Revealed: Zara Tindall’s successful formulation for flawless royal fashion at Christmas

Every year, the Royal Family gathers on Christmas Day for their traditional service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham.

For the royals, much like other families, it’s a cherished time to come together and celebrate an occasion steeped in history. 

They are warmly welcomed by crowds of well-wishers, eager for a glimpse or even a handshake. 

With the world watching, it’s also a perfect opportunity for them to showcase their finest festive attire. 

While Catherine, Princess of Wales, often takes the spotlight for her fashion choices, Zara Tindall has become a stylish dark horse. 

Last Christmas, she wore her most impressive outfit yet, reflecting a new approach to her Christmas wardrobe. 

In 2023, Zara Tindall wore her most impressive outfit yet, reflecting a new approach to her Christmas wardrobe 

Zara chose a Laura Green London ‘Neave’ coat, teamed with Stuart Weitzman ‘Highland’ boots, an Aspinal of London ‘Midi Mayfair’ bag, and topped off with a chic Juliette Millinery bow headband. 

Her £2,300 seaweed-green double-flannel wool coat featured a classic collar, a detachable leather belt and a demure fit-and-flare silhouette. 

So, what made her look so successful? 

It was all in the hemline. A longer cut is simple yet effective, instantly adding an air of elegance to any ensemble. 

Zara introduced longer-length outerwear in 2022, selecting a herringbone coat by LK Bennett, setting a new style formula for her Christmas Day looks. 

In 2022, Zara introduced a longer-length coat by LK Bennett, setting a new style formula for her Christmas Day looks 

In previous years, her outfits were noticeably different, often featuring knee and even thigh-length coats and dresses, a sharp contrast to this refined, ladylike aesthetic. 

For Christmas Day services throughout the 1990s, Zara embraced the era’s trends, selecting shorter hemlines – a style she carried into the 2000s, even though it was considered a little inappropriate for the occasion.

Notably in 2003, she wore an ivory knee-length coat, with a button-down front and patch pockets, layered over a roll-neck jumper and mini skirt. 

She paired it with chocolate brown boots and a bakerboy hat, an accessory that quickly became her signature.

The following year, Zara chose a daring black mini dress that barely reached mid-thigh, peeking out from beneath a berry-coloured coat with a drop waist. 

She finished the ensemble with fur-lined boots and, once again, a bakerboy cap, creating a stylish yet somewhat unconventional church outfit.

In the 1990s, Zara fully embraced the era’s trends, opting for shorter hemlines, which continued into the 2000s (pictured in 1998)

In 2003 (pictured, left), Zara wore an ivory knee-length coat, layered over a roll-neck jumper and mini skirt, creating a stylish yet somewhat unconventional church outfit. The following year, she chose a daring black mini dress that barely reached mid-thigh, peeking out from beneath a berry-coloured coat with a drop waist (pictured, right)

In 2015, she garnered attention with a checked coat, incorporating a structured funnel neckline and skater silhouette, which fell just above the knee. However, the overall appearance failed to hit the mark 

Zara repeated funnel necklines and knee length cuts several times before finding her signature look (pictured in 2018)

Zara has experimented with both the length and neckline of her outerwear, gradually leaning toward longer, more streamlined silhouettes. 

In 2015, she garnered attention with a checked coat, incorporating a funnel neckline and skater silhouette, which fell just above the knee. However, the overall appearance failed to hit the mark.

She repeated this neckline and shape several times before finding her signature look. 

Now, Zara is firmly established as a fashion icon, frequently landing on best-dressed lists with her flawless ensembles. 

Her Royal Ascot looks this year were a highlight, showcasing three stunning mid-length dresses paired with coordinating hats. 

Much of her style evolution is credited to her stylist, Annie Miall, who has encouraged the royal to embrace tailored pieces that flatter her figure.

Miall has introduced Zara to British designers like Laura Green, known for her refined style and a background that includes working with Princess Diana’s favourite brand, Catherine Walker.