As a senior gentleman, you can get away with much where fashion is concerned. You’ve earned the right to your opinion, and to your own unique style. But every so often, even the most individual among us needs a wardrobe review.
Retirement is one life event that may encourage a fashion makeover. Downsizing or moving into an assisted living environment are others. You want to make the move easier by not taking too much stuff, and you want to be sure that you have enough space for your clothes and other belongings. Besides space, reconsidering your wardrobe has many benefits. It could be an opportunity to let go of stuff you don’t use or like, or to re-think your fashion statement.
The basic wardrobe
If you could only have three pair of shoes in your wardrobe, which would you include and which would have to go? The idea behind the basic wardrobe is that there are certain basic items that every man should have in his collection; everything else is expendable. Writing down what goes into your own basic wardrobe is an important place to start your planning. Keep in mind that you can look good and have all you need with a very limited number of items in your closet!
Who does your wardrobe say you are?
The saying, “less is more”, is particularly applicable to personal style. Limiting your wardrobe forces you to really give some careful thought to who you are and how you want to present yourself to the world. It encourages you to build your personal style.
The great thing about getting older is that we can completely ignore fashion trends if we like, and go with what we really like and what works for us instead. Fashion experts recommend that as you build your personal style, you bear three things in mind. Firstly, your physical characteristics such as height and build. The second is your environment — the climate you live in and activities you engage in, such as fishing, hiking or dancing. Third, your personality and taste matters. Are you a conservative type or do you like to stand out, for example, by wearing bright colors?
Weed it out
Do you feel it’s time to make some wardrobe changes? Don’t be afraid to weed out what you already have in your closet to make room for what you decide to keep or get. You may be pleasantly surprised by the peace of mind this brings. Did you know that the average American spends a year of their lives looking for misplaced stuff. De-cluttering your wardrobe saves you time. Decide on a cut-off timeframe for clothes you hardly use. A good guide is that if you haven’t worn it in a year, and you don’t feel inclined to wear it today, let it go! Look out for the clothes you wore to work for years that you wouldn’t dream of wearing now that you’re retired. If they’re merely adding to the clutter and they don’t fit your personal style,…it’s time to lose them.
