On the hunt for stylish winter outfits for women over 40? You’ve come to the right place! Winter can be a difficult season to dress for — you want to layer up and be warm, but you don’t want to be frumpy or shapeless. Fortunately, I have good news. All you need is a bit of style inspo to manage those harsh cold temps without sacrificing on style.
With the right pieces, you can create winter looks that are stylish and age-appropriate. From cozy sweaters to chic jackets, there’s something here to suit any style. So, get ready to bundle up and stay warm this season with these fashion-forward winter outfit ideas for women over 40.
1. Chic with a touch of animal print
Animal prints add an instant dose of style and sophistication to any outfit. Even better, there are plenty of pieces out there you can choose from. A scarf is one of the best and most versatile pieces for adding a bit of animal print to your look. The right scarf adds a stylish touch to your winter wardrobe instantly.
There are many styles and colors of animal print scarves, so finding one that fits your style won’t be hard. Whether it’s an edgy leopard print, classic zebra print, or subtle snake print, a beautiful animal print scarf is the perfect way to top off any outfit.
2. It’s gray sweats season
There’s no denying that gray sweats and joggers are the ultimate comfort garment. And guess what? You can rock those grey sweatpants in an incredibly stylish way.
To get started, try topping your sweats with a statement coat or jacket. Whether you’re looking for something a little more dressed or casual but still stylish, adding a coat to your outfit takes it up a notch in a flash. Try a stylish faux-fur jacket, leather jacket, or warm puffer to upgrade those sweatpants.
3. Casual silver and black
When it comes to creating a winter outfit that is both polished and age-appropriate for us over-40 ladies, silver and black are excellent choices. This classic combination provides an effortless elegance that can’t be beaten.
A great place to start is with a charcoal grey sweater. This has a timeless look that will last for seasons to come. Pair it with a pair of sophisticated black skinny pants for an ensemble that looks polished but also effortless. Accessorize with a pair of black gloves, a silver-gray beanie, and knee-length lug boots to complete the look.
4. Almost monochrome
Black formal attire can have a serious, formal feel. But it only takes a few accessories to bring in a more playful feel to your look. A smart approach is to add a touch of gray. Gray is a neutral color, which makes it easy to incorporate into any look. (So you can reuse those gray accessories in many other winter outfits, which maximizes their value.)
An infinity scarf can bring color and texture to an otherwise all-black ensemble, as it provides warmth on cold winter days. Choose a light gray color which will set off beautifully against your all-black outfit. You can also add a coordinating gray beanie to make the look stand out.
5. Layer like a pro
Layering is a time-tested way to add dimension to your look, allowing you to create chic winter outfits that are both fashionable and functional. For elegant layering, follow these two guidelines:
- Make sure you select fabrics that work well together. A good mix of textured, lightweight pieces is best — think cashmere, silk, and wool. Layering heavier items like denim or corduroy can add bulk and make it hard to move around.
- Pick tones that compliment each other. If this is challenging for you, look to your favorite patterns for inspiration. As Style At A Certain Age shows us above, you can use greys and browns from your favorite animal print bag to build a polished and elegant winter outfit.
6. Cozy coffee
Brown is an ideal color to incorporate into your wardrobe this time of year, as it offers an earthy tone and can be used in various ways. Pair a chunky brown knit sweater with a camel coat to create a stunning winter ensemble.
Add in faux fur accessories, such as a scarf or hat, for added warmth and texture. Complete the look with black jeans and boots and you’re ready for anything, day or night.
If you’re looking for something more elevated, try pairing a taupe turtleneck with a brown tweed skirt.
7. Clean, casual & elegant
Monochrome neutrals are a fabulous way to achieve a classic, clean, and elegant look. Try pairing beiges and whites for effortlessly chic ensembles. The subtle tones deliver a sophisticated yet cozy vibe. And, your friends will wonder when you became so savvy at creating stylish winter outfits for women over 40.
A beige coat or blazer is a great starting point for your winter ensemble. How about a beautiful trench coat with black lapels or a cropped belted blazer with long sleeves? Either can be stunningly stylish for the over-40 fashionista. Add in leggings and a sweater in similar tones. Or, pair your outerwear statement pieces with jeans for a more casual look.
8. Keep it simple with a jacket layer
A classic puffer trench could be the hero of your winter wardrobe. Even better, they come in various colors, styles, and lengths. Whether you prefer a shorter cropped fit or a longer silhouette, you can easily find a puffer trench that matches your taste.
To complete the look, choose a top and bottom that complements the color and design of the jacket. A white top and skinny black jeans are always on point. Or, choose colorful sweaters if you’re feeling bold.
9. White on white with a pop
White-on-white looks can be difficult to pull off, but a long vest is a great way to add color and texture. For winter outfits, look for a long vest in a neutral shade like beige or light brown. You can go with a puffer style, knit, or even faux leather. This will give your outfit dimension and really set off your white-on-white outfit in an interesting way.
To ensure the vest doesn’t take away from the rest of your outfit, pick one with subtle details like small pockets or buttons. You can also layer it over a solid white t-shirt or blouse.
10. Mix ‘n match brown
From a faux fur coat paired with caramel-hued ankle boots to an elegant wrap dress and chocolate-colored leggings, there are many ways to work brown into your wardrobe — and keep you looking chic all season long.
Brown is also a great choice for evening wear. For a night out, pair a rich chocolate jumpsuit with strappy sandals and a faux fur bolero for extra warmth. Or, if you prefer something more formal, go for a classic dark brown dress accessorized with a chic beaded necklace and velvet heels.
Winter in style for the over-40 set
Let these stylish winter outfits for women over 40 guide you into new outfit combinations that are sure to impress. Experiment with different colors, textures, and silhouettes to find what works for you. There’s really no wrong way to dress for winter as long as you feel comfortable and confident — oh, and being warm helps, too.
