Sequins and stars up sleeve

Leading fashion and design experts share what they will be wearing over the Christmas season with Stephanie Smith.

Glamour has become a distant memory for many of us. The global pandemic ignited a wardrobe rethink, with party dresses and heels pushed to the back while loungewear remained within easy reach, practicality and comfort valued over style, and certainly way over glamour.

But Christmas 2021 is here, and it is, perhaps, time to put away (some) casual things and take a fresh look at occasion dressing (keeping it easy, of course – no one wants to go back to being trussed up worse than the turkey). These leading fashion and lifestyle experts share the secrets of their festive wardrobe.

MARY BENSON: Leeds-born Mary is a fashion and home accessories designer, known for her metallic appliqué prints.

Her designs have been worn by Little Mix, Rita Ora, Ellie Goulding and Paloma Faith. Last year, she moved from London back to Yorkshire with her fiancé, Tadgh, and their son. She now works from her studio in York.

She says: “This Christmas I’ll be wearing our gorgeous cosy black organic cotton Tarot printed jumpers to work most days – the Lovers and the Moon are my favourites.

“For Christmas Day, I’ve planned on wearing the Flaming Heart dress to cook dinner and wear right through until the evening, when we see family and unwrap presents. I’ve even got my New Year’s outfit planned. I’ll be wearing my favourite and very special Terry de Havilland heels which Terry gave to me many moons ago, with our iconic Celeste dress in a new beautiful Cadbury’s purple velvet.”

TRAIL TO BLAZE: The Flaming Heart dress, £495; inset left, limited edition Old School organic cotton jumper, £50, both available at MaryBenson. London.