YouLookFab Forum » Topic: My Everyday Style Transition

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: My Everyday Style Transition https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 06 Apr 2026 22:25:57 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Dee on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372481 Fri, 18 Oct 2024 12:44:27 +0000 Dee 2372481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal- Appreciate your kind feedback, love style but my wardrobe just has to be functional too. Avicennia- thanks, its such an easy fun addition. avicennia on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372465 Fri, 18 Oct 2024 06:28:14 +0000 avicennia 2372465@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love the stripped socks with the sneakers! Sal on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372457 Fri, 18 Oct 2024 01:25:27 +0000 Sal 2372457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a positive forward looking post!!  You have a really great style Dee - it is interesting and modern and also functional - and a bit of fun thrown in.  I am pleased you are enjoying it. Dee on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372404 Thu, 17 Oct 2024 16:41:19 +0000 Dee 2372404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Joy-Glad to hear your daughter is recovering from covid and will be back soon. Star- no problem, figuring out how to adapt our personal style as we age is just another aspect we have to sort through. Shoes for instance, can’t wear some of the cute styles I see anymore, but I don’t want my footwear  to look too matronly or old fashion either. Its hard getting the right balance. Anonymous on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372391 Thu, 17 Oct 2024 14:04:16 +0000 Anonymous 2372391@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Now retired, I wear pants most days, but try to wear a dress or skirt twice a week.  This week is my youngest grandchild's birthday.  I will wear a striped skirt to that event.  She will be happy to have her mom home after three weeks of Covid in Rome.  Wear those masks.  Get vaccinated.  It is back.  <div>Everything is washable.   As I grow older, I spill more.  </div><div> </div> Star (Lise) on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372389 Thu, 17 Oct 2024 13:59:07 +0000 Star (Lise) 2372389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @ RunCarla IKWYM!  The crazy thing is I have always been a non-conformist to quite a degree.  I think I did not want to be perceived as someone who does not accept or acknowledge her age, as I find that unflattering (for me), or as someone stuck in a style rut since she was a teenager. I mean I don't want to dress like I did when I was 20 or even 30 or 40.  Our style hopefully evolves along with us.  But in my case the backbone has remained the same, and now I get that.   I am a firm believer that one must wear whatever they want, and maybe even more so if you older.  I  apologize Dee, not purposefully hijacking your thread.   Carla on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372379 Thu, 17 Oct 2024 13:09:17 +0000 Carla 2372379@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @ Star- I was arrested by your comment regarding how you thought you had to approach retirement dressing and how it conflicted with your personal style.  Insightful!  <div> </div><div>Even as we are becoming freer - we sense societal constraints.  Should a retired person look a certain way?  Should a woman of a certain age?   </div><div> </div><div>Certain common denominators of style might result from unavoidable age related changes - but your version of a low heeled shoe is not necessarily my version of a low heeled shoe - IYKWIM.</div> Dee on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372376 Thu, 17 Oct 2024 12:02:01 +0000 Dee 2372376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Runcarla, thanks and I agree that its now coming down to just smaller adjustments that are needed to keep my wardrobe functional and fun for me.  Jamie- My retirement coincided right around when covid hit, so workwear was more dressier back then, but now it does seem like we have definitely moved on to a much more casual dress style. Brooklyn- Thanks for your kind words, you’re such a master with adding creativity through texture, shine etc. all elements I can definitely play with more and yes, I’m loving all the flat shoe options too. Firecracker (Sharan)- I’ve always admired your fab casual style, although its a little more artsy than my own. Star- So interesting how you thought you needed to add much more polish even though it wasn’t true to your own style persona. And yes there’s definitely a quirky side to me. Star (Lise) on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372360 Thu, 17 Oct 2024 06:11:19 +0000 Star (Lise) 2372360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So interesting Dee!  You look very good in berry red.  The striped socks are the cheeky addition that elevates this outfit to interesting imo.  I had to look at retirement dressing from a different angle and only really realised this recently as you know (thanks for following and commenting on my Tomgirl threads).  Work dressing was always a bit difficult for me because I am naturally RATE.  Sure I love to dress up but didn't really feel like myself when in 100% corporate clothes.  Even at school the uniform had an optional blazer which I did not enjoy wearing, felt too stiff and confined.  A buttoned cardi felt too twee, I felt most like me in the V-neck pullover with the sleeves scrunched up.  So, mistakenly, when I retired 9 years ago instead of leaning into my favourite relaxed but edgy style with a dash of polish, I was thinking I needed more polish (preconceived age-related idea).  Quite the opposite dilemma  to most retired YLF members! I think Carla is our poster girl for how to do refined retirement casual.  Well done on achieving your style goals.  You always look put together and fab with a very subtle touch of quirky.  (I hope you like this because I do).  Brooklyn on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372355 Thu, 17 Oct 2024 04:05:06 +0000 Brooklyn 2372355@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can relate to what you are saying. Even though I’m not retired, I work completely from home with very few video conferences, so I no longer have any need to dress up for work. I think dressy is easy. It’s much harder to do interesting casual. Kudos to you for achieving it. I always enjoy your posts, and your thoughtful approach to dressing. I’ve found I think a lot more deeply now about the elements of an outfit: silhouette, colour, texture, shine, pattern, contrast, composition. Those areas give plenty of opportunity for creativity and developing a personal style. And what we have going in our favour is that the world is a much more casual place now, and flat shoes rule. If there was ever a time to embrace casual dressing, it’s now! Firecracker (Sharan) on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372351 Thu, 17 Oct 2024 02:30:09 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2372351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>I can relate to your journey, and I feel our styles and what we are dressing for are similar. It's great to see and read about how you've handled the transition. I like this outfit and the colors on you. The socks are such a simple element, yet add a nice little punch of style. </div><div> </div> Jaime on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372346 Thu, 17 Oct 2024 01:23:06 +0000 Jaime 2372346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a thoughtful description of your style transition. Your outfit looks just right for you and an excellent balance of practical and fun. The standard is here is so casual that my transitions from different work settings hasn't really had an effect my style, but I can imagine the change from office dress codes to retirement is quite jarring. Carla on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372345 Thu, 17 Oct 2024 01:02:25 +0000 Carla 2372345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well done, you!  Your stylish hair and specs also provide an element of modernity to your style - IMO! <div> </div><div>It took me about 5 years to figure out a post retirement style, and like cjh astutely commented, one’s style is an ever evolving thing - even if it’s just micro adjustments like a trendy jeans silouhette or a contemporary cut to a new coat.   </div> Dee on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372326 Wed, 16 Oct 2024 21:10:35 +0000 Dee 2372326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenni NZ- Yes perhaps with your current work environment you wont find the need to adjust your wardrobe all that much in retirement, so there may not be any sad goodbye to items you truly love. ChristelJ - thanks for your lovely response, I too loved figuring out what to wear to work back in the day, it was kind of my little fashion show, but now my style journey has changed and its still a fun and creative process that I’m enjoying. ChristelJ on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372314 Wed, 16 Oct 2024 19:57:55 +0000 ChristelJ 2372314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>Your casual wardrobe is so put-together and lovely on you! I relate to SOOOO much of what you say. I retired several years ago and it has been an ongoing process adjusting my wardrobe, not only to retirement, but to aging and weight changes and climate changes, etc. Like you, I rely on jeans much of the time, and hoodies and cardigans. You wear on-trend jeans so well, complemented with your print tops. Love your outfit today! The red and grey are awesome together. </div><div> </div><div>I really miss my office wardrobe even now. I loved dressing up and had a reputation for being stylish at work. Even after all the changes, it's still a fun process trying to create a more casual style that's true to oneself. Long live the creative style journey! </div> Jenni NZ on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372309 Wed, 16 Oct 2024 19:00:56 +0000 Jenni NZ 2372309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wonderful post Dee. I would/will find it incredibly difficult to get rid of 40% of my wardrobe when I retire, which might be within about 18 months. Our “retirement” age in NZ is 65, of course one can retire sooner if finances allow but many here continue some work for both extra money or for interest. As my field in healthcare is getting harder and harder to do over time I am undecided. I have never been particularly “corporate” in my work clothing working with families in the suburbs so I may not need to reduce all that much. Giving away stuff I love would make me sad? Dee on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372289 Wed, 16 Oct 2024 16:49:45 +0000 Dee 2372289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Cjh- Excellent point about communicating who we are through what we wear, that’s so important to me otherwise I just feel like an imposter. Katerina- Covid and WFH has definitely made fashion far more casual and many of us have had to adjust. Roberta- Yes the pluses and minuses of fashion in retirement. Although I do miss wearing more dressier and fashionable  things for work, there is some happiness to be found in these more casual outfits too. Dee on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372288 Wed, 16 Oct 2024 16:27:12 +0000 Dee 2372288@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Aquamarine - Oh yes, there are so many times when our wardrobes need to adjust to the twists and turns of life. Sisi - appreciate your kind feedback Janet- I too found it tough saying  good-bye to some really lovely items but they just weren’t serving me anymore.  Your style although a little more edgier than mine, is always a great example of modern casual. Angie- It certainly is a process, thanks for your encouraging words Lisa- You’re so right,  I definitely see similarities in our styles. Irina- I’m very certain you’ll find  stylish ways to express yourself in retirement. Roberta on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372283 Wed, 16 Oct 2024 16:14:36 +0000 Roberta 2372283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You are encouraging in your acceptance and happiness in your new style highway! I have found this difficult since retiring. Dressing for work was challenging and satisfying - fun to think about and fun to receive a compliment from my lovely colleagues! And the fun of pulling out the seasonal wardrobe twice a year.  Ha, I originally wrote a long and whiny response about feeling blah and average these days (style-wise), but who needs that negative energy! I love sleeping late and wearing sneakers most of the time. And spending about a third on clothes than when I was working. :-) CJH makes a great point - communicate who you are by what you wear. And you do!  Katerina on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372281 Wed, 16 Oct 2024 16:08:48 +0000 Katerina 2372281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting post! Adjusting wardrobe to suit a new lifestyle is not easy, kudos to you. I am not retired yet but my working life has changed a lot after the pandemic. I work from home several days a week and real life meetings are considerably fewer. At the same time, dress codes have become more relaxed and casual. I have a wardrobe full of business clothes like classic blazers and trousers, suits, silky blouses etc. not worn as much any more. I too could use a wardrobe adjustment, but it is hard. Thank you for the inspiration. Smashing outfit! I especially like the shoes-socks-jeans combination. Irina on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372274 Wed, 16 Oct 2024 14:21:16 +0000 Irina 2372274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you for this post - I appreciate you sharing your style journey into retirement years. It’s been a lot on my mind. I’m back from our vacation and this is my first day of retirement I have so many unknowns and questions. <div>I like your outfit, especially grey jeans. Doubt I will be as put together as you in my home outfits!</div> Lisa on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372273 Wed, 16 Oct 2024 14:10:03 +0000 Lisa 2372273@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You've done a stellar job of adjusting your wardrobe to fit your current lifestyle. Owning a wardrobe for a fantasy life or just a past life is a big reason why so many people end up with too many things but have nothing to wear. Bravo for all your hard work! Your casual outfit is something I'd wear myself. I adore sneakers in any form (both the slip on and have to tie them variety). Add a graphic tee (I'm a big fan of graphic tees too), a hoodie (always so comfortable to wear) and some nice pants (or in this case jeans) and we could be style sisters.  You look great! Angie on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372272 Wed, 16 Oct 2024 13:50:42 +0000 Angie 2372272@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Dee, you’ve done a super duper job figuring out your evolved needs for this new phase of life. WELL DONE! It can take a while. Lots of trial and error. You put in the work, and reaped the reward! Your strategy and outfit formulas tick off the boxes! Authentic and manageable. You look wonderful! Your attention to fit always comes through. Makes a big polished difference! You wear wide jeans with the best of them too! And although you aren’t wearing scarves and belts here - I much enjoy how you add them to outfits as an effective finishing touch - much like the fun socks here! Please carry on! cjh on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372271 Wed, 16 Oct 2024 13:30:59 +0000 cjh 2372271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love the socks! You look like you’re comfortable with your choices. Good work for getting through the transition, so far. Saying that because I’ve been retired for eight years. I can really relate to your thoughts and process. But I’ve also found that experimenting with fashion and clothing, going new directions, and thinking about how I want to communicate myself by what I wear, still goes on. Sometimes it’s fun and sometimes frustrating. <div> </div><div>Your outfit photos always look great. Keep up the good work.</div> Janet on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372270 Wed, 16 Oct 2024 13:28:37 +0000 Janet 2372270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Even though I’m not retired (do artists ever retire??), can relate to much of this shift as I enter what has been called the “third act” of life. Some of my aspirational style from the past can be left behind. Some things I have kept as “more professional” items really aren’t needed and aren’t really my style moving forward. I took a hard look at some old favorites from years ago that I’d been keeping because they were really nice and not cheap. They are going away because someone will be thrilled to make good use of them now, not just admire them for a “maybe someday again” use. I see you also leaning into functional but modern outfits that have an element of fun that helps convey your personality — well done for navigating this evolution! Sisi on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372269 Wed, 16 Oct 2024 13:16:32 +0000 Sisi 2372269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a very stylish at home outfit! I like your style, you always look practical yet polished.  Aquamarine on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372268 Wed, 16 Oct 2024 13:05:45 +0000 Aquamarine 2372268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Found myself nodding my head as I read. I’m not in the same position as you but life certainly changes for everyone, at least every few years I suspect, and then we have to re-assess our wardrobes. Could be more/less social events, weight or health issues…so many ways our wardrobes need to keep up AND we need to be honest about our needs. I’ve been guilty of shopping for a fantasy life too, especially as I view photos from pre-pandemic times. So many cultural and life-changing changes since then.  Dee on "My Everyday Style Transition" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-everyday-style-transition#post-2372267 Wed, 16 Oct 2024 12:51:18 +0000 Dee 2372267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've spent the last 4 years of my retirement trying to sort out my wardrobe for this new phase of life. Getting realistic about aging and what I needed for my everyday as far as my clothing goes has been a real challenge. I've always loved the creativity of fashion and style but too much of my wardrobe was kind of fantasy life and so it was no longer working for me in reality. I eventually decided to join YLF 2 years ago but I had been following the blog for over 10+ years. I took this new opportunity and although feeling very vulnerable (even to this day) I posted some outfits on the forum seeking feedback. Some posts had lots of feedback, other posts didn't garner much response but I certainly appreciate all that took the time to comment and it did help me figure out which direction I felt I wanted to go in. I have probably said goodbye to about 40% of my closet as it no longer suited my current retirement lifestyle and in the last year or so, I think I've finally found a happy balance that I feel comfortable and stylish enough wearing on an everyday basis as I'm most often just puttering around the house and garden or runing errands. Here are a few of my style guidelines now: I feel best in mostly tailored classics but they can't be too traditional and basic. I want to feel somewhat modern too, so I will carefully pick and choose trends to add that I think will update my wardrobe but also suit my personal style. Jeans now make up the foundation of most of my wardrobe. I have them in a variety of styles, lengths and shades. Summertime, its crop pants and shorts in mostly cotton or linen mix. Sweater/quilted vests, zip hoodies or jackets and especially cardigans in different styles and colours are also essential along with long and short sleeve tees in various colours or patterns like stripes, ditsy, and geometric. I also try and stick to a particular colour palette which allows me lots of options to mix and match most items together and keeps me disciplined when shopping. Comfortable yet stylish to me footwear. This has been a real task to figure out but I think I'm fairly content with the compromises I've had to make in order to keep my feet happy. Belts, scarves, pattern socks and other accessories also allows me to feel more polished and creative styling this more casual wardrobe. Here's a typical outfit that you'll likely find me wearing around home these days. I feel its creative enough yet practical for my real life. 1) Grey Levis Wedgie Straight Fit crop jeans, graphic tie-dye print tee and red berry zip hoodie. 2) Adding some flair with striped socks and comfy slip-on shoes. Its been an interesting and fun style journey so far. I do miss the old days of dressing up for work and the other social activities associated with it but I am feeling quite satisfied that even with this fairly casual wardrobe I should be able to find some stylish ways to express myself when getting dress each day. Thanks YLF and the forum for your help along the way. Perhaps some of you have going through a similar transition.