SOME women look effortlessly stylish – but these queens of cool don’t just roll out of bed into a show-stopping outfit.
Fashion Director Tracey Lea Sayer shares the tips and tricks she applies to her own wardrobe, whatever the occasion.
Fashion Editor Tracey Sea Layer shares her top rules for putting together a stylish outfit[/caption]
WE all know that the fashion rule book was scrapped years ago.
Social media has taught us that anything goes style-wise as long as it makes you feel good.
Individual style should be celebrated.
What was it Coco Chanel said? “Fashion changes but style remains.”
After 30 years of working in fashion and having made some absolute howlers of my own, I can honestly say that when I stay true to my own individual style I look a million times better than when I am trying to copy someone else.
So these are my style rules — for me! The ones I apply to my everyday wardrobe.
I can’t guarantee they will work for you but you might find a few tips to help you get ready a bit quicker in the morning.
They are my go-to rules on days when I look in my wardrobe and think “I have absolutely nothing to wear”.
Try a few out and see if it gives you the style lift you need.
1. I use the rule of three when building an outfit, that’s: one colour, one texture and one print. Three is the magic number that adds just enough interest to an outfit without it feeling OTT.
So a block colour like butterscotch yellow, a ruffled blouse that adds texture, plus a hint of a print, like a snakeskin accessory, always works for me and makes me feel balanced.
2. Since turning 50, I’ve never worn shoes darker than my outfit. It works for other people but not for me. There is something about a summer look or a work suit with a heavy black shoe that makes me feel really dated or like I am working in security.
My go-to is a cream loafer with a pair of wide-leg navy trousers and a white shirt or a snakeskin sandal with a chocolate brown suit.
3. As I’ve got older I only wear lighter colours around my face. If I had to choose one item of clothing I had to wear every day it would be a white, oversized shirt.
It not only smooths out my wrinkles because it bounces light back at me, but it also makes me look clean, put-together and ready for anything.
A white shirt is the easiest item to take from casual to smart, too.
Wear it with jeans for the weekend, then add a suit for work.
Tracey rocking colourful prints on holiday[/caption]
Tracey says she priorities comforts more these days – like in this comfy and cool baggy suit[/caption]
4. Never wear uncomfortable clothes or tight shoes. As I have got older, I feel that comfort is key.
I don’t buy anything that squeezes me in or isn’t easy to take on or off. Life is too short to not get naked quickly.
5. I like to find my three words or phrases of the season. They can be a colour, a decade or even a theme.
This summer, mine are buttermilk, the Nineties and yacht-dwelling millionaire.
These themes aren’t so much trend-led as extensions of my style already. I had my colours done a few years back and can highly recommend it. I am a spring, which equals warm, bright and light colours.
Buttermilk is a perfect spring colour and happens to be the colour of the season, too, so that one was a no-brainer.
The Nineties still calls to me and has done for years, so a power suit with an Oxford stripe shirt is my workwear go-to.
Then finally, the yacht-dwelling millionaire. In my fashion fantasy life I waft around in crisp white shirts, loud wide-leg Versace-esque trousers and lashings of (fake) gold jewellery, so that’s ideal for summer style.
Have fun picking yours.
Hottest fashion trends of 2025
Fabulous’ Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend shares the biggest trends from the high street.
The East/West Bag
Baguette bags have had a good run, after returning from the 1990s’ shoulders of Sarah Jessica Parker to modern-day fashion icons, like Hailey Bieber.
In 2025, the East/West bag is a similar but elongated shape and has long, thin straps that are easy to throw over your shoulder.
They’ve been on runway models’ arms at nearly ever designer show – think Burberry, Givenchy and Bottega Veneta – and are hitting the high street now, too.
Powder pink
Bright fuchsia pink had its day after the release of Barbie in 2023 and now the more polished and expensive-looking pale shade is taking over for 2025.
Pantone may say that it’s the year of Mocha Mousse, but the catwalks say otherwise! From Prada to Erdem, the subtle look was all over the spring/summer catwalks, worn head-to-toe or on its own.
If the sugary shade is too girly for you, then look to sharp suiting for a androgynous take on the colour.
The shell jacket
The ’80s classic is back, but with a sleek and minimal new twist for 2025.
We all know we’re likely to see rain for most of spring, so your practical coat of choice should be a cagoule jacket.
Depop revealed one of its big trend predictions for this year is retro sportswear, with surges already seen in ‘80s windbreakers’.
Seen everywhere from the stylish streets of Copenhagen to the Miu Miu catwalk, now mums who have an emergency raincoat crumpled underneath their pushchair are very much in fashion!
The turn-up jeans
While the shape of jeans remains the same for this year and barrel-legs will still be everywhere, the way we’re styling them is different.
This season, transform your wide-leg, baggy denims into turn-ups.
For this look, size doesn’t matter, so while deep turn-ups are a hit from jean trend-leaders Citizens of Humanity, a slight fold is still just as good – but only as it’s just one single fold.
Peep-toe shoe
Get your pedicures booked in sharpish, as this season your toes are the main event.
After a long hiatus, the peep-toe has been welcomed back into the fashion fold, with brands like Hermes, Miu Miu and Tory Burch showing plain and embellished footwear in this style.
From mules to pumps and clogs (yes, clogs will be around too!), there are lots of different styles that are set to sweep the high street.
Sheer blouses
See-through looks have always lived on the catwalk, but have rarely filtered into everyday life – until now.
Designers Ralph Lauren and Tom Ford loved sheer looks on their S/S ’25 catwalks and M&S even had sellout success with its black sheer pencil skirt last season.
Expect to see more sheer looks lining supermarket aisles and high street shops in the form of skirts, tops and frocks.
6. Just like my diet, my outfit needs to be balanced, have contrasts and look good. I like to play with proportions.
The crop of a jacket or the length of a pair of trousers can totally change the look.
And no matter what they say, size doesn’t matter! Wearing oversized high street items makes them look more expensive, so I tend to size up if I am shopping on a budget.
The clothes in my wardrobe range from a size 8-16.
How you feel is the most important thing.
7. Mix it up. Have fun, experiment and try new things. Some of my best looks have come about by trying things that shouldn’t work but unexpectedly do.
A long tunic dress looks great over wide-leg trousers. An oversized bomber looks fab over an evening dress.
And a simple scarf can be worn in so many ways — as a bandana, a neck tie, a belt, a hand bag accessory, a headband, a beach sarong.
Try out a different look every time you wear it.
Tracey stuns in a warm, summer shade[/caption]
8. Finally, wear what sparks joy. Above all, clothes should make you feel happy.
Everything I have in my wardrobe makes me smile. Whether that is a two-piece suit the colour of the pink panther, a bright yellow quilted coat that makes me feel like a ray of sunshine or a glam liquid-gold metallic two-piece that’s as comfy as a pair of pyjamas.
Now it’s over to you to decide your own rules. And don’t forget to break them once in a while.
