Although I follow several fashion bloggers and love their flare, I am way too boring to be successful in that genre. You’d pretty much see the same outfits over and over again. While I care about appearance, I usually keep it simple. Still, I don’t think you have to be a fashionista to dress well in your retirement.
Retirement is all about enjoying life on your terms. No need to impress anyone. No need to fit in. Hopefully, you’ve planned it so you can live the way you want and dress the way you want. This retiree prefers a more minimalist style. I’m outdoorsy and fit, and oh, yeah, I don’t have breasts anymore, but I like comfortable clothes that skim my body and allow freedom of movement. Adult play clothes.
In some ways, being flat opened my sensibilities to a more androgynous style. I was never girly anyway and was never into makeup or painted nails, although I have been known to wear the occasional skirt or dress. My favorite celebrity inspiration? The late Anthony Bourdain and the thriving Jeff Goldblum!
Call me cray cray, but I think a slim pair of shorts and a white t-shirt with white Birkenstocks is stylish. I went to the DMV today, where I saw exactly how I don’t want to dress. If you need inspiration for how to accessorize with bra straps, that might be your best place to look.
Well, that was snarky. Good for them, they are doing exactly what I am doing, which is dressing how we please. This outfit is typical of what I like, but I’ve been thinking I might want to check out some thrift shops to see if there are some simple but cool pieces to add to my repertoire. Getting dressed is kind of fun when you don’t have to worry if it’s appropriate for the workplace!
How about you? Are you happy with your retirement style or do you even care? And believe me, I get that not caring is a viable option!
I’m right there with ya, as you know! Ditched almost EVERY work-worthy outfit and enjoy being comfortable. I will even sport a bikini at the beach at my age! oh yes.. Love ya, soul sister! And your blog. 🙂
Hi Nina! I know — my poor work clothes sitting in the closet still. Yes to the bikini! We miss you guys. You MUST visit if you come to California.
How about a guy’s perspective? Jeans, T-shirt, sneakers and I am good to go. All those suits and ties from my working days are long gone. I have one suit left for funerals and one sports coat for dress up nights on a cruise. Otherwise, putting a sweater over a T-shirt is about as fancy as I get nowadays.
Thank you, Bob! You are my role model. My husband is a shorts and Hawaiian shirt guy. If it’s cold, he’ll wear a North Face fleece top.
Funny, I’ve been thinking that I need to up my game a bit fashion-wise. When I was in San Miguel de Allende, I saw a bunch of very stylish expats. Since I pack very lightly (even for this 7-week trip), I had a very limited wardrobe and everything was in one of my three travel colors so I could mix and match. By the time I got home, I was so sick of those clothes! I love comfort but I also admire women who look well put together. Not sure where I am in the continuum.
Well, I guess that’s my problem, too. I like to look good, but I’m not sure how much effort I want to put into it. I will also confess that I would rather have a fit body than try to buy a bunch of clothes to hide it.
I still love clothes – and shoes(!) – but definitely favor comfort more than I did when younger, so if it isn’t, it now stays on the rack. My retirement ‘uniform’ tends to be H&M super stretch skinny jeans (so comfy) and a pretty tunic top paired with flip flops, sandals or platform shoes, depending. I also love fun jewelry, so there’s that.
At home doing chores I favor yoga pants and a tank top. It’s a good incentive to stay in shape I must say. No place to hide in either item! ☺
That sounds like a perfect retirement uniform! I also wear active clothes at home so I’m more inclined to be active, since I’m already dressed for it.