Drop waist dresses are everywhere at the moment — here are some of our favourites

Models wearing drop hem dresses from the high street
It’s the dress of the season – and perfect for office dressing! (Picture: Metro/Getty)

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After dominating the runways in 2024, it looks like drop waist dresses are set to once again take over the fashion scene this summer. Just ask Kendall Jenner, who turned heads at Coachella in a now completely sold-out Proenza dress in an on-trend butter yellow hue.

Effortlessly elegant and surprisingly versatile, the chic yet structured silhouette of a dropped waist dress has the ability to elongate and balance out your frame — making it a truly flattering and fuss-free fit.

Best of all, there are endless styles to explore — from romantic fitted bodices with flowing swishy skirts, to shirred low waist dresses that would be just right for a relaxed barbecue or daytime event.

Looking for a little inspiration? Whatever your budget or style, we’ve got you covered with our edit of top picks.

Cream One Shoulder Drop Waist Trent Midi Dress from Nobody's Child

Cream One Shoulder Drop Waist Trent Midi Dress

With its asymmetric neckline, lightly gathered bodice, and dropped-waist swishy skirt, this dress oozes elegance right from the off — requiring very little additional styling. A real high-quality piece, it’s got a concealed zip fastening for added security, and it’s primarily made from the sustainable material, Lenzing™ Ecovero™ Viscose — which is silky soft, breathable, and designed to drape beautifully.

BUY NOW FOR £110

ASOS DESIGN V-neck Button Through Maxi Dress with Dropped Waist

ASOS DESIGN V-neck Button Through Maxi Dress with Dropped Waist

A flattering yet laidback fit for a daytime date, this lovely dress truly well and truly looks the part with its v-neck bodice, button placket, and delicate dropped waist. But — thanks to its breathable blend of cotton and linen material — it’s also a practical pick for warm summer days. For a complete look, simply throw on your favourite denim jacket, and a neutral pair of sandals or trainers.

BUY NOW FOR £38

Onda Drop-Waist Tube Midi from Free People

Onda Drop-Waist Tube Midi

This iconic Free People dress comes in thirteen different colours — but Banana Cream is the hue we’re currently most obsessed with. A clean and modern take on a more vintage silhouette, the pointed hem of the bodice and flattering pleating at the waist accentuate any curves — while the A-line skirt adds all the necessary elegance and romance. The best bit? It’s even got hidden pockets!

BUY NOW FOR £78

Red Jersey Drop Waist Dress

Red Jersey Drop Waist Dress

Effortlessly cool, this dress has a really simple design — allowing the dropped waistline to take its rightful place at centre stage. With its scooped neck and fitted feel, the bodice hugs the body in all the right places — perfectly complimenting the loose fitting skirt underneath. It comes in three different colours, but this fiery red is definitely our favourite.

BUY NOW FOR £45

ASOS Design Slash Neck Button Down Dropped Waist Mini Dress from ASOS

ASOS Design Slash Neck Button Down Dropped Waist Mini Dress

This mini dress brings together two trending features; boat necks, and dropped waistlines. With its sleeveless waistcoat-style bodice — complete with a button placket — and short flowing skirt, it feels like the perfect preppy outfit. Just pair it with chunky loafers or slingback sandals to complete the look.

BUY NOW FOR £20.80 (WAS £26)

Dipped-Waist Smocked Midi Dress from Abercrombie & Fitch

Dipped-Waist Smocked Midi Dress

Made from a lovely and lightweight soft poplin fabric, there’s a lot to love about this simple summer dress. From the gorgeous smocked bodice with its flattering scooped neckline, to the flattering dipped waistline and flowy skirt,it’s guaranteed to become a staple addition to your wardrobe. But best of all, the adjustable straps make it easy to ensure you’re properly supported — and it also comes in Petite, Regular, and Tall lengths.

BUY NOW FOR £82

Black Drop-Waist Cora Midi Dress from Nobody's Child

Black Drop-Waist Cora Midi Dress

You can’t go wrong with a classic black midi dress — and this gorgeous one from Nobody’s Child feels like the kind of piece we’ll be reaching for again and again. We love the square neckline and waist-defining bitted bodice — and the A-line skirt beautifully skims the body and lightly flows in the breeze. Made from 100% organic cotton, it’s the perfect breathable dress for warm days and balmy summer nights.

BUY NOW FOR £79

Abercrombie & Fitch Drop Waist Bubble Midi Dress in Pink from Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Drop Waist Bubble Midi Dress in Pink

Pretty and playful, this stunning A&F dress makes a stunning statement with its square neckline, dropped waist, and super trendy bubble-style skirt that gathers beautifully at the hem. And it’s pastel pink — so it feels especially fitting for a girly bottomless brunch, or a summer baby shower.

Buy Now for £42.99 (was £72)

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Sian Dennis: water intoxication
I was living by the rule that if a little was good, a lot must be better (Picture: Sian Dennis)

With fumbling fingers, I quickly cobbled together a message to my mum. 

‘Something is seriously wrong,’ I wrote. 

My mind was foggy. My stomach bloated. My heart hammered. And I had no idea why. 

For weeks, there had been signs that something wasn’t quite right with me. I had a persistent headache that I brushed off as stress, a sluggish feeling in my muscles, and a bone-deep exhaustion that sleep couldn’t touch.   

Yet, I thought, if I doubled down on ‘healthy’ habits, if I kept doing the ‘right’ things – getting better sleep, eating nutritious food, exercising daily, and, above all, staying hydrated – I would feel better. 

I was living by the rule that if a little was good, a lot must be better. But the more water I drank, the worse I felt. 

Then, one Monday evening in April 2025, I was overtaken by an overwhelming wave of nausea and dizziness that felt as if I were dragging myself through wet sand. I feared I’d collapse if I stood up and so, in a panic, I texted my mum and called 111. 

Sian Dennis: water intoxication
I thought I was taking care of myself (Picture: Sian Dennis)

My voice slurred, and I struggled to steady my thoughts as I explained my symptoms. I was advised to head to the hospital immediately.  

Within the hour, my mum was driving me and I was frightened, but more than that, I was baffled. 

I didn’t drink alcohol, always ate my five-a-day and attended regular Pilates classes. And, of course, I was comfortably gulping down at least eight litres of water a day. 

So why did my body feel like it was shutting down? 

As the paramedic on duty put it, I was internally drowning. In other words, I had water intoxication.  

Can you drink too much water?

Also known as water poisoning or hyponatremia, water intoxication is something that happens when you have more water in your body than it needs.

This dilutes the sodium in your blood and can cause a dangerous chemical imbalance, which makes your cells swell, including those in your brain. 

Left untreated, it can cause confusion, seizures, coma, and in extreme cases, death

Though I was fortunate that it was caught in time, and was able to go home that same night, I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed, ashamed, and strangely guilty.  

I thought I was taking care of myself, when in reality, by chasing ‘health’ and wellness, I’d pushed my body to the brink. Had I known about or heard of this condition before, perhaps I would have thought twice before upping my water intake. 

Yet I’m far from an anomaly. 

Because the conversation is always about dehydration – the fear being that we’re not drinking enough – we rarely hear about, nor does anyone warn you, how drinking too much can be just as perilous. 

What’s even more terrifying is how much overhydration is encouraged online. Influencers show off how many litres they’ve chugged by lunchtime and giant water bottles have become something akin to a badge of honour.  

Sian Dennis: water intoxication
I’ve realised that real self-care isn’t about mindlessly following trends (Picture: Sian Dennis)

I’ve even stumbled across ‘water cult’ pages that glorify drinking up to 10 litres a day for better skin, energy, and digestion, when, in actual fact, consuming that quantity of water is more than enough to be fatal. 

We need better public messaging, and influencers and ‘health gurus’ need to be held responsible with the ‘advice’ they give. 

And those viral drinking challenges? They have to stop. People should know that drinking when you’re thirsty is enough, and pushing beyond that isn’t a flex, it’s a risk.  

More doesn’t always mean better. Our bodies are a delicate, beautifully balanced system, and if you flood it – even with something as seemingly harmless as water – real, irreversible damage is possible 

Comment nowHave you ever experienced or heard of overhydration? Share your thoughts belowComment Now

Looking back, I now realise I wasn’t drinking water because I was thirsty, I was drinking for control and out of habit, for the illusion that if I followed all the rules perfectly, I’d be happy and healthy. 

That mindset could have cost me everything. 

Since my experience, I’ve realised that real self-care isn’t about mindlessly following trends. It’s not about forcing yourself into extremes because you’re scared of not doing ‘enough’. 

It’s about listening – really listening – to what your body is asking for and trusting it. 

Nowadays I stick to the recommended eight glasses. That’s enough for me. 

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk

Share your views in the comments below.

A woman has admitted she was hit with some upsetting comments from friends when she came out as abrosexual – a term she only found when she was 30-years-old. Luckily, now she feels ‘seen’

Alice eating meat in a restaurant, smiling at the camera (Picture: Alice Giddings)
Alice would label herself a catch – yet a fifth of the UK population thinks she’s a red flag (Picture: Alice Giddings)

I honestly never thought I’d be considered a red flag when it came to dating

I’m a great date – I show up on time for dinners or drinks, I ask them questions about themselves, I never ghost people (unless it’s truly deserved) and I don’t expect people to pay for the entire bill, no matter where we go.

Would I label myself a catch? Yes. I have a successful career, great friends, I don’t live with my parents, I’m good with my money, and I’m kind and caring.

So why do a fifth of the UK population think I’m a red flag? It’s because I’m gluten free

However, unlike the people of the world who think being gluten free is a lifestyle choice, for me it’s a health condition – I’m coeliac.

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease where my body’s immune system attacks my healthy tissues when I eat gluten. It damages my gut and means I can’t absorb any nutrients from the food I eat – hence being gluten free (GF).

Alice Giddings: My diet keeps me alive, it isn't a red flag
Not following a GF diet could lead to an increased risk of cancer for Alice (Picture: Alice Giddings)

Not following a GF diet could lead to an increased risk of cancer for me, including small bowel cancer, small bowel lymphoma or Hodgkin lymphoma, so you can see why I’m keen to avoid it.

But dating has been daunting, given the fact that a third of Brits would avoid inviting someone over for dinner if they were gluten free, according to Warburton’s research.

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A quarter would request that GF guests bring their own food (which I often do in case of a cross-contamination emergency), while more than half of Brits don’t know what to cook us for dinner.

Alice Giddings: My diet keeps me alive, it isn't a red flag
Alice has frequently been disrespected in the dating world for being gluten-free (Picture: Alice Giddings)

I was diagnosed at 19, after being very poorly for two years, and it came at a time when I was very much single and dating. 

I’d just split up with my boyfriend of six months, so I was feeling free, happy and ready to throw myself into the scene at my university.

About half a year after my diagnosis I was flirting with a friend of a friend at the student union bar of a university close to mine. 

He was tall and handsome, with relatively good chat, until he offered me a sip of his beer. I politely declined saying ‘no thanks, I can’t’.

‘What do you mean you can’t,’ he replied, pushing his pint close to my face.

‘I’m coeliac,’ I said. I can’t drink beer.’

Whether he simply didn’t care, or didn’t understand, there was no excuse for what he did next. 

Alice Giddings: My diet keeps me alive, it isn't a red flag
Alice has lost count of the times she’s been asked ‘What can you even eat?’ (Picture: Alice Giddings)

Placing one hand behind my head and tipping his pint, he poured beer over my face and into my mouth while saying: ‘Don’t be such a wimp.’

I shoved him off, beer flying everywhere, and stormed off to the girl’s bathroom. Running the tap I tried desperately to rinse out my mouth, trying not to be sick at the thought of how much I’d already swallowed.

Dabbing my face and feeling violated, I left and headed home. That was the most obvious disrespect I’ve faced for simply being gluten free, but throughout my dating experiences, it wasn’t an isolated incident.

Throughout my time on various apps – like Tinder and Hinge – I would try to avoid bringing up the fact I was coeliac, but when it came time to go for dinner with a potential suitor, I’d have to fess up.

Comment nowAre you gluten-free? Have your say in the comments belowComment Now

Then would follow the same generic responses. ‘Your life must be so miserable’, or ‘I think I’d just keep eating gluten to be honest’ were common.

‘What can you even eat?’ was another favourite of mine.

I’d inevitably have to book the restaurant myself because they would refuse to do so much as Google gluten free menus in London.

But I have had dates who were considerate of my needs. The sweetest in particular being my now partner, who got his coeliac co-worker to write down a list of restaurant recommendations that she had tried and tested.

He then took me to Pho – a casual Vietnamese chain which has an almost entirely gluten free menu.

Alice Giddings: My diet keeps me alive, it isn't a red flag
Alice’s now-partner is incredibly considerate of her needs (Picture: Alice Giddings)

But once you find that special someone who doesn’t berate you for being coeliac, there’s another challenge: meeting the parents. 

Trying to make a good impression on your boyfriend’s loved ones is significantly harder when you have to list what they can and can’t cook for you, as well as how they have to cook it. 

A simple mistake can mean you can’t eat the meal they’ve made for you, and it can seem like you’re rejecting their efforts. It takes time to learn to cater to someone with a strict dietary requirement.

Sadly, despite being the one with the disease, in the dating world, you’re often the one trying to make accommodations for them when it should be the other way around.

I’m not hard to date or cook for – it just takes a little effort.

And if you can’t do that, maybe it’s you who is the red flag.

This article was originally published 29 May, 2024.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk

Share your views in the comments below.

I never used to buy my wine from Co-op until I tasted this ?7.35 Rioja
The retailer has upped its wine game (Picture: Getty Images/fStop)

I rarely ever buy wine from Co-op. Sandwiches, sure. Emergency compostable bin bags, absolutely. A bag of spuds when I inevitably realise we’ve run out at 6:43pm on a Sunday, heck yes. But wine? Not the first place I’d look… until recently.   

I’ll preface this by saying I love Co-op – it’s one of the supermarkets that feels like it genuinely cares. It’s democratic, community-minded and engages with local causes. It was championing Fairtrade before it was trendy to pay your staff and suppliers fairly and it now sells over 100 Fairtrade wines – more than any other retailer.

But, maybe that was the problem for me when it came to its wine.

Because if I’m honest, for as long as I can remember the Co-op wine aisle has given me functional, but not exciting. More than that, there was a earnestness and ‘pick me, I’m Fairtrade’ vibe that was putting me off. (Plus, the wine labels were always a little practical-looking and I’m superficial, so those two factors were never going to align.)  

Then I tasted Muriel Tempranillo Vendimia Seleccionada Rioja and it was good, like really good.

Rob Buckhaven holding a bottle of Muriel Tempranillo Vendimia Seleccionada Rioja from Co-op
This wine has changed everything I thought I knew about Co-op (Picture: Rob Buckhaven)

I’d love to say that my eyes locked onto it whilst I was in store looking for cat litter and oat milk – although I actually have a dog and I drink cow’s milk – but, no. It was at the Co-op wine tasting that I tried this bottle, along with 70 other of their spring/summer wines.

This Rioja is currently down to £7.35 making it head spinning value for money and is basically the definition of a barbecue red. It’s the real deal, pure ‘Riojan roll’, aged for seven months in French and American oak, so you get a suggestion of wood influence without feeling like you’re running your tongue along a barn door.

It’s made by one of the oldest wineries in Rioja Alavesa, the northernmost and arguably most refined of Rioja’s winemaking subregions. Bodegas Muriel has been going since 1926, but is now producing a modern, fruit-driven style. This is made from 100% Tempranillo, the classic Rioja grape, We’re talking flavours of blackcurrant, black cherry, damson, and dried mint flavours with a touch of baking spice. It’ll work best with roast lamb in front of a Netflix documentary about exes from hell.

So, while I was busy side-eyeing its Fairtrade Sauvignon, it seems Co-op has been quietly levelling up its wine game. Still making ethical, mindful choices, only now with much better wine and a ramped up sense of style.

Here are six other bottles that caught my attention and should be front and centre on your shopping list…

Co-op’s best Sparkling Wine for summer

Codorniu Gran Crémant Cava Brut Organic, Spain, £10.25 (in store, £11 delivered)

A bottle of Codorniu Gran Crémant Cava Brut Organic on a white background
Dry, peachy, tingly and saline (Picture: Co-op)

I’ll bang on about Cava’s indecently good value for money forever if you’re not careful. Start drinking it so I don’t have to. It’s made in the same way as Champagne, for goodness sake, yet this is only just over a tenner. Plus, it’s organic and we all know what an expensive process that is. But, why is it using the French term ‘Crémant’? Probably piggybacking on the success of the Crémant category, and why not. You’ve got to try this bottle, it’s dry, peachy, tingly and saline.  

Co-op’s best White Wine for summer

Co-op Soave, Italy, £5.65

A bottle of Co-op Soave wine on a white background
You can’t really go wrong with this one (Picture: Co-op)

Italian whites are massively up in quality across the supermarkets. Here’s a great case in point, given Soave can taste like mediocre dish water if it’s not made well. The flavours are barely-there, it has to be said, but for the price this has some citrussy minerality and almond flavours going on, giving you lime sherbet happy ending. You really can’t go wrong, then you can trade up to the ‘Classico’ version which sits at £8.25.  

Co-op Orvieto Classico, Italy, £6.85

Co-op Orvieto Classico on a white background
A crisp summer white wine (Picture: Co-op)

This is the crisp summer white you’ve probably never heard of. If you’re Grigio devotee or you like sipping Soave, this should be on your drinking rotation, stat. Orvieto is from the Umbrian hills of central Italy, and for under £7 you get a decent amount of dry lemon sherbet and macadamia nut flavours in your glass. Sometimes, keeping it simple tastes pretty good.  

Co-op’s best Rosé wine for summer

Welmoed Rosé, South Africa, £7.95

A bottle of Welmoed Rosé on a white background
A great choice for al fresco frolics (Picture: Co-op)

South Africa seems to be the epicentre of good value rosé at Co-op. This coral-coloured Fairtrade example is all blood orange and cantaloupe melon in the mouth, with a dry and spicy finish. It’s lovely. No wonder it has a piquancy about it, it made from 100% Shiraz. A great choice for all the al fresco frolics and shenanigans we’re inevitably going to be having over the summer.

Co-op’s best Red wine for summer

Muriel Tempranillo Vendimia Seleccionada Rioja, Spain, £7.35 (save £1.50 until 3rd June)

A bottle of Muriel Tempranillo Vendimia Seleccionada Rioja on a white background
An incredible bargain (Picture: Co-op)

Now for the main event, and what can I say that I’ve not already said? Run, don’t walk to grab some while it’s still on deal. Even off promo, it’s still an incredible bargain. This is classic elegance of Rioja meets the new movement from younger winemakers bringing the region up to date with the modern palate. Off you go…

Comment nowHave you tried Co-op’s Muriel Tempranillo Vendimia Seleccionada Rioja?Comment Now

Al Fresco Red, Spain, £8.50

The winemaker of this fun little number is a friend of mine, Ray O’Connor MW. He’s crafted a summer glugging wine for Co-op, mid-way between a rosé and a red in colour and style, would that be a redé or a rosed? Either way, it’s innovative, and thankfully it tastes good, because that could have been an awkward conversation. It’s made 100% from the juicy Garnacha grape, so think pomegranate and dragon fruit in flavour, light in texture and very, very morish. Must be chilled before sipping, it’s the law.

Looking for more expert drinks content?

If you count yourself a purveyor of the finer things in life, Metro’s Drink Up column is where you need to be.

Immerse yourself in the world of good drink, fronted by industry expert Rob Buckhaven – a place for readers to whet their whistle with the latest and greatest in the world of drinks. From unpacking the best supermarket wines from AldiTesco and Lidl, to introducing audiences to the wallet-friendly Cremant out-bubbling the fanciest of French Champagnes (or the best wines to drink after sex), and finding out what it’s like to go on a bar crawl with Jason Momoa, this is a haven for those who love to celebrate.

Stay ahead of the curve as Rob plucks from the vines the wines of the season and the spirits you need to know about; speaking with experts and mixologists while unpacking the latest concoctions, finding the best non-alcoholic options for those looking to moderate, discovering the best food pairings for your drops, and going up against the latest TikTok chatter to demystify the liquid landscape.

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And, truly, how should​ we be storing our wine?

Read More.

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Ann: Have a PT at 73 Credit Ann Girling
A year ago, I started working out with a personal trainer (Picture: Ann Girling)

Standing in front of the full length mirror at the gym, I flexed a bicep to admire my muscle definition, then snapped a photo on my phone.

‘Looking good!’ I said to myself.

A year ago, I started working out with a personal trainer and the results were obvious. The reflection in the mirror was fit and strong, with a narrow waist.

Striking a pose for the camera in the gym is pretty standard behaviour these days, you might think.

But I’m no Gen Z influencer. I’m actually a septuagenarian – a person who was born in the age of typewriters, not smartphones.

This year I celebrated my 74th birthday, but I feel more like I’m 40.

In fact, I’m in the best shape of my life. And I’m here to tell you that it’s never too late to make changes.

I feel more like I’m 40 (Picture: Ann Girling)

If I can do it in my early 70s, then you can do it too.

I haven’t always felt so body confident. As a busy working mum I had the same hang-ups as so many other women.

I didn’t like the way I looked, hiding my figure beneath baggy Laura Ashley dresses. I hated eating in front of people, fearing they’d judge me.

In my forties I fell into the trap of trying to do it all. I juggled raising my daughter Laura, now 43, with a career in NHS clinical leadership that left me feeling stressed and depleted.

By 50 I’d reached breaking point. I wasn’t very good at asking for help – instead I’d sit in my car, listening to classical music and having a good cry. 

Ann: Have a PT at 73 Credit Ann Girling
I juggled raising my daughter Laura with a career in the NHS (Picture: Ann Girling)

It was a good friend who eventually convinced me to see my GP. We were in the pub after work one day, nursing large glasses of wine, and I felt like I needed to share how I was feeling.

She was very understanding, which helped me to stop judging myself, and she gave me the confidence to seek help. 

I ended up breaking down in the doctor’s surgery, but thankfully my GP was extremely sympathetic and I was signed off work with stress-related depression.

I went swimming and walked a lot. After six weeks, I thought I felt a little better, so I went back to work – only to end up off again two years later. The situation hadn’t changed and the dark feelings were coming back. 

That was my lightbulb moment. I handed in my notice.

Ann: Have a PT at 73 Credit Ann Girling
My approach to my health was also shifting (Picture: Ann Girling)

I did a lot of soul searching. My burnout had set me on a completely different path. 

Around this time, my approach to my health was also shifting. So many women hit 50 and think that’s it, they’re done, but for me it felt like a new beginning.

I enrolled in a gym and learned how to use the machines, as I’d heard resistance training can help protect against frailty and falls as we age.

Ann: Have a PT at 73 Credit Ann Girling
I needed to keep myself well to manage the long-distance flights (Picture: Ann Girling)

Over the next few years I went to the gym roughly twice a week. Sometimes I didn’t want to go – but at the end of every session I always felt better.

Becoming a grandma in 2011, when Laura had my gorgeous grandson, Jacob, spurred me on even more. They live in the US and I knew I needed to keep myself well to manage the long-distance flights. Jetlag is no fun if you’re not fighting fit.

I wrote and self-published a book in 2011 called Journey to Chocolate about my quest for a more balanced and satisfying life. People go through life on autopilot – I wanted to reach out and give them a shake.

Ann: Have a PT at 73 Credit Ann Girling
My husband, Iain, was totally on board (Picture: Ann Girling)

I started eating ‘clean’ with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, avoiding processed food and not drinking alcohol from Monday to Thursday. The changes to my diet made me feel more energetic and alert; I slept better, and managing my weight was much easier. 

My husband, Iain, was totally on board. He started eating in a similar way and began feeling better, too, and I found that I was meeting and making friends with younger women who shared my enthusiasm for life. 

In spring 2020, as the Covid pandemic hit and the world went into lockdown, I became sick of hearing the over-50s described as ‘vulnerable’. I’d recently celebrated my 70th birthday and I felt anything but. In fact, I felt I’d had the best years of my life since turning 50.

Ann: Have a PT at 73 Credit Ann Girling
In October 2022, I signed up with a personal trainer (Picture: Ann Girling)
Ann: Have a PT at 73 Credit Ann Girling
I surprised myself with how much I liked it (Picture: Ann Girling)

But staying well as you age does take work, so in October 2022, I signed up with a personal trainer, Janine Worthington.

I met her through a women’s networking event and initially assumed she was quite young but when I saw her in person at a Macmillan Coffee Morning, I realised she was a mid-lifer who just looked really healthy.

‘I’d love to have a session or two with you,’ I admitted. If she could look so good then why couldn’t I?

During our first session in her garage gym she had me doing squats, lunges and lifting weights. Despite being hard work I surprised myself with how much I liked it.

It was different to how I normally worked out: we were chatting at the same time, so it was more enjoyable, and she helped me get the best out of each exercise, so I was learning as well. 

I discovered I responded well to being pushed during our one-to-one sessions, and Janine focused on what I could do, rather than my age. 

‘I can’t believe this is actually fun!’ I laughed.

Now I work out with Janine once a week, do regular pilates sessions with my teacher Beverley Densham and go for daily walks with Iain. 

We’ve been married 45 years and we’re still going strong.

Ann: Have a PT at 73 Credit Ann Girling
We’ve been married 45 years and we’re still going strong (Picture: Ann Girling)

I run a Facebook Group called The Unlikely Guru, to bring together other like-minded folk who want to enjoy their lives as they age.

I call myself the ‘unlikely’ Guru because if you’d told the 40-year-old me that I’d be a fitness influencer in my 70s, I’d have burst out laughing.

Now, I’m determined to lead an ‘ageing well’ movement.

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My message is simple: it doesn’t matter how old you are – don’t give up and don’t settle. With a few simple tweaks, such as prioritising exercise, a good diet, lots of sleep, lowering stress and having a sense of purpose, it’s never too late to improve your vitality.

As told to Jade Beecroft

This article was originally published April 28, 2024

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk

Share your views in the comments below.

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Products from Nespresso, ALIGNE, White Claw, Samsung and more brands, including a smartphone, cans of fizzy drink and blue jeans.
As always, we need and want it all! (Picture: Metro/Getty)

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Not to be dramatic, but where has the week gone? It feels like only yesterday we delivered our last Trend Trove – still, it’s been another hot week – and our shopping expert has been busy searching the high street for the hottest items you need to know about.

From fashion, beauty, home, tech gadgets and latest launches, she’s bringing you the good stuff.

What do you need to know about this week? Well, just in time for the weekend, PizzaExpress is giving away free Dough Balls every time you dine, as part of its revamped loyalty scheme. New data shows Brits order a portion every 3 seconds, with the classic garlic butter version making up the majority. Just sign up to the PizzaExpress Club to start claiming.

Dough balls on a plate from Pizza Express
How delicious are Dough Balls – and now they’re free! (Picture: Metro/Pizza Express)

AURALEE and New Balance have teamed up once again to launch the AURALEE × New Balance 475, a sleek reimagining of the classic 1980s running silhouette. Debuted at Paris Men’s Fashion Week, the collab drops globally today, May 15, featuring premium suede, mesh, and sun-faded tones in two vintage-inspired colourways. With refined detailing, co-branded extras, and a minimalist aesthetic, it’s a stylish nod to retro runners with a modern twist.

Promotional image from Shreddy
Who doesn’t want a workout with a side of sun. (Picture: Metro/Shreddy)

SHREDDY is turning up the heat with its brand-new fitness challenge, 3,2,1 Summer—a four-week countdown to feeling strong, confident, and summer-ready. Inspired by the viral ‘3,2,1’ workout trend, the challenge kicks off Monday 19th May, and enrolment is officially open.

Here’s the breakdown:
3 strength sessions with powerhouse trainers Niamh and Bliss
2 fiery classes—expect sweat with Bianca and a barre burn with Alana
1 run or walk to move your body, your way

And to sweeten the deal? SHREDDY is giving away a holiday every single week of the challenge. That’s right—sweat now, sun later.

New Balance trainers
STUNNING. (Picture: Metro/New Balance)

Oh, and if that wasn’t enough, Caffè Nero has just launched its first-ever Matcha range, and fans are already obsessed. Available in over 625 stores, the new Vanilla and Strawberry flavours are made with premium ceremonial-grade matcha from PerfectTed. Served hot or iced, they’re smooth, energising, and here just in time for summer. With limited-edition drinks, returning favourites like the Tiramisu Iced Latte, and delivery via all major apps, your summer sip just got sorted.

For the best bit? Here’s loads of gorgeous things you can buy right now – yup, just a little click away and it’s all yours. So, what are you waiting for? Nothing. Exactly.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

Galaxy S25 Edge

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is a compact flagship packed with premium features, including a vibrant 6.2-inch AMOLED display, the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and a versatile triple-lens camera system. It offers 12GB of RAM, up to 512GB of storage, and runs Android 15 with long-term update support. With a sleek, durable design, IP68 water resistance, and fast charging options, it’s built for both performance and style – all in a pocket-friendly size.

pre-order from £1,099 at samsung

Green Apple White Claw

Green Apple WHITE CLAW®

White Claw Green Apple is crisp, light, and made for sharing — just 95 kcals and 4.5% ABV per can. Whether you're at the pub or a festival, it's your go-to for cool, effortless refreshment. Born from the wave, loved across the UK.

Buy Now for £25 (was £27.60) at amazon

Bold Link Chain Bracelet in Gold from Astrid & Miyu

Bold Link Chain Bracelet in Gold

Stack it loud, stack it proud. The Bold Link Chain Bracelet in Gold is your go-to for instant wrist impact. Wear it solo for sleek shine or personalise it with Talisman Charms to tell your own story.

Buy Now for £50 at astrid & miyu

Tumbler in Pistachio from Nespresso

Tumbler – Pistachio

The Nespresso Travel Tumbler is a sleek, designer cup made for iced coffee lovers – stylish, spill-proof, and perfect for sipping on the go.

Buy Now for £19 at nespresso

Pointelle Baby T-shirt in Classic Red from Adanola

Pointelle Baby T-shirt in Classic Red

Easy days and balmy nights call for comfort that doesn’t compromise on style. Enter the Pointelle Baby T-Shirt – soft, breathable, and made for lounging. With its airy fabric, high neckline and short sleeves, it’s the kind of nightwear you’ll want to wear well past bedtime.

Buy Now for £34 at adanola

Pink Chalcedony Personalised Message Bead Bracelet

Pink Chalcedony Personalised Message Bead Bracelet

The Pink Chalcedony Personalised Message Bead Bracelet by Peachy & Wild is a handmade bracelet featuring calming pink chalcedony beads and customisable acrylic letter beads. You can personalise it with names, phrases, or lyrics in uppercase letters. It comes in three sizes (16 cm, 18 cm, and 20 cm), is strung on elastic, and includes a cloth pouch for storage or gifting.

Buy Now for £15 at peachy & wild from not on the high street

Method All Purpose Cleaner, Limited edition Concentrated Surface Cleaner Deep House

Method All Purpose Cleaner, Limited edition Concentrated Surface Cleaner Deep House

Cleaning just got a remix. Method’s new Deep House Clean multi-surface spray is here to turn your chores into a dancefloor moment. Infused with a limited-edition oud, saffron, and plum fragrance, it’s inspired by the deep house beats we all secretly clean to. Bonus: scan the pack to unlock curated playlists by DJ Sarah Story. It’s grime-fighting, mood-lifting, and totally cruelty-free. Spray, wipe, groove – repeat.

Buy Now for £4 at amazon

Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF30 PA +++

Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF30 PA +++

Skincare meets sun care in this weightless tinted SPF 30. With 12 adaptable shades, it blends like a dream while giving your skin that natural, lit-from-within glow. Protection never looked so good.

Buy Now for £15.30 (was £17) at boots

Orebella Salted Muse Eau de Parfum 50ml

Orebella Salted Muse Eau de Parfum 50ml

Orebella Salted Muse Eau de Parfum is a fresh, genderless fragrance from Bella Hadid’s debut line. It blends sea salt, pink pepper, olive, lavender, and amber for a breezy, Mediterranean-inspired scent. Alcohol-free and oil-based, it’s designed to be gentle on skin, long-lasting, and vegan-friendly – perfect for those who want a clean, skin-loving perfume with a unique, subtle twist.

Buy Now for £67 at selfridges

Poppy Delevingne Navy Tie Neck Alexa Bodysuit Top from Nobody's Child

Poppy Delevingne Navy Tie Neck Alexa Bodysuit Top

Featuring a halter neck and ribbon tie, we think the Poppy Delevingne Navy Tie Neck Alexa Bodysuit Top would look fantastic worn with white palazzo jeans or a navy midi skirt for an easy, comfortable but stylish outfit that’s perfect for summer.

Buy Now for £59 at nobody's child

AirRAM Platinum Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Vacuum & Speed Cleaning Kit

AirRAM Platinum Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Vacuum & Speed Cleaning Kit

The Gtech upgraded, award-winning cordless vacuum now features Anti Hair Wrap Technology and innovative Forward Inertia Drive, whilst delivering up to one hour of runtime.

Buy Now for £269.99 (was £369.99) with code: kr27 at gtech

Grind Caramel Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

Caramel Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

Cold brew, but make it caramel. Slow-steeped for hours, ready in seconds—this espresso-strength concentrate blends 100% Arabica beans with rich caramel notes for a smooth, barista-level base. Just add milk, shake up an espresso martini, or pour it over ice. No fuss, no fluff – just eight café-worthy coffees in one tiny carton.

Buy soon for £6 at grind

Pot of Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Butter

Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Butter

This ultra-nourishing body butter is formulated with a blend of safflower seed oil, coconut oil and shea butter for deep hydration and a natural, healthy sheen. It melts into skin, leaving a smooth, luminous finish that lasts and it has the most delicious, subtle vanilla and coconut scent.

Buy Now for £22 at space nk

Markus Rigid Barrel Leg Jeans from Align

Markus Rigid Barrel Leg Jeans

These relaxed barrel-leg jeans feature seams at the knee for added curve, are made from heavier weight denim than the mid-blue Markus jeans to hold their shape, and have a mid-rise with button and zip fastening, along with side and back patch pockets.

Buy Now for £99 at aligne

Disney Stitch Scrub Daddy

Disney Stitch Scrub Daddy

The Disney Stitch Scrub Daddy is a limited-edition cleaning sponge shaped like Stitch from Lilo & Stitch. It features Scrub Daddy’s signature FlexTexture® material that changes firmness with water temperature, is scratch-free, odour-resistant, and safe for all surfaces. It’s both a fun collectible and a practical cleaning tool – perfect for Disney fans.

Buy Now for £3.49 at scrub daddy

With Love from Como from Jo Loves

With Love from Como

After the sun-soaked success of With Love From Positano, Jo returns with a new scent story: With Love From Como. Inspired by dreamy days at Villa D’Este on Lake Como, this fragrance captures the essence of Italian summer – zesty citrus, aromatic basil, and that unmistakable lakeside breeze.

Buy Now for £135 at jo loves

Vit C Brightening Cleansing Pads from Rodial

Vit C Brightening Cleansing Pads

Formulated with vitamin C, as well as fruit AHAs and salicylic acid, which combine to exfoliate the skin, moisturise, tone the pores and brighten the skin. The pads are infused with the potent blend of skin-loving ingredients, which you sweep on cleansed skin morning and night. Suitable for all skin types.

BUY NOW FOR £49 at rodial

The Body Building Discovery Collection from Philip Kingsley

The Body Building Discovery Collection

Boost your hair and confidence with Body Building, the volumising routine crafted by Trichologists and adored by users. These lightweight formulas provide natural, touchable volume, root lift, and a healthy shine, taking your hair to new heights.

Buy Now for £26 (was £44) – save 41% at philip kingsley

So many gorgeous goodies, right!

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Two models cheersing their iced coffee beverages in Nspresso Tumbler
This is your sign to get the impressive (and gorgeous) Nespresso Tumbler whilst you can. (Picture: Metro/Nespresso)

Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more

After going viral on TikTok, the time has finally arrived – and the must have accessory for iced beverage lovers has arrived… Yes, the Nespresso Tumbler is back in stock, but you’ll need to be quick getting your hands on one.

Say hello to the Travel Tumbler – the kind of cup that makes your iced coffee look as good as it tastes. Designed by Frederico Peri (yes, it’s got designer creds), this tumbler is all about the little things: a clear, ridged body that’s easy to grip and even easier on the eyes, plus a handy straw and cap that make sipping on the move a total breeze.

Whether you’re running errands or just pretending to be busy, it’s the kind of stylish sidekick you’ll want with you 24/7.

Tumbler in Pistachio from Nespresso

Tumbler – Pistachio

The Nespresso Travel Tumbler is a sleek, designer cup made for iced coffee lovers – stylish, spill-proof, and perfect for sipping on the go.

Buy Now for £19

Not only that, but the coffee company has released some delightful new flavours of coffee that we need immediately.

Get ready to sip your way through summer with Nespresso’s fabulous Summer 2025 collection! This year, they’re bringing back your favourite iced coffee creations, and introducing some irresistible limited-edition flavours.

Designed for city breaks and busy lifestyles, Nespresso’s new collection is all about playful nostalgia with a retro twist. The star of the show? The Pistachio Vanilla Over Ice coffee – a decadent, refreshing treat that’s perfect for those hot summer days. Trust us, coffee lovers everywhere are going to be obsessed!

Summer 2025 is all about staying cool with Nespresso’s amazing range of cold coffees. Whether you’re lounging in the sun or enjoying a balmy evening, there’s something for everyone. Try the new Pistachio Vanilla Flavour Over Ice for a delicious blend of nuttiness and sweetness, or escape to the tropics with the Coconut Vanilla Flavour Over Ice. Need an extra boost? The Active Coffee+ for Vertuo, packed with Vitamin B6 and a delightful almond vanilla flavor, is your go-to pick-me-up.

And let’s not forget the classics! The smooth Freddo Delicato and bold Freddo Intenso for Original, along with the vibrant Ice Leggero and robust Ice Forte for Vertuo, are back to satisfy all your cravings.

Nespresso’s new and returning coffees come with expertly crafted recipes to elevate every sip. Pistachio lovers will adore the Iced Pistachio Vanilla Flavour Oat Latte – a creamy, indulgent treat with a rich, nutty profile. For a refreshing twist, try the Coconut Vanilla Flavour Mint Iced Coffee, where tropical coconut meets sweet vanilla and a hint of cool mint.

Looks like waking up just got that bit tastier.

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