Starting a Wardrobe Over From Scratch at 50+

If your first thought is, “C’mon who really does this?” The answer is: plenty of people. Anyone who has lost or gained weight, relocated to a different climate, changed their lifestyle or work situation, is dating again or for whatever reason just cleaned out their closet and said, “What now?” That’s who! As a fashion editor and wardrobe consultant/personal shopper, I know how diverse women’s needs, tastes and daily lives are at 50 and older, but there’s a practical strategy that works for all. Here’s how to gradually create a more body-enhancing, style-boosting wardrobe that makes sense for your life.

(Left to right) Chico’s Faux Leather Blazer in Black ($169, chicos.com); Old Navy High-Waisted Wow Boot-Cut Pants for Women in Black Jack ($30, oldnavy.gap.com); Loft Relaxed Pocket Sweater Blazer in Perfect Camel ($51, loft.com); Everlane The Dream Pant in Heather Auburn ($88, everlane.com)

Chico's; Old Navy; Loft; Everlane

1. Pick cool or warm neutrals as your base

Do you really prefer cool-toned neutrals like black, gray and navy or warm spicy ones like beige, brown, tan and olive? Black bags and shoes or brown/tan ones? Combining cool and warm neutrals does work, for example a beige blazer with black pants and loafers, or a navy sweater and blue jeans with brown shoes and bag (very French, FYI), but choosing your core neutrals in one direction or the other will improve your wardrobe’s mix-and-matchability. It also gives low-cost clothes and casual outfits a more elevated, pulled together look. To help you make that decision, know that blue denim, chambray and white work with both cool and warm neutrals. Add prints and vary the textures of the pieces to help create a more personalized wardrobe. Finding fresh updates will never be a problem since all neutrals are always in style.

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(Left to right) Liz Claiborne-Plus Alexis Women’s Mid Rise Straight Pull-On Pants in Charcoal Heather ($34, jcpenney.com); H&M Turtleneck Dress in Beige Melange ($60, www2.hm.com/en_us); Fantaslook Women’s Fall Long Sleeve Tunic T-Shirts in Khaki ($17, walmart.com); Talbot’s No-Iron Perfect Shirt in Flecked Animal in White/Dark Walnut ($100, talbots.com)

JCPenney; H&M; Walmart; Talbots

2. Make a list of comfort must-haves

Many women have closets full of past-life clothes and say they have nothing to wear. Start over by listing the clothing details that matter to you now. Do you prefer elastic waistbands and pull-on pants and dresses? Midi hemlines instead of knee-length? Longer relaxed tees and tunic-length sweaters? Want easy-care clothes that don’t require ironing or dry-cleaning? All these demands aren’t unreasonable and they’re available everywhere from pricey designers like The Row to fast-fashion brands like H&M and Zara and mass market retailers like Target and Walmart. This time around, be more selective about details and don’t back down when other choices are on sale.