winter wardrobe essentials

Basic Wardrobe Pieces for Women Over 50

The time has come for summer to put its bright, cheery atmosphere on hold and give way to the crisp, gusty winds that can only signal the beginning of fall. With these five essential fall and winter wardrobe pieces, you can enjoy the intoxicating allure of this season of rich, dark colors and the cozy aura that permeates the air 24/7.

Fall is all about embracing the sudden turn of weather with some fun change, and just because you’re no longer in your early twenties, it doesn’t mean that your wardrobe has to stay stuck in the past. Style and trends hold no boundaries, and even the most basic of sartorial choices can be amped up to keep you looking good and staying warm all the way through the winter.

5 Essential Fall & Winter Wardrobe Pieces

1. Blazers


As the weather only grows cooler, you’re definitely going to want to search for something to layer on top of your outfit as you go about your daily routines. And if there’s one thing that should be on every woman’s list of fall and winter essentials, it’s none other than the blazer.

This timeless piece can never do you wrong, and with just a couple of minute changes in accessories, it can even take you from a day to night look at the drop of a hat. The best part is, the blazer is also as versatile as they come.

  • A typical black blazer is a must-have for every office worker, and paired with a belt over some nice slacks will complete the ultimate power woman outfit.
  • A sleeker and slimmer cut worn over a long skirt is a great idea for those whose priority it is to stay warm.
  • And don’t let colorful prints and bright colors scare you off. These are meant to be worn by women of all ages, and can do wonders in acting as an accent piece to an otherwise monochromatic attire.
  • Plaid and tweed are also classic fall additions, and the thicker fabrics will be your best bets to ward off the cold.

2. Sweaters


This might seem like too obvious a pick, but the universality of the sweater is enough to carry its weight as a forever trend all on its own. The plethora of styles, fabrics, and fits available means that even attempting to mix and match all possible combinations will be enough to last you until spring rolls in. For older women, consider a mid-thigh tunic type of sweater. This pairs well with leggings, jeans, and long skirts, and is flattering enough on the body without being too shapeless.

The turtleneck is another classic that not only keeps your entire upper half snug, but also does a lot in the way of lending a slimmer and more shapely silhouette to all women. You can also achieve this by cinching your sweater at the waist with a decorated belt to elevate your overall appearance. Cable-knit sweaters are optimal choices because of their warmth and durability. They can last the entire season and be safely stowed away during the milder months. In the case of frigid temperatures, they can easily be layered over thinner tops.

3. Skirts, Skirts, Skirts!


Skirts are the cornerstone of fashion and are built to make you look and feel good no matter the hour. However, there is something so ephemerally stylish about skirts during the fall. Worn over boots and stockings, tucked away under trench coats and blazers in an array of seasonal shades and textures, these are the benchmarks for when skirts should be worn, and there’s a reason they’ve weathered the test of time to stand out during this particular period in the year.

Wearing skirts at a certain age also means taking into consideration what style is most flattering for your body type. A-line skirts are cinched at the top and flare out towards the bottom to form a triangle shape, which is why they work best on curvier women. Midi skirts fall past the knee without reaching the floor and can be pulled off by people of all shapes and sizes. Pencil skirts are narrow and straight and will amp up the elegance of any outfit. These are ideal for petite women who want to appear longer and leaner. Maxi skirts cover the entire leg and are a great option to keep you toasty. Buy skirts in velvety burgundies or subtle rust tones that go perfectly with the hues of nature you encounter on the daily. Want to take it even further? An asymmetrical skirt will turn up the fall fashion to the next level.

4. Trench Coats


Any fall ensemble is not complete without that topmost layer to tie everything together, and that’s where the trench coat steps in. They are a renowned fall and winter staple: timeless, classy, and the perfect piece to make you feel like the heroine in a black and white film. Trench coats can be paired in combination with almost any item of clothing, such as trousers that are ideal for a touch of ageless styling, or even something brighter and printed with more muted layers beneath.

There is an undeniable quality to the trench coat that instantly lends a more polished and put together feel when donned. Beige and cream shades are the ones most often found in stores because they can be used in heavy rotation and will match with just about anything. Choose a trench coat that comes with a belt in the middle section to define your silhouette and avoid having you look too wide. When worn on top of a simple turtleneck, jeans, and boots combo, you will truly understand why it is people say that you can always rely on the basics.

5. Capes


For those who are itching to step a little bit more beyond their comfort zone, why not trade in a trench coat for a cape? These can be thrown on top of any outfit with virtually no effort, and are items that have slowly emerged into popularity over the past couple of years. Capes have become a favorite of many older women due to the effortless blend of style and comfort that wearing one demands. As outerwear, it does its part and is usually made out of a combination of thick wools and other fabrics designed to keep you snug and warm. The cape’s flattering and updated cut is something new and exciting and will likely pin you down as someone who is not afraid to stand out and take risks with her appearance.

Several well-regarded fashion designers have been known to include capes in their fall and winter collections because of their ability to make all women look chic and carry the grace befitting the superheroes they are. Aside from that, they are easy to layer and maxi capes have essentially the same function as a trench coat. A black one may serve as the cherry on top of a color coordinated outfit, or a printed one over monochromatic clothing will work better than any other statement piece could.

Whether you’re more attuned to neutrals or bright prints, classic silhouettes or cut outs, fall is the best and most exciting time to find reasons to change up your personal style while also considering your warmth and health. And though the items listed down above may seem like just your standard basics, with the million and one options on how to mix, match, and wear them, you can bet on having a multitude of ways to have them adjust to your ever-changing needs as the years go on.

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