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Stepping up Your Appearance in Retirement

Retirement communities aren’t what they used to be. They’re active communities with many opportunities for social outings. This week For Hit Your Style Sweet Spot, Pam and I are responding to a woman’s request on our survey. She had recently moved to a retirement community and felt under dressed compared to the other women who lived there.

Stepping Up Your Game in Retirement

Style has the power to transform your confidence. Working from the outside in, women can boost their confidence by hitting their Style Sweet Spot.Ā Pam Lutrell and I began this new series to help and inspire those women who are struggling with their appearance. Each week we choose a scenario from our daily lives to show why, what and how we dress to reach our style sweet spot. Your style sweet spot is when you feel confident about your appearance and know you are sending the message you want people to see.

Last week Pam and I dressed forĀ An Art Gallery. This week it’s about upping your game in retirement.

 

We have friends who recently moved to a retirement community and they’re loving it! They are more active now than before moving there. I used to think I would never move to one, but she’s starting to change my mind about it.

 

Just a change of shoes and the addition of a scarf changes the whole mood of this outfit.
changing shoes and adding a scarf changes the feel of this outfit

*My last postĀ Ā about hair loss in midlife elicited some wonderful advice from you, my readers. Thank you! I notice how thin my hair is getting in these photos.*

 

Here are some ways you can step up your appearance, and still be casual and comfortable.

 

  • switch out a sweatshirt for a sweater
  • change a plain T-shirt for a patterned one with a collar or details
  • instead of sneakers, wear dressier flats
  • switch jeans for a dark pant in a casual fabric (pointe knit)
  • add a scarf and earrings
  • take the time to put your makeup on

 

The simple addition of a scarf and some earrings dresses this plain sweater up
This scarf is a favorite. My daughter bought it for me on her trip to India.

Often the difference between casual, overly casual and underdressed can be fixed with attention to accessories. Even if you stay in that plain sweatshirt and sneakers, you can improve how you look with some jewelry, makeup and a smile. Dressing to please yourself is the most important criteria. You need to feel confident and happy with how you look.

 

Lets pop over to see how Pam Lutrell dresses to hit her Style Sweet Spot this week.

 

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Linking with Visible Monday

19 Comments

  1. Super advice! So simple, yet so effective!

  2. LOVED this post, I just moved to an active over 55 adult community and we love it here. However I am finding in the house it is yoga pants and tshirts for me, but when we go out and about or to the clubhouse I like to step up my game. I love the side by side comparison on how you stepped it up, great example and so easy to do.
    Kathysue

  3. I’m at a slightly different stage but it’s easy to get trapped in the yoga pants and pony tail as you run from thing to thing. Thank you for reminding me to take the time to look a little better!

  4. Each advice you mentioned is wonderful and so simple for any retired person to follow. And yet, it’s great advice for every woman to follow. Great post, my friend.

    1. Thanks Trina. Looking good helps us feel good no matter our stage in life.

    1. I’m glad you enjoyed it!

  5. The scarf is beautiful and looks amazing on you! I am a big believer in scarves, necklaces, and shoes. I almost always wear flats, but I make sure that they are “special” flats that add a little something to an outfit. Your side-by-side photos show wonderfully how easily an outfit is transformed by shoes & a scarf!

    1. All flats are not created equal! But I need to live in them so it’s important I find chic ones.

    1. Thanks Patti. I really loved your dress today.

  6. Constance says:

    I often do this, put on a scarf to dress up jeans or knit pants and a top. If I have a print top on I put on a necklace or statement earrings. In the summer sometimes I’ll wear colored ballet flats to add that accessory spark! I enjoy this serie. Thanks!

    1. Colored ballet flats are a favorite truck former too. A great pick my up.

  7. First of all, love that shade of blue on you. It is amazing how switching out shoes and adding the scarf completely changed the look of your outfit. This is a perfect visual of how this is done! Amazing scarf, I can see why it is a favorite!

  8. Yes inderdaad, what a difference! Very pretty colour!

  9. Karen tanner says:

    Thanks for your posts! I’ve been retired a year and have felt the transition in my attire. It takes effort! Thanks for your encouragement and support.

    1. Thanks Pam! This is my best/favorite color.

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