Transitioning Your Wardrobe to Colder Weather: A Senior’s Guide

Transitioning Your Wardrobe to Colder Weather: A Senior’s Guide

With September coming to a close, you have likely begun to notice a change in temperature. Mornings and nights have a chill in the air, but afternoons are still pleasant. This can make deciding what to wear a daunting challenge for seniors—as it can be all too easy to under-dress or over-dress for the day.

With fall upon us, it may be time to start transitioning your wardrobe to colder-weather clothing. Over the next several weeks you will likely start putting away and taking out more clothes, but knowing where to start helps make the process look less intimidating.

What should I put away?

Though we all want to cling to the final remnants of summer, it is time to put away those seasonal staples you love so much. Pack away your shorts, sundresses, and sandals for next year. Items like short-sleeved shirts or even tank tops can be layered under other articles of clothing.

If you have the room, pack all of these items in a box or suitcase that can be stored elsewhere. This way, you will be able to see the items of clothing you can more regularly wear more readily.

What are the best items of clothing to transition my wardrobe to colder weather?

There are a few key items of clothing that you should have at the ready in order to help you transition into colder weather. These pieces make it easy to bundle up as necessary, as well as stay cool on days that aren’t quite as frigid.

• Boots. Whether ankle boots or cowboy boots, boots are a great way to keep you warm. That being said, your heaviest winter boots can stay locked away for another few months.
• Cardigans. Sometimes a traditional t-shirt would make you cold, but a sweater would be too hot. The solution? Cardigans. They easily keep you warm without the weight of a jacket, making them easy to carry around when the time comes to remove them.
• Vests. These articles of clothing are a great way to add a layer of warmth to any outfit. These layering pieces can be worn over light-weight long-sleeved shirts, or over thicker sweaters. They’re especially great for seniors, as they are easy to put on.
• Leggings. If you’re not ready to say goodbye to your dresses yet, leggings will help keep you warm on chilly days. Some are even lined with fleece so you can wear them as the temperature drops.

Certain fabric choices are better suited for the colder months of the year. You’ll want to retire your clothing made of fabric such as linen, tencel, or seersucker, and instead start reaching for clothing made of warmer, more durable material. A few great options include flannel, tweed, cashmere, fleece, and suede.

What items of clothing should I save for later?

Just because there’s a chill in the air, it doesn’t mean you have to pull out your cold-weather clothing all at once. Many of these closet staples will be too warm for this time of year and will end up taking up space. For the time being, you can leave your heaviest articles of clothing packed away. These pieces include your snow boots, your thickest coats, or your long underwear.

Live easy this fall and winter with the support of an at-home caregiver

As you’ve gotten older, you may have noticed that certain activities of daily living aren’t as easy as they once were. Cooking is daunting. Maintaining your home is exhausting. Even dressing in multiple layers of clothing to keep warm can be a challenge.

If this sounds familiar, don’t allow yourself to move through life in discomfort any longer. Instead, call upon the help of an at-home caregiver. Home Care Powered by AUAF has offered seniors in the Chicago area the support they need to age in place for over 30 years, and we would be happy to support you too. For more information on our services, give us a call at 773-274-9262.