body confidence

JD Williams catwalk line-up at London Fashion Week included the two winners of the retailer’s Midster Model Search. The competition was launched after research revealed that 79 per cent of British women feel ignored by the fashion and advertising industries.

Backstage models chatted ahead of their big catwalk moment.

“I’ve got to a place where I love my body for what it is, and I just thought, ‘I’ll share that with everyone else’,” says Nancy Harris, 51, an amputee who was signed by her agency when she replied to an ad looking for models with disabilities, and who has just appeared on the cover of Grazia.

Wishing you had the same amazing attitude? Here are their top tips for ultimate fashion and body confidence, whatever your age.

1. OWN YOUR LOOK

“When I decided to go grey, it was really daunting, because I actually felt like I was ageing,” reveals Jenny Stoute, 53, one of the model search winners.

“Once you own who you are, everyone else will own it too, and all of a sudden, no one will see it.”

2. KNOW WHERE TO SHOP

“I found fashion that fits me and have developed my own style, so there’s a huge amount of confidence now, with me as an amputee,” says Nancy, a former PE teacher, who elected to have her leg removed after a trampolining accident over 20 years ago.

Although she initially struggled to source clothes that worked for her, she now knows which stores she can trust.

“I love Wallis, I love Principles, Marks & Spencer Per Una is where I go. Once I find a size that fits, I tend to stick with it.”

3. DON’T COMPARE WHO YOU ARE NOW TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF

“I can never look how I used to look in my 20s,” continues Jenny, an Olympic bronze medallist and former Gladiator, “but I can look like the best version of me.”

4. YOU DON’T HAVE TO FOLLOW TRENDS

“I think it’s about what you like, it’s not about pleasing other people... if you look in the mirror and go, ‘That looks good’, then stick with it!” says Nancy but she does like to keep an eye on what’s in vogue.

5. PUT YOURSELF FIRST

“I was a very top-heavy girl... it limited the things I could wear and do.” remarks Sue who decided last year to have a breast reduction.

“I got myself confident in other ways. I have a lovely life, I’m getting married next year, and I thought, ‘I’ve got to take control of my body now’.”

This choice has meant she’ll be entering her sixties with more selfassurance than ever.