Anybody thinking how "retirement" would alter wardrobe and style?

unfrumped

If you are of a, errm, certain age, do you think about “retirement” planning re: where your wardrobe is going?

I’m not retirement age—no way! But while enjoying my working wardrobe updates and branching out in casual wear, I’ve also been pondering the whole timeless and investment hooey thing from the nearer-retirement-than-not angle. So many things I’m wearing now, I’d have much less use for, and other “capsules” would need to expand, and perhaps whole wardrobe should shrink (figuratively).

What this means to me is that the generic skills of style reviewing and updating are as important as what exactly is in my closet now. Also (being a broken record and still quoting Gaylene after a year or more), not going too overboard in one area—even workwear, which is my biggest activity capsule. Being much more on a 2-3 year clothing cycle and not a 10-year wardrobe-building plan, not because of "fast fashion" but because of life changes. If I were also to be very practical. I’d say I’m starting to think how to start cross-dressing (!) more.

I know that many of you have faced challenges when making major job changes or any major change in lifestyle, or even moving to a new climate. I’m wondering how much to think ahead. As I said, I don’t think it’s time to actually buy different clothes, but to have fun thinking about which items might stay or go, and which ones I really enjoy in or out of the work environment, and why.

11 years ago

Inspiration

29 replies

Latest reply was from The Cat

Anonymous

I don't believe there really is a such thing as investment pieces in a wardrobe. Things change too much. Styles change, where you live might change, taste changes, body changes.
Retirement also varies. Some travel a lot, some volunteer, some babysit grand-kids. Who knows what type of wardrobe you will need.
I say don't worry about the future and be happy now. You might be able to purchase a handbag or classic coat that would look stylish in 10 years but details change. It makes a difference how "In" you want to be. Look at the discussions on the forum of pointy toed boots verses square toes.

11 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

You are so right, tracina. That is indeed why I think working on the basic approach--fun, flexibility, being aware of updating, recognizing the "10" and happiness factors in whatever category you're in at the moment-- is more important. It transcends the actual activity or capsule. And decade, since hopefully there's life after retirement! That is such a liberating thought. Planning to have more fun with fashion and not planning the future.

11 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

How to transition from a somewhat formal work wardrobe to a stylish retirement wardrobe was part of my plan for joining this forum. What I've decided will work for me is dressy casual items. As such, I am making purchases of better quality/investment pieces, but at each purchase I ask myself, how I might use the item in my life after retirement?

I had let my work wardrobe get quite run down recently, and do still need to keep up appearances for another 2 years. I now have a formula of sorts or a plan. For what it's worth, my last 6 items purchased were:

Navy, black, and leather sleeveless sheath
Grey pontes straight leg trousers
Grey and black checked trousers
Grey, black, and dark blue cotton and cashmere blend turtlenecks

The sheath replaced 2 old fit and flare dresses, the trousers replaced 3 pairs of worn out coloured trousers, and the turtleneck sweaters replaced all the ordinary cotton turtleneck tops that had become faded and worn. All the replacement garments are classic and timeless styles, with much better fabrications than previous. They are also fewer garments that will get worn more.

My plan is to be retired from my job in 2 years.

11 years ago

Joy

Veteran

When I first came to YLF I was hoping to figure out how to put together a wardrobe that could serve me well into retirement and reduced income as well as lifestyle change. I've changed my tune a bit as I see women my age or older still wearing what they wore to work ten years ago, now to church and looking very dated. The best way seems to keep a small closet and use the money saved to update as best you can.
Pieces that have lasted the longest are knee length simple sheath dresses and pencil skirts in plain year round fabrics and simple layering tops like tanks and turtlenecks in silk or light weight wool or linen, again, not prints.

11 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

My advice (in other words what I wish I'd done) would be to keep your wardrobe small, functional & full of things you wear now. This will make any transition much easier.

tracina is right we don't know what we will be doing or what we will want to be wearing next year never mind further into the future.

11 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Yes!
Runcarla, I'm afraid that at home I'd wear gear all the time. But maybe have learned some lessons about going out.

Joy, I do hope to still be a church lady, but I don't want to remix AT suits! Who needs to do that?
caro, thank you, I need the hammer to the head multiple times and then may get it. Who knows, indeed?

That may be the best advice for everyone, but it's really resonating with me. It's great that it gets back to wear now. Angie rules! Again, I'm not on team 33 pieces, but I'm really paying attention to how many of this or that and why.

11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think Carla's and Joy's ideas about what lasts longest are great, because they will serve you well now, and might continue to serve later. If not, no real loss. The main thing would be to dress for the life you have now. Because who knows what tomorrow will bring.

11 years ago

Cindy

Active Member

I'm not that old but I am retired! I agree with the ladies who advise you to just wear what you like now and not worry about what you'll want years from now. If you are on this board you'll be wanting current styles, not old things that land you in the middle of frump city!
I wore suits and high-heel pumps when I was still working. When I quit working I fell into the rut of t-shirts, jeans, and slip on shoes.I went from one extreme to the other. I've realized that dressing that way made me feel frumpy so I have been working on bringing "dressy-casual" pieces into my wardrobe along with toppers and accessories to help me look and feel more put together.

11 years ago

Joy

Veteran

Back to add that we have season tickets for theatre, symphony, and often attend other cultural events and eat out with friends at upscale restaurants. These all keep dressier clothes in rotation. Gatherings with friends tend to be more informal.

11 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

I used to wear suits and pumps, but that was two and three decades ago. Meanwhile, workplaces have become much more casual and I don't need to look so grown up because I am. I am also working fewer hours and don't see clients nearly as much. I am trying to keep my business formal clothing to a minimum and have more cross-over pieces. I have more shirts than blouses because blouse sleeves don't scrunch. I am really, really trying not to buy anything that is dry clean only.

Actually, I'm not sure what I will be doing in retirement which may only be a few years away. The first thing I want to do after DH retires in several years is to get the foot surgery I need that will keep me from driving for three months -- but that also means my elderly mom won't need me during that period. So retirement will probably be dealing with elderly parents and their crises for an indefinite period of time. I bought more hot weather clothing since my mom lives in a warmer place than I do; same goes for my MIL.

11 years ago

deb

Veteran

Another part of the 'older' process is that you may plan for retirement now but in reality you may not be working the way you do now in one, two, or three years from now. I was in full dress/suit mode five years ago but as my employer realized the advantage of teleworkers, I now go into the office two or three times a week. Sometime even not that. So, what I am really saying, is do not plan on your job always being what it is today.

11 years ago

MsMaven

Veteran

From my point of view:

Be ready for anything. You never know what is going to happen next in the world we live in. Today the only prediction I would make is that you need to keep flexible, because fashion changes just as rapidly as does the rest of the world.

I could not have predicted into the future what would happen in the years of our so-called "retirement." First of all, I'm not sure married women ever really retire, no matter what jobs they once held in the business world. Or mothers, or grandmothers. I'm not going to go into that.

Once we reach a certain age, it isn't a good idea to accumulate too many clothes. (This important point is made by someone whose closets are stuffed to the gills with "in case" clothing despite weeks of purging.) Not only does fashion change rapidly, but our bodies change at what seems like an accelerated rate. It isn't necessarily that we will gain or lose weight, it is that along with retirement we are aging. I can't wear the shoes I wore to DH's first retirement party. (He went back to work--safer there.) Even the skirts or pants I wore at that time don't fit me now, even though I weigh about the same.

And I'm not really retired. I have a new passion. I am writing a book--a biography and history. It is taking longer than I thought, but that is fine. I mainly work at home, but I have new challenges. I presented a paper (based on part of my book) last summer and I'm about to propose for next year's history conference. (And investigating other possible conferences.) I mainly work at home unless I'm off on a research expedition, but I always want to be ready to leap up and go out the door for an unexpected adventure.

I find I have accumulated a whole lifetime of fashion "rules" that don't make sense and haven't made sense for a long time. I do know that I like to feel good about how I look.

11 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

Actually I think Angie's Classic Fall Casual capsule would be a pretty great start for a functional retirement wardrobe. Sub in a pair of ponte pants for one of the pairs of jeans, add a couple more tops and a nice dress or skirt/top combo, and you'd have quite a few bases covered.

I'm also with Caro in thinking that smaller and functional are two excellent guidelines, but I'd also add quality to the equation. Spending a bit more for better fabrication, and a more careful cut, pays off big time on a mature body shape. That's why I don't think you'd be totally crazy to start thinking of how some items might transition into a retirement wardrobe a few years before you actually stopped working full time. You could certainly incorporate a cashmere sweater and a good trench into a work wardrobe, and, if they were quality items, they wouldn't be out of place for a smart-casual, everyday retirement wardrobe.

11 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Gaylene - you are right I forgot to mention quality VERY important as we get older imo.

11 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

...and we certainly deserve it at this time in our life, if not earlier!

11 years ago

Anonymous

Since I work in a casual office, transitioning into retirement won't be difficult. I'll just keep wearing the types of clothing I wear now. I wear my office clothes on weekends, anyway. My wardrobe is mostly business casual and smart casual. I have a few really nice outfits for special occasions, though. I'd say my wardrobe really suits my lifestyle.
I don't dress really casually unless I'm sick or something.

BTW, is anyone else besides me sick and tired of seeing people wear pajama pants out in public? There was a couple wearing them at Olive Garden last weekend. While I realize Olive Garden is a rather casual restaurant, I still think there are certain things you don't wear in public--no matter what--and pajama pants are in that category.

11 years ago

Elly

Veteran

I'm nowhere near retirement (actually, in my field it is very uncommon anymore to retire, even if one works for some sort of institution where retirement is an option or happens, most people continue working speaking and consulting far into their old age) but I have experienced some of the dramatic changes you mention. My who YLF journey has been centered around trying to make transitions from one type into workplaces of various types. I thought initially I was coming seeking help for a clear-cut transition and planning to move from what I was doing at the time to working in a certain career in a certain type of office. However, what I've found is that the transition period has been long and variable, and since I've started doing contract work I'm often not anywhere for long enough to build a wardrobe.

I've found I need incredible flexibility, a very small wardrobe, and a constant emphasis on not overdoing anything and on what I wear now. I need to continue to update my wardrobe, but also have to keep mindful on limiting myself for shopping extensively for one situation, as in 3 months I will likely be somewhere else. I would hate to overbuy for one climate (although I do buy mostly for the climate I live in even though I travel for work) or one job situation or overbuy on casual and then have to dress up for work. So, I keep a few buisness-y basics that I encorporate in my smart casual looks from time to time, and have a small but functional casual wardrobe. I mix the to to various degrees depending on the situation, and it leaves me with enough flexibility to buy something new should I find I need it.

11 years ago

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Found this old post through a search and thought I might try to revive it to see if anyone's advice has changed - and maybe to add a bit myself.

I'm not retired from work entirely, but I am retired from going into an office on a daily basis so my clothing can be as casual as I like. I also have flexibility to work when I want, so many days I may be doing things other than work. I think budget is one of the things that starts popping into my mind more and more - such as how much do I really want to budget for clothing as opposed to budgeting for other things. I've learned I don't need a very large wardrobe - not many different activities, most seem to fall into the casual (daily banking or shopping) or active casual (hiking, boating, sport) category with a smaller "going out" capsule since where I live "going out" is often just to neighbor's houses for dinner/drinks or a local restaurant with live music or something where daily casual still works. I've had to teach myself *not* to buy too many things for that "going out" capsule - so many pretty items that I just won't wear in reality. Having maybe 3 nicer outfits seems to be about my max. need for any given year.

Anyone have an update or care to chime in?

7 years ago

cindysmith

Veteran

Seeing how DH & I are supposed to be semi retired, I can say from experience that what I thought would work for me absolutely didn't after we moved out here to the middle of nowhere. I was planning on needing lots of basics and lots of hardy garments that could stand up to the abuse of homesteading. So I stocked up on basics and promptly proceeded to ignore them.

What I actually wear the most is the stuff that feels authentic. Basics didn't feel authentic at all (and they bored me to tears). Dystopian things (like the jeans with shotgun holes blasted in them and my shredded looking Benenato sweaters) are heavy hitters in my closet, because if I snag or stain them it kind of fits in with the feeling of the garment. My minimalist stuff (skinny jeans, asymmetric tops, and slip-on sneakers) are the things that get worn the most when I don't have yard work to do.

I get where you're coming from, though. Sometimes I like to wonder what I'd choose to wear if I had to go back to work at a job that has a dress code. Not much of what's in my closet now would do LOL

7 years ago

Nebraskim

Veteran

Thanks for bumping this. I will be 62 in 3 weeks, but retired in August 2014 due to my job being RIF. I had worked for 27 years in PR/Communications for a university. My work style was fairly business/smart casual. Since formally "retiring," I now do PR/grantwriting/consulting work for my former employer and others. It took me a while to stop looking at more business-appropriate clothing and shift my look. I have pretty much adopted a "leggings with shirt dress" look as working for my work style. I have always been a bit more eclectic than usual. I recently landed a volunteer gig as a TV talk show host on our local cable access on a show geared toward seniors. I am enjoying that and learning how to transition my style to things that work on the show. The oldest host, a long-time TV pro, is 84. I am the youngest and I know I dress a bit young, but it's my look.

I do end up wearing a lot of running gear when I'm working from home. I have purged out my super-officey stuff and have kept a few dressier items for funerals. We never go out to dressy events or parties or concerts. Our social life skews heavily toward sporting events, so I do have a lot of that.

I think it was easier for me to transition because my office wear wasn't really that formal and I've always been a sort of "smart casual" dresser.

7 years ago

Anonymous

I don't think my wardrobe is going to change all that much. I work in a casual office, and what I wear to work is also what I wear on weekends and out to eat, etc. I have enough special occasion outfits, too, as my DH and I love to cruise. And I have some clothing that's suitable for church and for funerals and weddings.

7 years ago

Joy

Veteran

I would add that your body and best colors change in ways that you may not expect. Everyone I know also comes to a point that they downsize to a smaller place with less space for their wardrobe.
Your style will probably change...maybe more than once. If you want to invest in some pieces before retirement, get a few great classic pieces to use as a base for more trendy accessories that can update the outfit. A favorite neutral color that works with your eyes is good. Skin and hair will change. Even warm tones can go cool or you may need warmer colors ( that's what has happened to me so far). If you read this blog you will probably not be happy wearing the same things without updates, no matter how much you like them now, but classic feels like the easiest style to incorporate with others and one that works an aging body.

7 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

I retire in 10 months. I started by limiting the purchase of new skirts or dresses about 2-3 years ago. Almost all my tops (t-shirts, knits, button downs, sleeveless tanks) work for weekend/non work situations - as do my toppers (Jean style jackets, tweed blazer, leather moto). I am not buying heels or 'dressy' footwear and have no desire to add new purses/bags at this time.

What doesn't seem to cross over for me, are trousers. I'm in jeans when I'm not at work, and work is a 'no jeans' place except on Friday. So, I've got some trousers that I wear for work - and only for work.

What I've added to my closet in 2017:

Red high top Converse
Silver Converse
White Loafers
Black snakeskin pattern slip on sneaks

Blush sweater
Blush chinos
Blush lace sleeveless tank
White jean skirt
Red trousers*
5 t-shirts (long or 3/4 length sleeve)
2 turtleneck sweaters (black, navy)

* only the red trousers are work only

I imagine that I will do a purge of strictly work wear next spring, and live in jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers until I sort out my new routine and the reality vs the fantasy!

7 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I was thinking that I'd just dress like my mother when I got older, but now I realize that's delusional. 1) LL Bean will probably be out of business and 2) she wears button down shirts and 3) I look and feel terrible doing preppy.

I have to rethink.

7 years ago

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Fun reading your replies.

cindysmith- yes, moving out to "nowhere" can really impact your style. I live in a very small town of mostly retirees and weekenders. I find that it's the little things that make a difference. Like your example of wearing your distressed style fits right in because you don't have to worry about adding another small fray. I personally love to have a few souvenir tees related to my area as a way to dress casually. I thought I was over "graphic tees" but I've come to realize that they just have to have really personal meaning for me to enjoy them. And they have to fit and drape "just so".

nebraskim - what fun to be hosting a TV show. That sounds like a great way to have more fun with fashion.

Joy- I really appreciate your insight and agree that we change continually. One big lesson for me (and I am still learning) is not to buy too much in any given year because I won't get enough wear out of some things before they don't feel "right" for me anymore. I've learned to stick to your advice of choosing colors that look good with my eyecolor - which does mean a closet full of deep blue, charcoal and green, but I do love those colors. White is one of the things that helps brighten it all up for me.

Runcarla - I was wearing jeans and denim shorts a lot up until a year or two ago when I started adding non-denim bottoms that are still casual. Navy linen pants, an olive skort, white twill jeans, patterned shorts are a few items I now enjoy quite a lot.

rachylou - I imagine you will be a very stylishly dressed retiree

7 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

I haven't had a job in over 15 years. My husband is retiring next year. One thing I won't need are any dressy holiday outfits. His office holiday party was always super dressy. I will probably donate all items in that category. I have recently bought some new dresses. I wear them to church, to our community theater, and out to dinner. And sometimes, a funeral, too.

Last year my nice casual wardrobe finally worked for me. I had a variety of crops and tops that worked for most occasions. My wardrobe was tested when my mother was hospitalized after a terrible fall. I needed to be comfortable and presentable as I met the people helping her recover. I visited her a half dozen times last summer. I finally felt appropriate! Before YLF, my casual clothes were appropriate for hiking but not for situations such as this. I am so grateful to Angie.

7 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

Actually, I'd hold to my smaller, functional, and quality mantra even though my reasoning might have changed.

After 8+ years of retirement, the one thing I can say confidently about retirement wardrobes is that they are as variable as the people who call themselves "retired". For every one of my friends who skews casual, I have another who needs polished suits and dresses because she has taken on a major board position in a non-profit--or another who now runs her own consulting/training business--or a third who plans and attends major fundraising benefits for the symphony. Other friends have forsaken fashion entirely to live in clothes which let them paint in oils or work in clay, while still others need travel capsules to go on cruises--or to teach in third-world settings. Some have encountered health issues which make simple, washable clothing a necessity. Others choose easy-to-move-in clothes because they cycle and walk everywhere--or look after grandkids--or volunteer in rescue shelters. My retired friends are a varied group these days and their wardrobe needs often are more complex than when they were "working" in their careers.

Smaller because many of us have downsized our possessions and houses, functional because our clothes need to let us do what we want to do without interfering, and quality because we want our clothes to make us look good while they work hard for us.

7 years ago

Kelley

Active Member

My husband and I made an unexpected decision to retire last July. I was laid off a couple years ago from a job & career that had me travel 80% of the time and had been looking for a job and was rejected for 2 years. ha He is 58 and I just turned 56. I've also lost almost 50 lbs when I first got laid off so there's that...

Wow has my life and wardrobe changed! This past year has been some exploration of what we want to do with our time and we figured out we love all-inclusive Caribbean vacations and frequent trips to Vegas. We are going on our first cruise in 3 weeks and I'm really excited about that! Not to mention some fun roadtrips and a tour of New England fall color last year.

As for my ENORMOUS work wardrobe? I'm going to have to sell most of it on eBay. I have 60+ skirts, dozens of button-downs, cardigans, dresses, coats and blazers. I've already donated a dozen contractor bags of clothes and shoes.

I never, in my wildest dreams, did I think I'd need just as many swimsuits (and bikini and 2-pc swimsuits) coverups, jeans and shorts, tennis shoes and walking shoes for my life. My cowboy boots have served me well for both of my lives. haha This is SO WEIRD! And fun! I LOVE being prepared for impromptu!

7 years ago

The Cat

Veteran

Interesting reading, ladies.

I don't know when I will retire. Likely, in 5-10 years from now.

I don't think my STYLE will change much (ever since my early teens, I have loved relaxed elegance), but parts of my WARDROBE possibly wIll, depending on where I'll be living then, as well as my health condition and my obligations and activities. I expect to spend more time outdoors than I do now, so I'll probably need more outerwear and more walking shoes. However, I will not start planning and buying until a few months before the actual change. At that time, I will know more about my situation and needs.

7 years ago

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