Today I Choose to be Opulent – How to be Opulent

August 21, 2025

Learning how to be opulent after 50 isn’t just about spending money — it’s about living with intention, grace, and a touch of sparkle. At this stage of life, we’ve earned the right to embrace luxury in ways that feel personal, meaningful, and sustainable.

For me, opulence isn’t just a bigger price tag — it’s curating moments that make life feel rich. Sometimes it’s the scent of fresh flowers in my sunroom, sometimes it’s the indulgence of cashmere socks, and sometimes it’s as simple as sharing a glass of wine with friends at the end of a long week.

As Coco Chanel said, “Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.” That’s become my guiding star: elegance and ease together, never one without the other.

Understanding True Opulence at Any Age

Opulence is not accumulation — it’s curation. During a recent afternoon, arranging flowers in my newly renovated sunroom, I realized that this was opulence: not the room itself, but the ritual of creating beauty in it. True opulence shows up in our daily rhythms, our refined tastes, and the way we care for ourselves and others.

Cultivating an Opulent Wardrobe

Fashion over 50 can feel tricky — I’ve had friends call me in tears, convinced they should “give up.” My response? Absolutely not. Opulence in style means choosing quality over quantity.

I’ve learned to anchor my wardrobe around timeless pieces: a fitted blazer that makes me feel invincible in a leadership meeting, a silk blouse in a shade that flatters me on camera, trousers that move with me instead of against me. Clothes don’t just cover you; they can elevate you.

One of my favorite rituals before our C-suite retreats (Utah or Puerto Rico) is buying one or two “power outfits.” The kind that makes you stand taller the second you slip them on. That’s opulence: investing in clothes that remind you who you are.

Creating an Opulent Home Environment

Opulence at home isn’t about square footage — it’s about how a space makes you feel.

For me, it starts with the bedroom. High-thread-count sheets, soft lighting, a Minky Couture blanket that is my favorite creature comfort – those feels indulgent after a long day. In the bathroom, I upgraded to Turkish cotton towels and a rainfall showerhead. Those daily touches of softness remind me: luxury isn’t saved for vacations; it can be built into the everyday.

And yes, my kitchen has its own little luxuries too. A beautiful coffee mug that feels right in my hands, linen napkins for even casual dinners, candles I light for myself — not just when guests come over.

Mastering the Art of Opulent Entertainment

Opulence doesn’t mean extravagance; it means thoughtfulness. I love creating experiences that feel abundant without being overwhelming.

That might be a supper club with close friends, where everyone brings a dish and I set the table with beautiful linens and simple flowers. Or hosting a holiday dinner where Colombian specialties share the table with turkey and stuffing, because inclusion itself is luxurious.

The point isn’t to impress — it’s to create warmth, beauty, and memories.

Opulence in Daily Rituals

I’ve learned that setting the tone for the day matters. Sometimes that means journaling with a fountain pen (there’s just something about ink on thick paper). Sometimes it’s my morning tea in bone china instead of a chipped mug. These little details whisper to me: You matter. Start the day accordingly.

Financial Strategies for Sustainable Opulence

Opulence doesn’t mean reckless. In fact, some of my favorite indulgences were planned in advance — I even keep a “luxury fund” for things that bring lasting joy.

Case in point: when Curtis and I took that fishing trip to Guatemala. On paper, it wasn’t practical — bulletproof vans, armed guards, a far cry from our Clearwater comfort zone. But it was his bucket-list dream, and I knew the memories would outlast the expense. They have. That’s sustainable opulence: choosing wisely where to splurge.

Opulent Relationships and Experiences

The richest part of life at 60 isn’t possessions; it’s people. A dinner where my adult kids debate business ideas until we’re crying with laughter, a night in Keystone when we played Pictionary in matching buffalo plaid pajamas, a long conversation in a Costa Rican pool with a woman whose English was as limited as my Spanish. Those moments? Pure opulence.

Maintaining Opulent Health and Wellness

Opulence includes the body and mind. For me, that means investing in massages, finding a trainer who gets me, and saying yes to therapy as readily as I would to a spa treatment. Health is luxury. Peace of mind is luxury.

Conclusion: Your Opulent Journey

Opulence after 50 isn’t about copying someone else’s lifestyle — it’s about knowing what makes you feel abundant, cared for, and alive.

For me, that looks like power blazers and fresh flowers. For you, it might be morning swims, travel, or long dinners with friends. The details differ, but the spirit is the same: to intentionally surround yourself with beauty, comfort, and richness that reflects the life you’ve earned.