https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-for-a-completely-new-lifestyle Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:52:29 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-for-a-completely-new-lifestyle#post-1968309 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 17:09:53 +0000 Kyle 1968309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow. I am so thankful and appreciative for your great advice, ideas and support. We are staying in Arizona, just moving a few miles away, actually, but are downsizing from a very large family home to something more appropriate for empty nesters, yet still pretty spacious. My climate, which has started to feel hot year round to me, will not change, so I need to account for that. Ironically, my new closet seems larger than what I have now, so that thought is enabling my purging paralysis a bit. I do think a closet edit now is possible, beyond what I have already done. I know there are things I don’t and won’t wear, so I can start there, and I really need to take a hard look at my heels. But I also want to be a bit patient with myself, as I don’t yet know exactly what my new lifestyle will entail, and some sort of professional wear could be required. Hopefully by going through this process I will learn some lessons I can share with someone here in the future. In the meantime, there is much to keep me busy. A 5-month-old puppy, house showings, shopping and planning for the new place, lunches with friends, a bit of travel, hobbies, and, of course, YLF. What a great group! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-for-a-completely-new-lifestyle#post-1968278 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 15:21:31 +0000 Angie 1968278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>TAYLOR </b>AND <b>KYLE</b> on one thread. THAT MADE MY DAY. I've missed you both enormously.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Taylor</b>, congrats on your retirement. Oregon too. Welcome to the PNW , and that's very sensible and heartfelt advice.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-for-a-completely-new-lifestyle#post-1968244 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 14:12:29 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1968244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m moving the opposite direction—back to work after a long hiatus. I’m not there yet, so can’t tell you how the experiment turned out, but I’m using clothes to guide me towards my goal.<br /> I did the same thing with weight loss—intentionally bought clothes that were a size too small, from stores with long periods to return things. When they fit, I tried them on &amp; kept what I liked. I was also delighted to get some old favorites back.<br /> Now I’ve gathered up a small professional wardrobe as a way of faking it (to myself) until I make it. I can dress for the role I want, and this is motivating me to look for that role.<br /> If you make strong associations between activities and clothes, you could do the same thing—keep the clothes you really like, and find activities to match, whether that be tutoring or board meetings, political associations, or something else. </p> <p>I hear you on how even a closet edit is difficult. You can start with things that are torn, stained, or otherwise unusable. That might be all you do right now. Then, as you pack to move (&amp; need to take each item in your hands separately), ask yourself how you feel about it. If you’re happy to have it, then pack it. But take anything that makes you unhappy (because of fit or memory &amp; other personal things) to the women’s shelter. </p> <p>If you have a spare closet at the new house (maybe in the guest bedroom), put everything in it. When you wear something, put it away in your regular closet. Eventually you’ll know that you can give away what’s left in the spare closet. If you don’t have a spare closet, you can do the same thing by turning hangers backwards or buying yourself a set of velvet hangers different from anything you have now. Anything you wear is returned to the closet on a new, velvet hanger. </p> <p>Good luck with the transition and setting up life without the guidelines of work. My mom’s attitude towards the tours she and my dad do, and towards their annual stays in Florida (using “winter” as a verb) is that “it’s like summer camp”. They’ve just gotten back to Florida, and are starting a huge round of socializing as they see who is there this year. That might be a helpful/fun way to think about it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-for-a-completely-new-lifestyle#post-1968239 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 14:00:21 +0000 texstyle 1968239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I agree that waiting it out a bit would help. In the meantime I think I'd do a "try on" session and make sure what I *do* have in the wardrobe all fits perfectly, is classic or up to date, is in good shape and colors you love. Cull what you can based on that maybe? If you are going to move far away - like another climate area, then of course that makes a difference too. If you are just moving to a smaller home in the same area, it likely just means reducing the amount.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was pretty easy for me to adjust to a flexible work at home wardrobe (semi retired). I wore nothing but tees and shorts/jeans the first several years - ha! Seriously, I think that's what led me here to YLF. Now I have a *much* better casual wardrobe that is still very comfortable for at home work. I require very little formal or even business casual clothing though. Even city meetings and such here are extremely casual so it's easy to be "dressed up" with just a little effort. I focus on good shoes, good fitting jeans, higher quality tee style tops, good jackets, nice handbags, a little jewelry and a few special pieces that I love but maybe only wear a few times a year. I think I own 3 or so dressy outfits for a wedding or such.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-for-a-completely-new-lifestyle#post-1968233 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 13:22:20 +0000 Anonymous 1968233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree about not making any big changes until you assess what your post work life will look like. Some if not most of your workwear is probably easily remixable with more casual pieces, and you dont want to do a total overhaul then realize you bought a bunch of things you don't love! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-for-a-completely-new-lifestyle#post-1968201 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 12:20:15 +0000 cindysmith 1968201@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not exactly the same, but a few years ago DH and I up and moved from a rural area near Shreveport to a rural area near nothing much. While living near-ish to Shreveport, I was able to convince myself I still had a lifestyle that justified very stylish and higher-end clothes and shoes (even though we basically lived in a freaking swamp and I was a stagehand, neither of which required nice pieces LOL)</p> <p>Once we moved out here to North Central Texas (almost Oklahoma, middle of nowhere), I had to get real. I got a job at a produce stand that literally ate clothes and shoes (and if the produce stand didn't eat them, the goat we had there DID eat them). I started gardening &amp; canning, neither of which is kind to one's wardrobe). Fast-forward a couple of years, add in YLF, and I've STILL not figured out a permanent style for myself LOL</p> <p>I've kept a few of my nicer garments for those very rare occasions when I actually NEED something like that. These are the ones I still love and actually enjoy wearing when I'm doing something that won't destroy them. Of course, this often means that I'm wearing a Rick Owens sweater to go buy yarn to crochet hats for Christmas gifts, a fairly spendy pair of uber comfortable knit trousers to lounge on the couch, or YSL booties to a 12-step meeting that literally takes place in a building that used to be an auto-mechanic shop. Sometimes, people wonder why I'm so dressed up when its 'just' Middle Of Nowhere, Texas. My response is always<br /> 1) because I like it<br /> And<br /> 2) burn the $30 candle (meaning "OK, Cindy, you just spent $30 on an Indonesian Teak candle from World Market, if you don't burn it you just wasted $30" and I'm absolutely worth the $30 so I should enjoy the heck out of it)</p> <p>I have transitioned to a sort of casual style that seems to have held constant, at least in shape/cut/silhouette: skinny jeans or skinny pants (because I literally will trip over extra fabric swishing around my ankles/calves/feet); longer, slightly looser top with sleeves that don't flop around &amp; get in my way; and the nicest shoes that I can get away with (meaning not ruin the 'good' ones).</p> <p>You could try consigning or selling some of your professional wardrobe, hanging onto your most favorite pieces for those occasions when you might need them. You could also incorporate some of that wardrobe into your new life. A great blazer over a pair of jeans elevates the jeans. A fabulous pair of shoes can do the same. And "so what" if your life isn't fancy anymore? If you like it and feel fab wearing it, then burn the $30 candle (wear the designer blouse to make a grocery run).</p> <p>And remember, it's a journey--not a destination. It's ok to make fashion mistakes as we adjust to changing circumstances (we've all done it LOL). </p> <p>Good luck as you transition into your newest phase of life XOXOXO </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-for-a-completely-new-lifestyle#post-1968176 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 09:38:07 +0000 anne 1968176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just chiming in to say hi to Kyle and Taylor! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-for-a-completely-new-lifestyle#post-1968142 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 05:03:42 +0000 taylor 1968142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Kyle ‘<br /> I stumbled on you post , I read often but rarely comment these days !<br /> Congratulations on your well deserved retirement!</p> <p>I retired a year ago , after 42 yrs. in the beauty business , Two years ago we bought a house in Oregon and spent a year traveling back and forth getting to know our new community , (one that is very small and with a very different climate than we are used to ).</p> <p>Long story short.... someone like myself who wore heels everyday realized that this lifestyle is so different , so casual , so relaxed that 50% of my wardrobe was not practical . I purged 8 bags and about 30 pr of shoes , and countless handbags . I just kept the things of excellent quality and things I REALLY love . I still have more than plenty to fill my closet . </p> <p>We have all 4 seasons here in southern Oregon and I am really loving that because I can wear ALL my clothes at some point each year from heavy sweaters ,boots and jeans to shorts and sleeveless tops with sandals all summer . I still have my favorite sky high heels , but they don’t see much action these days !!</p> <p>Moving AND retiring is an extremely exciting and stressful time , my thoughts are with you as you are transitioning into this phase of your life. I will be quite honest as excited as I was to retire and move I was a little unprepared for the emotional challenges those first few months . I have always worked since in was 18 and had my own business for the last 25 yrs. and like you , I have always loved to be busy ... give yourself the GIFT of time to adjust to you new life The peace and joy it brings cannot be measured !<br /> Enjoy your new adventure and congratulations! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-for-a-completely-new-lifestyle#post-1968085 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 01:48:55 +0000 Roberta 1968085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just attended a pre-retirement workshop this afternoon! This question has been on my mind for a few years, as the thought of retiring crept into my consciousness. My first resolution was not to purchase anything that I couldn't conceive of wearing outside of work. No more crepe suits or "day" dresses or flannel trousers. I also made an effort to wear my work clothes on weekends - to dress up my casual wear a notch or two. I am hoping that the transition will not feel so abrupt as a result. The thought of doing a big purge of clothes I've only worn at work or only for a few years gives me the sads.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have found that my work wardrobe has become a little more smart casual anyway. I can't wear heels any more, pencil skirts look great but feel confining, and suits only get pulled out for interviews and sometimes not even then. I'm not trying to impress as much as I used to.&nbsp; Plus jeans feel a little shlubby these days, so I wear velvet and corduroy bottoms with casual tops more often. Sporty dresses and stretchy skirts are great for warm weather. WORK and WEEKEND wardrobes are drawing closer together.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-for-a-completely-new-lifestyle#post-1968078 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 01:22:34 +0000 Gaylene 1968078@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second Angie’s suggestion to start with a closet edit. That’s what she instructed me to do six years ago when I retired, and Mr. G and I decided to move from a 4-season climate to the PNW—and from a custom-designed house with loads of storage space to a small condo with a bare minimum of closets. </p> <p>The most instructive part was when I pulled out only the items which I truly loved and knew I wouldn’t let go. That pile on the bed (about 10-15% of my closet) became my new style direction because, for the first time in ages, I could clearly see what I enjoyed wearing. In my case, a “uniform” of boots and flats/jeans and slim-cut pants/sweaters and well-cut mariners. Once I tossed in a couple of well-fitting blazers, a few scarves, a leather jacket, a well-loved duffle coat, a raincoat, and my favorite leather cross-body bag, I had the start of my new closet. I picked out a couple of dressy outfits, some summer outfits with sandals, and a bit of gear—and I had reduced my wardrobe by 80%!</p> <p>Of course, it does get more complicated once you start going through all the items which are still on their hangers in the closet, especially when they represent a sizable chunk of cash and you are happy to wear the items under certain circumstances. Starting, though, from a drastically culled wardrobe which was full of things I wanted to wear did make it somewhat easier to cast a more critical eye on the bulk of my closet.</p> <p>The eventual size and composition of your closet will be a work in progress as your lifestyle changes, but it helps to have a core of what you truly like to keep you on track when you aren’t sure of whether or not you might “need” something in the future. In most cases, the answer, for me at least, was “probably not”!</p> <p>ETA: I also tried to control my “but, if the Queen of England invites me for tea, I might want to wear this...” instincts when evaluating whether or not to get rid of an item. It’s always possible that you might let something go which you later could have worn, but it is more likely those items will just reside in your closet, unworn, for a couple of years. In my case, if I was wavering, I just told myself I could add in a new item if I ever found myself in that specific situation. </p> <p>I’m still waiting for my invitation to tea... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-for-a-completely-new-lifestyle#post-1968065 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 00:04:43 +0000 em 1968065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In my various life transitions....what I've learned is that, first of all, "cleaning the house" does not require special attire. You cleaned the house before you retired. Wear the same clothes.</p> <p>Second the tops and blouses I wore to work are perfectly suitable for everyday clothing when paired with a corduroy. The simple tops work fine when paired with chinos. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-for-a-completely-new-lifestyle#post-1968054 Tue, 23 Oct 2018 22:12:11 +0000 Classically Casual 1968054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on a wonderful new phase of your life! If memory serves me, I think I edited my beloved corporate wardrobe slowly. I also recall trips to Nordstrom’s where I lovingly visited the career clothing, and had no idea what to purchase in the rest of the store for my new life.</p> <p>I did find I had no patience any longer for the dry cleaner, so that narrowed the field. Along the way clothing for just about everyone became more casual, which lowered the pressure for me as well.</p> <p>These days I’m more and more enamored with gear, or rather clothing from gear stores. It’s really well made, easy to care for and comfortable.<br /> I think I successfully find flattering pieces which I pair with interesting shoes or booties and outerware....done! My lifestyle is very casual.</p> <p>Enjoy the adventure of formulating a new life, and clothing that defines the new you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-for-a-completely-new-lifestyle#post-1968050 Tue, 23 Oct 2018 22:05:24 +0000 Angie 1968050@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>CONGRATS. Onto the next phase of your life.&nbsp;</p> <p>Come back to Seattle<b> Kyle</b>, and we'll get you sorted. I have many clients in your position </p> <p>On a serious note - give it a few seasons to settle. You shan't have dressing for the new lifestyle figured out right away because your activities will change. More traveling, R&amp;R, outdoorsy stuff, lunches out, part time work, seeing friends &amp; family, volunteering, extra long walks, crafting, hobbies - you name it! See how it goes. Definitely upping the casual look, and decreasing office wear.</p> <p>START with the closet edit. That's a biggie for downsizing. We are here to help.</p> <p>Much love to you, your boys, and the doggies. xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-for-a-completely-new-lifestyle#post-1968047 Tue, 23 Oct 2018 21:59:38 +0000 Staysfit 1968047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it’s a good idea to transition your wardrobe slowly. So many people I know who retired end up doing something semi-professional and then need some of their old work clothes. Some social engagements might also require them. Having some options available seems like a good plan if you need to scale back. I would consider keeping 1-2 of your work favorites on hand and eliminating the rest. When my MIL retired, she had a closet full of business suits, formal clothing and dress shoes. She kept two suits, one for winter and one for summer, and a couple tops for each and she gave the rest away. She then went back to work as a volunteer, but her work turned into a situation where she needed to become the CFO of a small nonprofit organization for a year. She used those suits for all the meetings, but at home was able to dress more casually. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-for-a-completely-new-lifestyle#post-1968034 Tue, 23 Oct 2018 21:04:37 +0000 Kyle 1968034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great ideas and suggestions so far. I’m realizing that part of my challenge is that I don’t know 100% what I’ll be doing moving forward. Right now our focus is on getting ready to move, and then moving, and that’s what I’ll be doing for the next two months. After that, it’s likely I’ll be doing some sort of volunteering, and part time work is even a possibility...I just don’t have it all figured out yet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-for-a-completely-new-lifestyle#post-1968030 Tue, 23 Oct 2018 20:53:50 +0000 DonnaF 1968030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You mentioned downsizing but not moving out of your current community. . .Just wondered if you see yourself engaging in volunteer work such as sitting on non-profit boards and the like where you might dress in business casual for meetings and dressy for fundraisers.</p> <p>I only work part-time but in slightly different climates from where I live. I can retire at almost any time but will probably work a few more years. For the past few years, I have bought only machine washable items because otherwise my subconscious self says DCO items are too precious to wear. I also only buy things that I feel I can casualize: No very strict, formal workwear. I like pencil skirts, but now will buy only ponte or stretchy ones.&nbsp;</p> <p>I was going to suggest wearing your jackets or blazers with jeans, but I'm also wondering if your workplace was more air conditioned than places you'll be while retired -- unless you plan to travel to cities like San Francisco!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I see nothing wrong with dressing up more than one's environmental norm. . .People get used to it/you after awhile. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-for-a-completely-new-lifestyle#post-1968024 Tue, 23 Oct 2018 20:39:18 +0000 The Cat 1968024@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't retired, but I have made other big changes in my life like switching career/profession/industry and moving to new places with different climates. And I guess some of the challenges are similar. If I were to retire, in order to plan my wardrobe I would start by analysing my needs and wants. I would ask myself questions like:<br /> ● Which activities will I do often (say, in a fortnight)? Which new activities would I LIKE to do?<br /> ● Which people will I be with? How do I want to be perceived by them?<br /> ● Will I spend much time at home?<br /> ● Will I spend much time outdoors?<br /> ● How is the climate?<br /> ● Which style do I want to have?<br /> ● Which items from my professional life could still be used at least sometimes (say, for volunteer work, meetings, dinner parties, theater, traveling ...)?<br /> ● Which colours would I like to focus on for new purchases? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-for-a-completely-new-lifestyle#post-1968019 Tue, 23 Oct 2018 20:19:03 +0000 Suz 1968019@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on your retirement! It really is a big change and it's no wonder you're feeling a bit discombobulated. I am sure forum members who have gone through this, including <b>Gaylene</b> and <b>Runcarla</b>&nbsp;will have wisdom to share.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have not retired but I did change from working as a school teacher to alternating days at home and days in a (university) office to almost full time work from home, with considerably more travel than I'd done in the past. And I did find these changes precipitated corresponding changes to my style.&nbsp;</p> <p>You might have to wait for a bit to find your direction, but my guess is that it will be guided by your activities. Will you be travelling more (and if so, where?) Will you be volunteering? Maybe you'll be pursuing longtime hobbies more vigorously. Maybe you'll find new hobbies or past-times.&nbsp;</p> <p>The clothes you need will be determined by your lifestyle and climate. Once you have figured that part out, decide on a couple of silhouettes that make you happy, are easy to fit or wear, and suit you.&nbsp;</p> <p>For myself, when I lived in a 4 season, cold in winter, hot in summer climate, my daytime work-from-home uniform consisted of jeans or comfortable pants and sweaters (with scarves and outerwear) in winter, and casual dresses or skirts/ shorts + tops in summer. I walk a lot in all seasons, so I need footwear that both goes the distance and looks decent. A lot of my budget goes to shoes and outerwear. &nbsp;</p> <p>Because I might do a bit of housework at different times during the day, I keep an apron handy. I avoid complicated sleeves and roll my sleeves up for cooking/ washing up.&nbsp;</p> <p>For errands in town, I might "step it up" by adding a third piece (jacket or scarf or different jewellery and/ or footwear). I also "dressed up" (so to speak) for appointments and meetings. And for my teaching days.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think many people find it helps to edit in stages. Some work clothes can probably go right away, but others might be useful to you moving forward. But you'll soon know what is what!&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-to-wear-for-a-completely-new-lifestyle#post-1968006 Tue, 23 Oct 2018 19:45:34 +0000 Kyle 1968006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>After working nonstop since I was 16 years old, I’m very recently retired. It’s an exciting time for my husband and I as we simplify, slow down a bit, and downsize our home. Interestingly for someone who has always loved fashion and dressing for my career, I suddenly find myself throwing on shorts and tee shirts every day. Some of this is a function of us being in cleaning and purging mode as we prep for our move, plus it’s still hot here. But as I think about my style moving forward, I don’t have a clear vision for how to dress and what to wear on a daily basis to do things like run errands, do chores around the house, etc. Closet editing has also been a challenge. My closet is full of clothes and shoes that are are too dressy or professional in nature for my new lifestyle, but I feel apprehensive about just getting rid of it all. I’d love to hear from anyone who has successfully navigated a situation like this or who has suggestions for doing so. How did you find and define your post-career style, and what did you do with your professional wardrobe? Many thanks to all. </p>