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.