At 59, Claudia Connell maps seven anti-ageing, figure-flattering Christmas outfits after slimming on Mounjaro

Claudia Connell, a culture columnist for the Daily Mail, says she shed four stone on Mounjaro, dropping from a size 18 to around a size 8 — the smallest she’s been since her twenties. At 59, she acknowledges that slimming is only part of the equation, and she’s cautious not to slip into “mutton dressed as lamb” territory as she curates a festive wardrobe. In 2025 she rebuilt her wardrobe, spending more than £3,000 on new clothes and accessories, much of it from brands she previously felt too intimidated to approach.

Her approach blends fit and age-appropriate styling. She recalls visiting the Me+Em shop at Battersea Power Station and feeling out of place before she bought two bold dresses and a silk blouse. She notes favorites in her current rotation include Wyse denim, Donna Ida flared jeans, Whistles skinny jeans, and Hush wool midis. The renewed sense of body confidence has also made her delighted by boots that zip up over her calves, with room to spare at the top.

Connell outlines seven anti-ageing, figure-flattering outfits that balance flattering silhouettes with festive flair. A moss-green velvet suit from Jigsaw presents tailored blazer and trousers designed to elongate the legs; the blazer (£279) can be worn with nothing underneath, while the trousers (£180) are cut to lengthen the line. The velour burgundy Me+Em jumpsuit (£225) features shoulder and cuff details that mingle comfort with glamour. A silver body-con dress from 16 Arlington for M&S (£295) initially challenged her, but the stretchy fabric provides a corseting effect that accentuates the waist without feeling restrictive. Jeans paired with a metallic Wyse blouse (£125) create a smart yet comfortable look that flatters an apple-shaped figure. A scarlet mini shift dress from Nobody’s Child (£85), styled with slouchy suede cowboy boots from Nobody’s Child (£179.10), offers leg-lengthening drama without feeling immature. For a classic evening option, a deep-V black dress from Ghost (£129) features ruched sleeves to keep the silhouette elegant. A satin blouse from Nobody’s Child (£69) teamed with pleated wide-leg trousers (£65) forms a contemporary burgundy combo. Finally, a satin midi skirt by Next (£32) pairs with a Jigsaw cashmere knit (£99) for dressy-but-not-overdone occasions.

Connell notes that weight loss has produced a new wardrobe reality and that fashion remains a tool for confidence rather than a performance. She emphasizes the balance between experimentation and age-appropriate elegance, avoiding plunging necklines or micro-minis as a strict guideline, while still embracing bold textures such as velvet, metallics, and sequins in grown-up cuts. The discussion underscores a broader trend among older fashion consumers seeking flattering, non-frumpy partywear and demonstrates how style choices can reflect personal history, aging, and evolving taste.