topic Re: Old and Retired in Among Friends

Old and Retired

drizzellla — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 04:32:18 GMT

My lifestyle and clothing is now comfortable. I now wear relaxed clothes while I am home. In winter I wear sweat pants and sweat tops while I am home, which is much of the time.

So for Christmas the past couple of years, I will get new sets of outfits. And so I have a nice assortment and when the spring clothing change comes, some outfits are purged they served me well but they need to retire.

There was one outfit that always seemed to look nice and would make always make it to the next year. I wore it Friday when I went out. As I put it on I was thinking that I have had it for many years. And when I noticed the built in shoulder pads - that confirmed it. But the elastic at the waistband was still in great shape - better than some much newer outfits. And the top still looked really nice.

I looked at the label. It was Alfred Dunner. Made me think. Here was an outfit - who knows how old it must be, but still in great shape. Maybe buying cheaper outfits aren't such a bargain.

Re: Old and Retired

Carmie — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 04:50:44 GMT

My clothing has never been disposable. I wear clothing that is 15-20 years old easily along with newly purchased items.

I consider my wardrobe to be an investment. I buy clothing with the intension of having it for years.

Everything, or just about everything, is made from natural fabrics such as wool, cotton or linen. No polyester or poly blends.

Europeans buy clothing this way and it is not new concept. It is not about how many articles of clothing you have, but about how many well made, excellent fitting garments you have in your wardrobe that works for your lifestyle.

I wear sweats and jeans with 3/4 sleeve 100% cotton t- shirts as my stay at home attire. I dress for comfort and my own self. Being retired means I have no one to please, but myself.

What a great feeling!

Re: Old and Retired

Goodie2shoes — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 06:26:56 GMT

Great Post ! I retired in 2016 and for a few years afterwards I was out and about so I bought new outfits. Now my life is comfy/cosey and I stay at home more so my daily outfits consist of my lounge wear such as cuddle duds or muk luks when company comes occasionally or just my nightgown and robe all day. I have 2 closets full of fashions mostly from QVC bought over many years with multiple tops that I haven't even worn yet. After losing about 65# and down from a size large to a xs, I gave a lot of clothes to Goodwill over the past 2 yrs. My main dress up day is Sunday for Church.

I need to find a new hobby in place of watching QVC ! I spend most of my time at home. Take care and enjoy your retirement !!

Re: Old and Retired

I am still oxox — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 06:41:36 GMT

My late Mother wore Alfred Dunner thank you for the sweet memory

Re: Old and Retired

Desertdi — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 11:39:06 GMT

You can still purchase Alfred Dunner at Walmart, Kohls, JCP and discount stores.

Dunner also had their own website on the net.

Re: Old and Retired

CalminHeart — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 13:02:37 GMT

I'm also retired and go for comfort over style as much as possible.

I have "dog" clothes I wear only at home because my dog sheds.

I wear jeans when going to many places.

I wear yoga pants/crops a lot in warmer weather.

I don't care what other people think. Besides, what I wear is no one's business.

Re: Old and Retired

cindyNC — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 14:54:15 GMT

I have some Affred Dunner slacks that I've owned for a while. I wish the tops they made were longer.

Re: Old and Retired

Desertdi — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 14:56:03 GMT

I lived in CA for 25 years...I slept in old cut-offs and a T shirt...so I could run outside "decently" in case of a rumble...

Re: Old and Retired

nambee — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 15:07:10 GMT

I've been retired almost 6 years and, like others have said here, I live in comfy clothes.

Around the house, I wear leggings and warm top with heavy socks in the winter. When warm weather arrives, I switch to crop or beach pants and tee shirts. I have 2 Barefoot Dreams cardis that I put on if I'm chilly (for some reason never wear these when I go out.)

When I go shopping or do errands, I usually wear jeans and a nice top or sweater. If it's really steamy out, I may wear a casual cotton dress or skirt.

I do wear more "dressy" clothes when I go out for lunch or dinner. Maybe nice pants with a blouse or sweater.

I usually buy clothes made of mostly natural fibers that are well constructed so they last for years. I enjoy buying something new here and there but really need very little new these days. I've purged my closet and no longer buy lots of clothes on impulse.

It's wonderful to be able to wear what I want each day without "dressing up" for work! I do make the effort to look my best when I venture out paying attention to my choice of clothing and hair and some makeup but love being able to be cozy and casual!

Re: Old and Retired

drizzellla — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 15:43:58 GMT

@Desertdi wrote:
You can still purchase Alfred Dunner at Walmart, Kohls, JCP and discount stores.

Dunner also had their own website on the net.

I got them at Boscov's. I had no idea it was sold at so many other stores.

Re: Old and Retired

Desertdi — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 15:49:39 GMT

@drizzellla

I would definitely CALL beforehand. Different store locations carry different brands, depending on the store "buyer".

Re: Old and Retired

haddon9 — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 15:57:29 GMT

I'm retired too and buy clothing that I feel looks flattering on me. It's mostly casual but I like to have some nice tops for going out or on a cruise.

I try to buy clothing that I think will last and for me most of the time I prefer solids but will wear an occasional print. I have the perpetually 25 lbs to lose so I like to buy what I feel looks slimming.

As for Alfred Dunner, I have only seen thos items in the past at Macys and never cared for the brand.

Re: Old and Retired

drizzellla — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 17:23:50 GMT

@haddon9 wrote:
I'm retired too and buy clothing that I feel looks flattering on me. It's mostly casual but I like to have some nice tops for going out or on a cruise.

I try to buy clothing that I think will last and for me most of the time I prefer solids but will wear an occasional print. I have the perpetually 25 lbs to lose so I like to buy what I feel looks slimming.

As for Alfred Dunner, I have only seen thos items in the past at Macys and never cared for the brand.

I know BUT this is nice looking (in my opinion).

It is a muted blue gray color. And the top has a quilted simple design at the shoulders. The fabric is the same as the rest of the top and the color of thread is the same blue gray.

Simple design but some effort was put into it. And it showed. In my opinion.

Re: Old and Retired

RetRN — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 19:10:43 GMT

After retiring I purged a lot of clothing that I knew I would really never need. Lifestyle is strictly casual, comfortable, and cozy. Cuddl Duds, AnyBody, and Muk Luks serve me well. Shoes are Clarks or Skechers. Handbags are Lug or Baggalini. Jewelry is minimal and classic.

Re: Old and Retired

Mz iMac — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 20:04:27 GMT

@CalminHeart wrote:

I don't care what other people think. Besides, what I wear is no one's business.

Re: Old and Retired

haddon9 — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 03:59:33 GMT

@drizzellla It sounds like this was one of your favorite outfits. If it still looks and makes you feel good I would keep it!

There are many brands that I'm not a big fan of but once in a while they surprise me and will offer something really nice.

Re: Old and Retired

Shanus — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 13:35:12 GMT

@drizzellla I can't decide if I'd call myself retired or not. I do sell paintings and do stay home at least 3 days a week. I try to schedule appts. and errands for the same day because my "painting clothing" are old paint splattered sweats.

I found when we moved and needed to donate 1/3 of my clothing, I divided what was left into categories. There are the painting/stay home clothing, going out for the day/casual dinner outfits and the rare dress clothing (about 3 outfits).

My shoes took the biggest hit as I now find sneakers, loafers and a few pr. of ankle boots more comfy. Ballet flats and "dress shoes" are a no.

I kept my "good/expensive clothing" and deleted the less expense things. Like @Carmie I always felt pieces like coats, blazers, cashmere sweaters, wool or linen slacks were investment pieces and after 15-20 yrs. they still look and feel good and I feel great wearing them.

A lot of clothes now are not made as well and the fabrics don't hold up in the wash. I also purchase natural fabrics. Yes, they may require more care, but worth not replacing items IMHO.

Re: Old and Retired

drizzellla — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 19:54:21 GMT

@Shanus wrote:
@drizzellla I can't decide if I'd call myself retired or not. I do sell paintings and do stay home at least 3 days a week. I try to schedule appts. and errands for the same day because my "painting clothing" are old paint splattered sweats.

I found when we moved and needed to donate 1/3 of my clothing, I divided what was left into categories. There are the painting/stay home clothing, going out for the day/casual dinner outfits and the rare dress clothing (about 3 outfits).

My shoes took the biggest hit as I now find sneakers, loafers and a few pr. of ankle boots more comfy. Ballet flats and "dress shoes" are a no.

I kept my "good/expensive clothing" and deleted the less expense things. Like @Carmie I always felt pieces like coats, blazers, cashmere sweaters, wool or linen slacks were investment pieces and after 15-20 yrs. they still look and feel good and I feel great wearing them.

A lot of clothes now are not made as well and the fabrics don't hold up in the wash. I also purchase natural fabrics. Yes, they may require more care, but worth not replacing items IMHO.

That is sooo true. I know I will never see or touch some fabrics that some of my better clothing were made. Sad. I worked in an Investment Department and an Engineering Firm. And had to present myself well.

But that is not my life anymore. So got rid of most of the cashmere, suits and dresses.

Shoes are another story. Still have many many, guess it is time to purge because I seem to wear only the same 8 pair.

Re: Old and Retired

Flatbush — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 08:27:11 GMT

@Desertdi

Now, that's thinking ahead.

Did you also NOT hang any pictures or mirrors over your head board. That's what I follow, out here.

It all makes sense.

Re: Old and Retired

Desertdi — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:45:31 GMT

@Flatbush wrote:
@Desertdi
Now, that's thinking ahead.

Did you also NOT hang any pictures or mirrors over your head board. That's what I follow, out here.
It all makes sense.

@Flatbush

Never slept near a window, or under a ceiling fan. Knew where the emergency exits were located everywhere I went. NEVER stopped my car beneath an underpass, etc. di