay! Thank you for your fashion tips and especially for Blessed for My Day.
Thanks so very much, Marcia. I’m so glad you enjoy the blog.
Happiest of birthdays to you🎂. I like that you are always trying new styles like your chinos. I am always open to new styles. If I don’t love them, at least I gave them a shot. I will probably look for the chinos in a stone color which is a better neutral for me. Enjoy your special day!
Thanks so much Barbara. Yes, I think it’s important to keep trying new things. Plus I just like embracing new silhouettes personally. I’d go so far as to say that is part of my personal style aesthetic. And I also have just always had an affinity for wider leg pants. I was never a fan of skinny jeans and really don’t like the way I look in them. I agree that slim straight legs are generally universally flattering, but I just like different sometimes. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and for the birthday wish.
Good Morning,
Happy Birthday! Hope you have a wonderful day!!
I love your spring style formula. My go to chinos are Talbots Perfect Chinos. The tank and brighter colored shirt is a great spring go to even here in Alabama. Our temperatures are in the low 80’s today and back to the 60’s tomorrow.
I am a plus size woman in my 70’s doing everything a can to to stay healthy and stylish. Talbots, J.Jill, Drapers and Damon’s, and Appleseeds are my go to brands. Shopping sales allows me to enjoy quality clothing.
Thank you for inspiration,
Marian H
Thanks so much for sharing, Marian. Those are some warm temps! We’re in the 70s today, but it’s supposed to be in the 20s tonight. Ha! Thank you for the kind birthday wish. 😊
Happy Birthday Kay!🎉🎉🎉 You look so beautiful today and thanks for the tip on an easy outfit combo. I will definitely remember it! Hope you have a wonderful day!
Thanks so much for that, Karen. Have a lovely day! 🥰
First, Happy Birthday Kay! Hope you have a blessed day!
Not crazy about the wide leg pants, because at 5’3″ they just make me look shorter and fat. They look okay on you as you are tall. I prefer the straight leg look that looks good on every one. Love the blouse! Because of all the snow the past 3 days, the UPS guy did not deliver yesterday. It is still snowing, to stop at noon, I hope. Hope he gets here today. Got about 18 ” here.
Hi Sherry, I do think a straight leg is generally universally flattering, too. But I just really like to wear a variety of things and can’t stand being confined to one style. That’s just my nature. Thank you for the kind birthday wish. It’s a good day to have a birthday here in sunny Ohio! Stay safe and warm!
Birthday Blessings. Love the chinos.
Thank you so much, Sharon. That is very kind of you. 🥰
Happy Birthday Kay! This is my last few months in the 50’s.I’m turning 60 in September 😳. I’m not a fan of the color pink but a huge fan of layering. I’m more of a light cardigan, tank and tee person. I do like the light weight shirts. I’m going to add one or two in my closet. Since I’m no longer working, I love being able to shop my closet more and your ideas help me put together something I haven’t thought of.
Hope you have an amazing day!
Blessings.
Thank you so much, Karen. 🥰
Happy Birthday, Kay! Hoping you are blessed today with the love of your family and friends.
Thank you for sharing all of your ideas to help us make good fashion decisions.
Thank you too, for your inspiration thoughts and prayers that are shared after the “fun”.
They put perspective in all I do each day. Its a good reminder that It’s not about me, it’s about HIM.
God bless you.
Absolutely. Thanks so much for your kindness. Blessings!
Happy Birthday!
You look fab!
Thank you. That is very kind of you. 🥰
You look waaaay younger than 59, my stylish friend, so enjoy this year ahead and get ready to embrace the next as we should all be so lucky!🎈🎁🎉
You truly enrich our lives by making us look and feel better inside and out, so may our Good Lord bless you on your special day in every way❤ Happy birthday!
Ahh, you’re kind. I’m just focusing on staying healthy right now. Health feels like such a gift these days. Thank you for the kind birthday greeting. 🥰
🎂🎁Happy Birthday 🎁🎂
Praying God blesses you today and this year.
Thanks so much, Cathy. That is very kind of you. 🥳
Happy Birthday Kay! Many blessings upon you and your family this coming year! Enjoy your special day!
Thank you so much, Mary. Blessings to you!
Happy Birthday Kay. Have a wonderful day
That’s so very kind. Thank you. 😚
Happy Birthday, Kay! And I love your chinos!! Have a wonderful day❤️
Thank you Janet. I appreciate your kindness and the birthday wish. 😚
Happy Birthday Kay 🎉🛍🎈🎁🎂🥂You look Fab . Enjoy your day Xx
Thanks so much, Kym. 😘
Happy Birthday! Love the pink and the blue. I’m going to have to get my button-downs working for me! When I have somewhere to go, that is.
Thanks so much, Paige. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Kay! May God’s blessings pour out on you. Enjoy your special day.
Thank you, Sherryl. That’s very kind of you. 😘
I love this formula! And your video yesterday was great as well! Happy Birthday!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the blog post. Thank you for the kind birthday wishes. ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks so much. I liked that video, too. 😉
Happy birthday Kay! Great style formula! Thank you!
Thanks so much, Terry. I’m glad you liked it.🙂
Happy Birthday Kay! Love this idea–and I will plan to execute it in blue, one of my signature colors. I was thinking maybe adding navy or black khakis in that fuller leg–might look good with the blue.
Yes, I love those ideas. Thanks for sharing, Deirdre. And thank you for the kind birthday wish. 😘
Happy Birthday, Kay!
I bought the Evereve pink blouse and plan on styling it with white jeans, white linen pants, and blue jeans. I live in south Florida and wear white year round.🌞 Enjoy your day 🌺
Yes, those are going to be perfect combinations. I wore a similar blue striped shirt with white jeans today. Thanks so much for your kindness. 😘
Happy birthday Kay! I’ll be 74 in a few weeks and I love your style recommendations. My favorite has to be your daily devotional. May God bless you this year.
Thanks so much, Linda. I truly believe we don’t ever need to age ourselves out of trying new styles. Fashion should be fun! I appreciate your kindness. 😘
Happy Birthday!! Hope you have a great day!, such a cute outfit as usual!
Every time I see that shirt in you I’m tempted to buy it but I’m short and large chested and I know it won’t look as good on me….oh well !!
I’m glad you enjoyed the post all the same, Gina. Thank you for sharing and for the kind birthday wish. ❤️
Happiest of birthdays to you!
Thanks so much, Sarah. 😘
Happy birthday, Kay.
I have enjoyed reading your blog entries since discovering you during the pandemic. I really enjoy your blog entries because of the details you include in your writing. In my opinion I have not found another fashion blogger who matches your enriched writing style as well as the pleasing layout of images to view. The BFMD are also much cherished and thought provoking to read. I will keep coming back to be part of this welcoming community.
Happy Birthday, Kay, and every good wish for today and the year(s) ahead. I’ve been following your channel for some time now, and I am glad to get both validation for my own choices (including today’s formula!” and inspiration for new ideas. And age is truly just a number! I took early retirement from teaching secondary school languages, did some travelling, and graduated from university in October with another Bachelor’s degree in a completely different discipline after 8 1/2 years of part-time studies. I am “living” my life embracing both the new challenges that getting older brings and the new opportunities that open up.
Wow! What an inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing. I love that!
Happy Birthday!!! Enjoy your Special Day.
Blessings to you
Thank you, LaDonna. It was a lovely day.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I’m sixty-two and the sixties are just fine! Don’t worry!
I tried my chambray shirt with jeans and I love it! I never would have thought of combining them without you.
I hope you have a lovely day. May God bless you and give you a wonderful year:)
Wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing. And thank you. It was a great birthday.
Happy birthday, Kay! You are a gift to the world! <3 Thanks for putting yourself out there each day, and thank you for the caring kindness you convey!
Ahh, thanks so much. That’s a beautiful sentiment. You all are a joy to me.
Happy Birthday dear Kay! Enjoy your final “50-something birthday” and the sixties are not bad at all!! Love your pink and khaki outfit, also love the wide-legged chino’s. You wear everything so well. Enjoy your special day and may you have much joy and laughter and surprises galore!!
Thank you so much, Sue.
Happy Birthday, Kay! Each day is a blessing. I am a “young” 71 year old, at least that’s how I feel. I enjoy your blog and videos so much. Thank you for always sharing with your readers your great fashion sense and your heart for God.
Jan
Thank you Jan. You all are a big blessing in my life.
Happy birthday Kay!!!! You are lovely inside and out!!!!
Thank you so much, Karen. That is very kind of you to say.
Happy Birthday Kay! You inspire me every day in style and in faith! I turned 60 last year and I will never give up on my style. When you first posted your chinos, I went to the site. I’m wondering if you would be willing to try one of the other colors? When you post your daily outfits I notice that the colors you wear day-to-day are similar to what I prefer, and I would probably chose the light green for a neutral. You know best, of course, but I like to see how you put your colors and styles together so I can try things out myself. Blessings on your special day!
I love the lighter natural colored chinos, too, but I already have these from last year in my closet: https://rstyle.me/+wGdWk3aeorpnGI8ZJ4F0Ng So that’s why I opted for the darker khaki color. But I do love those light ones. Thanks so much for the birthday wish. It was a great day.
Happy Birthday Kaye! Have a wonderful blessed day!
Thank you. It was a great day!
Happy Birthday Kay!
You will rock the 60’s just like you have in your 50’s
I so enjoy reading your blog and following your suggestions.
You look amazing in everything you wear
How boring this world would be if we all followed the same path.
Enjoy your day
Thanks so much, Jayne. 🥳
Happy Birthday Kay….You are such an inspiration to me. Thank you. God bless you today and throughout the year.
Thank you, Jane. That is very kind.
Happy Birthday Kay! 🥳 I love the wide leg chinos and look forward to wearing mine when the weather warms up. I also love your look with the button up shirt and matching tank. I was wearing my button up gauze and linen shirts all last spring and summer with a white tank, but I can see how much prettier it looks matching the tank to the shirt! I’m now shopping for a pink, pale blue and taupe tank. Thanks Kay for always inspiring me both in dress and spirit!
Thank you, Anne. 🥳 It was a good day.
love the wide leg Chinos! …and Happy Birthday 🎂
Thanks so much, Suanne! 🥳
Happy Birthday Kay! Hope you are feeling happy and blessed.
I always find your outfit formulas helpful for my own wardrobe planning. This year I need to replace my tees. Can you suggest some that hold up (maintain their shape):after laundering? I purchase good quality tees (mostly 100% pima cotton) and never put them in the dryer, but they still stretch out of shape. Perhaps you have a few good brands to try. Appreciate your thoughts.
Enjoy the rest of your special day!🥳🎂
Hi Pat. Yes, Pima cotton is soft but they will always stretch. You’ll do better with non-Pima cotton for your tees, I think. I love these: https://rstyle.me/+MblVtGF-f4icyzBZxlqheg for my basics – white, black, navy. They’re soft, not too long and really look sharp in my opinion. I’m sure I’ll be sharing more options next week in our Spring Wardrobe kick-off week.
Happy Birthday Kay, celebrate yourself today!
Thank you. It was a great day and I felt very celebrated. 🥳
Happy Birthday. The last year of a decade are special, I wish you all the blessings for this special year.
I am struggling with this look because I feel like I wore it not so long ago…hmmm the late 90s! I loved the look then so I don’t know what my problem is. I love the wide legs as it balances out my hips. Love the tucked in look!
Thanks for working on your birthday to entertain us!
Thanks so much, Catherine. I think I’m geared up for a good year! 🙌
Happy Birthday, Kay!
Thank you, Sherry.
Happy Birthday!!
Thank you !
I have a blue button up blouse that will work with this outfit, I am pleased to see the idea. I need to purchase a tank top in the correct shade of blue. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, sixty is next, believe me it is not a “bad” age, I felt a great relief when I went over that hill. I’m almost 7 years past 60 and I’m loving every moment of it. HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, enjoy your 59th year. God Bless you.
Thanks so much, Kaye. That’s encouraging!
Hope your birthday was wonderful! You make 59 look great! (BTW, in my book, ;you’re still a “spring chicken”!) 🙂 Thank you for sharing style tips and new trending outfits, even if they don’t appeal to everyone. The wider leg chinos look great on you. I, however, may hold out a little longer. We’ll see…