How Zara Tindall went from wholesome horsey type to style leader

Telegraph

3 days ago

'Riding with polish and dressing with panache, Princess Anne's daughter is a vision on and off the horse.'
That's the verdict on Zara Tindall 's style from the Tatler 2025 best-dressed list, which was released today before being fully unveiled in the Condé Nast society magazine's September issue.
'I think Zara Tindall's recent style evolution has been incredible – she looks so good,' says Tatler style editor Chandler Tregaskes, having presided over the annual list (which he says takes the whole year to plan).
'I adored her monochromatic Laura Green and Juliette Botterill look at Royal Ascot this year – so chic – and am thrilled to celebrate her in our list for 2025.'
Tindall is number seven on the 10-strong preview of the list, which is topped by 'fun, young, society-favourite' half-sisters Lady Lola Bute and Jazzy de Lisser. Other honourable mentions go to Princess Alexia of the Netherlands at number five and Rocco Ritchie, son of Madonna and Guy Ritchie, in third place, the budding artist being known for his take on traditional suiting.
But far more interesting than the abundance of lesser known bright young things on the list is the presence of Tindall, née Phillips. The 44-year-old is the daughter of Princess Anne and her first husband Mark Phillips, as well as the eldest granddaughter of the late Elizabeth II.
An accomplished equestrian, she won silver at the 2012 Summer Olympics, the year after she married English former rugby union player, Mike Tindall.
During her younger years, Tindall's style largely reflected her wholesome country upbringing – at Gatcombe Park, Princess Anne's Gloucestershire estate. Like her mother, her love of equestrianism has also influenced her sartorial choices, with a focus on utility and practicality likely trumping fashion trends.
But over the last few years, as her presence on Tatler's list attests, her style has evolved to include a somewhat more playful approach, alongside elegant labels and suitably regal touches.
'Her recent wardrobe hits have been nothing short of spectacular,' writes Tregaskesin in Tatler, 'from the perfect Rebecca Vallance tea dresses at Ascot to the tailored Fairfax & Favor pieces at Badminton.'
Another notable recent style win for the royal was this year's Cheltenham Festival; with the help of her trusted stylist Annie Miall, Tindall wore a selection of outfits that showcased great British brands through marvellous millinery, immaculate tailoring and on-trend touches.
On 'Style Wednesday', she wore a sharp pinstriped suit, paired with a burgundy roll neck and a matching Bow & Arrow hat from Juliette Botterill (the Princess of Wales wore the same in navy in 2023).
Another look saw her combine an elegant coat from Hobbs – the 'Livia' wool coat in kelp green – with a Fedora-style hat, a quilted black 'Lottie' bag from Aspinal and heeled 'Regina' knee-high boots from Fairfax & Favor, a long-time favourite brand of which she is an official ambassador.
'Zara has an innate sense of what works for each occasion – from design-led performance pieces for day-to-day utility, to tailored outerwear and elevated accessories for formal events,' says Marcus Fairfax Fountaine, co-founder of Fairfax & Favor.
'She epitomises British style with an impeccable eye for detail and a deep appreciation for quality craftsmanship.'
This is hardly a surprise – she is, after all, the daughter of the Princess Royal, who is known for her commitment to re-wearing pieces that endure for decades.
Tindall has named Princess Anne as a key style influence, as have plenty of high fashion figures. Designer Silvia Venturini Fendi once dubbed Anne the 'the chicest woman in the world', deserving of her place on the mood-board for the autumn/winter 2025 Fendi menswear collection.
The Princess is also something of a style pin-up for Gen Z, who admire her sustainably minded approach and stylishly eccentric accessories (see the Oakley shades she favours).
Sartorial self-assurance, it seems, runs in the family. With plenty of maternal inspiration to draw on, Tindall will no doubt retain her well-deserved place on best-dressed lists for years to come.