Updating your wardrobe for a new stage of life can be fun! And it’s definitely a great way to declutter a small closet! So when you hit another milestone birthday, or move house, or land a new job, think about how to update your wardrobe, and your closet – as well as your life!
The best way to update your wardrobe is to take a hard look at everything in your closet.
Sell or giveaway clothes and shoes you no longer wear.
Match hard working existing pieces from the current clothes you love and wear already and team them with new staple pieces, different shoes, and new showpony items that you will wear often in everyday life.
For a successful wardrobe update you should reflect on your style. Is it classic, boho, casual or a bit of all three? Has your style changed over the years? It probably has, so read on!
Table of Contents
How to Dress for a New Stage in Life
Start by going through your wardrobe and getting rid of any old clothes you don’t wear any more. Have a really good purge.
Then make a list of all the essential pieces you need to refresh your existing collection so that it’s ready for everyday use.
When you’ve done this then it’s time to shop for some new basics, and create a great capsule wardrobe.
Lastly, invest in some new statement pieces, and purchase some bold and distinguishing accessories.
New clothes, a new look, new pieces! Who doesn’t enjoy shopping for clothes to create a collection that includes current trends?
How to Update Your Wardrobe Successfully
Take some time to think about your lifestyle. Take a few minutes to think about your personal style. How has it changed?
Here are some tips to help you get started …
Reflect On Your Personal Style
Take some time to think about the types of clothing and styles that make you feel confident and comfortable.
Consider your body shape, skin tone, and personal style preferences.
Do you feel more confidents wearing bohemian dresses and maxi skirts, or are you more of a sporty person enjoying active wear, or perhaps your style is traditionally classic.
My dear Mum below had a great sense of style – definitely more classic than Boho.
Make A List Of Your Needs
Consider the types of events and activities you’ll be participating in during this new stage of life, and make a list of the types of clothing and accessories you’ll need to feel prepared and fashionable.
Declutter Your Closet
Take inventory of the items in your current wardrobe. Look at your entire wardrobe, and donate or sell anything that no longer fits or that you no longer wear.
Shop For New Basics
Once you’ve purged your closet, you’ll have a better idea of the items you need to purchase to round out your wardrobe.
Use coupon code JOCASTRO15 at checkout.
Start with the basics – buy some high-quality, versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of looks.
At this stage you can look out for end-of-season sales online and instore, and trawl your favorite online stores for hard working capsule wardrobe garments.
Invest In Statement Pieces
In addition to the basics, consider adding a few bold, good quality, statement pieces to your wardrobe. This is one of the easiest ways to elevate your look and add some personality to your existing outfits to create a whole new outfit to include in your updated wardrobe.
Accessorize
Don’t underestimate the power of accessories to elevate an outfit. Experiment with different types of add-on staple items such as; scarves, hats, jewelry, and bags to add some flair to your outfits. You can create a new wardrobe that displays an indisputable great fashion sense and fabulous style!
How to Get Creative with Your Clothes
Don’t be afraid to mix and match different pieces and try new styles. Have fun with your wardrobe and be open to trying new things! You could even hire a personal stylist for a day and go shopping with them to introduce you to different ways to pair your old pieces with new items.
How To Find Your Style over 50
But what is my style? Many of us ask this question. As we get older, sometimes we lose sense of our personal style and our wardrobes are choc-a-bloc with clothes we’ve had for years.
Let’s look at how to re-discover the essence of your personal style.
Reflect on your personal tastes and lifestyle preferences
What sort of events do you attend these days?
Which women do you admire for the way they dress?
What does an ordinary day look like in this new stage of life?
Think about the types of clothing, colors, and patterns that you are naturally drawn to.
Consider your lifestyle and the types of events and activities you participate in, as well as your body shape and skin tone.
Look to your role models
Think about the people you admire and whose style you appreciate. What do they wear and how do they put their outfits together?
Experiment
Don’t be afraid to try new things and mix and match different pieces to see what works for you. Take risks and have fun with your wardrobe.
Pay attention to your feelings
Notice how you feel when you wear different types of clothing and styles. Pay attention to which outfits make you feel confident and comfortable.
Get feedback about your outfit choices
Ask friends and family for their honest opinions on your outfits. They can often offer helpful insights and suggestions.
Be true to yourself
Ultimately, your personal style should be a reflection of who you are and what makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things, but also stay true to your own tastes and preferences.
How To Create a Capsule Wardrobe
If you’re wondering how to update your wardrobe, you should probably start by looking at a basic capsule wardrobe.
But what is a capsule wardrobe exactly?
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of a few essential items of clothing that don’t go out of fashion, such as skirts, breezy tops, and shirtdresses, which can then be augmented with seasonal pieces.
Creating a capsule wardrobe can help simplify your morning routine and save you time and money in the long run.
Here are some steps you can follow to create a capsule wardrobe
Take inventory of your current wardrobe
Go through your clothes and make a list of the items you love and wear regularly, as well as those that you don’t wear as often or that don’t fit well.
Determine your capsule wardrobe style
Think about the types of clothing and styles that make you feel comfortable and confident. Consider your body shape, skin tone, and lifestyle when deciding which items to include in your capsule wardrobe.
Choose a color palette
Select a few neutral colors that can be mixed and matched easily, as well as a few accent colors that you love. Stick to this color palette when choosing items for your capsule wardrobe.
Select your core items
Choose a few key pieces that can be worn in multiple ways, such as a pair of jeans, a blazer, and a little black dress. These should be high-quality, versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down.
Add seasonal pieces
Augment your capsule wardrobe with a few seasonal items, such as lightweight tops and dresses for summer or chunky sweaters for winter. These should also be versatile and able to be mixed and matched with your core items.
Edit and fine-tune
As you start to build your capsule wardrobe, pay attention to how often you wear each item and how well it fits into your overall style. Be willing to edit and fine-tune your capsule wardrobe as needed.
How to Purge Your Closet
Purging your closet can be a helpful way to declutter and organize your clothing, and it can also help you discover items that you may have forgotten about or that no longer fit your style.
Here are some steps you can follow to purge your closet …
Take everything out
Remove all of the clothing, shoes, and accessories from your closet and lay them out on your bed or floor. This will give you a good overview of everything you own.
Sort your items
Divide your items into piles based on whether you love them, like them, or don’t really care for them. This will help you identify the items you want to keep and those that you can let go of and either sell or donate to local thrift stores.
Try everything on
Go through each pile and try on the items that you’re unsure about. This will help you determine whether they still fit and whether they’re worth keeping. Are you keeping clothes for special occasions that you no longer attend? Such as work Christmas parties, or business functions.
Donate or sell items you no longer want
If you decide to let go of any items, consider donating them to a local thrift store or selling them online or at a consignment store. You could also consider doing a clothing swap with friends.
Organize your remaining items
Once you’ve purged your closet, it’s time to put everything back in a way that makes sense to you. Consider organizing your items by category (e.g., tops, bottoms, dresses), color, or season.
Keep it organized
Once you’ve purged and organized your closet, make an effort to keep it that way by regularly going through your clothes and getting rid of anything that you no longer wear or that doesn’t fit your style.
How and Where To Shop For Basic Fashion Items
Basics are the foundation of any wardrobe and can be mixed and matched to create a variety of looks. When shopping for basic fashion items, it’s important to choose high-quality pieces that are well-made and versatile.
Here are some tips to help you shop for basic fashion items …
Determine your needs
Make a list of the basic items you need, such as tops, bottoms, dresses, and outerwear. Consider the types of events and activities you participate in and the types of clothes that will work best for your lifestyle.
Look for timeless, versatile pieces
Choose basic pieces that can be dressed up or down and that don’t go out of style. These might include classic jeans combos such as a white shirt and a pair of classic blue jeans, or a little black dress that never goes out of style.
Consider fit and comfort
It’s important to choose basic pieces that fit well and are comfortable to wear. Don’t be afraid to try on a few different sizes to find the best fit.
Look for high-quality materials
Choose basic pieces made of high-quality materials, such as cotton, linen, or wool, that will last longer and hold up better over time.
Shop around
Take the time to shop at a variety of stores and online retailers to find the best deals and the most stylish options.
Don’t forget your local store and do try and support local where you can. Perhaps they are stocking a new trend, fashionable with fun patterns, or perhaps they have some great plain t-shirts that are as good to buy at your local boutique as anywhere.
Also check out your favorite brands new seasons offerings.
Don’t skimp on quality
While it’s important to stick to a budget, it’s also worth investing in a few high-quality basic pieces that will last longer and be worth the extra cost in the long run.
What are Statement Fashion Pieces?
Statement pieces are bold, eye-catching items of clothing or accessories that are designed to make a statement and add some personality to an outfit.
These pieces are typically used to elevate a look and add some flair to a basic outfit. Examples of statement pieces might include a colorful coat, a printed scarf, a statement necklace, or a pair of statement shoes.
When wearing statement pieces, it’s important to balance them with more neutral or basic items to avoid overwhelming your outfit.
For example, you might pair a statement necklace with a solid-colored dress or a statement coat with a pair of jeans and a simple top.
Statement pieces are a great way to add some interest and personality to your outfits and can be a fun way to express your personal style. However, it’s important not to overdo it – too many statement pieces can be overwhelming and distract from the overall look.
What Are The Accessories Celebrities Wear Most?
if you are concerned about accessories, then take a look at what the celebrities and your favorite fashion icons are wearing.
There are many different types of accessories that celebrities wear, and the specific items they choose obviously depend on their personal style and the occasion.
But you can get a good sense of what’s in and what’s not by scouring a few Instagram accounts.
Here are a few types of accessories that are popular among fashion influencers and celebrities …
Sunglasses
Many celebrities are frequently spotted wearing stylish sunglasses to protect their eyes from the sun and to add some flair to their outfits
Here are some of my favorites from designer to budget.
Handbags
Celebrities often carry designer handbags, such as those from Chanel, Louis Vuitton, or Gucci, as a way to accessorize their outfits and add some luxury to their look.
You might prefer some more affordable options …
Shoes
Celebrities often have a wide range of shoes in their wardrobe, including high heels, boots, and sneakers. They may choose different styles depending on the occasion and their personal style.
Jewelry
People in the public eye often wear statement jewelry, such as chunky rings, delicate necklaces, and bold earrings, to add some sparkle and shine to their outfits.
Hats
Famous people often use hats as a look-at-me accessory, but obviously they are a great way to protect your skin from the sun or to add some flair to any outfit.
Scarves
Scarves are a versatile accessory that can be worn in a variety of ways and can add some texture and color to an outfit. Many celebrities use scarves to add some warmth during the cooler months or to add some interest to a basic outfit.
How Can I Mix and Match Clothes for a Fashionable Look?
Mixing and matching different clothes is a great way to create a fashionable and unique look.
Here are a few tips to help you mix and match clothes for a stylish outfit
Choose a color palette
Select a few colors that you love and that complement each other, and use these colors as the foundation for your outfits. This can help ensure that your clothes go well together and create a cohesive look.
Experiment with patterns and textures
Mixing and matching different patterns and textures can add visual interest to an outfit. For example, you might pair a printed top with a solid-colored skirt, or a textured sweater with a pair of smooth trousers.
Use accessories to tie your look together
Accessories, such as scarves, hats, and jewelry, can be used to add some flair to your outfits and help tie your look together.
Balance your proportions
When mixing and matching different pieces, pay attention to the proportions of your outfit. For example, if you’re wearing a voluminous top, you might balance it out with a pair of slim-fitting pants.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles
Mixing and matching different styles can be a fun way to create a unique and fashionable look. For example, you might pair a bohemian-inspired top with a pair of preppy chinos, or a vintage-inspired dress with a pair of edgy boots.
Have fun and be confident!
Many women in their 50s are asking “how to update your wardrobe” because it’s a time of life when many things start to change. They also want to reflect their changing personal style and their inevitably changing body shape.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to have fun and feel confident in your outfit. Experiment with different combinations and don’t be afraid to try new things!
I hope you’ve found these tips on finding the right pieces to build a cohesive wardrobe helpful, and this it is a practical and a valuable resource for the future.
Until next time,
You might also like:
10 Simple Wardrobe Tips for an Organised Closet
Wardrobe and style tips for women over 45
Resort Wear for over 60 – How to Look a Million Bucks!
The best summer dresses for women over 50
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Resort Wear for Over 60 – How to Look a Million Bucks!
I found this very helpful in finding the styles I need as I age. We all change, and it feels as if the changes speed up as we become older! Thanks!
Hi Diane! So glad you found this post helpful! x