Vanessa Feltz's dresses have inspired the nation since she became a household name in the early 1990s. The beloved British media icon found fame when she launched The Vanessa show on ITV in 1994, paving the way for big personalities like Alison Hammond and Lorraine Kelly. Vanessa made a name for herself by being intelligent, outspoken and having an impeccable wardrobe.
Yours magazine columnist Vanessa has spent decades advocating for body positivity and doesn't let her age stop her from wearing bright, bold patterns. Her wardrobe is a masterclass in embracing individuality, proving that confidence and personality are actually the best accessories. So, naturally, we couldn't wait to chat with her about all things fashion and how to dress for your body shape.
"My theory is if you love a colour or pattern, it will suit you beautifully," she said. "If you're not sure, best avoid it. I love pinks, florals, pastels, psychedelic prints in sugary shades, candy stripes, polka dots, and all sorts of life-affirming colours and patterns. I tend to avoid brown and sludgy shades because they bring my spirits down instead of lifting them."
She added, "I think I like the same styles I have always had since I was a little girl. As I age, maybe the necklines are a little less plunging, and perhaps the hemlines have crept down just a little bit, but essentially, I am exactly the same person I always was, only 62 instead of 22. I like just what I have always liked but in a slightly more grown-up interpretation."
The best Vanessa Feltz dresses:
Best dress from Vanessa Feltz's collection
4love.uk
Vanessa wore this stunning dress at this year's Chelsea Flower Show, and we cannot get enough of it. The chiffon-tiered dress is extremely flattering, and the floral print is perfect for spring and summer. We love that this dress has a separate cami slip underneath, providing a smooth layer and protecting your modesty.
Best Vanessa Feltz dress for personality
4love.uk
When it comes to leopard print patterns, Vanessa is the queen since she wore a leopard print silk dressing gown while writing on the table with chalk in the very first Celebrity Big Brother in 2001. This iconic pattern has been given a modern twist with the contrasting pink and green design. We love this look for an evening with the ladies.
Best Vanessa Feltz's dress for evening wear
4love.uk
Whether you are heading out for dinner with your partner, friends, or family members, this stunning chiffon V-neck dress is perfect. We love the mixed-level hemline, which creates a dynamic and eye-catching look, drawing attention and adding style. This dress is ideal for ladies with shorter legs, as its design creates the illusion of longer legs.
The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant—who has two children and four grandchildren—also confessed that she avoids dresses that require ironing. She explained, "I like clothes that take care of themselves. You pull them over your head, and they look great. All it takes to complete the outfit is a pair of earrings, a bracelet, some false eyelashes, sandals in summer, and boots in winter."
The queen of TV launched her own clothing collection, Vanessa 4 Love, this year, and of course, it is full of statement pieces, vibrant prints and all of the charm of the unapologetic presenter. We were delighted but not surprised to see that the range has inclusive sizing ranging from size 8 to 22.
Vanessa Feltz inspired dresses:
Best Vanessa Feltz inspired dress overall
Vanessa's wardrobe is full of colour and personality, and this dress incorporates both perfectly. This playful dress has a cinched waist, which helps to accentuate the waist. Suitable for various body types this fun cocktail dress is our favourite look for summer.
Best Vanesssa Feltz inpired dress for summer
www.johnlewis.com
This striking shade of blue looks fantastic on Vanessa, and we are confident it will look great on you, too. Like the TV personality's dress, this dupe features a ribbed texture. It falls into a light, floaty maxi skirt, offering a flattering fit. We think this dress style pairs perfectly with black heels, just like Vanessa is wearing.
Best Vanessa FEeltz inspired dress for spring
www.trouva.com
The Leahcras Maxi Dress is a stunning piece made from certified recycled polyester. This structured chiffon dress features a stunning Botanique Print, and the colours are very similar to the clothing worn by Vanessa on the red carpet.
This beautiful dress offers durability and comfort. It has a V-neckline and wrap style, a loose fit across the chest, elbow-length sleeves, and a waistband that enhances the waistline. The flowy skirt adds elegance, while the removable slip dress provides convenience.
Perfect for any occasion, this dress is both stylish and versatile. Pair it with high heels for a formal look or sandals for a relaxed vibe. Inspired by Vanessa Feltz's style, it is also suitable for work.
Best Vanessa Feltz inspired statement dress
www.debenhams.com
Why blend in when you were born to stand out? This playful ruffle dress comes in two colour options, but we're especially obsessed with the red version. If, like Vanessa, you have a playful personality and child-like style, you'll love twirling in this fiery number.
Best Vanessa Feltz inspired formal dress
www.debenhams.com
Even if you don't have a red carpet event like Vanessa, you might have a formal evening planned for months. To stand out and make a statement, nothing says lead character quite like a sparkly dress. We love this dress in black; it looks fantastic without being overbearing.
Best Vanessa Feltz inspired dress for everyday wear
www.simplybe.co.uk
These autumnal colours aren't just good for the colder months; they also look fabulous in warm seasons. We have taken inspiration from Vanessa's look to find this one-shoulder dress that has a stunning blurred brown, beige and blue coloured print,
Vanessa has been hailed as a style icon for almost three decades. She says, "I think my 90s trouser suits on the Vanessa Show from 1994-2000 were pretty iconic. I was around a size 22 at the time. They were brightly coloured, practical and made a statement that I meant business."
"I also had some wonderful dresses on Strictly, especially the pale blue chiffon floaty dress for my waltz with James Jordan. Recently, my collection Vanessa 4love from 4love.uk has been a huge fashion highlight for me."
When it comes to having confidence, this granny in her 60s isn't shying away from bold fashion choices. She says, "I think my confidence has grown with age. Maturity means realising most people are far too preoccupied with themselves to waste their time thinking about you, and if they do, you don't seek their approval anyway."
We are captivated by the way Vanessa Feltz dresses because her style embodies everything we want our readers to have in their own armoury: unapologetic authenticity that makes you feel amazing every single day. So whether you want to wear gym leggings and a super comfy T-shirt or a sweet gingham dress, find something that speaks to your style and your soul - in equal measure.
Hannah Carroll is a Senior Home, Parenting and Lifestyle Product writer for Yours, specialising in product testing and reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah loves finding clothes that make her feel fabulous and products that are great for large families.