AARP Eye Center
Few people at age 50 plan the miscellaneous jumble of hats, scarves and boots that punctuate their winter clothes. Instead, they wear leftovers from seasons past, which often include gloves with holes, hats that don’t cover adequately and grungy boots suited to a trek in the wilderness, not a casual outing or business meeting. Usually we make do, cross our fingers and hope spring arrives early. Not good enough! These updates will keep you warm, dry and stylish, from slush to snowstorm.
1. Everyday knit beanies
(Left to right) Connectyle Classic Acrylic Knit Cuff Daily Beanie in Light Coffee; Uniqlo Heattech Watch Cap in 08 Dark Gray; Furtalk Women’s Winter Knitted Beanie With Faux Fur Pom Pom in 01 Black
Amazon; UNIQLO; Amazon
They’re genderless, keep heat in and cold out, and look cool with any coat or jacket — from down (feather) to double-breasted — no matter where you live and work. The best are no-frills ribbed and cuffed beanies — like the Uniqlo Heattech Watch Cap in 08 Dark Gray, 09 Black ($20, uniqlo.com) and Connectyle Classic Acrylic Knit Cuff Daily Beanie in Light Coffee, Charcoal Grey, Black or Navy Blue ($12, amazon.com) — that are easy to stow in pockets, stretch to hug all head shapes and sizes, and come in a wide range of neutrals. Mature women who want a shot of glam can even opt for a pom-pom-topped style, like the Furtalk Women’s Winter Knitted Beanie With Faux Fur Pom Pom in 01 Black ($16, amazon.com). Stick to neutrals here for a posh look.
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2. Chill-chasing trappers and balaclavas
(Left to right) Chok.Lids Waterproof Winter Trapper Hat Unisex in Putty; Ewaycom Women’s One-Piece Cable Knit Hood/Balaclava With Faux Fur Trim in Grey; Carhartt Fleece 2-in-1 Hat in Brite Orange; Stetson Men’s Nylon Trapper Hat in Black
Amazon (2); Carhartt; Macy's
Some people have a cheery attitude toward winter. They’ll choose a metallic silver parka, a cable-knit sweater in sunny orange or a statement hat that makes shoveling the walk and walking the dog an event. Two frost-fleeing hat styles, trappers and hood/balaclavas, are derived from practical hunting and ski hats. Trapper styles — like the Stetson Men’s Nylon Trapper Hat in Black ($79, macys.com) and Chok.Lids Waterproof Winter Trapper Hat Unisex in Putty, Army Green or White ($25, amazon.com) — provide extra coverage and warmth, thanks to the lining, ear flaps and chin strap. Or try a hood or balaclava with optional lower face panel — like the Ewaycom Women’s One-Piece Cable Knit Hood/Balaclava With Faux Fur Trim in Grey or Khaki ($18, amazon.com) and Carhartt Fleece 2-in-1 Hat in Brite Orange ($30, carhartt.com) — to fight biting winds that chap cheeks and lips.
