Dame mary's secret to staying stylish (at 91!)
Forget fleeting trends and complicated fashion rules. At 91, Dame Mary Berry isn't chasing the latest looks; she's redefining them. The beloved baker, a style icon seemingly overnight thanks to her vibrant appearances on The Great British Bake Off, proves that timeless elegance and personal comfort can coexist beautifully – even while tending to a Cotswolds garden.
A potting shed revelation
The scene: a picturesque potting shed nestled on the expansive 80-acre estate of fashion designer Jade Holland Cooper, whose designs have recently captured the attention of the Princess of Wales. The star: Dame Mary, radiating effortless charm in a crisp pink shirt, a pale pink gilet, perfectly tailored tweed trousers, and a pair of bottle-green gardening loafers she's apparently become quite fond of. It's a look that speaks volumes about her approach to style – comfortable, flattering, and undeniably chic.
“In my later years, I’ve enjoyed fashion,” she confessed during a photoshoot for Jade’s new range of gardening accessories, her second collaboration with the British designer after modelling a line of Holland Cooper tweed last year. It’s a sentiment shared by many, but rarely embodied with such grace and authenticity. She’s not trying to be someone she's not; she's simply embracing style on her own terms.
Gardening: a second great love
Beyond the fashion, a deeper passion shines through: Mary's love for gardening. Having recently released her memoir, My Gardening Life, she reveals a lifelong connection to the earth that blossomed later in life. “My agent said to me when your children are away at school and need less of your time, I wouldn’t be surprised if you enjoy gardening,” she recalls. “And she was absolutely right.”
From transforming a childhood “rugger pitch” into a blossoming garden to cultivating a thriving vegetable patch with her husband, Paul, Mary’s journey reflects a quiet dedication and a profound appreciation for the simple joys of nurturing life. As she puts it, “As soon as you come out in the fresh air, your worries go.”
Colour & confidence after 90
But perhaps the most important lesson Mary imparts is about embracing colour, regardless of age. “When you’re 91 – you really don’t have to go into black and grey and boring,” she states firmly. It’s a message of empowerment, a reminder that style isn’t about conforming to societal expectations, but about expressing your individuality with confidence and joy. Her genuine delight in vibrant hues is a testament to the fact that age is just a number when it comes to personal expression.
And while she playfully admits to being “gently baffled” by the label of “fashion icon,” her enduring appeal is undeniable. She’s not just a baker, a television personality, or a style icon—she's a symbol of grace, resilience, and the enduring power of a well-chosen, comfortable, and colourful outfit.