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(Left to Right) Dolce Vita Women’s Cloudy H2O Strapped Rain Boots in Dune Patent, Everlane’s Waffle Scarf in Camel, Michael Kors Michael Logo Charm Croc-Embossed Fuzzy Ear Warmers in Black,

GapFit Nylon Crossbody Bag in Black or Olive Night, Banana Republic Factory Ribbed Pom Beanie in Transition Cream. AARP (Getty Images; Banana Republic; Macy’s, 2; Everlane, GAP Factory)

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Some mature women have a cheery attitude toward bad weather. They’re the ones in trendy puffers and bright sweaters striding through slushy parking lots. When it rains, they smile, pull on a

chic raincoat and  waterproof boots, and grab an umbrella. All it takes is a little strategy. How do I know? I’m a beauty and style editor and personal shopper for women over 50, so let me

tell you something. Not one of these women wants a downpour or flurries to wreck their blow-out or curls. They don’t want their “good” leather boots and bags wrecked by the weather. What

they do want is to stay dry, warm, stylish and safe — rain, snow or shine. Here’s how you can do it too: 

(Target, Banana Republic, GAP) 1. Banish cold and wind with a beanie or balaclava.

These are the hats you want, the ones that keep volume in, frizz out and your head cozy. Forget you ever heard the term “hat hair.” That term belongs in the dark ages of beauty before women

learned the fast fix of scrunchies and dry shampoo. Toasty balaclavas — that offer head, neck and face coverage — and beanies are pull-on knits that stretch to accommodate every head style

and hairdo … and they stow easily in your coat pocket or bag. Sure, luxury brands like Saint Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana and Burberry do beanies too, but skip the pricey logo and opt for more

affordable ribbed styles with a cuff like the Banana Republic Factory Ribbed Pom Beanie in Plateau Beige Camel, Black or Transition Cream ($18, bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com) and Gap

CashSoft Beanie in Heather Grey, Terra Brown or True Black ($13, gap.com) in neutral colors that complement your coats and jackets. The beanie’s cuff is important — it adds extra emphasis to

your eyes (kind of like bangs do) — and provides more protection for the ears. Go pom-pom free for a classic look; choose a pom-pom beanie for attitude. Balaclavas like the Free People Over

My Head Ribbed Balaclava in Grey ($48, freepeople.com) and Wild Fable Snood Hood Balaclava in Black ($17, target.com) are another option. Roomier than beanies in fit, they slip over hair

and neck for coverage from biting winds and icy temperatures.

Warmers in Cloud Grey (right). AARP (Macy’s, JCPenney) 2. Not a hat person? Choose earmuffs and ski bands.

Sorry, but you’re not getting away with skipping ear protection. If you’re still wary of compression around your head or anything that could disrupt your waves, curls or spiky pixie, know

that earmuffs and knit bands won’t cause hair anxiety or a headache (two common excuses for hat resisters). Opt for an upscale look with a chic knit band like the Heat Holders Women’s Alta

Headband Ear Warmers in Black, Cloud Grey or Buttercream ($10, jcpenney.com) or dressy earmuffs like the Michael Kors Michael Logo Charm Croc-Embossed Fuzzy Ear Warmers in Black ($41,

macys.com). Leave the kitschy-cute textures, colors and sparkles to the kids. One more thing: If you wear hearing aids, ear-warmers along with beanies and balaclavas can help resolve the

“whistling” issue due to windy weather affecting the microphone.