Multitalented Camilla Balshaw is an author, creative writing mentor and yoga teacher. At the age of 55, she published her first book, Named, part-memoir, part-exploration of how names shape us ( more details HERE). Which has just been shortlisted for the East Anglian Book Awards 2025. When not writing herself, Camilla teaches writing and mentors other writers, online and face-to-face.
Camilla has been practising yoga for three decades, initially teaching yoga classes around London – together with drama/performing arts, part-time in colleges. ‘I taught about 12 yoga classes a week plus loads of private yoga clients on top of drama, two days a week. I was probably exhausted – but I was young with too much energy!’ Now her lifestyle is more zen. For the last 16-years she has lived in Norfolk with her husband Mike and their dog Mr. Baxter. She’s co-director of the Norfolk Yoga Centre and finds that writing and yoga work well together, ‘ It lends itself very nicely – sitting down for long periods of time followed by yoga practise to get me off my backside!’
Born and raised in Luton, Camilla has always been interested in fashion, ‘At the time, I think people thought that I wore bizarre outfits, like my mum’s seventies jumpsuits.’ But clothes have always been important to me.’
We met up in London for a chat about style and what Camilla wears:
Have you always enjoyed fashion and creating a singular look?
Growing up in Luton in the 80s, clothes and clubs were my happy place. The two were synonymous. In my late teens, on a Saturday morning, I’d pull a sickie from my Saturday job, hop on the train London, mooch around second-hand shops, and head to Hyper Hyper on Kensington High Street. Back then, you were more likely to get into clubs in London, such as The Wag, The Pig or the Electric Ballroom, if your fashion choices were bold and stood out from the crowd. And that’s stayed with me. There is that element of individuality that’s still there. Now, I keep an eye on fashion trends, but I don’t like to follow fashion. Most trends continue to pass me by. When it comes to clothes, I’ve always preferred individuality over anything else.
Where does it stem from?
I’m not sure, but I’m an Aquarius, and we tend to be quite single-minded and independent. I’ve definitely got some of my love of clothes from my mother. She’s in her mid-eighties now and impeccably well-turned out. Something she attributes to her Jamaican upbringing, where you are encouraged to look your best, regardless of the circumstances.
Photos: Neil Mackenzie Matthews
What are your favourite feel-good clothes?
If I don’t feel at ease in my clothes, I won’t wear them. Comfort is key. I like being practical but curious, and I prefer natural fabrics. I definitely gravitate towards clothes that make me feel relaxed. I’ve also embraced colour. In 2017, on my first trip to Nigeria, a well-meaning cousin told me that I had ‘interesting fashion sense,’ her words, which, coming from this particular cousin, was a compliment. And then she told me I wore too much black, which surprised me. I didn’t think I wore dark colours, but in comparison to the vibrant Nigerian women in colourful head wraps and dresses, I did. The trip to Nigeria inspired me to embrace colour in ways I hadn’t before. Since then, I’ve made an effort. If I am wearing a dark-coloured outfit, I will offset this with a yellow necktie, a colourful satin headscarf, or colourful tights or socks. My cousin was right. A snip of colour can really lift your mood and create a burst of sunshine.
How do you figure out what goes with what?
I have well-worn favourites. A soft, oversized jumper that I’ve worn for years, which is like a fine wine. It goes with anything. I can pair it with trousers, slouchy jeans or a dress. It’s one of those go-to items in my wardrobe, and I have a few of those. That’s why I find it difficult to give clothes away, or to charity. When I do, I hope someone else captures the spirit and story of the outfit. Certain clothes contain stories – the striped linen jacket (pictured below) was from Bang Bang, one of my favourite vintage shops on Goodge Street, about 20-years ago. Sadly, it’s now closed. The jacket is falling to bits, but I love it. I bought it when I left London and it was like a marker of moving away to somewhere new.
When I am working on a writing project, I spend most of the day sitting, so comfortable clothes are a must. And I live in an old and cold house, so warm layers are essential. When I’m teaching yoga, I prefer to wear Adidas leggings (they do some great retro leggings) and a cotton t-shirt. In the summer, I’ll wear shorts.
How do you know when an outfit is right?
You have an inner feeling when an outfit is right. When it feels right, an outfit doesn’t need to scream for attention; it’s all about that effortless, comfortable confidence you feel in yourself when an outfit works, and you know instinctively when it doesn’t. Clothes are such an important part of expressing who you are. When you get it right, you embody the clothes and rock the look. It feels like an exhalation.
Do you have a style signifier? (something that would cause your friends to say’ oh that’s so Camilla!’)
I still have a poncho I bought, almost 30-years ago, in Japan. I don’t wear it very often, but when I do, it brings back memories of living and working in Tokyo in my twenties. My capes, ponchos, hats, berets, and head wraps are a constant style signifier. They are definitely ‘that’s so Camilla!’ items of clothing. The tweed cape is an homage to my Japanese poncho ( which is a bit knackered now), it’s from Jaeger. I bought the cape at a discount outlet about 10-years ago – it was on the reduced rail because it had a button missing. I think I got it for about 50 quid. Sometimes you just find a gem!
You mix vintage with a few select brands – where do you shop for clothes?
When I was much younger, I enjoyed shopping for clothes, but now, I don’t. There are certain brands I will treat myself to on occasion. The jersey dress is from LF Markey (bought in the sale). It’s super-comfy, easy to move around in and it feels good. The block colours work with my skin tone. The rust jumpsuit is from Plumo – also in the sale! It’s nice to wear autumn colours and I can dress it up or down. The fair isle waistcoat (under my striped jacket) is vintage and my jeans are an old pair from & Other Stories. I also like Kemi Telford and Carrier Company. My glasses are from Cubitts.
If I am on holiday somewhere, mooching around a city or town, I like to mooch around and come across shops spontaneously. Last year, I was in the Lake District, and I came across a brilliant second-hand shop. I like finding hidden away shops and clothes I will wear time and time again.
How would you describe your style?
My style has evolved. At the moment, I like wearing Blundstone boots with everything! I have quite an eclectic look, and I like the subtle details – a brooch that I’ve found, a bright headscarf, or coloured tights. I might wear something unexpected that sparks conversation but doesn’t dominate. And maybe throw in some vintage-inspired elements too, because I love blending the old with the new.
Any tips or tricks for my readers – on dressing with confidence?
Something I’ve learned with age is to know your fit. Clothes that fit well make a huge difference. Wearing colour is a mood enhancer and can do wonders for your confidence. I’m a yoga teacher and a writer, and I’m constantly eulogising about the importance of posture! So how you wear your clothes matters just as much as what you wear. And, when you feel good in your body, you look good. Ah, the joys of yoga!
Don’t overthink your choices. I do mentally/ visually think about what I’m going to wear but I don’t agonise over things. It’s a nice process. Sometimes confidence comes from simplicity. Trust your gut and wear what feels right in the moment. And remember, comfort is key.
Find out more about Camilla Balshaw HERE. And check out the autumn style updates in the SHOP.
SUPPORT THAT’S NOT MY AGE
If you’ve enjoyed reading this feature, please consider becoming a That’s Not My Age subscriber. Becoming a paid subscriber helps to support That’s Not My Age and keep this website going. Every subscription is valuable for the future of this site and goes towards creating engaging content to inspire women of all ages. Each feature is carefully researched and written by a professional journalist, I use professional photography and pay all my contributors. More details of why a subscription is important, together with all the membership benefits, including exclusive style features, HERE.
Thank you so much. Your contribution is crucial.
This post was published on
thatsnotmyage.com
on October 20, 2025 and written by Alyson Walsh.