5 tips to renew your winter wardrobe

As a woman over 50, I confess that I tend to stick with the same winter clothes year after year. Same colors. Same style. I’m sure many of you are in the same boat. But how do we get out of our comfort zone and put on more “fashionable” clothes? I reached out to the experts to get tips on how to get into the right mindset to refresh your mind and take steps to revamp your winter wardrobe.

How to get into the fashionista mentality

Since we may not all have that “fashion gene,” it takes courage to step out of your comfort zone. Sunny Gebhardt, a fashion stylist and image consultant, offers services ranging from personal shopping to organizing philanthropic fashion shows. She specializes in teaching women of all sizes how to make their first impression worth a second look.

“The truth is that women learn how to dress when we are little, but we are rarely taught HOW to dress ourselves,” according to Gebhardt. “Even if we’re lucky enough to be taught, we don’t always understand that our bodies change over the years. This is how we get stuck in the rut of dressing the body we THINK we have (or WANT to have) instead of dressing the body we actually have now.”

She adds: “Sometimes this results in ill-fitting clothing that covers bodies that we try to hide or stuff into ill-fitting clothing,” Gebhardt says. “The reasons vary, but often it’s that we don’t have time or don’t want to spend money until we lose that pesky weight.”

Gebhardt recommends these quick tips on how to refresh your mind and body:

Know your body type

While this may be old news to many, some may not be aware of the importance of dressing for their body type. While there are many variations, there are basically five body types for women: hourglass, apple, pear, pencil, and strawberry. “It’s important to know how to buy clothes that flatter your figure and not clothes that you just like on the mannequin,” according to Gebhardt. “This is precisely how we all end up with a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear!”

It’s also important to dress the body you have right now. While this may seem like a repeat, it’s important to buy and wear the right size. This can sometimes be difficult as sizes can vary by retailer. If you can’t try it on in person when ordering online, be sure to click on the box that shows the size specifications.

Know your fashion personality

We all express ourselves through many things, including our choice of certain styles of clothing. While what we wear does not define us, it can reveal our personality. The main fashion personalities are classic, bohemian, sports and fashionistas.

5 steps to renew your winter wardrobe

Kim Hancherstyle coach and blogger who focuses on fashion for women over 50, offers these five quick tips to revamp your winter wardrobe.

1. Go bold and add color

Start by adding color, says Hancher. “Bold, bright colors are very in this season. Opt for a head-to-toe bright color, or simply add a sparkly shoe or clutch to your basic black dress. Or contrast the colors with something like a bubblegum pink dress with blue shoes and a bag.”

Gebhardt adds: “For sisters who wear head-to-toe black, update your look with a single color. A white or gray camisole may only add a pop of color, but it’s a start. Or go bold with a bright red or blue scarf, sweater, or belt.”

“The best way to refresh an all-black wardrobe,” according to Gebhardt, “is to mix different materials. If you’re not ready to add color, then consider jazzing things up with texture. A chunky knit sweater and silk or cashmere pants, for example.”

2. Accessory!

“A quick way to refresh your basics,” says Hancher, is to add accessories, calling them “an inexpensive way to change up your look, participate in a new trend and give new life to your basics.”

Milan, Italy-based stylist Paola Farina, owner of Paola Farina Styling, agrees, adding, “Choose versatile accessories that can be paired with different outfits, depending on your current lifestyle. If you primarily spend your time in the office, there’s no point in spending a lot of money on clothes for a gala dinner. Choose versatile pieces like glasses, scarves, belts, bags, and, of course, jewelry. Shoes can revitalize a classic sheath dress.”

3. Wear a long coat

This is perfect for those of us who live in cold climates, especially with the temperatures we’ve been experiencing! Warm clothing is a must for comfort and overall look in winter. This fits perfectly with the current seasonal trend for long coats.

“Wear a maxi coat that you love and it will enhance any look,” says Hancher. “Perfect with everything from jeans and a t-shirt to your chic vacation outfits. I pulled mine out of my closet. Does it count as vintage if you find it in your own closet?”

Another tip from Gebhardt is: “Padded coats are in style right now. Add a scarf and you’re done!”

4. Try a new denim silhouette

With so many styles of jeans, including bootcuts, flares, wide-legs, and straight-legs, how do you choose? Hancher recommends trying out a style you don’t currently have in your closet and giving it a try! “You don’t have to buy a pair of designer jeans. Get something that’s on-trend at Gap, H&M or Zara. This is an easy and affordable way to get in on a new denim trend.”

5. Buy anything made of synthetic leather.

What what? Yes, faux leather tops, dresses, pants and skirts are in fashion. Find something that matches your current clothes and integrate it into your winter wardrobe. Pleather is available at prices ranging from Target to Neiman Marcus, so choose the price that makes you comfortable and then get it.

One last tip from Hancher when buying something to refresh your current wardrobe is to ask yourself, “What three items from your current wardrobe will go with this new item? Don’t buy something if it doesn’t work with what you already have.”

Finally, if you’re still deciding whether to jump on the fashion bandwagon, Gebhardt suggests subscribing to weekly fashion blogs to stay up to date with news and trends. These can provide some much-needed inspiration.

For those who require more support, hire a stylist who can offer advice and tips that match your style and personality.