If anyone knows whether an item is worth buying or not, it's Tracey Lea Sayer. Having been in the business of fashion for 30 years now, Lea Sayer is a style insider who says it like it is. She wants her clothes to work hard for the money and is a dab hand when it comes to hunting down timeless high-street pieces. As well as sharing her knowledge via Fabulous magazine as fashion director, she charts her own wardrobe over at @TraysLounge. Her outlook is about buying less, buying better, and restyling what you already own. This month, she shares three items she loved in her teens and has suddenly started wearing again. Over to you, Tray!
I have worked in fashion for 30 years and have pretty much tried all the trends you could imagine. Some have looked great on me, and some have made me look like a dog’s dinner, but having recently turned 50, I have found myself reaching for the three items that I pretty much lived in as a teenager. No, I am not talking crop tops and spray-on Lycra dresses. Although I did have a few of those, I leave them to my teenage daughter now. I am talking about oversize blazers, a great pair of jeans, and a big pair of bovver boots. These three items took me through art college and beyond in the '80s. Back then, I shopped men’s secondhand blazers at my local charity shops, my jeans were vintage Levi 501s from American emporium Flip, and the boots were steel-toe-capped Doc Martens that I still regret losing in a house move…
Fast-forward to now, and here I am again, wearing these three pieces on repeat. I seem to be reliving the signature style I lived in all those years ago. Why? Well, the fact is that it’s timeless. A well-cut blazer and a pair of jeans will never date. The formula is just right for being down the pub, as well as for more casual workplaces, and it never looks try-hard. These days, I now shop for my blazers at Arket, and I still have a soft spot for a great pair of Levi's with all the great new cuts to choose from. The Ribcage Balloon Leg is a favourite, and some are still available at a few retailers. In addition, I always wear a pair of big, comfy boots for my daily dog walk. These three pieces are the basis of what I have lived in during lockdown.
Keep scrolling to see how I've been styling out my favourite teen trends…
1. A '70s Take
On Tracey: Arket Oversized Wool Hopsack Blazer (£149) and blouse; Massimo Dutti waistcoat; Levi’s jeans; Chloé bag; Zara boots
Style Notes: I always seem to take a bit of inspo from the '70s when I want to dress up a bit. "Jeans and a nice top" has become a bit of a thing, but I don’t really suit the current trend for big collars, so I tend to go for a less frou-frou look and add some sharp tailoring on top of a pretty blouse.
Shop the look:
This is already oversized but if you really want to go for it, grab it in a size up.
A cropped jean is so flattering.
The chunkier the better in my eyes.
2. Smart-Casual Dress Code
On Tracey: Topshop blazer; Isabel Marant jumper; Ines de la Fressange x Uniqlo jeans; Mango boots
Style Notes: Smart casual has become a bit of a signature style for me. A boxy blazer with darker jeans immediately looks a bit more elevated. Just add a slogan sweat and big boots for a daytime outfit that feels put-together but effortless.
Shop the look:
Slogan sweatshirts are back, and I'm not mad about it.
These go up to a size 22.
Zara's boot offering is so good right now.
3. Sportswear Inspired
On Tracey: Arket Oversized Wool Hopsack Blazer (£149); Only Short Hooded Coat; Levi's jeans; Kin bag; Nike React ART3MIS Trainers; Uniqlo socks
Style Notes: I love sportswear and always try to include elements into my day-to-day looks. This is a great look for work. I am totally comfy in my love-worn Levi’s and trainers. Comfort is definitely key for me as I get older.
Shop the look:
How cosy does this look?
A peg-leg jean is great way to update your denim collection.
Sleek and sporty. Win win.
4. Layers for Cold Days
On Tracey: Ines de la Fressange x Uniqlo coat and jacket; Vanessa Seward x La Redoute shirt; Levi's jeans; Kin bag; Arket socks; COS Cotton Canvas High-Top Sneakers
Style Notes: I love a bit of layering. A shrunken blazer under a Crombie-style coat makes me look "business" up top, but the jeans just take things down a notch, so I don’t feel overdressed. Another trick I borrow from menswear is a statement sock—a dash of colour looks surprisingly good with sneakers.
Shop the look:
Houndstooth never goes out of style.
The most perfect wash.
High-tops are another teen trend I've fallen back in love with.
5. With a Breton
On Tracey: Arket Oversized Wool Hopsack Blazer (£135), scarf, and top; Levi's jeans; Kin bag; Mango boots
Style Notes: Jeans and a Breton top is one of my most-worn combinations at this time of year—it's my day-to-day uniform. A boxy blazer and knotted scarf add the finishing touches. It isn’t radical, but it just works.
Shop the look:
Boden has some of the best stripes out there.
This beautiful crossbody bag looks so much more expensive than it is.
Add a cashmere scarf for extra cosiness.
6. Lumberjack Styling
On Tracey: & Other Stories hat; Arket scarf; Uniqlo jacket and bag; Ines de la Fressange x Uniqlo jeans; Mango boots
Style Notes: The price per wear on these boots probably works out at about 10p per outing! When I shop, I am a stickler for making sure that anything I purchase will work extra hard in my wardrobe. Big boots and jeans always deliver on that.
Shop the look:
I love this expensive-looking brown hue.
You could also shop flannel in the men's section for a relaxed fit.
Classics you'll reach for time and time again.
7. Comfortable Tracksuit
On Tracey: White Stuff Stacey Colourblock Mac; Arket French Terry Sweatpants; Kin bag; Mango boots.
Style Notes: I love the fact that you can add big boots to practically any outfit. Add yours to slouchy sweats and dress the whole look up with a statement mac. This will elevate your trackies into something super stylish.
Shop the look:
Two tone always looks so chic.
Wear with leggings and knee-high boots, too.
Yes, I love sweatpants.
8. Brown Combined With Black
On Tracey: Modern Rarity coat; Monsoon dungarees; & Other Stories shirt; Chloé bag; Zara boots
Style Notes: Everyone thinks that a stylist will know exactly what to wear, but sometimes, I put stuff together completely by accident. Step forward, brown and black—my new favourite colour combo. These Zara boots are a little smarter than my other bovver boots but still look tough with their square toe, oversize sole, and chunky heel.
Shop the look:
You can't go wrong with a camel coat.
I love the flared-leg on these denim overalls.
Sandwich your black between brown with the help of amazing boots.
9. Sweater-Vest Update
On Tracey: Arket Half-Zip Bib; Next shirt; Ines de la Fressange x Uniqlo jeans; Mango boots
Style Notes: I am not very good at doing traditionally "girly" clothes, so combining a twee gingham check with big boots and jeans just takes the saccharine edge off the pretty check for me. To be honest, I normally apply this to anything feminine that I wear!
Shop the look:
This is the easiest, and chicest, way to add some warmth to your winter looks.
A gingham blouse will last you well into the new season.
The whole Who What Wear team love M&S denim.
Next Up, Spring/Summer 2023 Fashion Trends: The 21 Looks You Need to Know About.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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