prep time

what are the five essentials hanging in my closet? easy. ballet flats, leather tote, button-down shirt, denim (skirt or jeans), and a cardigan. throw in a belt, and that makes six. even if you’re not a fan of belts, the five items listed will give your wardrobe mix-and-match capabilities ’til the cows come home. the options are endless. white and brown are a classic color combo that i love to wear all summer long. sneak navy into the mix if you want to amp up the preppy volume. notice my belt is trimmed in brown leather. and how my ballet flats and tote reinforces that color. this is what unifies my ootd for a sleek, chic look. yup, my pearls are on – again. i never seem to tire of them after all these years…

labels: skirt Gap (old, similar here and here); shirt Gap (old, similar here and here); cardigan Ralph Lauren (old, similar here and here); shoes Ralph Lauren (old, similar here and here); tote Banana Republic (old, similar here and here)

Beth Djalali

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 63, 5’8, and size 8.

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