6 Winter Wardrobe Essentials You Need at Every Age

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Getting dressed quickly in the winter often depends on the quality of your wardrobe essentials. If you have a solid collection of knits, dresses, T-shirts, and coats in a group of colors that match each other, you’ll find putting outfits together a breeze. Pair a navy skirt with a navy knit and a timeless black boot, and you’re ready for date night . Or, match that same boot with a black dress and a car coat, and you’re all set for the office.

The best thing about these closet staples is that they tend to be classics, which means you can collect them over the years without them going out of style. Here, personal stylists share the wardrobe essentials they suggest for winter, no matter your age. Buy them once, and you’ll keep them forever.

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A trusty pair of jeans is a winter necessity that works for everything from the office to shoveling snow. Michelle Barrett , stylist and founder of Capsule Closet Stylist , suggests a straight-leg pair in a mid to dark wash.

“Avoid bleached, decorated, or patterned washes, as they will date very quickly,” she says. “Most people tend to associate certain styles of denim wash with different eras, but since the mid to dark tones have always been around, they’re more timeless.”

A mid-rise waist is also flattering on most people, though you should choose the rise that feels best to you.

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Knits are also essential, and as you age, you can collect them in various cuts and colors.

“I would go for a good quality, ethical cashmere or merino wool in a slim fit with a V-neck,” says Barrett. “Cashmere and quality wool are much warmer in the winter than polyester versions.”

The V-neck is great for switching up the styling, too. You can wear it on its own or with a turtleneck, T-shirt, or button-down shirt underneath.

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No, it’s not too cold for dresses , especially if you know how to style them. Try a wrap dress , either in a knit material for extra warmth or with layers underneath.

“Wrap dresses suit almost everyone because they define the waist,” says Barrett.

If you’re wearing a patterned dress, match your layers to the color of the pattern. “For example, if you have a burgundy dress with pink flowers, you can wear a pink top underneath on cooler days,” advises Barrett.

A pair of fleece-lined tights can also go a long way in making these dresses winter-proof.

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No matter your age, build out your collection of long-sleeved T-shirts.

“They’re a fantastic base layer in winter,” says Barrett. “Have one to three in colors that are common elsewhere in your wardrobe and use them either as a thermal layer or as a featured layer under a dress or sweater.”

Black, white, and grey are a great place to start—and you can go beyond neutrals from there. Brands like UNIQLO make them in insulated, durable fabrics that still look chic enough to wear to the office and anywhere else.

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Simple is better when it comes to boots. That way, they match as many outfits as possible in your wardrobe. Yenia Hernández Fonseca , stylist and fashion expert at Margo Paige, recommends pointed-toe ankle- or knee-high boots.

“The sharp pointed toe will help elongate your overall line, even with extra fabric coming from coats, knits, and accessories,” she says.

An ankle-high silhouette works great under jeans and trousers , while a knee-high option is perfect for skirts and dresses.

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As for what goes on top, there’s nothing more classic than a pea coat, whether you’re 25 or 75.

“Their versatile, classic shape, characteristic double-breasted closure, and mid-to-heavy-weight make them a stylish, warm choice that works for women of all ages and body shapes,” says Hernández Fonseca.

Purchase one in a navy, charcoal, cream, or black, and you’ll get tons of use from it.

6 Prints You Need in Your Wardrobe as You Get Older, Stylists Say

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If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably started many sentences with the phrase: “My wardrobe would be complete, if I only had”—and then ended it with a closet essential like trousers , a button-down, straight-leg denim, or a leather jacket . Without these core pieces, it’s difficult to put together cohesive outfits, and you might often feel like you have nothing to wear. But staples don’t only apply to clothing items and silhouettes. There are also core prints you should own, especially as you get older. Here, personal stylists spill their favorite clothing prints that create the backbone of a mature, sophisticated wardrobe. With these in your closet, you’ll be able to create interesting, layered looks that truly shine.

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There’s no way around it: Stripes are a classic .

“Pairing a chic striped top or bottom with a basic [bottom or] top will balance a look well and give it an effortless Parisian vibe,” says Sahra Schukraft Brandt , personal stylist and founder of Shop the City . “If your style errs maximalist and bold, pair it with another print like a floral or an alternating stripe!”

If you opt for a second stripe, choose one in a different size. If you match your stripes with a second print, choose one in a similar size as the stripe.

You’ll also want to pair the color of your stripes to your outfit properly. “Use the color in the pattern, not the background of the pattern, to match other garments or accessories,” says Michelle Barrett , stylist and founder of Capsule Closet Stylist . “This way, the block color of other garments or accessories will lift and link the colors in the pattern.”

So, if you have a cream sweater with a black stripe, you’ll want to pair it with black pants, as opposed to cream ones. It’ll make the pattern pop.

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Polka dots have been on-trend for ages, and you can expect them to retain that status. Add them to your wardrobe for an easy way to make any outfit more fun.

“Remember that the larger the dots, the bigger the trend statement, so go smaller the older you get,” says Elizabeth Kosich , certified image stylist and founder of Elizabeth Kosich Styling .

She also says it’s important to consider the dots’ contrast in comparison to your own. If you have a low contrast between your complexion and other features (say, if you have dark skin and dark eyes), you’ll want to avoid dots that have a high contrast (like black and white). It’ll take your entire look to the next level—even if people can’t quite put a finger on why.

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This print doesn’t have to be scary. In fact, Schukraft Brandt says it can be timelessly chic.

“I think going small with leopard print can help it feel more approachable—think a leopard-print shoe, neckerchief, or hair scarf,” she shares. “Pairing it with other basics and using it as a neutral ensures that it isn’t too statement-making but just enough of fun.”

If you want to try something bold, team a leopard midi skirt with a streamlined black heel or boot.

RELATED: 5 Chic Accessories If You’re Over 60 .

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Add some grooviness to your wardrobe with a funky swirl print piece. “A cool psychedelic print can really be a statement item that can help you feel bold and young,” says Schukraft Brandt. “I love a bright ’70s print paired with a bold solid color dress or pants and top for a monochromatic look, paired with a more tame shoe.”

If you go big on this print, you’ll want to keep things fairly minimalist elsewhere.

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It wouldn’t be a list of essential prints without a floral. “The key is to complement your skin tone,” says Barrett. “As a general rule, if you have pale skin and hair, choose pastels ; if you have dark hair and medium to dark skin, you can choose brighter tones; and if you have dark skin and hair, choose medium to dark or bright tones.”

No matter what, you’ll be able to style florals year-round. Barrett is particularly fond of wearing them on a silk scarf that’s paired with a Breton striped top.

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Similar to florals, there’s paisley. “It’s a classic, traditional motif that—depending upon color palette—can skew either fresh and youthful or stately and mature,” says Kosich. “Shop paisleys in summer brights like turquoise, teal, orange, and coral to project a light-hearted, spunky mood, or choose a quieter palette in earthy tones like mustard, burgundy, and forest green to send a conservative, quiet message.”

It’s a fun pattern for a scarf, dress, or shirt. Try a paisley tank top under a solid-color blazer to dip your toes in the trend.