‘I wear what I want!’

Woman’s Fashion Director Paula Moore, 44, lives in London with her husband Gary, 51.

Rifling through my wardrobe each morning is always a big task and, without fail, my husband Gary will roll his eyes and exclaim, ‘You’ve got too many clothes!’ I do have a lot. From leather dresses to sequin skirts, they all have one thing in common – they’re very short! Because at 44, I’m more confident than ever when it comes to baring my legs.

Growing up, I had eczema, and as a teen I lived in black trousers and jeans. It wasn’t until, at 17, I went on holiday to Jamaica that things started to change. The sun seemed to help with the eczema and I vowed to ditch my boring, safe clothes and experiment with fashion instead.

By my 20s, my style addiction led to a job on a fashion magazine. Society seemed to think women should dress for their age rather than their body shape – but I hated the idea of having to ditch my bright outfits, so I didn’t. After all, rules are made to be broken.

After starting at Woman in September 2011, I’d wear a midi skirt to the office before changing into sparkly dresses for nights out. And I was wearing a very short jumper dress when I met Gary in August 2012! He’s always telling me he loves my legs, but I don’t wear minis for anyone but me. I still get the odd breakout of eczema, but when I put on a pleated skirt and a well-cut blazer, I hold my head a little higher. I think that’s what Gary is really attracted to – the fact I don’t let what anyone else thinks bother me.

Reaching my 40s, I’m even more confident and I’ve never felt more attractive. I certainly don’t think I have the best legs around, but as long as I think I look good in a mini, no-one is going to tell me otherwise.

‘I’m more confident’