The fashion guru has shared his top tips for transforming your wardrobe, including how to wear double denim and the best way to add a pop of colour to your outfit
Many of us hit a fashion rut at some point in our lives, where we lose our style mojo and feel disconnected from our wardrobe choices. But JD Williams’ latest fashion campaign, backed by TV style guru Gok Wan, is encouraging women aged 40 to 60 to embrace their ‘main character energy’ with bold and statement-making outfits.
This comes after the retailer’s nationwide survey found that ‘60% of women aged 40 to 60 have felt invisible at some point due to their age‘. But age shouldn’t stop us from rocking fabulous outfits that make us feel absolutely amazing.
Talking about the new JD Williams Autumn/Winter 25 ‘We See You’ collection, Vanessa Wilson, Head of Design at JD Williams, says: “Every detail has been designed with the modern woman in mind, making this collection a celebration of self-expression at every stage of life”.
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“Print and pattern play a key role,” Wilson continued. “From eye-catching leopard prints to classic argyle and directional stripes, adding a pop of energy to day-to-night dressing. Dresses in vibrant florals and luxurious fabrics highlight our focus on confidence and wearability, ensuring every piece feels both trendy and timeless, yet still comfortable for midlife women.”
On top of that, the retailer is currently offering 20% off all fashion and homeware products with the exclusive code TREAT.
Supporting this campaign, which features clothing in sizes eight to 32, 51 year old Gok Wan said: “This collection is all about confidence and having fun with fashion.
“I always say style should make you smile, and that’s exactly what the AW25 We See You pieces do – they’re bold, they’re flattering, and they let midlife women shine in their own way. It’s about celebrating yourself and feeling fabulous, whatever the season throws at you.”
The style expert has shared three tips to revamp any closet, beginning with confidently rocking double denim.
He shares: “Double denim has had a bit of a bad rep, but it’s actually really chic when you know how to wear it. Look for denim shirts cut like a blouse – with soft shoulders and an open collar – to keep it feminine and flattering.”
Double denim
The Pure Cotton Mid Blue Volume Sleeve Denim Top, £38, works perfectly for nailing this style with its fun yet polished puff sleeves and adaptable collar that can be worn buttoned or loose.
Made from 100% cotton, it showcases eye-catching contrast stitching in golden thread that looks stunning, while the textured buttons add an elegant final detail. For a more feminine touch, Marks and Spencer’s $36 Pure lyocell Ruffle Blouse adds some extra flair with its frilly collar and v-neck.
Introducing a fun print amongst the denim is always a delightful twist, as well.
This could be something like the Denim Long Sleeve Floral Printed Blouse from Nobody’s Child. This features a subtle ditsy floral print and is currently on sale for $55.20, down from $69.
Another exciting way to incorporate double denim into an otherwise dull outfit is simply by adding a denim jacket. Pair it with the same shade for a seamlessly put together look that is effortless, or mix different shades for some depth.
We’re fans of this Indigo Cord Collar Denim Barn Jacket, priced at $60, which features a blue cord collar and a dark indigo body in a relaxed fit, perfect for layering a sweater underneath.
As for the jeans, Gok suggests: “A barrel or ‘banana’ cut jean gives a beautiful shape, especially if you’ve got a small waist and curvier hips. Then just add a pop of color – a red shoe or scarf – and the whole look feels confident, stylish and ready for a night out.”
These $48 Anthology Indigo Barrel Leg Jeans, available in sizes eight to 32, create a truly flattering silhouette. Crafted from stretch denim fabric, these jeans are designed for both comfort and style.
Teamed with a denim blouse, red pumps and scarf, it’s an autumnal ensemble that packs a punch. These jeans are ideal for those who prefer a looser fit for various reasons.
With a cinched-in waist, they’re ideal for women with thicker thighs as the design gracefully skims over the hips and is loose in all the right places, providing a figure-flattering look. The horseshoe style offers a similar aesthetic, like MandS’ Mid Rise Relaxed Horseshoe Jeans, priced at £40, which have also received approval from ‘older’ women.
One pleased customer shared: “Well made, true to size. Have washed well. I was a bit nervous about the shape – being an ‘older lady’ but these are super comfortable.”
Tonal dressing
Gok’s second tip is to embrace tonal themes, wearing one color but in different shades. He explains how this is a fantastic and effortless way to appear more coordinated.
For example, consider the JD Williams Burgundy Coated Straight Leg Jeans, priced at £35, and pair them with the Berry Bow Button Long Sleeve Cardigan, costing £36.
The cardigan, adorned with charming bows, has received five-star reviews, with one customer raving: “Fabulous cardigan. I’m a high street 14-16 in tops. I ordered the 12-14. and it fits perfectly. The color is warm and rich, lovely and soft. The sparkly bows gives it a lift. Looking forward to wearing it in the cooler weather.”
To add a beautifully autumnal depth, the Argyle pink and red sweater, priced at $36, would perfectly match the burgundy pants for a seamless look – though customers have warned that it’s ‘much longer than anticipated’ – so bear that in mind. These pieces exude a seasonal charm with their deep red undertone, looking incredibly stylish as a set while playing with different shades.
While the jeans were lauded for their deep color, comfort, and stretch, one shopper wasn’t too thrilled with their ‘coating’, remarking: “The jeans are very stretchy but I didn’t like the feel of the coating. Lovely deep color. True to size.”
For a less glossy finish, New Look offers a pair of jeans in the popular barrel leg style for $39.99 in the same burgundy shade. Round off the look with some brown boots and, as Gok suggests, a borg textured jacket like this cream Anthology Ribbed Collar Curly Borg Zip Through Jacket, currently in high demand and priced at $36.
Alternatively, keep up the burgundy theme with New Look’s Dark Burgundy Borg Button Through Jacket, $39.99. With its boxy, oversized fit, it’s perfect for layering and is described as: “So comfortable to wear. Ideal for cooler autumn days.”
For the party season, the brand offers a stunning sequin, tassel co-ord – the Joanna Hope Sequin Pants and Tassel Shirt – that delivers a serious statement look. Pair with red ballet flats for comfort, or add some red heels for a standout ensemble.
Faux leather
Finally, Gok reveals that this season’s must-have item is the cropped, wide-leg faux leather pant. A trend we can definitely get behind, the stylist mused: “They’re wearable, flattering, and so easy to dress up or down. Pair them with a cream blouse with soft pleating, throw on a knit in a bold shade, and don’t be afraid to mix navy and black. Midlife style should be about confidence, not rules – one great piece can anchor your whole wardrobe.”
JD Williams’ Faux Leather Wide Leg Pants, currently priced at $29.40, offer a beautiful option in their tan color that’s perfect for those who love a neutral look. Customers have praised these pants for their ‘good fit, roomy legs, nice quality’, and made from buttery soft faux leather, they’re a fantastic addition to pair with smart blouses or relaxed knits, like this Julipa Fairisle cardigan, $48.
This combo creates a stunning silhouette with their front pleats and double button detailing that can easily be dressed up for work or down for a casual Friday night. For those who prefer a black hue, the brand’s $38 Black PU Button Barrel Leg Pants are perfect for the office as well as seasonal festivities.
Customers are falling head over heels for these trousers, with many buyers noting the numerous compliments they’ve received while wearing them. One satisfied customer shared: “Bought in a size 26. They are gorgeous on, look amazing, great length and really comfy. Had so many compliments on them when I wore them.”
Another predicted they’d ‘sell out’ and commented: “Stunning trousers look like real leather and fit is true to size. Perfect for a night out with heels or casual with trainers . Can’t wait to wear them.”
Meanwhile, River Island’s Black Faux Leather Belted Wide Leg Trousers are priced at £44 and offer more of a full-length fit for a sleek look.
