Fashion Tips for a Timeless Retirement Wardrobe

Retirement can be an exciting new chapter in your life, but it’s also often filled with big changes. You might move to a new town or even a different state from where you spent most of your career, or you might decide to hang up your suit and enjoy the freedom of not having to go into the office every day. Whatever your situation, you’ll want to make sure you’re ready with a fresh wardrobe that reflects this new chapter in your life — and this guide will help you do just that!

Create Your Own Style
One great way to stay stylish in retirement is to create your own unique style. If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at your summer wardrobe. Chances are, you already have some great pieces that you can mix and match to create different looks. Experiment with different combinations until you find something that feels right for you.

And don’t be afraid to add a few new pieces to your wardrobe each season. Just because you’re retired doesn’t mean you can’t keep up with the latest trends. Be on the lookout for stylish new pieces this summer!

Update Your Wardrobe
As you enter your retirement years, it’s important to update your wardrobe to reflect your new status. You don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard to hang on to your youth. At the same time, you don’t want to look like you’re in denial about your age.

With a few small changes, the result can be a great deal different. Start by adding some dark colors and minimal patterns that are not distracting from any wrinkles or other signs of old age. Women should avoid anything that looks too young or feminine, while men should stay away from bright colors and large prints that may draw attention to their graying hair or wrinkled skin.

When you get dressed each morning, make sure everything coordinates with what you already have in your closet so that nothing stands out as being different from the rest of your outfit. In addition, be careful about how much jewelry you wear.

Don’t pile on necklaces and bracelets; instead, choose one or two pieces to add elegance without drawing attention to your old age. Finally, watch how often you wear black – an overabundance will only serve to highlight how old you’ve become.

Mix Textures, Colors and Patterns
When it comes to fashion, there are no hard and fast rules. However, as you age, your skin tone changes and you may find that certain colors look better on you than others. You also don’t have to feel like you have to stick to one style. Mixing textures, colors and patterns can add interest to your wardrobe and make you feel more stylish.

One of the easiest ways to do this is by adding a bright print or patterned scarf to an outfit. For example, if you’re wearing all black, throw in a red printed blouse or jacket. If you’re wearing jeans and a t-shirt, try throwing in a nice silk scarf with some texture like ikat print. Also try mixing neutrals with brighter colors (i.e., black pants with a turquoise sweater).

Or wear softer colors with bolder hues (like pink shirt under a dark green suit). It’s not about being matchy-matchy; just mix things up so that your clothes don’t all end up looking the same.

Coordinate Accessories
Accessorizing can make or break an outfit. If you’re going for a more classic look, focus on high-quality, timeless pieces that can be mixed and matched. Stick to neutral colors like black, white, and nude, and avoid anything too flashy or trendy. A well-crafted handbag, some simple jewelry, and a great pair of shoes will take you far.

It is important to remember that clothing doesn’t last forever, so it’s best not to invest in clothing with the intention of wearing it for years. You may want to stick with items that are timeless, such as staple pants and skirts in solid colors (black being one of the most versatile). Remember when in doubt – less is more!

Choose Comfortable Fabrics
As you age, your skin becomes more sensitive and thinner. You may also experience hot flashes or night sweats. To avoid these issues, choose natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, and silk. They are breathable and will keep you cool and comfortable. Try this by wearing clothing made of natural materials during the day and slip into soft flannel sheets at night.

Make Sure Your Clothing Fits Properly: You should not have to stretch too much to put on your clothes in the morning. When buying new clothing, buy loose fitting items that will be comfortable now but won’t become too tight over time. Remember: Loose-fitting clothes do not mean sloppy clothes!

Explore Different Body Types
Your retirement wardrobe should be comfortable, fashionable, and flattering. To find the right pieces, it’s important to understand your body type. If you’re not sure of your body type, ask a friend or family member for their opinion. When you know your body type, you can find clothes that suit you.

Here are some tips for different body types
-Hourglass: You have an hourglass shape if your hips are wider than your bustline and you have a smaller waist. Clothing should create balance by drawing attention away from the hips and toward the upper body. Consider skirts with vertical stripes in more muted colors on top, which will help define your waist line.
-Rectangle: You have a rectangle shape if both bustline and hips are wider than your waistline. In this case, horizontal lines should be avoided because they draw attention to broad shoulders or wide hips while suppressing the small waistline. Vertical stripes may help create an illusion of narrowing at the middle of the torso by drawing focus upward instead of down towards hips or shoulders. For example, wear a button-down shirt with plaid slacks.
-Pear: You have a pear shape if your lower body is smaller than your bustline and hips. In such case, draw attention away from hips by wearing clothing that creates an hourglass effect at top and bottom. Color choices should be close to your skin tone so as not to appear overwhelming. Lighter shades should be used sparingly around the face to avoid adding unnecessary weight.
-Apple: You have an apple shape if your torso is wider than your bustline and hips. If you have an apple body shape, it’s important to draw attention away from your waistline by wearing clothing that enhances your upper body. Vertical stripes can make your waist appear smaller by drawing focus upwards instead of down towards hips or shoulders.
-Flat chested: You have flat-chested if your bustline is almost invisible. If you’re flat-chested, make sure to avoid clinging clothing and horizontal stripes because both of these tend to emphasize lack of curves. Instead, choose clothes that help create an illusion of shape by using vertical lines or solid colors that draw attention upward towards your face and away from your body.
-Short torso: You have a short torso if your bustline and hips are almost as wide as your waist. In such case, draw attention away from narrow shoulders by wearing clothing that enhances upper body. V-neck tops can help draw attention upwards to create an illusion of longer neck and wider shoulders.
-Long torso: You have a long torso if your bustline is narrower than your hips. In such case, wear clothing that draws attention towards your midsection by creating visual balance between upper and lower body. Horizontal stripes can also be effective in drawing attention downwards to create an illusion of a smaller waist.