WATCH NICKY'S CHALLENGE ON OUR EXCLUSIVE FABULOUS VIDEO: HELP A CITY GIRL SHINE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE

ALICIA Clarke has enjoyed a string of lively city dates with new boyfriend Matt, but now she’s due to meet his family and friends for a sedate afternoon in the countryside – and she’s panicking.

“I zip around the city streets in practical black jeans and flatties with something pretty on top – I have no idea what to wear for a posh afternoon in Berkshire,” says Alicia, 32.

“We’ll be having lunch then a walk along the country lanes – but I’m worried I’ll look more like I’m dressed for the Tube!”

Alicia, a photographer from Greenwich, London, is keen to impress Matt and show him that even though she’s a city girl, she can fit into his country lifestyle too.

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"I don’t want to seem like a fish out of water," she explains. "But I don’t want to give a false impression of myself either – it would be nice to find a middle ground that’s stylish but practical. But please, no wellies!"

Stylist and 10 Years Younger presenter Nicky Hambleton-Jones says the worst thing you can do when you’re suddenly forced out of your comfort zone is run out and buy a whole new outfit you’d never normally choose.

“It’s important that Alicia looks the part but she still needs to feel like herself – chic, comfy and definitely not a country bumpkin,” says Nicky.

“On a date, if you’re not happy with the way you look, you won’t be able to enjoy yourself. So I’ve given Alicia a hint of urban chic with a sophisticated little cropped waterproof mac that’s practical for the country too.”

Nicky teamed the jacket with wide-legged jeans, a cashmere jumper and chunky wedges.

“I’ve added flashes of red from top to toe because they work really well with the neutral tones of the outfit," says Nicky.

"And we’ve kept the make-up light and fresh to match.”

So does Alicia think her new look will win over Matt’s folks?

“I hope so,” she says. “I love it! I still feel like me in this outfit but I’m comfortable too. I was worrying about what to wear on my date but now I’m looking forward to making a splash in the country.

"Matt’s going to wonder where his girlfriend’s gone.”

For more tips read Top To Toe by Nicky Hambleton-Jones (Hodder & Stoughton, £16.99).

 

NICKY ON MAKE UP “We’ve gone for a natural finish because Alicia has a great complexion. We used a barrier cream with SPF15 (any less is pointless) to protect her skin in the great outdoors. The hair and beret make enough of a statement, so we kept the make-up simple.”

NICKY ON HAIR “Mid-length hair like Alicia’s is perfect for a feminine, flicked-out blow-dry. It’s easy to style with a small round brush and balances out the shape of the beret. I gave her a spritz of shine spray to bring out all the different shades of red – her hair looks glossy and gorgeous.”

NICKY ON COLOUR “It’s a myth that redheads can’t wear red – they can as long as they find the right shade. This beret brings out the gorgeous auburn tones in Alicia’s hair. The bag and shoes brighten up the outfit without being too scary for a daytime date.”

NICKY ON ACCESSORIES “The pretty neck detail on this top means Alicia doesn’t need a necklace, and earrings would be too much with the beret. If in doubt, leave the accessories out! Alicia looks fresh, fun and funky – you don’t have to bring out the twinset and pearls for a date in the countryside.”

 

ALICIA'S SHOPPING LIST

Jacket, £79, Limited Collection at Marks & Spencer
Sweater, £22, Dorothy Perkins
Jeans, £30, Next
Beret, £12, bangle, £8, both Red Herring at Debenhams
Bag, £6, New Look
Shoes, £12, George at Asda

 

STOCKISTS

Debenhams (0844 561 616, www.debenhams.com)
Dorothy Perkins (0845 121 4515)
George at Asda (0500 100055, www.asda.com)
Marks & Spencers (0845 302 1234, www.marksandspencer.com)
Next (0870 243 5435, www.next.co.uk)
New Look (0500 454094)

 

Words: Fiona Cowood Photography: Lancton Backstage Photography: Alicia Clarke Hair: Stuart Phillips (www.stuartphillips.com) Make-Up: Ali Barnett-Mun, Tasha Dibartolomeo.