Mary’s fashion secrets: 50 jackets, Tesco jumpers and definitely no decolletage
SHE’S the undisputed queen of cakes, but in her six years on Bake Off, Mary Berry became known as a fashion icon too, winning plaudits for her style that women a third of her age would envy.
And today the 83-year-old reveals some of the secrets of her elegant wardrobe which – in keeping with her culinary approach – is a perfect mix of simplicity and flair.
Speaking exclusively to The Mail on Sunday, the star explains how she’s happy to mix haute couture with high-street brands, with some of her most beloved jumpers coming from the aisles of Tesco. But her biggest indulgence is her love of jackets, confessing that she owns ‘maybe 50’ of them.
Mary also has some red lines in her fashion choices.
‘I don’t much like to show my decolletage,’ while admitting she is wary of sleeveless numbers as ‘I am so conscious of my bat wings’.
She appreciates detail and fit, fabrics that flatter and outfits that are practical and never too tight. But one of her biggest bugbears is trainers worn with skirts.
‘This is something I cannot come to terms with,’ she says. ‘You are not going to get me in a beautiful skirt with a pair of white trainers. To me that is the oddest thing.’
Other taboos are ripped jeans and peep-toed shoes.
Her interest in fashion began only when her TV career took off with Bake Off in 2010, but now she adores clothes, with her new home near Henley-on-Thames boasting several walk-in wardrobes.
Mary also likes the approval of her husband of 52 years, Paul, revealing: ‘He would prefer that I didn’t wear trousers in the evening. But he has weakened.’
She also shares her make-up tips, saying ‘life’s too short’ for foundation.
RECIPE FOR ELEGANCE: Mary wears high-street styles in this photograph by David Gubert
Shirt: Autograph by Marks & Spencer. Skirt: Coast. Shoes: Marks & Spencer.