7 festive style lessons from the Duchess of Cambridge and her royal carol concert guests

At almost the exact moment Boris Johnson told a weary nation that more Covid restrictions were coming our way, the royals proved that Christmas 2021 was very far from being cancelled.

Resplendent in head-turning dresses, long jewel-tone coats and – in the case of James Middleton’s wife – a very festive suit, the Windsors and the Middletons turned the dial up on glamour at the exact moment we needed cheering up. At the carol concert hosted by the Duchesss of Cambridge and held in Westminster Abbey, revivals from the 1980s were out in force, including Sloane Ranger favourites such as velvet headbands and pie-crust collars, while the Countess of Wessex proved she has become a serious contender for most stylish royal of the year. Here, seven style lessons we can all learn from what might be the most fashionable carol concert of the year.

Go bold in festive red

There was no mistaking who the host of Wednesday evening’s carol service was. While most guests stuck to neutral or subdued colours, the Duchess of Cambridge shone in a Santa Claus red dress coat by her favourite couturier, Catherine Walker. She ensured she was completely unmissable by adding a coordinating Miu Miu clutch bag and heels in the same hue.

There was a more emotional aspect to her look, too. It was exactly the same style of coat that she wore to the funeral of Prince Philip in April, creating an immediate link between the carol service and his death. As she spoke to the congregation about the losses many have endured this year and the isolation families have suffered during hard times, her coat was a reminder that the Royal family understands how that feels.

Pep up any outfit with a pie-crust collar

Zara Tindall offered a masterclass in easy chic as she arrived at Westminster Abbey wearing simple black trousers, black Aquazurra heels and a glitter-threaded navy coat by Really Wild Clothing. It’s a look which could have felt a little serious if it weren’t for the cream blouse which she layered underneath which had a pretty pie-crust collar, instantly softening the outfit.

A shirt like this has the power to be a wardrobe staple, perfect for wearing alone or layered underneath neutral knits or sharp blazers - a more feminine alternative to the polo neck jersey.

Velvet accessories make any outfit feel Christmassy

Princess Beatrice opted for an elegant fawn-coloured coat (the same style worn in bottle green by Pippa Middleton) but it was her choice of accessories which made her ensemble especially perfect for a carol service.

Beatrice has learnt that less can be more in recent years, but also that classic ‘50s styling (as epitomised by vintage photographs of the Queen) suits her beautifully. With this in mind, she dressed up her coat with three carefully chosen accessories - a micro box bag by British label Aspinal, a velvet Jennifer Behr headband and a pair of Jimmy Choo velvet platform pumps. These small details will transform any neutral piece into a lovely festive look.

Try a cape

The festive season is always an escape from our everyday lives and therefore a great chance to try something new, wardrobe-wise. Although Princess Eugenie was wearing a previously seen Chloe cape, this elegant coat alternative is a reminder to think outside the box and use Christmas as a time to experiment with silhouettes you don’t usually wear. The romantic feel of a cape is ideal for winter, too.

Buy a dressy, bias-cut coat

The beauty of a flattering coat in rich tones is that getting ready to go out becomes a wonderfully simple affair. Neither Carole nor Pippa Middleton unbuttoned their coats at last night’s carol service and so didn’t need to fuss about ironing their shirts or making sure their dresses were warm enough because their outerwear did all the hard work for them. Pippa’s coat came with a flattering nipped-in waist and two small buttons, while Carole chose a double-breasted, gold-buttoned burgundy number – and no, neither style is right for walks in park, but when you factor in all the events likely to take place outdoors now we’ve moved to Plan B, an outfit coat could become the most hard-working piece in your wardrobe

Try a festive suit

Christmas is usually a season of dress domination, whether that means something short and sparkly for the office party or demure and velvety for drinks with the family. Although James Middleton’s wife, Alizée Thevenet, proves that a sleek suit in a jewel-tone print can feel just as festive – and arguably a lot more modern. Thevenet is French and the slightly boxy cut of her suit, as well as her brown boots and simple white shirt, all feel Parisian to the core. A suit like this is also very versatile – sling the jacket over a dress or jeans and wear the trousers with a thick navy jumper or thin white polo neck throughout the Christmas season.

Mix burgundy with white

Tradition dictates that festive dressing means wearing a mix of red and green – although many of us have realised that this particular colour combination can leave you feeling like a distinctly unstylish Christmas elf. This year, emulate Sophie Wessex’s carol concert aesthetic and combine burgundy or emerald with white instead. The contrast between the rich jewel tones and the crisp white trousers is refreshing and glamorous, while looking undeniably festive – helped by her velvet Prada heels. Sophie’s Victoria Beckham burgundy coat is a particularly good buy and reminds me of the one Nicole Kidman famously strode around New York in for last year’s hit show, The Undoing – although worn here in thankfully less stressful circumstances...