topic Re: Anybody else retired and live a casual lifestyle? in Fashion

Anybody else retired and live a casual lifestyle?

casuallady — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 02:27:10 GMT

I am retired and live with hubby and medium sized Labradoodle in PA. We babysit grandkids 2-3 days a week, walk dog, grocery shop,... and go to church. I also workout, go to a Bible Study, and shop. My life is very casual. I should like Denim and Company clothes, but I am Petite 5'1 and they are usually too long and big.

I need a few fresh long sleeved tops, and maybe some jeggings, I have jeans for winter. Also looking for comfy narrow shoes to wear in cold weather. I may purchase a new puffy jacket.

Can anybody else identify with this lifestyle, and where do you shop and how do you dress?

Re: Anybody else retired and live a casual lifestyle?

gazelle77 — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 02:31:10 GMT

I like you dress casual all the time now that I no longer work. I have a closet full of "work" slacks, tops and shoes that I really never want to wear ever again! I need to donate it. My lifestyle is walking my dog, going to the market, and working in the yard. I enjoy looking casual nice when I leave the house to market....a little makeup, earrings, look nice! When home no makeup, very casual.

Re: Anybody else retired and live a casual lifestyle?

pattypeep — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 02:34:20 GMT

Our lifestyle sounds very much like yours, except that my dh is still working and we have two dogs and a cat. But very laid back and casual does it for us. I enjoy gardening and decorating, going to the gym, having lunch with friends. When I first retired I purchased quite a bit from Coldwater Creek, but they are gone now. I wear grubbies for working in the yard, but I rather enjoy gussying up a bit when I go to lunch or just shopping. Casual, but nice. I wear mostly jeans, but like nice tops and semi casual jackets or sweaters. I have so many clothes now that I rarely shop. I did go to Kohls before our vacation last May and picked up a few things. I haven't been blessed with grandchildren, but would gladly take care of them if I had them. Your are blessed.

Re: Anybody else retired and live a casual lifestyle?

haddon9 — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 02:45:56 GMT

I also have a very casual lifestyle but I do like to look presentable when I go out. I have an online Etsy business from home which keeps me busy and the extra money is nice but I do a lot of painting and so I wear old clothes for my work. When I go anywhere though I like to look pulled together and coordinated!

I shop all over....and find that most stores are not always consistent with their sizing so I have to keep trying things on. I buy a lot here too... Denim & Co., Susan Graver, Linea but return a lot as well...I'm 5'3" so sometimes I need a petite but not always.

I buy outfits when I want to look a little more dressed from Chicos, and Talbots has a wonderful petite department...almost everything they offer is offered in a petite size. They may be a little pricey but they always have sales! I also like J Jill for their casual but classic clothing and I purchased some their slim cut knit pants which feel wonderful but not clingy!

As for a winter down puffy coat I bought one last year from Lands End. It came in a petite size (sleeves were just right!) and it was probably the best item of clothing that I bought last winter!...after the winter we had (I'm also in Pa) I was grateful to have it!

Re: Anybody else retired and live a casual lifestyle?

casuallady — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 03:05:32 GMT

I also like to look current and fashionable when we go out, even grocery shopping, there just seems to be the Chico/Talbot stuff, not much cute Petite tops that don't break the bank. I do find some things at Christopher and Banks. I am going to try Denim and Co again, and size down one size. I am looking for cute leggings, I will try J Jill. Liz had some on, but they were ankle.

Re: Anybody else retired and live a casual lifestyle?

jeanlake — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 03:09:39 GMT

Hi casual. I retired from a career in higher education 2 years ago in student counseling department. Now I'm working part time at another college. It's a low stress, much easier job and ideal for me while husband continues to work full time. I love it. It's the best of both worlds.

I also wear petite length pants. (29")

I don't buy as many nice pants/slacks or pantsuits because I'm in a more casual setting and can wear colored jeans and blue jeans on Fridays. I like to pair jeans with blazers, vests, cardigans or jackets. I buy more active wear as I go to the gym several times a week and cycle with my husband. Yes, my purchasing selections have changed quite a bit. Not just with clothing but handbags and shoes. I like Women With Control for yoga and active wear pants -- some D & C tops --- Susan Graver and Linea blazers and tops -- a few Simonton and Bob Mackie pieces. Chicos, Macys, Christopher & Banks are places I enjoy shopping. Amanda jeans at Costco, short length, have been recent purchases. I'm even finding some active wear at Bass Pro, women's department.

Casuallady, it sounds like you are content and happy. Continue to enjoy your casual lifestyle.

Re: Anybody else retired and live a casual lifestyle?

151949 — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 03:26:11 GMT

My life consists of trips to the YMCA gym or pool - walking around my neighborhood, volunteering and church and going shopping. We do go out some but for the most part we are home or at the Y. I am tall so I do like and wear a lot of denim & co. I also shop at Walmart for workout clothes and Bells for nice casual tops.In our town even going out to dinner is generally done in capris and a t shirt because it is a beach resort area so very casual. Not at all unusual to see folks running around in swimsuits with just a maxi skirt thrown over it.

Re: Anybody else retired and live a casual lifestyle?

corismom1 — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 03:30:43 GMT

I can identify with your lifestyle as mine is mostly similar. I am a retired teacher after 35 years and have 2 closets full of clothes that I seldom wear. I still like to dress nicely for meetings, lunches, etc. But around the house and physical therapy (2X/wk) I wear casual crops and tees at the moment. It is somewhat different for me as we live in New Orleans for 5 months out of the year. I still dress up there, even for groceries, errands etc. The women there are more "finished" when they are out. Maybe its the South. I am lucky enough to have 2 precious granddaughters there and I love helping out at their school. There is so much to do while we're there that I find that I am not as casual. The only problem is the change of locale. My Winter clothing is for Central New York in the Fall, Winter & Spring. Most of which is not suitable for the climate in NOLA. I never wear a Winter coat. As for shopping, I find I do very little. I shop in my closet, online, and many little shops in and around New Orleans. I buy very little from the Q, their styles just don't appeal to me. I just love my life right now.

Re: Anybody else retired and live a casual lifestyle?

SaggingGal — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 07:30:23 GMT

I am a stay at home mom of two little dogs. I dog walk and climb lots and lots of stairs for exercise so my clothes are very casual. I used to wear suits to work, mostly Liz Claiborne petites I purchased at Carson Pirie Scott in the Chicago area. I now resort to Talbot's Petites, Banana Republic Petites and Land's End Petites. Sometimes the Petite Dept. at Kohl's does the trick for very casual wear. I just purchased some cardigan sweaters there on sale for about $20-$25 each. I searched for petite cardigans at this price point at numerous retailers and could not find any except for a few season end items. Someone told me the textile mills make the same sweaters for numerous manufacturers--same fabric content especially in classic styles. Anyway I am constantly disappointed in QVC for not offering more selections in petites. Offering pants in petites is not enough. Susan Graver and Denim and Company would be the perfect clothes for me but so little is available in petite it is not worth watching the shows. The petite pants are great but the tops in regular sizes do not work. Oh well this is an old lament of mine. Anyway, leggings, jeans, French terry hoodies over a t shirt serve this doggie mother quite well.

Re: Anybody else retired and live a casual lifestyle?

Vivian — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 12:24:49 GMT

My husband and I are retired and definitely live a casual lifestyle. We work out at the Y, travel as much as we can, visit family and friends, dine out, shop, etc. I am 5'3" and need petite clothing. I shop at Chico's. Their jeans fit me perfectly. I buy their petite lengths or their ankle pants. They've started offering some of their tops and jackets in petites too. Chico's rewards their loyal customers with all sorts of discounts and free shipping. I find I spend less per garment with Chicos than with QVC, because of Chico's discounts and free shipping, and Chico's quality is excellent.

Re: Anybody else retired and live a casual lifestyle?

focksie — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 12:54:44 GMT

I have a VERY casual (and frugal) lifestyle. I'm mostly in straight leg, lightweight "sweatpants", tee shirts and jogging sneakers. If I go out, I'll put on a nicer top and shoes. I do not wear dresses or skirts. Despite being so dressed down, I'm neat and being trim helps to not look sloppy in such casual clothes. My clothes fit well and there's nothing hanging out. I never thought I'd be wearing elastic waist pants and I don't need to for the waist expansion, but it's the only way to go! No one sees the waist and there's no comfort like it.

I like cardigans and casual blazers in the cooler weather. I shop at Marshall's, Kohl's. I find cute cardigans for $7-15 at Old Navy or my local discount stores and pants for less than $20 at Marshall's, button-down shirts for around $10. I have never found a noticeable difference in quality by buying name brands.

Re: Anybody else retired and live a casual lifestyle?

pineyriver — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 12:57:16 GMT

Hubby and I are both retired from jobs outside the home, but also run a cattle farm. Retired from one job, but not the other. We dress casual for our daily work on the farm, but I love to also dress up for shopping and going to church. Guess I am old fashioned, but people don't seem to care what they wear to church, weddings and funerals anymore. Maybe it is just the area where we live. Oh well, everyone to their own. LOL

Re: Anybody else retired and live a casual lifestyle?

ivey — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 14:21:02 GMT

I like my lifestyle, and it is definitely casual. I finally have identified the basic black dressy things for weddings, funerals, fancier events--enough to cover those special occasions.

The majority of my wardrobe is tees and casual pants or capris. I live in a climate where dressing up often leads to looking like a sweltering hot mess. So it's better to keep it simple, but cute.

Re: Anybody else retired and live a casual lifestyle?

cotton4me — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 15:40:27 GMT

I recently retired and also live a casual lifestyle. I need multi-purpose clothing that will fit into my day. For me, in the fall/winter, I wear Old Navy fold-over yoga pants in petite. They’re more relaxed than most yoga pants. On me they look like slim pants so I can work-out, run errands, clean the house, etc. I usually wear a lot of LL Bean and Land’s End T’s. They have different styles and sleeve-lengths.

For shoes, I usually wear Merrell, Easy Spirit or my athletic shoes since I go walking at least twice a day.

Re: Anybody else retired and live a casual lifestyle?

Kathlen — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 16:15:40 GMT

I retired almost four years ago - I wear the same casual stuff that I wore before, but now I wear it everyday, not just weekends and holidays. I live in Manhattan - so don't dress as casual as I would if I lived in a suburban area.

I have a relaxed life style ... single, no kids, no pets. Gym, lunch/dinner with friends, church, museums, shopping. I'm an avid reader and spend lots of time curled up with a good book indoors or outside reading in the park or at our local outdoor cafe.

I buy a lot of LandsEnd, and Chico's and at QVC, LOGO, Attitudes and Graver.

Re: Anybody else retired and live a casual lifestyle?

RetRN — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 18:46:54 GMT

I am retired and also live a casual lifestyle which suits me fine. This summer my uniform has been white capris with Bob Mackie flowered T-shirts. I wore a Linea maxi dress to a summer wedding. I have only bought a few things since retirement and they were from Chico's (using a gift card), T.J. Maxx, and Kohl's. I enjoy going to the library, church, day trips with friends, eating out, and walking through the neighborhood. It is a quiet and peaceful time of life.

Re: Anybody else retired and live a casual lifestyle?

casuallady — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 18:48:15 GMT

Thanks very much for all the interesting input. I got a lot of ideas to shop for leggings or yoga pants. Also need some cute hoodies that aren't too oversized.

Re: Anybody else retired and live a casual lifestyle?

blackhole99 — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 19:13:08 GMT

I'm retired, but hubby still works, we have one son who is not married and lives in another country. We share our home with a cat named Moe and our life style is causal although, I do like to dress. I, like you am petite, but on the taller end of petite at 5ft 3. I find Joan Rivers tops and jackets fit me best and she does offer some styles in a petite size. D&C does not work for me either, their jeans fit me in the rise, but the length is too short. D&C tops are iffy too, if they don't show it on a petite model I don't buy it. The best place I ever shopped for petite clothes is Boscov's , they have a great selection of styles and sizes,I don't know if they sell online. I have worn Birkenstocks since 1979, although I love shoes and have a variety of brands and styles, but I don't wear high heels. I love faux fur, but I have to be careful with the style or I just look like a little bear. I'm on the hunt for a suede jacket, just sent the Issac suede jacket back because the sleeves were just too long. I love Judith Ripka jewelry and wear it every day even if I don't leave the house. At this stage of my life I dress for me and do what pleases me.