SORT YOUR PANTS (AND YOUR LIFE) OUT!

Can Kim Willis, 42, transform into a dazzling, sparkling, colourful version of herself by changing her wardrobe?

- KIM WILLIS

Remember in lockdown when everyone ditched heels and discovered the comfortable joy of trackie bums? Still me. I became a mum just before I turned 40 and stopped putting effort into my appearance. My clothes became baggy, drab and functional. I catch my reflection when I'm wearing what my husband Gaz lovingly describes as my 'convict-esque' grey sweatshirt and joggers, and wonder where it all went wrong. My underwear used to be from Victoria's Secret, now it's from the supermarket. I feel as drab as my tracksuit and things need to change. In stylist Nicky Hambleton-Jones' new book Bolder.Not Older she promises a few simple steps from her transformation process will work magic. I know it's only clothes and a bit of make-up but I'm hoping to transform how I feel because at the moment, I'm far from confident. No matter our age, size or shape, Nicky says a bolder version of ourselves is waiting. Let's see if I can go from drab to fab...

MONDAY

Lipstick! I deem lipstick such a 'special occasion' treat, I didn't even own one. But since when is a day at the playground or lunch with a friend not worthy of a bit of effort? As Nicky says, by wearing lipstick every day, you are sending a message to your brain that today is a special day. So I apply a bold red lippy before my son Heli, two, and I head to the skatepark. He says, 'You've got a red mouth,' which is an astute observation indeed. I feel different. I feel cool. I smile more and people smile back. It's wonderful.

TUESDAY