WATCH NICKY'S CHALLENGE ON OUR EXCLUSIVE FABULOUS VIDEO: TO REVAMP KIM'S WORK WARDROBE

Kim Swead has found it hard to match her work wardrobe to her new senior role as a PR director since being promoted recently.

“The dress code where I work is very casual. I wear jeans and Ugg boots or trainers, so I struggle if I have a meeting where I have to look smart,” says Kim, 31, from Highgate, north London.

At 5ft 10in, she admits that her major dilemma stems from finding the right shoes.

“I wear flats to stop me feeling self-conscious about my height,” she explains. “I hate high heels, but if you don’t have good shoes, the whole outfit looks wrong.

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"I often wear running shoes, even with a suit, which looks terrible. I’ve gone to meetings feeling quite smart until someone’s spotted my big clumpy trainers!"

Stylist and 10 Years Younger presenter Nicky Hambleton-Jones explains that relaxed office dress codes do create problems.

“Kim doesn’t want to wear a suit every day, but jeans won’t allow her to be taken seriously. Since she’s been promoted, she needs to dress more in keeping with her role,” says Nicky.

She suggests Kim opts for a smart but feminine outfit.

“It’s important not to look too masculine at work – in some roles, your gender is your competitive edge,” says Nicky.

“When you’re in a position of authority, you need to look like the sort of confident person whom people respect.

It’s important to make an effort because if you don’t, no one else will.”

Nicky’s makeover team set about creating a look for Kim to take her from the desk to the boardroom.

“When people think ‘smart’ they think ‘suit’, but you don’t have to wear a jacket and trousers or skirt to look professional – this outfit demonstrates that,” says Nicky.

“Kim’s a busy woman so she needs a fast make-up routine.

A quick curl of the eyelashes and a dab of mascara and she’s ready to go."

Kim loves her new look. “I can’t believe I’m wearing high heels.

"I’ve always avoided them but like Nicky told me they would make me walk much more confidently – and she’s right,”

she says. “I hope people will take me more seriously now I look the part.”

NICKY ON CLOTHES “Kim is tall and slim, so I’ve capitalised on this by teaming a purple polo neck with dark grey wide-leg trousers, which are flattering on any figure.

"I’ve accessorised with a wide belt to show off her slim waist, and a statement necklace which keeps the whole look young and on trend.”

NICKY ON HEELS “Your body language influences how much people respect you, and when you’re managing people you need to show confidence.

"Gorgeous shoes will help!

"Heels improve your posture and give you presence. ”

NICKY ON MAKEUP “Too much is overkill but too little can leave you looking pasty.

"We’ve gone for light silver shadow on the eyes.

"It’s neutral, but adds definition.

"The rest is simple — a slight flush for cheeks and a neutral gloss on the lips.

"The look is stylish but still natural.”

NICKY ON HAIR “Poker-straight hair can look intimidating, so we’ve put a gentle curl in Kim’s hair using heated rollers.

"This gives her a softness that makes her appear more approachable in the office.”

 

SALLY'S SHOPPING LIST

Polo neck, £10, New Look
trousers, £49, Principles
Necklace, £6, belt, £12, both New Look
s hoes, £55, Dune

STOCKISTS

Dune (020 7258 3605, www.dune.co.uk)
new look (0500 454094, www.newlook.co.uk)
principles (0870 122 8802, www.principles.co.uk)

words: zoe smith. photography: lancton. backstage photography: alicia clarke hair: dwight isaacs and oliver lyons for oliver lyons hair salon in oxshott, surrey (o1372 842414) make-up: nadira v persaud using givenchy for more tips read top to toe by nicky hambleton-jones (hodder & stoughton, £16.99)