I'm 51 and Always Wear Flat Shoes—I'll Never Retire These 7 Styles
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Tracey Lea Sayer / @trayslounge
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Tracey Lea Sayer / @traysloungeAs soon as it gets a bit warmer I swap out my chunky trainers for a pair of simple white plimsoles. Inspired by designers like Margaret Howell and brands like Arket and Toast, I build a lot of my basics around this unassuming, classic style. They do give a nod to the nautical so I do tend to wear Breton stripes and casual cotton trousers with them, but they can equally dress down a kimono style summer frock. They are easy and effortless to pull off, and they don’t break the bank.
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Tracey Lea Sayer / @traysloungeOver the years I have realised that I crave the same styles each summer. For as long as I can remember I have drooled over the Ancient Greek Sandals on Net-A-Porter but could never get the style I wanted in my size! Then I found Tkees which does lots of shoestring, “barely there” sandals which I love. They look great with my silky column dresses and a really cute with a crisp white shirt and sarong skirt for work. The perfect footwear for summer or far-flung travels.
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Tracey Lea Sayer / @traysloungeAny fashion director who has spent 12+ hours straight on a photoshoot will tell you that ballet flats are a must-have. I love their practicality and comfort even though they have proved to be a total man-repeller in my house; my husband hates them! I like to experiment with chisel and pointed toe rather than the traditional round-toe-and-bow ballet flats, even though I do appreciate their cool French-girl vibes.
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Tracey Lea Sayer / @traysloungeOkay, so I know we've already talked about classic white plimsoles but, as I'm sure many other flat-shoe obsessives will agree, especially those who put comfort above all else, one pair of trainers is never enough. I have always loved a colourful retro style trainer, especially for running around town on appointments. I get so many compliments on these New Balance; when I wear them they always put a smile on my face. That, IMO, is how you should always feel about your look.
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Tracey Lea Sayer / @traysloungeThere is just something about the chunky ‘Dad’ style sandal that appeals to me. Maybe it is the “Gorpcore” nerdiness of them or maybe it is the fact that they are so damn comfy! Whatever it is they are my go-to dog walking sandals all summer long, but their brilliance doesn’t stop there! Dad sandals give a suit a cool edge and they stop flouncy dresses from looking to twee. IMO the original and the best are Tevas.
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Tracey Lea Sayer / @traysloungeI have worn loafers for years, long before they became the popular flat shoe that they are today. I bought my first pair 30 years ago when I was a student. They were patent leather mock croc from Patrick Cox on Sloane Square. This forever-style flat is a real go-to for for me. This year I upgraded my traditional black ones and invested in a buttery soft white leather pair from COS. They immediately gave all my old high-street pieces a designer edge and I've loved wearing them with my Levis 501s '90s-cut; they made me feel like a 20-year-old again.
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Tracey Lea Sayer / @traysloungeA few seasons ago I coveted The Row white thong sandals but at nearly £1000 there was no way they were ever going to be mine. Step forward good old M&S for the past two seasons they have done a very comfy, very designer looking version. This summer this chunky thong sandal has revolutionised everything in my wardrobe, from cotton co-ords to a fresh new way to make my wide-leg trousers work for work. Sold. Although they may become redundant in the British winter months, I keep them on standby for travelling for work. Then, they’re always the first thing I reach for come spring.
