Brave Looks and Bold Books by Janet Kirlew, Editor-in-Chief

Nicky Hambleton-Jones, stylist, TV presenter, and author of the book "Bolder Not Older," has made it her mission to brighten the world one outfit at a time. With her signature red lipstick, a tailored blazer, and more than two decades of experience, Nicky doesn't just talk about confidence - she helps you wear it. Exclusively for Women in Trade magazine, she opens up about her new book, fashion as self-belief, and why being "a parrot among pigeons" might be the best advice you'll hear all year.

Lights, Camera, Confidence!

"...if you don't feel good in your skin and like what you see in the mirror, you will never conquer your demons."

Nicky Hambleton-Jones first rose to fame as the presenter of Channel 4's 10 Years Younger, transforming not just appearances but confidence levels too. Over the years, she's carved out a multifaceted career: from running her own successful styling business, launching a personal stylist academy, to hosting retreats and returning to screens on This Morning's Drop A Decade, she just does it all.

"I love a varied work life, I could never do the same thing day in and day out."

With nearly 25 years of entrepreneurial experience under her (very stylish) belt, Nicky has become a trusted voice in the world of fashion and personal transformation. And now, that voice has written the ultimate guide to dressing boldly at any age.

"...I realised I'd never written a comprehensive style guide, which is crazy as that's what I do. Styling had been a part of my other books, but never the main focus."

Style Therapy You Didn't Know You Needed

In March 2025, Nicky launched her new book, Bolder Not Older: Dull to Dazzling in 12 Weeks, a style reboot disguised as a self-help guide, because while the topic of clothing might seem superficial to some, Nicky knows it can radically shift how we feel and see ourselves.

"Our biggest obstacle is not our age, our size, or our financial means – it's the voices in our head. The voices that tell us all the time we're not good enough, you're too old, too fat, you look silly, you're overdressed… I wrote the book as a 12-week programme, a 12-week journey of self-discovery which starts in your wardrobe. Because I know, long-lasting change takes time, it's a process, not a quick fix or a flash in the pan."

Her approach is refreshingly honest, real transformation doesn't start with a shopping spree, it starts with what's going on beneath the surface. Behind the labels, beneath the layers, beyond the mirror. This isn't just about changing how you dress, it's about changing how you feel. And Nicky’s message? It's aimed straight at women who are done playing small. Women ready to reclaim their space, their confidence, and their boldness.

"Getting older doesn't mean fading away, it means stepping up, standing tall, embracing life with boldness, and not settling for oldness. It's your licence to step outside your protective shell and flourish in style."

And, what did this book mean to Nicky? In short, everything. 

"I couldn't write a book without confronting the turmoil my career had been through the past 15 years… All the failure and rejection I'd suppressed and tried to hide from the world very quickly became centre stage again, all my demons resurfaced, which was hard to go through. But I knew I had to do it in order to move forward. It was almost like a proper cleansing of the past, so I can firmly put it behind me and move on."

Writing it wasn't just cathartic - it was transformational. In helping others rediscover their spark, Nicky was reclaiming her own. This book is a celebration of what she stands for, finally in print, and this time, she's not letting it pass quietly.

"...Actually seeing my book in print and in the bookshops, and getting great feedback from people has been a real high and proud moment for me," she says. "I never celebrated my other books, but I plan to keep enjoying this one."

A Parrot Among Pigeons

If there's one mantra Nicky lives by, it's this: 

"Always be a parrot amongst pigeons. Aim to be overdressed, no matter what. Your goal should always be to stand out from the crowd." 

A joyful reminder that standing out isn't a flaw, it's the goal. It's a sentiment that captures the spirit of her work - playful, empowering, and unafraid.

Bookmark This Look

We couldn't let Nicky go without asking about her must-haves, the ultimate building blocks of a standout wardrobe. Her top three? 

A waisted belt A good belt can transform an outfit and define a waistline.

A tailored blazer Layering a blazer over any outfit will instantly smarten it up and make it look more put together and stylish. 

Bright lipstick In my case RED at all times. A bold lipstick will not only make you feel more put together, it does wonders to lift and brighten your complexion.

One Outfit at a Time

So what's next for Nicky Hambleton-Jones? More workshops, more TV, maybe even another retreat, but most of all, more style. Whether she's writing, speaking, styling, or consulting, her mission remains the same: to brighten up the world, one outfit at a time. 

Bolder Not Older, Dull To Dazzling in 12 Weeks, by Nicky Hambleton-Jones (£17.99, Synergy Publishing). 

Follow Nicky at Instagram.com/nickyhambletonjones  

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Our Editor-in-Chief Playing Dress-Up with Nicky Hambleton-Jones