Aha! moment - and swan song for the skirt. - YouLookFab Forum

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Aha! moment - and swan song for the skirt.

Runcarla

Veteran

Had the week off, and during a break from gardening, tried for some 'mindful' shopping. While trying on a cartful of items, I realized that I had 3 skirts in amongst the haul, and I thought - WHY?

I am a skirt and dress girl for work, but I will be retired in 2017. I have 6 skirts and 2 (work) dresses in my closet. If I stopped working today, all but one of the skirts and one of the dresses would be bundled up for donation.

On the other hand, I have only 3 pair of 'dressy' trousers, and though they were meant for work, I have reached for them when 'smart casual' was called for. Furthermore, dark wash and white jeans in straight cuts, (or shorts) with smart tops and a jacket are my favourite outfits to wear on weekends - and adapt to 'Casual Friday' as well as travel capsules.

So, the skirts didn't even get tried on (!) but the olive skinnies and the navy sweater came home with me!

Evening/dressy capsule notwithstanding, I don't think I even need to look at skirts anymore! Filing this' 'Aha! moment' moment under - BUYING CLOTHES FOR THE LIFE YOU LIVE.

General

16 replies

Latest reply was from Elly

Nebraskim

Veteran

I retired last August and I have a closet filled with work skirts, albeit they are more smart/biz casual than lawyer/banker (I worked in PR for a university). I did purge quite a bit of my work stuff over the past year, but I find I love to wear skirts more than pants, so I'm wearing them still. I am learning to not look at this kind of garment when I'm shopping because I don't need them any more. I admire your discipline.

pil

Veteran

That's using your noggin!

Anonymous

It's amazing how you can go on autopilot and just continue the same old habits even though the situation has changed. Nice that you recognized that and didn't get the skirts.
It must be fun shopping for your new life ahead!

Joy

Veteran

It will be interesting to see if you miss wearing frocks. I live the casual retired lifestyle but we have season tickets for various dressy events where I can enjoy dressing up ( and DH and I enjoy seeing each otherdressedup more than usual) plus I always find at least two events a week to wear a dress or skirt...Sunday services and a dinner out or other event. I like the way it gives me a change from jeans and pants once in a while. I don't mind being the most dressed up person in the room and it encourages others to do the same.
You are wise to realize that you probably have enough skirts for your needs.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Terrific insight! I wonder if you will return to skirts--casual ones--after you retire. Styles that maybe wouldn't feel right for your current work but that can substitute for shorts in hot weather. I have a linen skirt I like to take on vacation with me in hot weather.

Summer

Veteran

Good thinking, Carla. Ironically, I'm going in the other direction: I'm planning to add a few more skirts to my wardrobe. I'm in jeans most of the time at home, and just need more variety for when I'm out and about.

Staysfit

Veteran

I'm so interested to hear that you don't think you will be wearing skirts much once you retire. I wear jeans almost every day in the fall and winter because it's hard to find wool skirts that I love. I have some, but not many. I love to wear dresses and find I wear them almost exclusively in the summer except, when I'm working out. I imagine I will do the same when I retire.

Helen11

Veteran

"Shopping for the life you live" was one of the first lightbulb moments for me with YLF. Thanks for the reminder to keep on thinking about it! I look forward to seeing your new items in outfits. I love both those colours.

unfrumped

Veteran

Great insights!

I think about that also and even how it dovetails with changes like the Year of No Shopping( clothes). " Wearing out" and re- mixing more of what I have in work- wear of all types ( pants, skirts).

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Carla, isn't it amazing how quickly the plan for retirement starts to feel like a reality? My target is June 2018 and it is starting to feel real.

I need to start taking the same advice you just gave yourself. I have a huge area of closet that is dedicated to skirts and dresses and haven't been wearing them as much the last few years as I had been before. I think it is time for me to be more disciplined about shopping too.

I am really looking forward to paring down my wardrobe to the items I need and wear more and getting rid of the stuff that is filling space for those rare occasions that it is needed.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Good job, Carla.

Helena

Veteran

Well done!

retailgirl

Veteran

I plan to retire in a year and find I'm drawn to blazers and suits. My work outfits are a pair of tailored pants, a nice jacket, and a blouse, shirt or fine knit under the jacket. I wear a suit only for corporate visits or that type of thing, and currently have a nice navy year round wool. The other day I was in brooks brothers and was drawn to a lovely black suit, nice proportions, lovely crepe type wool and I had to Step away! Don't need! Won't wear! My casual wear is a pair of chinos or cords or maybe plaid pants, shirt and a sweater. Maybe a blazer, depending on the weather. I really have to be mindful of my clothing purchases over the next year. Although I could probably go the rest of my life without buying another thing!

retailgirl

Veteran

I plan to retire in a year and find I'm drawn to blazers and suits. My work outfits are a pair of tailored pants, a nice jacket, and a blouse, shirt or fine knit under the jacket. I wear a suit only for corporate visits or that type of thing, and currently have a nice navy year round wool. The other day I was in brooks brothers and was drawn to a lovely black suit, nice proportions, lovely crepe type wool and I had to Step away! Don't need! Won't wear! My casual wear is a pair of chinos or cords or maybe plaid pants, shirt and a sweater. Maybe a blazer, depending on the weather. I really have to be mindful of my clothing purchases over the next year. Although I could probably go the rest of my life without buying another thing!

Anonymous

Well done Carla. Good for you!

Elly

Veteran

Carla-- very good point. I can't imagine retirement at this stage in my life, but I need to remind myself that I may only have 1 more season in CO as I anticipate needing to move to further my career.