
WATCH NICKY'S CHALLENGE ON OUR EXCLUSIVE FABULOUS VIDEO: FIND AN ALL-OCCASION OUTFIT— WHATEVER THE WEATHER
Britt Stokk was used to lounging around in surfwear and bikinis in her hometown of Perth, Australia.
But six months ago, she arrived in England – and she’s been having a what-to-wear dilemma ever since.
“The weather changes so much here. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s pouring with rain – I never seem to be in the right clothes,” explains Britt, 26.
As well as having a climate crisis, Britt also needs to find a look that will work for her job as a primary school teacher.
“I’ve been using London as my base to visit Europe so I only have my travelling clothes – comfy hoodies and jeans,” she says.

BEFORE: Britt was used to comfy travelling clothes
AFTER: Layers of style help Britt adjust to a new climate
GIVE A FIT KIT A WARDROBE WORKOUT (JUNE 29)
MAKE ME A FUNKY 40-SOMETHING (JUNE 22)
ADD A SPLASH OF COLOUR (JUNE 15)
MY HIPS ARE HUGE IN EVERYTHING (JUNE 8)
HELP ME BACKPACK IN STYLE (JUNE 1)
27 BUT LOOKS LIKE A TEEN (MAY 25)
HELP CINDERS SHINE AT THE BALL (MAY 18)
GIVE ME CONFIDENCE AFTER CANCER (MAY 11)
3 WEDDINGS PLUS FASHION DILEMMA (MAY 04)
FLATTER MY BIG BOOBS (APRIL 20)
FROM STUDENT TO FITTY (APRIL 13)
FOXY HEN NIGHT OUTFIT (APRIL 06)
"But now I’m settling down to work I need to look smart and I have nothing to wear."
Luckily, stylist and Ten Years Younger presenter Nicky Hambleton-Jones has an action plan to help Britt.
“Layering is the key to solving Britt’s problems,” says Nicky.
“This way she can peel layers off and pull them on as the temperature changes.
"She needs to stock up on vests, polo necks, pretty cardigans and scarves.
"Layering is a young, fresh look and a clever way of putting together an outfit that will take you from work to evening.”
Wear-anywhere flexibility is the most important thing.
Britt only wants to buy a few key items as she’s not sure how long she’ll be in the UK.
Working with Britt’s size 14 hourglass figure, Nicky selects a shirt dress with a plunging neckline worn over wide-leg charcoal trousers, and a dove blue coat.
“This outfit is full of flattering lines which bring out Britt’s curves,” explains Nicky.
“The key is to elongate her 5ft 7in frame and we’ve done this by using long shapes and accessories, like the gorgeous necklace.”
So does Britt think she’ll fare better in the British weather with this kind of look?
“It’s practical and stylish – I look way smarter than usual.
"This coat is so pretty I’ll be able to throw it on whenever it’s cold,” says Britt.
“Now all I need is a brolly!”
NICKY ON COLOUR “For a day look it’s good to go for tonal colours that complement your natural features. Britt has stunning blue eyes, which is why I chose these shades for her outfit. She has a creamy tone to her skin and hair, so a nude lip colour fits perfectly.”
NICKY ON LAYERING “If you want to look taller and slimmer, go for long lines, which draw the eye down the body. Britt’s wide trousers help divert attention from her hips and the pointed boots also help to elongate her legs.”
NICKY ON MAKEUP “We used grey and green on Britt’s blue eyes. It may seem a strange combination but it creates a contrast and a striking effect. To achieve the smoky look, green eyeshadow was applied across the socket and blended with a finger. Her lashes were then lined with grey. Be bold and try lots of different colours until you find what suits you.”
NICKY ON HAIR “Britt doesn’t have time to spend on a complicated hairstyle in her job as a teacher. So we simply straightened her hair using Tresemmé Iron Style & Hold Spray, £4.99. For shine we used Stafford Shine Head Serum Spray, £5.99.”
BETHAN'S SHOPPING LIST
Coat, £140, John Lewis
Shirt dress, £20, Trousers, £35, both Red Herring at Debenhams
Necklace, £125, Butterfly
Bracelet, £6, Diva at Miss Selfridge
Bag, £35, Warehouse
Boots, £110, Faith
STOCKISTS
Butterfly (www.butterfly-jewellery.com)
Debenhams (0844 561 6161, www.debenhams.com)
Diva at Miss Selfridge (01277 844157, www.missselfridge.com)
John Lewis (0845 604 9049, www.johnlewis.com)
Faith (0800 289287, www.faith.co.uk)
Warehouse (0870 122 8813, www.warehouse.co.uk)
Words: Fiona Cowood Photography: Lancton Backstage Photography: Alicia Clarke Hair: Stuart Phillips (www.stuartphillips.com) Make-Up: Ali Barnett-Mun, Tasha Dibartolomeo.
For more GREAT tips read Top To Toe by Nicky Hambleton-Jones (Hodder & Stoughton, £16.99). Fabulous readers can get the book for the special price of £14.49 (inc p&p). Call 0870 755 2122 and quote offer code BSH623 or visit www.pressoffers.co.uk/bsh623