Blogs

AN ICONIC band have cancelled a huge UK show at the last minute as fears grow for the frontman.

The group have embarked on a huge farewell tour, but fans are concerned for the 77-year-old.

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Fears grow for frontman Jeff Lynne[/caption]

Jeff Lynne fronts the UK rock band, Electric Light Orchestra, who are otherwise known by the acronym.

The rockers are due to take to stages across the country with a massive finale gig at the BST Festival in Hyde Park next year.

However, thousands of fans waited for the group to take to the stage at Manchester’s Co Op Arena.

However, an announcement was made that the group was forced to cancel their show at the last minute.

THERE are fears of a British Airways flights chaos after a disastrous cyber security upgrade locked global staff out of company systems.

An unannounced password switch means pilots and crew are struggling to access flight plans and rosters.

Alamy

A disastrous cyber security upgrade at BA locked global staff out of company systems[/caption]

Union bosses warned of school holidays disruption as baffled staff were ordered to change their access codes and complete a 40-minute online interview with tech teams in India.

But workers can only upgrade their accounts from a desk at Heathrow on weekdays between 9am and 5pm.

And with more than 50 per cent overseas, the timetable is in peril.

The unannounced “BSafe password change” has left staff automatically locked out of all company systems, including flight information, service ­documents, staff travel, email, training schedules and rosters.

Those affected have been told to email managers but cannot access work emails.

The Sun understands the BA manager in charge of the botched password roll-out is now on holiday and the process cannot be halted.

A union spokesman warned airline staff in a message seen by The Sun: “Out of nowhere BA have changed access to Employee Self Service, completely overlooking that crew along with pilots are a remote workforce.

“Well over 50 per cent of BA employees either work or live overseas. It’s an old saying ‘you don’t fix what isn’t broken’ — BA have done exactly that with disastrous results.”

The Sun understands the upgrade was requested by BA’s Spanish owner IAG over fears of an “imminent cyber attack”.

BA said: “We’ve been making some system improvements to boost our online security. This has had no impact on our operation or customers.”

Jon Bond - The Sun

There are now fears of summer flights chaos[/caption]

KATIE TAYLOR will enter the most important fight of her boxing career having reunited with the person who started it all.

Taylor had been estranged from her dad Pete – her first coach – after discovering that he had been having an affair.

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Pete’s marriage with Taylor’s mum Bridgett collapsed while he also lost the relationship with his daughter.

The former amateur light-heavyweight champion has been forced to watch his girl’s legendary career from the sidelines for the last decade.

But, ahead of Taylor’s New York trilogy fight with Amanda Serrano in the early hours of Saturday night on Netflix, the two have finally reconciled.

Taylor, 39, said: “To be back training with him is huge for me, you can’t mention my story without mentioning my dad.”

Her manager and close confidant Brian Peters said: “It takes some doing just to get that relationship back, that takes work but it’s beautiful to see it.

“Katie uses a great word restoration.”

Taylor was only 12 when she first laced up the gloves, inspired by her older brothers Peter and Lee who boxed for the St. Fergal’s Boxing Club in Bray.

But it was her dad who she looked up to most.

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The two were inseparable, travelling around the world in amateur boxing tournaments, campaigning to get women’s boxing recognised in Ireland and the Olympics.

Pete watched his daughter make history in 2001 when she boxed in the first officially sanctioned female bout in Ireland.

Taylor then fought for female boxing’s inclusion in the Olympics by competing in showcase bouts in front of IOC officials.

After pioneering the landmark introduction of female boxing at the 2012 Games in London – she won gold with her dad in her corner.

But just before the Rio Games four years later, the Irish icon’s world was rocked with the news of her father’s affair.

She was knocked out in round one in Brazil – as a red hot favourite at the time – and turned professional just months later in the wake of cutting out her dad.

Taylor also relocated to Connecticut – over 3,000 miles away from Ireland where she is a celebrated sporting hero – and always enjoyed living the quiet life.

American Ross Enamait took over as her coach in the absence of Pete and guided Taylor to undisputed titles in TWO different weight classes.

To be back training with him is huge for me, you can’t mention my story without mentioning my dad.

Katie Taylor

Her sensational 25 fight run – losing only once to Chantelle Cameron which she avenged in the rematch – included two epic wins over Serrano.

But with dad Pete now back in the corner – he expects the third bout to be Taylor’s most decisive after two close and disputed decision wins.

He said: “This is a happy place for us. We’re just so comfortable in here together.

“Katie’s my child and I’m her dad. Even though Ross has been with her for the last ten years, I still know Katie better than anybody else.

“When you have two people that is interested in one person, and the conversations are always going to be constructive, two is better than one.

“No matter what, she’ll always find a way of winning. No disrespect to Amanda Serrano, I don’t think she has the tools to beat Katie.

“Katie’s got the abilities to adapt all the time. Obviously, Amanda’s going to adapt as well. You’ve seen the best of Amanda Serrano in both fights in all fairness.

“I still don’t think you’ve seen the best of Katie Taylor and I think in this fight you’re going to see the best Katie Taylor and it’s going to shock Amanda Serrano.”

AP

Amanda Serrano lost her first fight to Taylor in 2022[/caption]

Getty

Serrano also lost the rematch[/caption]

The Mega Agency

They now meet in a trilogy clash[/caption]

GRACIE Abrams’ show descended into chaos at Mad Cool Festival in Spain after a major technical glitch left her without sound.

The American star’s microphone stopped working while she was on-stage – with Gracie, 25, forced to finish the last 20 minutes of her set with an acoustic guitar.

EPA

Gracie Abrams’ show descended into chaos at Mad Cool Festival in Spain after a major technical glitch left her without sound[/caption]

Though the glitch made it tough for fans to hear her over the festival noise, Gracie powered through with professionalism.

An onlooker told The Sun: “Gracie was trying to sing loudly but without a microphone you couldn’t hear a thing.

“The timing was bad, but she definitely gave it her best and didn’t give up.”

Mad Cool Festival, one of Europe’s biggest music events, runs from July 10 to July 13 in Madrid this year.

On the bill are heavyweights Foo Fighters, Arctic Monkeys, and The Killers, alongside breakout stars Wet Leg and MUNA.

Gracie, famed for tracks I Love You, I’m Sorry and That’s So True, has also been making headlines for her relationship with Paul Mescal.

The Sun told last month how she finished her recent Glastonbury set on The Other Stage – then snogged and partied with her boyfriend until 3am.

Gracie and Paul were joined by his singer sister Nell, as well as his Normal People co-star Daisy Edgar-Jones and her photographer boyfriend Ben Seed, at The Glade stage to take in a set by US DJ Seth Troxler.

An onlooker on Friday night said: “Paul and Gracie were all over each other and couldn’t resist a cheeky snog while their pals used the loos.

“Gracie was still full of energy despite playing on The Other Stage just hours before.

“The group were clearly still on a high from her magical performance as the sun set over Worthy Farm.”

Paul earned boyfriend points as he got in among the crowd to watch Gracie’s set – alongside his fellow Irish actor Andrew Scott, Daisy and Nell.

At one point, Daisy was up on Ben’s shoulders showing her appreciation for the music.

A source said: “Paul is so proud of Gracie and loved being with their friends as she saw her dream of performing at Glasto come true.”

Gracie sang hits including That’s So True, Close To You and I Love You, I’m Sorry.

But although Paul is now a Hollywood actor and his girlfriend a chart-topping artist, he was overheard telling pals he is a normal person and was camping in just a regular tent like the rest of us.

EPA

The American star’s microphone stopped working while she was on-stage[/caption]

stellamccartney/Instagram

She’s currently dating Paul Mescal[/caption]

LOVE Island was left reeling tonight as SIX Islanders were brutally dumped in the wake of Casa Amor.

Rheo, Emily, Gio, Yaz, Chris and Martin packed their bags after failing to find lasting connections during Casa.

Those left single were axed from the ITV2 show, with Maya Jama hosting the most dramatic recoupling of the series – and she didn’t hold back.

The presenter called out Helena for sniggering at Harry’s antics in the second villa, and she didn’t let Harry off the hook either.

Emily and Gio were dumped as they are now single, along with Yaz, Rheo, Chris and Martin who all didn’t find connections during Casa. 

Harry returned to the main villa alone after sharing a bed with Rheo, and Maya was quick to step in and defend the heartbroken bombshell.

As Harry tried to shrug off his actions, Yaz and Rheo re-entered the villa.

Maya asked: “How was your time with the boys in Casa?”

Rheo replied: “Interesting to be honest.”

Maya pressed: “How so?”

Rheo didn’t mince her words: “I don’t think I need to explain what he may have been up to over there. Harry strikes again.”

Harry snapped back: “You can elaborate.”

Helena, curious, chipped in: “Yeah, how bad are we talking?”

Rheo calmly replied: “Kisses in bed, cuddles…”

That’s when Emma jumped in: “Endgame? Didn’t you say end game?”

Harry admitted: “Potentially, yeah… but it’s not because I’ve known her for three days.”

Emma fired back: “So you lied.”

Harry defended himself: “I think I was just exploring the connection.”

Maya then opened the floor to the other Casa girls: “Is there anything the other Casa girls want to say?”

Andrada revealed: “I did ask Harry did he miss Helena and he said he didn’t.”

Helena laughed: “I probably said I didn’t miss him either,” but Maya wasn’t impressed.

Maya told them: “I don’t know, I probably wouldn’t find that funny if I was in a couple with someone like that.”

Turning to Helena, she asked: “You laugh quite a lot when he’s been doing things. Is that to avoid upset or are you genuinely not bothered?”

Helena admitted: “It’s not that I’m not bothered, I’m just not surprised.”

Rheo, still composed, added: “But do you not think you deserve more? You do.”

Harry tried to justify himself again: “If I wanted to come back with Rheo I’d have coupled up with her…”

But Maya hit back: “It doesn’t exclude everything that happened.”

Harry shrugged: “I just do what feels right in the moment.”

Rheo replied: “And say sorry after?”

Harry smirked: “Then deal with it in the morning usually.”

Elsewhere, Emily was left devastated after Tommy chose to recouple with Lucy, ending their blossoming romance. 

In a candid reaction, Emily said: “He’s not the boy we all thought he was. It’s a blessing really… boys will be boys.”

Tommy claimed: “I had to follow my heart.”

Toni quipped: “I didn’t think you had it in you.”

Emily and Tommy later shared a tearful goodbye on the terrace, with Tommy saying: “I’m gutted it had to end like this.”

Just when fans thought the drama was over, Dejon confessed to Meg that he’d been “very flirty” with Andrada during Casa – leaving her in tears.

A CITY boss is facing a probe over an email praising a colleague’s use of the words “hairy” and “growler” in conversation.

The message from Stuart Rouse, pictured above, to 350 workers at Nexus Underwriting left staff outraged at the “inappropriate language”.

The £650,000-a-year insurance firm chief exec sent the note to honour a London office-based staffer who was semi-retiring after 46 years.

He wrote of “his ability to include the words ‘hairy’ and ‘growler’ into a conversation, quite often leaving the room to howl”.

Sources said the workforce who got the email included young school leavers.

One worker told The Sun that Mr Rouse, in the role for a year, was trying to be “laddish” to try to endear himself to employees.

They said: “This extraordinary email was his attempt to bond with the workforce after a series of bust-ups.

“Immediately after it was sent, staff were asking if it was a spoof.

“The language was so inappropriate, and so everyone was asking, ‘Is this real?’.

“The crazy thing is that the veteran staffer is mortified.

“He’s a regular, trusted colleague who is not renowned for such coarse language. Nothing could be further from the truth.”

Nexus launched an investigation after the June 30 email was sent, but a spokeswoman could not confirm reports Mr Rouse was suspended.

The firm said it was aware of an email that “contains language and references that are wholly inappropriate and offensive”.

It said an internal probe has been launched, adding: “We acknowledge the seriousness of this matter and unreservedly apologise for the offence caused.”

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£650,000-a-year insurance firm chief exec Stuart Rouse sent the note to honour a London office-based staffer[/caption]

HOPELESS French cops arrived an hour after a group of migrants waved au revoir from a packed dinghy and headed to Britain yesterday. 

Around 50 young East African men wearing life jackets were crammed into the inflatable which set sail near Dunkirk around 5.30am yesterday. 

Reuters

Louis Wood

Passengers from the abandoned vessel struggle through waist-high mud in the French estuary[/caption]

Louis Wood

One of the migrants rescued by French emergency crews climbs ladder to safety[/caption]

One put two fingers up in a Churchill-esque V for victory as the black vessel returned to shore a few miles down the coast at Gravelines. 

The migrant “taxi boat” bobbed along in near-perfect sea conditions while waiting to pick up any stragglers who had spent the night sleeping in the sand dunes. 

But it powered off into the sunrise over the Channel without any new passengers before French search and rescue vessel Ridens escorted them to Border Force. 

An hour later, police arrived in a 4×4, with four hapless cops seen with their hands on their heads looking out to sea from the dunes. 

One joked around with his baton as colleagues laughed shortly after missing the crossing which made a mockery of the Government’s immigration deal with France to crack down on illegals reaching the UK. 

The Sun found abandoned life jackets, discarded coats and shoes, punctured PVC dinghies and fuel cans left on the beach where the boat is believed to have left from. 

A second group of around 20 migrants simultaneously grounded their vessel in the canal, running inland through Gravelines before they could reach the Channel. 

They abandoned ship around 5.30am to evade the authorities but many got stuck in the estuary as they waded through thick waist-high mud. 

‘Children can get stepped on or squashed’ 

One was heard yelling “I’m dying, I’m dying” as cops and firefighters came to their rescue by pulling them to safety with ladders and ropes. 

Shocked locals watched as machinery was used to winch the inflatable out of the foul-smelling waters around 1pm. 

At least 200 migrants were believed to have arrived in the UK yesterday. 

Border Force vessels Hurricane, Ranger and Typhoon were all involved in rescuing people, including women and children. 

It came on the final day of President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the UK to thrash out details of a new policy aimed at stopping the boats. 

Just 50 migrants a week are expected to be returned during a trial period — with PM Sir Keir Starmer admitting a deterrent is needed after axing the Tories’ scheme to relocate asylum seekers to Rwanda. 

At least 250 migrants were believed to have arrived in Dover on three boats before Macron and Starmer announced their ‘aggressive’ policy

It was initially hoped the new agreement would be a “one in, one out deal” — but 17 migrants will enter Britain illegally for every one returned to France, amounting to just 2,600 booted out each year. 

At least 250 migrants were believed to have arrived in Dover on three boats before Macron and Starmer announced their “aggressive” policy. 

Crossings continue to soar despite Britain giving £771million of taxpayer funding to the French since 2018 and £480million in the past three years. 

Smugglers have adapted to avoid law enforcement by learning local canal systems and loading boats with people inland instead of on beaches. 

They now operate a hop-on service by picking up passengers who lift sluice gates along the winding route before zooming into the Channel. 

Boats are almost full by the time they reach open water — leaving powerless cops unable to slash them with knives like they can when on shore. 

They are also launching from more secluded and wider beaches which are not used as regularly. 

On Wednesday evening, migrants cleared out of their camp in Loon-Plage and caught buses to hotspots ahead of their early hours crossings. 

Dozens were prepared to risk their lives in budget orange life jackets bought from superstore Decathlon. 

The French sports shop near Dunkirk sells a variety of buoyancy aids for as little as £14. 

Migrants were observed queuing among locals to pay for them in full knowledge of why they were being purchased. 

Osman, a migrant from Turkey, said: “The smugglers don’t care about our protection so it’s on us to try to make sure we don’t die. 

“Sometimes the smugglers will give us cheap life jackets which are so bad. They act like sponges and soak up water which will only help you sink and drown.” 

Sales of kayaks and dinghies which may be used to cross the Channel were previously banned but locals are now allowed to buy them by showing ID cards. 

Other small boat passengers desperate for safety have even carried blow-up rubber rings designed for kids playing in the waves. 

Armed police are fighting a rise in IRA-style kneecap shootings carried out there by criminal people smugglers using scare tactics to spread fear and threaten rivals

The Sun can reveal greedy people smugglers are dangerously cramming more Channel migrants into small boats than ever before. 

An average of 64 people made the journey in each unsuitable dinghy in June — the first time the monthly number has surpassed 60 per boat. 

So far this year, each vessel has averaged around 58 people — up 41 per cent from when the figure stood at 41 in 2022. 

PA

Louis Wood

The dinghy was ditched on the canal to evade authorities before it could make the journey across the Channel[/caption]

Experts fear it will lead to more mass tragedies as evil human traffickers only focus on lining their pockets with bumper profits. 

Increasing overcrowding also causes huge problems for Border Force, who can only carry a total of 95 people on board their rescue vessels. 

Lucy Moreton, ISU trade union officer representing Border Force staff, warned they may need to ask for help on busy days. 

She said: “We can take maybe one or two loads of people before we need to offload — whereas before it was three or four. 

“On busy days this could mean relying on other agencies such as the coastguard or the RNLI. 

“Saving lives at sea is what they do, so they would come and assist us — but it causes big problems for them. 

“The other thing overcrowding does is put the vulnerable at risk — children can get squashed or stepped on. 

“Unstable boats make getting people off them more difficult, and overcrowded boats are more unstable. 

“There is always a risk of death, but we do what we can to prevent it. 

“I think the smugglers do it because they can get away with it and profit from it.” 

‘Gun violence is getting worse every day’ 

Hundreds of migrants live in the Loon-Plage tents which have been gripped by warfare this week as Kurdish, Somalian and Afghan gangs battle for control. 

Armed police are fighting a rise in IRA-style kneecap shootings carried out there by criminal people smugglers using scare tactics to spread fear and threaten rivals.

The punishment, involving firing bullets into the middle of the leg to cause extreme pain and even disability, is used to settle scores and territorial gangland feuds. 

Some also punish migrants who try to organise their own voyages or board boats without paying — but victims are almost always too scared to ID the gunmen. 

Migrants had claimed any return deal between France and the UK would only drive them to make the dangerous 21-mile journey sooner before it is implemented

A senior French cop said: “The gun violence is getting worse every day. 

“We’re used to gang fights with knives, but now guns are becoming more and more common. 

“We’re dealing with extremely dangerous people – ones who think nothing of wounding through the worst non-lethal attacks.” 

An Iraqi-Kurdish migrant was rushed to hospital after being shot four times in one leg and once in the other shortly after 3pm on Tuesday. 

The 44-year-old was rushed to hospital in Dunkirk where he remained last night in a condition described as “serious by not life-threatening”. 

Another man required a tourniquet after being shot in the knee on Wednesday at the camp used as a “feeding station” by aid charities handing out food and water. 

Dunkirk’s judicial police are investigating both incidents, according to the local prosecutor’s office. 

Gabriel, 17, from war-torn South Sudan, said: “It’s not safe for us here. The people-smuggling Mafia are shooting innocent people in the forest. I will do anything to get out.” 

Last month, two Iranians died after being shot while a Sudanese baby was also injured. 

Anthony Quenson, a 38-year-old public service worker, hears gunshots reverberate around his house on the doorstep of the Loon-Plage camp. 

The Frenchman said: “Macron is doing nothing about the migrants and it is getting out of control. It feels very dangerous to live here now. 

“The authorities here don’t do anything to sort this problem out.” 

Migrants had claimed any return deal between France and the UK would only drive them to make the dangerous 21-mile journey sooner before it is implemented. 

Khalif, a 19-year-old Somalian who had been unsuccessful in crossing five times due to onboard motor issues, paid £1,200 euros to try again yesterday. 

He said: “I’m not worried about Macron trying to make a deal and will keep trying. In France they don’t help us but in England they look after us. All I want is a better life than here.” 

Somalian refugee Ibrahim, 32, added: “Politicians may try to stop us but we will go anyway for our safety. 

“Macron is the problem. He makes us feel unwelcome as we have nothing here, unlike in England.” 

Yesterday’s small boats were the first successful crossings since 517 migrants arrived in eight dinghies on Friday. 

Another window of opportunity this morning could see hundreds more capitalise on 5mph wind gusts to make the treacherous trip across the Dover Strait. 

More than 21,000 migrants have arrived in over 350 boats so far in 2025 which is a record for this point of the year, according to official Government stats. 

Louis Wood

Cops, who arrived an hour after the small boat left for the UK, joke around with a baton[/caption]

FROM buttons gaping to squashed boobs and bra straps on show, 34G Abby McHale knows all too well the perils of shopping for summer tops when you have a fuller bust.

Here, the deputy fashion editor reveals the BEST summer tops on the high street right now.

LIME GREEN TOP, £19.99, NEW LOOK

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New Look’s green top has gold clasp detailing which is a big trend this summer[/caption]

ASYMMETRIC tops are pretty much a no-go for those wanting to wear a bra with straps.

But opting for one like this gives the asymmetric look, while still offering support with both straps.

Gold clasp detailing on the shoulder is also a big trend this summer, but often the detailing is too thin to wear a bra with.

That won’t be a problem with this top, which also has stretchy fabric that allows plenty of room for your bust.

BLUE RUCHED TOP, £14, PRIMARK

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This ruched top creates shape in a flattering way for all[/caption]

RUCHING is a great design technique that is flattering for all.

It creates shape, skims the body and also adds interest to your outfit.

This top from Primark is not only great value, but with the ruching towards the bottom, it leaves room for your bust to breathe at the top.

It then hugs and shapes your waist below, creating a lovely silhouette.

RED TOP, £35, M&S

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M&S’ long-sleeve red top is perfect for a stylish and comfortable summer look[/caption]

YOU can still wear long sleeves during the warmer weather, you just have to make sure it’s the right fabric.

Linen is perfect as it’s lightweight and airy.

Opt for a wrap style like this linen one from M&S. Not only does it give you a nice shape around your waist, but the adjustable tie detail means it works for all different bra sizes.

Perfect to wear with wide-leg trousers and flat sandals for an easy, stylish and comfortable summer look.

PINK TOP, £42, RIVER ISLAND

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This pink top only has three buttons with a far less chance of gaping[/caption]

DON’T be afraid of buttons if you have a fuller bust. There are options out there that don’t gape.

This piece from River Island only has three buttons, which are situated lower down the top, meaning there is far less chance of gaping.

It also has a V-neckline and darts down either side of the bust to create a gorgeous shape.

Other shades available include red and white.

LILAC TOP, £19.99, UNIQLO

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This Uniqlo top has cooling and deodorising features woven in – making it perfect for the summer[/caption]

THIS vest top is a new addition for the brand, which is known for its innovative designs.

It features built-in bra support so you don’t have to wear a bra if you don’t want to.

However, if you’re still after more support, the straps are thick enough for you to pop one on underneath.

With its smooth fabric, plus cooling and deodorising features woven in, this vest is one hard-working top.

BROWN TOP, £22, NEXT

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Next’s brown top is a very comfortable option[/caption]

IF you are a fan of a square neckline but want a sleeve, then look for tops like this from Next.

It still has the stretchy fabric that is ideal for a fuller bust, but has little sleeves covering the shoulders.

For only £22, this is a real wardrobe staple and comes in other colours such as pale yellow, black and white.

The soft-to-touch butter fabric makes this a really comfortable option, too.

POLKA DOT, £12,99, ZARA

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Zara’s polka dot top has thick straps so you can wear a brand underneath[/caption]

ZARA isn’t usually a store you would associate with dressing for fuller busts, but surprisingly they have a lot of great options for bargain prices.

Take this top for just £12.99, with thick straps you can wear a bra underneath and the stretchy fabric means no squashing.

It’s also TikTok approved, with many users raving about how well the top suits larger chests, plus the polka-dot is one of the biggest prints of the summer.

Ticking every box.

PALE PINK TOP, £18.99, H&M

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The ruched detailing makes it a great fit for all bust sizes[/caption]

CAMI tops are normally a popular pick for summer, but showing your bra straps underneath ruins the look.

For just under £20, this one from H&M gives the illusion of a cami style, with thicker straps to make it bra-friendly.

The ruched detailing around the middle also makes it extra-stretchy, meaning it’s a great fit for all bust sizes.

PALE YELLOW TOP, £12.50, F&F AT TESCO

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This pale yellow shade is bang on trend for the summer[/caption]

SQUARE necklines are also another good option for a larger chest as they create a flattering shape around the decolletage.

For just £12.50, this pale yellow top from F&F at Tesco does just that, with stretchy fabric making it hug around your bust.

Once again, thicker straps mean it’s perfect for wearing a bra underneath and pale yellow is on trend this summer.

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.

News Group Newspapers Ltd

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.

Instagram

Tracey rocking colourful prints on holiday[/caption]

Instagram

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.

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.

Instagram

Tracey stuns in a warm, summer shade[/caption]

Instagram

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.

DEAR DEIDRE: MY husband insists looking at pictures of half-naked women is “normal”, but it’s destroying my self-esteem.

It’s not just what he’s looking at that is getting me down, it is that he doesn’t seem to care how it makes me feel.

I’m 42, he’s 46, and we’ve been married for 14 years. We’ve had ups and downs, like any couple, but I always believed we were honest with each other.

I’ve always trusted him, and until now he’s never given me any reason to worry. That was until I glanced at his screen one evening and saw him scrolling through a string of explicit social media profiles.

He knew how much it would hurt me, but carried on drooling over these scantily clad young women.

I’ve always been insecure about my body. After two children and difficult pregnancies, my confidence has taken a real hit.

He knows that I struggle with self-image, and I’ve opened up to him about it so many times.

I told him how comparing myself to younger, perfect-looking women online makes me feel inadequate.

When I confronted him, he just shrugged and said, “All men do it”.

He insists it’s harmless and that it’s got nothing to do with how he feels about me.

But I can’t help feeling dismissed and unseen. Now every time he’s on his phone or laptop, I feel tense. I don’t want to be controlling or insecure, but I feel so low and rejected.

Am I being unreasonable?

DEIDRE SAYS: No, you are being completely reasonable – although your husband doesn’t want you to realise that.

Trust and emotional safety are vital in a relationship, and when one partner knowingly does something that undermines the other’s confidence, it can create a deep emotional wound.

You’ve clearly communicated how this affects your self-worth, and your husband is choosing not to listen.

Try to have another honest conversation, focusing on how it makes you feel rather than what he’s doing.

Speaking about boundaries will help you both understand each other’s needs more clearly and whether he is truly willing to prioritise your emotional wellbeing.

You deserve to feel seen, valued and loved for who you are now – not compared to filtered strangers online.

Read through my support pack, Raising Self-esteem, to help you rebuild confidence.

WIFE GRILLED ME WHEN ALL THE TIME SHE WAS A CHEAT

DEAR DEIDRE: AFTER months of accusing me of cheating, it turns out my wife was sneaking around all along.

I’m 44, and she’s 41. We’ve been married for 11 years and have two children.

I’ve never cheated on her, and I’ve bent over backwards to reassure her, even though her suspicion has made me feel like a criminal in my own home.

Last week, I borrowed her iPad to book a hotel for a family trip and found messages she’d forgotten to log out of – explicit ones with a man from her work.

They have been flirting, sexting and arranging to meet for drinks behind my back. I was stunned. The whole time she was pointing fingers at me, she was hiding her own betrayal.

When I confronted her, she claimed it was “just harmless fun”.

Now I feel so hurt and betrayed.

How could she do this?

DEIDRE SAYS: Accusing someone of cheating while doing it yourself is classic distraction.

You’ve done everything to reassure her, and she’s broken your trust.

Emotional affairs can be just as damaging as physical ones, especially when they’re hidden behind lies. You’re right to feel betrayed.

Decide what you want next, and consider relationship counselling.

My support pack, Cheating – Can You Get Over It?, will help you process this.

SHE THREW DAD’S ASHES IN TRASH

DEAR DEIDRE: WHEN my dad died three years ago, I was devastated, but I found comfort knowing he was finally at rest.

Now I’ve discovered my stepmother discarded his ashes like rubbish. I feel sick.

I’m 36. My dad was married to her for seven years after my mum died. We never saw eye to eye.

She was always cold with me and my sister, and she did her best to come in between us and our dad.

After the funeral we drifted further apart and eventually lost contact.

I had always assumed she’d scattered his ashes somewhere meaningful, or at least kept them.

But during a recent conversation with a family friend, I found out she took them to the tip not long after he died. Just threw them out, like he didn’t matter.

I was stunned. No one told us. No ceremony, no goodbye. Nothing.

My dad was a kind, generous man who deserved better. It feels like she erased him, like he was just rubbish to be cleared.

I feel furious and hurt. If I’d known, I would have kept his ashes or scattered them somewhere ­special. I feel robbed of the chance to say goodbye.

Now I lie awake imagining the last of him in some landfill, and it breaks my heart.

DEIDRE SAYS: What your stepmother did is deeply disrespectful. Losing a parent is already hard enough, but finding out his ashes were discarded adds a second wave of grief.

Sadly, you can’t change what’s happened, but you can reclaim your connection to him in your own way. Consider holding your own small mem­orial or visiting a place that was special to him.

Expressing your feelings – whether through talking, writing or counselling – can help process the shock and betrayal.

My support pack, Coping With Bereavement, ought to help you with this.