His rippling muscles leave some opponents quaking in their boots in the ring, but when it comes to style panto star Nick Aldis' physique can be difficult to dress. Emma Harrowing finds out why.

He's a professional wrestler perhaps best known for playing Oblivion in the second generation of the television series Gladiators. With a 50 inch chest it is no wonder that whenever Norfolk born Nick Aldis leaves his new home in America and returns to his home county he has difficulty finding shirts and jackets that fit.

'America caters for the bigger guy so it is easier to find clothes that fit me - even though they can sometimes be too big across the stomach,' says Nick. 'It can be a challenge to find tops that fit across my chest here.'

Back in Norfolk to star in panto at the Norwich Theatre Royal, Nick has a few moments between rehearsals for us to help him find a look that will take him through the festive season.

Chapelfield's personal shopper Chrissi Rix is on hand to offer some advice.

'It can be difficult to find bigger cut clothes unless you go to an outsize store but Paul Costello in House of Fraser has a range of party wear that caters for the bigger guy,' says Chrissi.

'There are many different party looks for men this Christmas. Stripes, contrasting collars on shirts, paisley, florals, plaid and tartan shirts, bomber jackets or leather jackets can help you break up your look to create an individual style.'

For Nick, Chrissi finds two outfits that can be mixed and matched to create different looks for the party season. The first is quite formal with suit, bow tie and matching handkerchief. The second is a more relaxed party look with dark wash jeans, a patterned shirt and tie.

Chrissi says: 'Layering different items such as a waistcoat over a patterned shirt or breaking up your look by mixing your separates such as with a tartan shirt with bow tie and smart jacket can give you many different looks. For example, the jeans I have chosen for Nick can also be worn with the white shirt, with the bow tie, with or without the jacket. Similarly the suit can be broken up so that the trousers are worn with the stripe shirt, with or without the tie and jacket.'

As with any look, the key to looking stylish at the Christmas party is to pick colours that suit you so look for colours that really make your face glow and your eyes stand out.

Chrissi has these other tips that will keep you looking festively stylish:

Stripes always make you look taller so a stripe shirt is perfect if you are short or you want to appear taller.

Stick to a neutral wardrobe of blues, blacks and greys and add accent colours to liven and add interest. This Christmas colours are bold and strong with dark blue, gold and lime green.

Avoid heavy fabrics if you are stocky. Similarly heavy fabrics will make a man appear larger.

Balance the top and lower half of your body. Choose similar weight fabrics on the top and bottom and choose jackets with the appropriate amount of shoulder padding to widen or soften your shoulder line.

The verdict

Life Matters says: 'Both of Nick's looks prove that men can be experimental when it comes to their party look this year. The vertical stripes help balance out his bigger top half and the addition of the bow tie and handkerchief brings in a touch of personality to what is a classic look.

Nick is starring alongside Hollyoaks' Lucy Dixon in Aladdin at Norwich Theatre Royal until Saturday January 19. For tickets call the box office on 01603 630000.