Retirement Dressing AW18 - Posher Shirts and Blouses

You should know my attitude towards ironing by now.
Can iron, won't iron.

So all potential fabric purchases get the scrunch test as I drift along the aisles.  And as posher shirts and blouses are invariably of delicate fabric, not many get into my wardrobe.
However, for some unfathomable reason*, I've found myself desirous of a few shirts of late (see my recent plaid shirt acquisitions HERE )  and adding them to my denim shirts makes me feel I've pretty much got AW18's shirtage covered at the casual end of smart.


A few posher shirts in easy-care fabrics definitely do have a place in the retiree's wardrobe.


And I'm pleased to report that more fabric is passing my scrunch test of late.


Given that retirement dressing is pretty much wall-to-wall casual, I've woken up to the upgrade to smart casual that is to be had with a simple switch from jumper to posher shirt.  Smarter end of casual, done!
I'm discovering that a posh shirt fits pretty darn well in a retiree's life.

 Of course, when coming up with posher shirt smart casual looks, you will invariably be wearing them to go out.
So it helps in the planning process if you know where you are likely to be putting smarter casual into action.
Well, socialising, that goes without saying.   For me the socialising involves a meal (brunch,  lunch, afternoon  tea or dinner) or coffee or drinks (and that would more likely be visiting friends these days, rather than a pub).

Let's look at some smart casual looks for socialising where it really is all about the shirt.

Now

Berry hearts print shirt (Primark) worn with Next berry coated leggings (💕) and heels, creating a long sleek line (in my mind!).

 This outfit would be ideal for a date night dinner.

The addition of a chunky jumper instantly creates an outfit for a pub/drinks with friends.

Long sleeved blouses can be another smartener to an outfit at this time of year.

A chiffon top with a strong boho vibe creates another dinner date outfit with with black skinnies and heeled boots.

Switching to blue jeans would give this an instant scale down look more suited for the pub, or drinks with the neighbours, for example.



Next, let's take a look at a pretty print blouse from Zara.
I've said it countless times before but I do so rarely find a print I like and when I do, I fall big time!

So  my heart is still pitter-pattering 💓 when I wear this beaut.

The print and style are reminiscent of the 1940s - well, in my mind anyway!  And I like that.

I also like that a pussy-bow can look pretty serious and lady-like, yet can instantly give off a boho vibe when left to hang loosely, as I did here.

Black skinnies bring balance to the flowing top.

A black cocoon cardi (M&S) is just the light layer this delicate blouse needs.

The old trick of a posh top worn with blue jeans is a perfect teaming for this fabric, maximising on the wearability of the this type of shirt and blouse.

So switching to jeans will give you a more casual-smart vibe.

And add a cardi to the mixed and you're ready to go see your cousin's new home reno, which is what I did wearing this.

And then I took it Halloween shopping - well,  it's a versatile outfit!

Previously on the blog

Inspo

credits above, @jagta8 - check her out on Insta, she's uberstylish.

So, dear readers, although I drifted away from shirts when working, I think perhaps the unfathomable* is that 

I'm finding that easy care fabric and a desire to smarten up my retirement casual have got together and are luring shirts and blouses back into my wardrobe.

And an even posher shirt or blouse can be a life saver for taking an outfit in a more formal direction around the Christmas period.  But I'll save that piece for another time, for I've taken up enough big your time today, dear reader.



And you know, I'd love it if you'd now take up a bit of my time.
Tell me about your posher shirts in the comments below, or about your style change as you move through life, oh tell me about what you had for tea last night cos I love hearing from you!



A la perchoine,
Mary.

Inspo credits, Pinterest and Instagram