Retirement Chic. The Winter Edit.

By Karen and Erica

Retirement chic?

Retirement chic is what we choose to wear when we no longer have to wear a school uniform or a job uniform or a career enhancing outfit—fun though some of those could be. Our theory of style has not changed–-we still want to send a message with our clothes–-but what we want to say is a little different.

• When we started working, we dressed like little men. We thought the safest way forward was to look like everyone else–even though most everyone else was male.
• Once we had established a track record, we developed the confidence to come out as women. We were much happier transmitting an authentic message about who we were—intelligent, ambitious, fun-loving women.
• Now we are post-career. That does not mean we are not working,, but it does mean we are not climbing the ladder in the same way. We achieved success before we retired. Now, we are using what we learned over the years to establish a new image of retired and older women, an image that makes it clear we are still part of the larger world, we have much to contribute, and we are happy to share. And we intend to succeed in this project

Our clothes have chenged to reflect that different message. No more suits. Not too many high heels. More color—though in Karen’s case not much has changed on that score. And Erica started wearing sparkles early and often, and still does. Retirement does not change us. It widens the range of our choices.

How do we show ourselves in the depths of winter? We have ideas. We are sure you do too.

It’s cold and windy, so we like pants–either plain, to be worn with an interesting top, or wildly patterned, to be worn with a plain top. These Eileen Fisher wool lantern pants look elegant and cozy. We would put them together with a bright pink knit jacket. Plain, narrow leg navy pants are classic, maybe with a fuzzy white Athleta fleece top. And you can never go wrong with a black polka dot jacket, paired with a classic black turtleneck and straight leg red pants. Or, for that matter, with flowered pants and a bright blue jacket.

Of course cords and jeans play a big role in our winter lives. We like these bright green corduroys from Boden—their color reminds us spring will eventually return. They would look excellent with a tee shirt of the same color. We also like pants that show flair—like these, printed with swirling black lines. We’re big fans of winter white everything. These jeans are perfect for every day—except when nasty black slush is knee-deep. Then you need black winter jeans. Or maybe a long, felted black skirt, with tall rubber boots, and a warm orange parka. But if you can wear white—commit fully and make it head to foot. A wide leg sweater pant (a new idea for us!), a white turtleneck, a white puffer—and red boots! And an animal print coat over everything for camouflage on a snowy day.

Hats and scarves and gloves are mandatory. Karen wears sunglasses no matter how sunny it is, so she loves this purple sunglasses hat, these crystal framed sunglasses, and these gloves. Erica might be seen in this silver hat, this elegant beige scarf, and these beige Portolano gloves.

Of course, just because it is cold we do not plan to stay in. We need some shiny stuff for dinner and theater outings. We might opt for a long shiny dress like this, worn with a metallic blazer and flats or boots. Or perhaps some slinky navy satin trousers by our friend Jennifer Tattanelli, with a robust turtleneck. Or a velvet jacket paired with leather-look jeans.

All of these clothes look great worn in places we want to be, with others or not, moving fast, with confidence. You may think, as you imagine dressing in any of these outfits, that women if any age would enjoy them. And of course that is exactly right. Retired women are the same people they always were, only more so. Not a different breed. Just more experienced.

We know how to play with our clothes, even when it’s cold outside, and to keep sending the message that we’re still here, and we’re still players!