What? It Works! Yes, it’s a repetition, or rather a variation on a theme. I think this could really work for me in retirement. I’m loving these new Levis, the revised 501s, these ones in a faded wash called Rolling Fog. A softer look, and a bit slimmer as well, than my finally-fading-just-a-bit Denham jeans.
These are super comfy, especially with a T (a bit of metallic flare, thank you J Crew), but I think the blazer (Smythe, 5-years old) polishes the look, as will a well chosen shoe. I could even imagine wearing a heel with these, and they’d look even sharper with a pointed toe (was that almost a pun?).
Do you pair jeans and blazers often? Or have another “uniform” that suits your lifestyle perfectly and still adds a bit of polish? I’ve actually been debating whether or not to include these pieces in my week-in-Paris wardrobe capsule, but I’m not so sure about the jeans. It’s between these and a white pair (don’t worry; I’m also bringing a pair of dark skinnies). These are obviously a bit more practical and I’m confident enough about what’s on the Paris streets to know they’d fit in fine in most places. But they are definitely more casual. Feel free to weigh in. . . .
I have two linen blazers (navy and khaki ) that I bought in Paris. I wore them with jeans or a skirt there and I never wear them for running errands at home. I have been wearing grey denim here (in Mexico) and have grown quite accustomed to it. My Oaxaca uniform:grey denim capris or black linen pants (cropped) with assorted black or navy tops, fleur-de-lys earrings and grey bangle bracelet. A uniform is easy!
I do think a uniform simplifies life enormously! A capsule wardrobe is even better, allowing choice, but not too much. I think you've done amazingly well with your Oaxaca uniform — especially that wild card of a fuschia top you bought there for when your neutrals just aren't enough! (a fleur-de-lys necklace is part of my uniform as well, by the way)
That's pretty much how I look every day – if I bother with polish at all:). If you look at the streetstyle these days, slouchy jeans are high fashion right now. I love the masculine/British with an edge look, as you know, and I think you look totally awesome.
Kindred spirits then — thank you! (I like to know I can manage some polish when needed, but it's not very often a priority, especially on the island)
I like the grey ones for Paris, although casual they are also a little edgy. While I'm sure the white ones look equally good on you, I wouldn't want the maintanence of keeping them pristine while away.
I hope the weather is still good. I heard it was superb in April when we were meant to be there, but our visit has been delayed 'til June.
Have a great time. It will be interesting the differences between visiting Paris with a sister rather than a husband.
Lilibet
Thanks, Lilibet. I'm leaning toward these Levis now, for the reason you suggest.
We were there once in April and it was glorious — I'd love to do that again. Sorry you missed it, but now you have a trip to look forward to next month. And yes, I'm really curious to see how differently I'll experience the city with my sister compared to my many trips with my husband.
Blazer plus jeans is a great look and so versatile. As you've suggested – shoes and accessories can really up the look.
It's so easy that it feels like cheating, right? đ
I have not blazer-and-jeans it for some time but I used to love it. Perhaps I need a new blazer? I like black jeans and a vintage suede jacket. I always feel pulled together and it gets good comments. BTW Mater, Happy May Day! If you have not seen the brilliant blog Spitalfields Life, can I urge you to visit it today and watch the charming demonstration of sycamore whistle making? Feel positively pre-Reformation now.
I like the sound of that black and vintage suede combo. Thanks for the May Day greetings — going to cut myself a little bouquet of lilies-of-the-valley to celebrate the month. And I'm heading over to Spitalfields Life right now — haven't looked at it for quite some time, and who doesn't like a little sycamore whistle making?!! Happy May Day to you!
Here to say, retirement dressing encourages the uniform or the core-with-some- variants. The workplace is more of a fashion show that we realize. Now I can wear the same favourite sweater 3 days running if I like. I don't wear blazers now that I've retired, prefer a single layer, though love it on others, including you.
Exactly. I've always been conscious of not repeating what I wear too quickly at work, but I know that I'll be quite happy to go several days in a row with something if it's working for me. Honestly, I'm not sure how much I will wear my blazers, but it seems they could work well in the city, at least.
Frances, Your face looks different lately – sort of lifted and glowing. See especially the photo from a few days ago in the navy/white t-shirt and camel jacket. Is it happiness due to anticipated retirement, or a magic beauty treatment that you should let us all in on?
Aw, what a nice thing to say, Marie. I guess I'm relaxing already, more than I realize. I remember the photo taken of my at the lunch celebrating my successful defence of my doctoral dissertation — it was shocking to see how instantly younger I looked, just because the stress left my face. If I'm getting a lighter version of the same phenomenon now, I'll take it! đ
Surprised that you are making such a big thing of the retirement wardrobe. You seem to have been in a very casual working environment from OOTDs you have posted in the past. Was often surprised by how "dressed down" (maybe I should say casually dressed) you were so would have thought therefore in your case not much of a change required. Hope that doesn't sound critical just curious. Agree with Lilibet you look great. I think retirement is going to suit you very well. Mary
Fair enough comment, Mary, although I'm not meaning to make "such a big thing" of my retirement wardrobe — just curious about what this momentous change will mean for me. Yes, my working environment is casual-creative, although I wouldn't call it "very casual." I was always very aware of being at the lectern in front of a roomful of (mostly young) adults. And because I was in front of each class twice each week, for 13 weeks, I felt a need to vary my outfits. I'm guessing I won't feel that external pressure anymore, and I'm curious about how much I'll still want to switch up what I wear. Another big difference is that I wore skirts and dresses quite often for work, and I wonder how much I'll keep that up. My life on this little island is a kind of casual that would make you rethink using that word for my workplace gear — it's all relative, right? But I could spend all my days here in jeans or sweats, a good rainjacket, and a pair of bright yellow Helly Hansen boots, and my neighbours wouldn't think anything of it. Or old cut-offs, T-shirts, and Birkenstocks in the summer. I'm just trying to find a middle ground. The outfit pictured above is one that I would wear to teach in AND would wear in retirement, as it appears to me now. We'll see. Thanks for commenting.
Thanks so much for taking the time to respond, love that you take the trouble to do that. You seem to have an interest in style and fashion and this coupled with your trips to the city for operea etc will keep you stylish in retirement. I take your point re your island lifestyle. Also interesting that you question how skirts and dresses will fit in. Know what you mean. I always feel more dressed up in a skirt or dress except in summer when they somehow suit a casual vibe. Like the thought provoking aspect of your posts though I rarely get to comment. Regards Mary
It's true that a skirt or dress seem to suit Summer Casual — I like them in the fall with tights and boots as well, and I wonder if I'll keep that up. . . So glad that you enjoy the blog and appreciate my response — thanks for taking the time to leave yours.