what to wear: fab 50 and no longer working
January 8, 2010 
2 Comments
Reader Question
I have recently decided to quit working as a beauty industry executive. However, I still want to look put together and not break the bank in doing so. I’m in my early fifties, size 2 and work out every day. When my husband and I are not traveling, I take classes, see friends and volunteer.
Please help me transition my closet from corporate to comfortable.
Wardrobe 911′s Style Prescription
A huge congratulations to you for leaving your job and heading out to enjoy the freedom of your “new” life. It’s very exciting and you not only are inspiring for keeping active and in shape but in proving that there is a life after work.
It’s a huge transition to go from corporate to comfortable. And I’m sure many young college grads can express the same frustration from the flip side! You still want to be you and express yourself but now it’s with more casual styles.
First thing to do if you haven’t done already, take all those suits and put them in another closet. You want your closet to be active, meaning you want to wear everything in it. So keeping suits in there doesn’t help because they’re reminding you of your former life.
Second, you want to hit the contemporary department for pants and stylish tops. Designers like Theory, Vince and Chaiken offer great quality items that work for the everyday sophisticated lifestyle you enjoy. Here I show the Rosel Pant by Theory which is a straight leg wool pant. It’s seasonless and works great for any time of day. Pair them with one of Chaiken’s knits like this button-back tunic to create a casual elegant vibe. And of course, dark wash jeans work incredibly well with a non-work wardrobe — make sure you have at least 2-3 pairs that you can wear with boots, flats and heels.
For layering pieces, forgo the business jackets and replace them with structured cardigans and jackets in more casual fabrics such as cotton, molded gabardines, suede and even jersey. The beige jacket featured for inspiration is by Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti at ShopBop.
Add some color and quality through your accessories such as this Herme’s inspired bracelet, Comme des Garcons zippered wallet and Bottega Veneta canvas tote. The gray Abbey snake print flats by Tory Burch work flawlessly with both outfits.
About the Author
“First thing to do if you haven’t done already, take all those suits and put them in another closet.” If you won’t be changing your mind and going back to work before your clothing becomes unfashionable may I suggest the following two options:
Why not repurpose them instead? A donation of business wear to a woman’s shelter would be gratefully accepted and put to good use.
Or, if you are short on cash yourself and would like money to fund your new wardrobe, it you have quality items try a resale (consignment) boutique?
That is exactly what I did. First I put some of the work clothes in the guest bedroom closet and gave some clothes to my sisters. Second I bought some nice knit pieces that I can wear out and added some jeans and silk -tshirts to wear around the house. I still look chic and feel comfortable.