If you know me much at all, you know that during the week I don’t get dressed up that much. I don’t have a regular job to get up and get dressed for, I work at home. I do not head out the door every day to an office. My office is at home, so comfort is key for me when getting dressed for the day. So 9 times out of 10 unless I’m getting dressed for an appointment, lunch out, or something special, I’m going to be in yoga pants and a comfy workout top most days.
During winter months I really like to have some cozy and warm tops to wear, so a couple of years ago I decided to look at Goodwill for some cozy in good condition tops that I could wear around the house and even out if I was running a quick errand. I wear yoga pants, workout tops and tennis shoes a good bit during the week, because I’m usually heading to the gym or trying to get in some exercise during most days of the week. Workout clothing is comfortable and definitely cozy, so they are my go-to for that reason. Working out is also a good reason and I wear most of these to the gym too. I love lycra blends for that stretch and they keep their shape. There’s nothing better than a good yoga pant! Most of my workout clothing has been bought from TJ Maxx over the years and I wash and wash them and they last for years. When they start getting worn, I look for replacements.
These poly/lycra yoga pants by Adrienne Vitadinni were found at TJ Maxx. If I could find 2 more of them, I’d buy them. I can’t even find them online at all. They are stretchy and comfortable. Here’s a little tip for you. I wear a long bike short type lycra short under my yoga pants to avoid a panty line.
Something like this. I found 2 really nice pair of these type shorts at TJ Maxx and wear them every week. So I have on 2 layers of lycra/spandex. I’ve linked this pair below.
Black yoga pants are my go to along with these black and white Adidas Cloudfoam shoes I got a couple of years ago. I can’t find the black ones online anymore, but I’ve linked white ones. I wear these to work out in. And I’ve just started playing pickleball here in my community of Acworth, so these yoga pants outfits are perfect for that too. I live in workout clothing most weeks!
By the way, if you haven’t tried pickleball, let me tell you about it. It was new to me, but I found out my town of Acworth now offers pickleball in our new Community Center that was built a little over a year ago. It’s a great addition to our town and so now I’m joining a large group of ladies and playing pickleball every week and I love it! It’s similar to a tennis court, but shorter so there’s not quite as much running around as tennis. You use a big paddle, bigger than a pingpong paddle but similar shape and a big plastic ball. It’s so much fun and I’m hoping to get Mark out there playing too. Our community center is open 5 days a week, from 8 til 2 everyday with open play, so you can show up and play with women and men who are out there to play and have fun. So that’s a bit about pickleball and how much fun I’m having with that! It’s going to be a great addition to my workout routine. I have been going to the gym 3 times a week and doing weights for years, but this will be another way to workout, along with Mark and I riding bikes.
So all of these tops I’m sharing today came from Goodwill. I went a couple of times looking for some long sleeve tops for winter months and found plenty that were in really great shape and of course I paid less than $5 for all of them, which you know I love a bargain. I went on Senior day too, so that helps. Some of these I wear to the gym and some I just wear around the house when I want to be warm and cozy, but they all work with black yoga pants. This black one is very warm and made by Izod.
Of course I like color and this pink one was a fun find. It has those hand warmers built in.
I also found this pink fleece jacket with pockets at Goodwill and it’s great for running errands when it’s chilly out.
This gray/orange one is Avia, a brand I really like too.
This coral and black one is sporty and fun.
This soft aqua one has built in front pockets.
Lime green is a fun color to wear for working out and this one is cozy comfy too. I wear the fleecy ones around the house, but they are too hot to work out in.
And last, an Old Navy fleece top is another warm one for around the house.
So, that’s how I dress at home and of course, during summer I wear sleeveless tops. There are so many fashion bloggers who dress up every day and while I admire that, it’s just not something I want to do.They look great though! If you see me out and about on a normal day, you might see me dressed like this. I’m not ashamed of it, it’s just where I am in my lifestyle at this time. I enjoy getting dressed up and love pretty clothes, but I sure don’t have to get dressed up every day. I enjoy it when I do though and love feeling pretty and cute!
How about you? Do you get dressed up every single day? I’m sure I’m not alone. I spent years going to a Corporate environment and had to dress business casual 5 days a week, so I sure don’t feel pressured to get all dressed up now.
I’m sharing some finds from TJ Maxx below, which is one of my go-to shopping spots for workout gear. Affiliate links used!
Leslie K says
Great pieces, Rhoda, and I particularly am glad that you have no hesitation shopping at Goodwill for very affordable pieces. I always see college students at mine, since there are many schools in my area and students usually have limited budgets for clothing and/or to decorate their dorm rooms or apartments. More people should check them out as stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army and other smaller thrift shops. It really can be a gold mine for pieces to augment one’s wardrobe or decor. I’ve been going there for decades to scout the housewares section, where I find great things for a song, and I’ve also found some terrific apparel there and at the other thrift shops near me. I’d rather shop there when I can since most also support worthy local causes.
Mary says
While I love your posts on brand new clothes (Chico’s) and full agree that the clothes are worth the price, I also shop at Goodwill for good bargains. I really appreciate that you included these purchases in your posts.
Gina says
I live pretty much in yoga pants and comfy tops too when I’m not on the tennis court. Sometimes it’s so cold at the indoor courts I play in yoga pants. I need to try Pickleball…..many of my friends are playing it. Several are playing in leagues and traveling to compete and have given up tennis. Great finds at Goodwill. I need to check it out as it’s been a while since I’ve been inside. Mostly drive thru to donate items.
Lynn says
I appreciate your down to earth post. I need to shop your Goodwill. Ours around my house aren’t that reasonably priced. Appreciate your post.
Lisa says
Love your idea about wearing bike shorts underneath yoga pants! I’ve been following and enjoying your blog for many years; especially love the posts about your family!
Barbara Livdahl says
Did you know pickle ball began right here on Bainbridge Island, WA, where I live?! I’m inspired by your casual clothing. I need some yoga pants! I wear jeans daily.
Rhoda says
Hi, Barbara, I did not know! I had no idea where pickleball started, but it sure is fun and seems to have swept the country. It’s the Senior racquet game now!
Libbie@alifeunfolding says
Three cheers for shopping sustainably! Love your Goodwill find a bargain all around. Plus you look casually chic. 🙂
Laura says
Can I just add that I love your cut and color? 🙂 I’ve been looking for a new hairstyle and in the pic of you with the grey/orange shirt by Avia, it really shows off the cut. I’ll be taking that pic to my hairstylist soon! Love the tips here from Goodwill. Will have to give them a try!
Barbara says
I love your casual style as well. I also shop Goodwill for bargains. That way I save $ to spend on grands!
Donna Ingalls says
I love shopping a thrift stores and stop at them at least twice a week. When we take road trips I even make my husband stop at thrift stores I have heard about! I’m usually lucky enough to even find brand new garments with tags still on them. I love those deals! I sometimes find the exercise pants are stretched out from thrift stores so I buy them at Walmart or from Amazon.
You always look so put together in whatever you’re wearing.
Love your blog.
Rhoda says
Thank you, Donna, yep the pants might not be good from there, but tops are fun to find and in great shape. I get a lot of mine from TJ Maxx if I’m looking for new.
Betty says
I love the green on you. I don’t recall seeing you in that color before.
Janet says
Good for you to include Goodwill for a shopping source! We retired to a little city in rural Oregon and our local Goodwill is fabulous as are the other thrift shops here. In retirement I have gone to a similar “uniform”. I still try to set out what I will wear the next day before I go to bed. I find it helps me to pick out an “outfit” instead of just grabbing whatever. Another time saver is to organize my closet by color. You wouldn’t believe what a timesaver this is – and it took less than 5 minutes to rehang everything that way. When I grab pants or a top, I pretty much know what will go with it and I just look in that smaller section of my closet. Fabulous. Thank you for an enlightening post!
Rhoda says
Hi, Janet, I’m glad you enjoyed! I have always shopped at Goodwill here and there and always find good stuff.
JMod says
Love the post! I was inspired to order some new workout tops from TJMaxx.
Rhoda says
Yay, they are always great to have around.
Teresa says
Rhoda,
Since I am retired, I rarely dress up most days myself so I love casual wear too. I bought some stretch knit yoga pants from J. Jill almost five years and they wash and wear so nicely and are still in great shape. I love the tops and jackets you featured especially the coral and aqua tops my favorite colors! I cant believe you found so many at Goodwill and will have to stop in more on my outings!
Rhoda says
Hi, Teresa, I need long sleeves and warmer ones and was surprised on two different times how many I found that were great.
Tee says
My retirement uniform: winter, jeans, long-sleeve tops and Brooks running shoes; summer, loose fitting Bermuda shorts, short sleeve tops and Brooks running shoes. I had 35 years of dressing up for work and then on Sunday. Now, I dress up on Sunday for church and one day a month when I work. I love being able to dress casual most days. Comfort is my goal. I really enjoy your blog.
Rhoda says
Thanks, Tee, I think many of us this age feel the same way. I don’t want to look frumpy but I think yoga pants and cute tops can be stylish as well.
Sharon Avinger says
That hot pink color looks great on you! Thank you for this bargain saving post. Could you tell me the brand/style name of the navy shoes you are wearing? So cute!
Rhoda says
Hi, Sharon, thanks so much. Those shoes are black and they are Adidas. I’ve linked a white pair down below, I don’t see black available anymore.
Gayle says
I laugh when I hear pickle ball and seniors! Sis in law suffered a stress spine fracture, Maria Shriver had stress fracture of foot, anther friend her wrist and on and on. Warm up and be careful! I think because you workout regularly you are strong and flexible!
Rhoda says
I hope there are minor injuries in pickleball. It shouldn’t be too bad, although the first time I played my butt muscles hurt so bad for a few days. All those muscles I haven’t been using. But I’m loving it! I can’t wait to finish this bathroom so I can get on a regular schedule there.
Kim says
Good morning
I really enjoy all your posts… Can you give more information on how to find a at home job? I want to retire soon but would like to make
A little extra money..
Rhoda says
Hi, Kim, I’m sure there are many ways to make a living online, but I am not sure where to tell you to start. It would depend on your expertise with things online like social media or things like that.
Roxie says
My problem is that I always feel the need to cover my rear and “camel toe” area with a longer top and then I feel frump. Thoughts?
Rhoda says
I know, it’s a fine line. I try to wear longer tops that cover me too but when I’m working out I don’t worry about that so much. A jacket helps when running errands.
Shirley Foley says
After reading this post, I decided to go to my local thrift store this morning. I found two dress tops, a silk Tina Turk and a Chico with original tags priced at $7.00 each. Thanks for the reminder about what great buys are out there!
Rhoda says
I’m so glad you tried it again, there are great things to be found out there.
Jennifer Velasquez says
I’m 51 and I also spend my time when I’m not at work wearing yoga pants, workout leggings, t-shirts or tanks, and my Under Armour sneakers.I’ve wasted money before on heels and blouses I never wear.Like you, I’m often taking a hike or jog, going to the gym, washing a car, vacuuming, gardening, cooking…so getting dressed up doesn’t make sense.
By wearing leggings and sneakers last Pandemic summer I was able to get down to my pre-baby weight, 22 yes ago! Thank you for these affordable suggestions!