Entering retirement marks a significant shift in our lives. This transition ushers in new experiences, activities, and opportunities. It’s an ideal time to reimagine your fashion choices, especially considering the shift away from professional attire. Seeking guidance from stylists, we’ve gathered some invaluable tips to revitalize your wardrobe for this exciting new chapter. Discover how effortlessly you can infuse life into your retirement attire.
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6 Ways to Liven Up Your Retirement Wardrobe
1. Explore footwear options.
Start small if you’re not ready for a complete wardrobe change. “Switch out your regular footwear for something unique,” suggests Vivienne Desurmont, founder of Maison Vivienne Paris.
Desurmont emphasizes that comfortable yet stylish shoes can breathe life into your retirement attire. “Opt for vibrant colors, intriguing textures, or embellishments like sequins or metallic details,” she recommends. Even sneakers with unconventional patterns or pops of color can inject a youthful vibe into your outfits.
2. Curate a joyful wardrobe.
Retirement offers a chance to redefine your style. If your closet holds items tied to a professional past rather than joy, it might be time for a change, suggests Julie Durocher, chief designer of Jovani.
“Retirement doesn’t mean dull clothing,” Durocher highlights. “Wear what makes you happy and confident, discarding anything that doesn’t.”
3. Embrace mix-and-match.
Transitioning to retirement doesn’t require discarding all your work clothes. Desurmont advises pairing your professional wear with newer, trendier pieces to craft novel and individualized looks.
“Pair classic tops with modern bottoms or blend casual tops with more formal bottoms,” she suggests. Mixing and matching diversifies your wardrobe and sparks creativity.
4. Layer for sophistication.
To elevate your existing professional basics, Roger LaGrone, founder of Alexander Noel, suggests exploring layering techniques.
“Neutral basics serve as a canvas for enhancing your style,” LaGrone explains. Try bold-coloured or patterned blazers over neutral shirts or opt for short, fine-knit cardigans to layer over basic tees, enhancing your silhouette without overwhelming it.
5. Embrace vibrant hues.
As people age, they may gravitate toward neutrals, yet Dianne Harper Boyer, co-founder of The Harper Girls, cautions that a lack of color can diminish liveliness.
“Neutrals might make you feel washed out as your skin naturally pales with age,” Harper notes. Desurmont encourages adding lively colors and playful prints to avoid this.
“Experiment with new shades like bold blues, vibrant reds, or energetic yellows,” she recommends. Bold prints—florals, geometrics, or abstracts—infuse youthful energy into your outfits.
6. Personalize your attire.
LaGrone suggests investing in tailoring to enhance your wardrobe post-retirement. “Customize your favourite clothing pieces to fit your silhouette perfectly,” he advises. Tailored outfits can feel as though they were made exclusively for you, elevating your overall look.
