Thanks d_gw! And I like your outfit math :) I am starting to walk/workout more now that I'm retired so I like this suggestion. But I would definitely wear all day even if I didn't actually work out. Not sure what that says about me...

Do you want to wear long pants all the time? I love skorts for warm weather.

Maybe it's not the type of clothing because it sounds like you have it all covered. (Although you didn't mention khaki or chinos.)

Maybe you are bored with the fabric and colors. I would go to a TJ Max or a Marshalls and buy a few very trendy items to up your game a bit.

Also, if you have mostly solids, add some prints. That goes for the pants as well.

Although I'm not one for dresses, I have forced myself to buy a few summer dresses.

Do you have casual dresses for the warmer months?

I like this discussion (hope it will me in a few months- the retirement part) and am just wondering what kind of top you wear with those exercise skort leggings?

Thanks for the ideas!

3katz - I often wear dresses in the summer and have some shifts, shirt dresses (see a theme here?) and a couple of simple tee style dresses. I will even wear shorts depending on what I'm doing and where I'm going.

eld: I think you are right that I'm feeling bored because my tops are all so similar and mostly solids. This was fine when I only wore them on the weekends but now it is every. single. day! I am a bit print-averse and will venture out into a dot print, stripe or gingham check once in awhile. I think this is possibly where I can look to expand my options. And as d_gw suggested, try some more popover/tunic styles.

I absolutely could add some slim ankle length chino/khaki styles - anyone have some favorites?

Do you have a Talbot's? Another person mentioned that store and they have a lot of nice casual clothes, including chino styles. I have a pair of chinos from them, neither slim nor baggy that I can cuff above the ankles or wear rolled down and they look great.

Like you, I'm pattern averse, except for small dots and checks. I have a few basic (not bright) pinstripe items like a jeans jacket and a blouse.

Ruby, I am petite and "busty" as well. My saving grace is that I am small framed so I can wear size smallish tops.

Pants can be a challenge and I sometimes have to hem petites! Ankle pants fit me like regular pants.

My go-to is Loft and Gap. I have a few things from the Eddie Bauer catalog.

I sprinkle in Ann Taylor, once in a blue moon, Banana Republic.

Yes, we have a Talbot's and a number of items in my work wardrobe are from there. I need to check out their casual looks now. Thanks for the reminder!

eld: I'm an 8-10 in tops and more medium-framed so tops are a bit more challenging. I have a couple of chambray shirts from Loft that I wear a lot. I need to look again - their price point and frequent 40% off sales make them a good option. As much as I like the "fewer but better quality" concept, I haven't figured out how to do that as successfully yet. Loft may be a great place to look for trendier pieces. I like Banana Republic's styles but fit is an issue for me with their clothes.

Sheila, I just wear v neck workout tops (mostly from Target) with the skorts. I'll add a hoody if it is cool. I'm spoon shaped. Long and lean on top with a round behind. The skorts do a good job of covering my behind :)

My mom was petite and busty. She had a color palette, and a lot of turtlenecks, t-shirts, patterned buttondowns and sweaters and vests and scarves. She could mix and max a whole variety of looks. I would start with what I had and look for more items that could spice up my standard look.

Ruby, can you wear a regular size (not petite) 8-10? Garnet Hill has such lovely things but most likely would not work for me. They are expensive so I would wait for a sale.

I wish they had a store. I can wear regular clothes although they usually are a bit long in the length for me.

I have to wear casual clothes pretty much all my work week as I move from gardening to cleaning to dog walking and childcare for my work. So I dress up on weekends. Different top colourful pants different sweaters so on. I'm not sure what my retirement attire would look like. I'm thinking dance clothes all the way. :-). Really what I'm thinking is I would choose a day to dress up for sure. I would try to plan my life around that kind of a concept. Good luck in figuring out your retirement style. How fun!

eld - yes, I can wear regular 8-10's and just bought a dress on Garnet Hill that is casual and perfect for all but the hottest days of summer. I will check out their tops as well.

I think I have some direction now - more tees, non-button down style shirts, some chinos in white and khaki. I also saw some black & white gingham check slim ankle pants that could be cute with one of my many white button down shirts! It's a start. Oh, and more workout wear.

Thanks all!

I was also going to suggest Loft. DD wears scrubs as a nurse but loves their clothing when she has to find something either dressy or casual. She is also short and busty and almost always finds something on sale that works for her.

Once I find a brand I like, I shop 6pm.com for bargains too. Good stuff when you don’t want to pay a lot for a top or pants.

I work from home and often wear leggings/tunic when I’m home most of the day because Comfort. The rest of the time my uniform is jeans but I also have these pants, which I LOVE.

http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=46800&pcid=46800&vid=1&pid=964562012

Ignore the bunching at the ankles. They have drawstrings that aren’t really noticeable and I don’t “draw” them. They’re so comfy, light weight, if I wear them with a t-shirt I have that might-be-going-to-the-gym look without looking too sloppy. These pants have gone on several vacations with me. I have the petite size.

I also really like Lucky Brand tops. They have prints that are sort of boho but not over the top. Comfy and washable and a lot of them are a good length (I’m only 5’2” and have problems with tops being too long unless they’re petite). They seem to have sales online pretty regularly.

Finally, more cotton jersey comfort...the Rosemarie dress from Toad & Co is so versatile. I own two in black and a couple others in different colors.

Thanks Outside & Sue. I have a pair of the Athleta Metro pants and really like them so I will check out the style you linked and other options. I have been very happy with the style and quality of the ones I have and they may bridge the comfy "athleisure" wear gap I have in my wardrobe. Great suggestion!!

http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1059471&pcid=1059471&vid=1&pid=297748022

You might get some ideas from this blog. The author lives in Florida. Click on "What I Wore" and "Inspirations".

http://jljbacktoclassic.com/

Thanks Lucy - I briefly checked out her blog and I think I will find lots of inspiration! Even though she is tall and thin (I am neither) I relate to her style and think I can adapt. Great suggestion!