Sally Simpson is a journalist at ITV News. Hitting midlife, she has upped her style game and enjoys mixing second-hand bargains with on-trend pieces. She shares her style tips and tells us why you should wear your best outfit to the supermarket…
Name: Sally Simpson
Occupation: On-screen Journalist, ITV News
instagram: @mymidlifestylish
How did you get into fashion?
I’ve always loved shopping and putting together outfits ever since I was very young. In April 2021 I started my Instagram page, mainly to encourage me to wear more of my clothes and to show that you don’t need to constantly buy new. I love seeing what other people are wearing and hopefully I can offer a bit of inspiration too.
Sally dressed up for a day at the races. (Image: Courtesy of Sally Simpson)
Describe your look.
Never knowingly underdressed! I find dressing down quite tricky. I love colour and print and mixing second hand finds with on-trend pieces. I’m much more comfortable in a dress than jeans or joggers.
Favourite brand or designer?
My absolute go-to is an independent label owned by two fabulous women based in West Yorkshire. Blonde & Wise design and hand make all their dresses and they’re perfect to dress up or down. I think I’ve got about a dozen at the last count.
When in doubt, add a pop of red, says Sally (Image: Courtesy of Sally Simpson)
Style icon?
Princess Diana did everyday glamour so well. It helped that she was royalty! But she always got it spot on.
Favourite fashion item?
My denim jacket has saved me from overdressing many times. I wear it over a gorgeous dress and it just tones the look down. My favourite one was purchased on holiday in Portugal about 15 years ago – I can usually remember when and where I bought everything.
What I wear to impress.
I always remember the phrase “When in doubt, wear red”. It’s served me well.
What I wear to relax.
I feel really scruffy in very casual clothes so I opt for pyjamas which feels more acceptable! Their Nibs do great prints and fabrics.
Worst fashion faux pas?
I followed the herd and bought a pair of Dr Marten boots when I was a teenager. They were so not me – I think I wore them twice. It taught me to own my own style and was probably the turning point when I realised I was more glam than grunge.
Sally loves a dress (Image: Courtesy of Sally Simpson)
Favourite fashion trend of all time?
1950s-style dresses. They suit my body shape so well too. All those nipped in waists and full skirts to cover a multitude of sins.
Best style advice?
Don’t wait for an occasion to wear your “best” clothes. When someone says they like a piece but don’t know when they’d wear it, I say wear it to the supermarket. Trends are fun but ultimately wearing what makes you happy will always make you look and feel great.
Most stylish celebrities?
Although I don’t copy her style as we are so different, I admire Claudia Winkleman so much. She has such a strong identity (and great stylists).
And Lady Gaga is a great example of owning your own style, however eccentric.
The look I wish would come back:
You need a lot of confidence to wear a hat but I like to experiment with them. I’d love to have lived in a time when women wore them all the time – a great solution to a bad hair day too!
What item has had its day and should be confined to the back of the wardrobe?
Everything comes full circle and fashion is no different. I never liked the puffball skirts of the 80s but they’ve made a comeback. I still think Doc Martens are awful though.
What’s next?
There’s definitely a move towards fashion being less prescriptive. 21st century fashion has far fewer rules than the 60s, 70s, 80s, even 90s. I hope that continues and we can all make up our own. That’s true style.
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