Susannah Constantine is one of Britain’s best-known fashion writers, television presenters, and style advisors. Best recognized for co-hosting the hugely popular makeover show What Not to Wear alongside Trinny Woodall, she became a household name by helping ordinary people improve their confidence through fashion and personal style. Over the years, Constantine has built a successful career as an author, journalist, broadcaster, podcaster, and public speaker.
Her influence extends far beyond television. Through bestselling books, magazine columns, fashion advice, and media appearances, she has helped millions of women rethink their relationship with clothing and self-image. More recently,susannah constantine she has focused on writing, podcasting, and sharing insights about aging, confidence, and modern womanhood.,
This article explores Susannah Constantine’s life, career, family, achievements,susannah constantine, and continuing impact on fashion and popular culture.
Who Is Susannah Constantine? A Short Biography
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Susannah Caroline Constantine |
| Date of Birth | 3 June 1962 |
| Age | 64 (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Hammersmith, London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Fashion Writer, Television Presenter, Author, Podcaster |
| Years Active | 1994–Present |
| Famous For | What Not to Wear, Trinny & Susannah Undress… |
| Spouse | Sten Bertelsen |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Queen’s Gate School, St Mary’s School |
| Notable Partner in TV Career | Trinny Woodall |
| Website | SusannahConstantine.co.uk |
Early Life and Education
Growing Up in England
Susannah Caroline Constantine was born on 3 June 1962 in Hammersmith, susannah constantine, London. She spent much of her childhood in the village of Knipton in Leicestershire, growing up in a privileged but traditional family environment. Her father, Joseph Constantine, was a former Coldstream Guards officer and businessman.
Although she later became known for confidence and outspoken opinions, susannah constantine, Constantine has spoken openly about struggling with self-confidence during her younger years. Those experiences would later influence her approach to fashion and personal development.
Boarding School Experience
Constantine attended several boarding schools, including Queen’s Gate School in London and St Mary’s School in Oxfordshire. She has often described her school years as difficult and emotionally challenging, susannah constantine, recalling feelings of loneliness and insecurity.
These experiences shaped her understanding of body image and self-esteem, susannah constantine, topics that would become central themes throughout her professional career.
Early Career Exploration
Before finding success in media, Constantine explored several different career paths. She studied sculpture in Brussels, worked in retail, spent time teaching children, and later entered the fashion world. She also worked with prestigious fashion brands and designers, including Giorgio Armani in the United States and John Galliano in London.
These experiences gave her practical knowledge of fashion and style that would later become the foundation of her television success.
Entering the Fashion Industry
Building Industry Experience
Constantine’s early work in fashion exposed her to luxury brands, design principles, and consumer trends. Unlike many fashion commentators, she gained firsthand experience working within the industry rather than simply reporting on it.
Her understanding of how clothing affects confidence and self-perception helped distinguish her from other fashion writers.
Journalism and Fashion Writing
Her media career began to gain momentum when she started writing about style and fashion. Constantine developed a reputation for practical, honest advice rather than focusing exclusively on runway trends.
Readers appreciated her relatable approach, which emphasized helping real people look and feel better rather than chasing unrealistic beauty standards.
Meeting Trinny Woodall
A major turning point came in 1994 when Constantine met fellow fashion advisor Trinny Woodall. Although their personalities were quite different, the pair developed a successful professional partnership. Together they wrote the fashion column Ready to Wear for The Daily Telegraph.
Their chemistry, humor, and contrasting perspectives quickly attracted attention and laid the groundwork for future television projects.
What Not to Wear: The Show That Made Her Famous
BBC Success
In 2001, Constantine and Woodall became the hosts of the BBC makeover series What Not to Wear. The show focused on helping participants transform their wardrobes and improve their confidence through personalized styling advice.
The program quickly became one of the BBC’s most successful lifestyle shows and made both presenters household names across Britain.
A Different Approach to Fashion
Unlike traditional fashion programs that focused on celebrities or designer collections, What Not to Wear concentrated on ordinary people.
Constantine and Woodall encouraged viewers to understand their body shapes, choose flattering clothing, and develop personal style rather than blindly following fashion trends. This practical approach resonated strongly with audiences.
International Popularity
The show’s success extended beyond the United Kingdom. It was broadcast internationally and helped establish Constantine as a global style expert. The format influenced makeover television around the world and inspired numerous similar programs.
Many viewers still consider What Not to Wear one of the most influential fashion shows ever produced.
Books and Publishing Success
Bestselling Fashion Books
Following the popularity of their television work, Constantine and Woodall published a series of fashion advice books.
Among their most successful titles were:
- What Not to Wear
- What Not to Wear: The Rules
- What You Wear Can Change Your Life
- What Your Clothes Say About You
- The Body Shape Bible
These books became major bestsellers in both the United Kingdom and the United States.
Award-Winning Author
The book What Not to Wear won a British Book Award and sold hundreds of thousands of copies. Across all publications, Constantine and Woodall’s books sold millions of copies worldwide.
Their success demonstrated that audiences wanted practical style advice rather than inaccessible fashion commentary.
Expanding Beyond Fashion
Over time, Constantine broadened her writing to include memoirs and personal reflections.
In 2022, she published Ready for Absolutely Nothing, a memoir discussing her life, relationships, career, struggles with alcohol, and experiences in British high society. The book received significant media attention and offered readers a more personal view of her life.
Television Career Beyond What Not to Wear
Trinny & Susannah Undress…
After leaving the BBC, Constantine and Woodall moved to ITV and launched Trinny & Susannah Undress… in 2006. The series continued their mission of helping people improve confidence through style transformations.
The program attracted strong ratings and expanded their international audience.
Appearances on Major TV Shows
Throughout her career, Constantine has appeared on numerous television programs, including:
- The Oprah Winfrey Show
- I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
- Strictly Come Dancing
- Making Over America
These appearances introduced her personality to audiences beyond fashion-focused programming.
Reality Television and New Audiences
Her participation in reality television allowed viewers to see a more personal side of her character.
While fashion remained her primary expertise, she demonstrated adaptability across different television formats and entertainment genres.
Personal Life and Family
Marriage and Children
Susannah Constantine has been married to Danish businessman Sten Bertelsen since 1995. Together they have three children. Despite her public profile, she has generally maintained a balance between her professional responsibilities and family life.
Family remains a recurring theme in many of her interviews and writings.
Openness About Personal Challenges
In recent years, Constantine has spoken candidly about her struggles with alcohol and the importance of sobriety. Her memoir discusses these experiences in detail and highlights the personal growth that followed.
Her honesty has been praised by readers who appreciate her willingness to discuss difficult topics openly.
Focus on Health and Well-Being
As she entered her sixties, Constantine increasingly shifted her attention toward health, wellness, and aging positively. She has emphasized that feeling healthy and strong matters more than attempting to look younger.
This perspective has resonated with many women navigating similar life stages.
Podcasting and Recent Projects
My Wardrobe Malfunction
In 2020, Constantine launched the podcast My Wardrobe Malfunction, which explores people’s relationships with clothing, identity, memories, and self-expression. Guests have included actors, television personalities, designers, and cultural figures.
The podcast expanded her influence into digital media while maintaining her interest in fashion and personal storytelling.
Continuing Writing Career
Beyond podcasting, Constantine continues to write novels, journalism pieces, and opinion articles. Her work increasingly focuses on life experiences, relationships, and personal growth rather than purely fashion advice.
Modern Influence
Even decades after her television breakthrough, Constantine remains an influential voice in discussions about style, confidence, and aging.
Her ability to evolve professionally has helped her stay relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Legacy and Influence
Transforming Fashion Advice
Before Constantine and Woodall arrived on television, fashion advice often felt intimidating or exclusive. Their approach helped make style accessible to ordinary people.
They encouraged viewers to celebrate individuality rather than conform to unrealistic ideals.
Inspiring Confidence
Perhaps Constantine’s greatest achievement is helping people understand that fashion can be a tool for confidence rather than judgment.
Her emphasis on body shape, comfort, and self-expression changed how many women approached their wardrobes.
Enduring Popularity
More than twenty years after What Not to Wear first aired, Constantine remains one of Britain’s most recognizable fashion personalities. Her influence can still be seen in modern makeover programs, style content, and confidence-focused fashion advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Susannah Constantine?
A: Susannah Constantine is a British fashion writer, television presenter, author, and style advisor best known for co-hosting What Not to Wear alongside Trinny Woodall.
Q: How old is Susannah Constantine?
A: She was born on 3 June 1962 and is 64 years old as of 2026.
Q: Is Susannah Constantine married?
A: Yes. She has been married to Danish businessman Sten Bertelsen since 1995, and they have three children.
Q: What books has Susannah Constantine written?
A: She has co-authored several bestselling fashion books, including What Not to Wear and The Body Shape Bible, and later published her memoir Ready for Absolutely Nothing.
Q: Does Susannah Constantine still work in media?
A: Yes. She continues to write, podcast, and participate in media projects while focusing on topics such as confidence, health, aging, and personal development.
Conclusion
Susannah Constantine has built a remarkable career spanning fashion journalism, television, publishing, and digital media. From transforming wardrobes on What Not to Wear to becoming a bestselling author and respected commentator, she has influenced how millions of people think about style and self-confidence.
Her success comes not only from fashion expertise but also from her honesty, humor, and ability to connect with everyday people. As an author, presenter, and advocate for self-acceptance, Susannah Constantine remains an important figure in British media whose influence continues to extend far beyond clothing and fashion.
