Nicky Hambleton-Jones, the fashion authority best known for Channel 4’s 10 Years Younger and, more recently, ITV’s Drop A Decade segment on This Morning, is back with a reader-focused makeover feature that argues you are never too old to transform your look. The 54-year-old personal stylist and author of four books on looking good, including Bolder Not Older, released in March, guides everyday women through transformations designed to boost confidence. The project brings together four women from different walks of life who want a fresh, modern style that reflects new chapters in their lives.
Victoria Jarvis, a 65-year-old seamstress from Chatham, Kent, has a rectangle body shape and says she struggles to find clothes that give her shape. Her problem is a lack of defined curves and a waistline, which leaves her leaning toward loose tops and baggy trousers. The solution centers on a blouse with a high neckline and balloon sleeves to add presence on top, paired with high-waisted, wide-leg trousers to balance proportions and define the waist. Tucking in the blouse and adding a belt pulls the look together into an effortless hourglass silhouette. The look comprises a top (£115) and bag (£155) from stories.com, trousers (£235) from thefoldlondon.com, earrings (£30) from orelia.co.uk, a necklace (part of a set) (£35.99) from zara.com, a belt (£60) from reiss.com, and shoes (£25.82) from Guoco on amazon.co.uk. Verdict: “I feel incredible – like a completely new version of myself. I’d never have thought of wearing these pieces separately, but the combination works beautifully.”
Sarah Peonio, a 53-year-old psychotherapist from Wolverhampton, seeks a look that is stylish, modern and professional as she begins a new career. Her wardrobe has felt dowdy, with too many dark colours, and she notes that she has moved into high-street sizes after weight loss. The solution is a show-stopping red suit that flatters her curves, paired with a powder-blue blouse for a sharp, office-appropriate color combination. A statement necklace completes the outfit, adding polish. Jacket (£495) and trousers (£315) from aliceandolivia.com, shirt (£95) from marksandspencer.com, necklace (£148) from butlerandwilson.co.uk, bag (£139) from stories.com, and shoes (£27.99) from newlook.com. Verdict: “I’d never have thought to mix textures and colours like this, but it works so well. This is exactly the kind of outfit I’ve always wanted to wear. It’s fun, fashionable and professional; I feel like I can achieve anything.”
Margaret Ciano, an 80-year-old retired personal assistant from Surbiton, Surrey, says weight gain after her husband’s death and a fading sense of identity have left her with a closet of black leggings and loose tops. The goal is to show that age is nothing but a number and style has no expiry date. We start with a checked belted coat from Boden’s Petite range, using its print as the foundation for a fresh color palette, then add leopard-print accessories to draw focus away from areas she feels less confident about. Coat (£359), vest (£119), and belt (£55) from boden.com; shirt (£89) from mintvelvet.com; trousers (£40) from marksandspencer.com; necklace (£35.99) from Zara; bag (£22) from Asda; shoes (£17.99) from newlook.com. Verdict: “I think I look fabulous – I barely recognise myself! This is something I’d never have chosen on my own, and yet I can’t believe how fantastic it looks. It’s the first time I’ve ever said that about myself.”
Niki Harridge, a 59-year-old retired architect from Havant, Hampshire, notes that five years after her husband’s cancer death, weight gain and a loss of identity left her unsure how to dress. Her problem is that she often falls back on black leggings and loose tops. The solution is a bold printed co-ord that disguises problem areas while elongating proportions. The high-necked blouse and a statement pussy-bow, tied off-center, draw the eye away from her midline. A gold belt adds definition at the waist, creating an hourglass silhouette. Top (£149) and trousers (£159) from tedbaker.com; earrings (£30) and bangle (£30) from orelia.co.uk; belt (£32) from oliverbonas.com; bag (£99) from hobbs.com; sandals (£165) from esskashoes.com. Verdict: “I’m normally quite timid with colour and print, but this outfit has pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. I feel bolder and so much more confident. I also can’t remember the last time I wore comfortable heels.”
The project and the broader philosophy behind Hambleton-Jones’s work are part of a growing conversation about age-inclusive fashion. The feature emphasizes that style, when tailored to each individual, can boost confidence and support a sense of identity at any stage of life. Hambleton-Jones has long argued that fashion should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age or size, a message echoed across her recent work and public appearances.
The piece also intersects with her March release, Bolder Not Older, which outlines practical styling approaches for changing bodies and stages of life. A copy is available for £15.29 until 5 October from mailshop.co.uk/books or by calling 020 3176 2937, with free UK delivery on orders over £25. The feature draws on a mix of high-street and designer pieces to demonstrate that affordability and style can go hand in hand, and that evolving fashion needs can be met with thoughtful wardrobe planning rather than drastic overhauls.