Renate (61) divides her time between Vancouver and Amsterdam, and documents her outfits on Instagram. Her style is Trendy Classic with preppy touches. Renate has an enviable loafer collection, likes a great pair of (faux) leather trousers, and uses her statement jewellery and scarves to add pizzazz to her outfits.

Renate dresses up a casual sweater-and-jeans outfit with a relaxed-fit Modern Classic wool coat. Opting for a lighter colour Winter coat, like this stunning blush, brings unexpected happy cheer on even the dreariest days. Underneath, she’s paired mid-blue ankle-length straight-leg jeans with an untucked cable-knit sweater layered over a crisp white shirt. The cable-knit adds subtle texture, while the light grey works beautifully with the blush. Leave it to Renate to have exactly the “right” loafer in her footwear collection to match the coat. The fringe and buckle detail create visual interest, while the block heel adds a bit of height. A blush guitar strap converts the brown and gold bag into a stylish and practical crossbody. A big bangle and oversized sunnies complete the look.

Our blogger is rocking two classics in one item here. The Modern Classic wrap dress in a glitzy and seasonlessy classic chain pattern. The above-the-knee silhouette lengthens the leg line, while the cognac and bright blue colour combo is delightfully punchy. Renate casualizes her tailored dress by pairing it with platform ankle-strap espadrilles. The texture-rich suede matches the cognac in the dress. Renate continues that matching theme with a structured, small crossbody. Lots of arm candy in gold, brown, and white pick up the colours in the outfit. Her oversized chain link logo necklace refers back to the dress pattern and cleverly fills in the V-neckline.

This is my favourite of the six outfits. Renate wears the cropped pants + socks + loafers combo exceptionally well, and I keep coming back to it. She has paired her straight-leg plaid trousers with a relaxed-fit turtleneck tunic sweater. Then added black socks, and chunky burgundy loafers. The patent footwear with gold buckle adds dressy polish. The black sweater, dark socks and footwear all echo the black in the plaid pattern, creating visual harmony that offsets the leg-shortening effect of the cropped trousers. The structured cognac crossbody brings an extra colour into the mix. Oversized sunnies and stud earrings add a touch of glam, as do Renate’s red nails that match the red in the trousers.

This is a marvelous example of Angie’s Relaxed Pleated Midi Skirt outfit formula. Renate has combined a pleated tan ankle-length skirt with a fluid sweater. Wearing the top with welted bottom untucked streamlines the volume of the pleated skirt. The crisp light palette and dressy skirt bring lots of polish to the look. The tall chunky light brown suede boots with on-trend lug sole create a fun outfit juxtaposition by introducing a Sporty Luxe vibe. The white sole echoes the lightness of the cream sweater. Renate’s logo bag with guitar strap comes out to play again, also adding a dressy touch. Big sunnies and rusty red lippy finish off the look.

Here’s another great example of how to layer a white button-down shirt. Renate has tucked hers into a pair of tapered cognac faux leather trousers. She’s layered over a cream relaxed-fit cable-knit vest that adds lovely textural interest. Chunky platform loafers in a beige-y cream don’t match but work wonderfully with the cream sweater, and add a trademark preppy and on-trend touch. Popping the shirt collar, and adding an animal print scarf in earthy browns fills in the V-neckline of the vest while adding extra pizzazz in one fell swoop. The brown logo satchel worn crossbody style matches the browns in the scarf. Piles of arm candy and oversized sunnies are the glam finishing touches.

Renate’s taupe midi dress is the focal point in this elegant Summer look. The colour is beautiful with her complexion and blonde hair. The tiered silhouette and balloon sleeves create tons of striking visual interest and fun movement. The tailored fit on the shoulders and elasticated cuffs create enough structure to temper the volume. Pointy-toed suede pumps with block heel in a lighter shade of taupe lengthen the leg line and dress up the look. As do our blogger’s bright red lipstick, big statement arty necklace and gold cuff bracelet. The graphic pattern on Renate’s black and cream leather satchel makes another strong style statement. Finally, note how the frames of the sunglasses match the taupe of the outfit.

I can’t wait to hear what you think of Renate’s wonderful outfits. Let us know in the comments, and be sure to check out more of her style on Instagram.