How I style a Tweed jacket, over 40 | Preppy and fun!

Can you really wear Heritage-style fashion, over 40?

At what point does tweed become frumpy?
The Heritage trend is big this Autumn/Winter.
Wherever you like to shop (whether it is Forever21, Asos or Acne Studios) tweed is everywhere! You can't escape it.

I do love a touch of tweed (see a Chanel-style jacket here, as well as my vintage tweed skirt here) but, I have to admit that, this can be a tricky trend to pull off.
What once looked really funky (and sexily ironic) can easily look downright frumpy, and a little bit 'Miss Marple investigates'....not so cool!

So what happened?
Erm?? 20 years of the laws of physics stomping all over my face, that's what!

Fashion should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, we just need to be a bit savvier as we grown a little older.

This tweed blazer has been a favourite of mine for years.
It is so well made and comfortable to wear, and I love the colours: petrol, teal, grey and brown...my favourites!

I decided to steer clear of the "Make it trendy (and young) by pairing it with skinny jeans" school of thought.

This would have been easy way out of a styling dilemma.

So, I decided to pair it with a flippy wool mini and some seriously patterned tights.
Not a subtle or delicate pattern.
Oh no, just an over-sized houndstooth!

I love these tights.

I am drawn to any houndstooth touches these days (see my cosy Cape here, my funky, but totally impractical clutch bag, here and my Vintage skirt, here).

I can't seem to resist.

I decided to pair them with my trusty (old) black brogues.
If ever there was a time to wear plain (read: Boring) shoes, then this is it.
Let your legwear do the talking.
These shoes are the ones that were in my bag (on standby) when I wore my vintage shoes.

I layered a fine gauge black polo neck under a petrol blue cropped t-shirt.
This was just enough warmth under my (surprisingly cosy) jacket.

Then I went all-out preppy by adding a leather backpack / rucksack.

This was a perfect outfit for a busy day.
A simple, fun and comfortable look without the frump factor.
Job done!

Jacket: Boden (mine is old but they have some others...here)
T-shirt: Charity shop
Poloneck: La redoute
Tights: Old (I can't remember the brand, but I like these)
Skirt: Newlook (I like this one too)
Shoes: Clarks
Bag: Clarks (old) (I like this one)

Do you fear the frump-factor when it comes to Tweed or Heritage-style dressing?
How do you wear yours?
Would you wear these tights?

Please let me know in the comments and tweet me a picture @samantha4blair!?