I've had Amal Clooney's burgundy velvet dress bookmarked for months - it's the pinnacle of festive style

Amal Clooney is our year-round style icon, but when searching for festive outfits, hers is far and away our favourite wardrobe to rummage though.

If you're as last minute as I am, you might still be thinking about what to wear on Christmas Day, and if you're going for glamour, it's got to be velvet. I've been obsessing over velvet trousers lately, but if you've got a winter wedding or a big New Year's Eve bash in the diary, a dress like Amal's should be a contender.

She showed her soft side back in June 2018 when she wore this square neck number by Alberta Ferretti to a charity gala in London. It features a slight cowl in the neckline, as well as flattering ruching at the waist and a flowing floor-length skirt.

Add in a pair of Gianvito Rossi heels in black, plus a silver Alexander McQueen clutch bag and dazzling diamond earrings by Chatila, and it's just the epitome of sophistication. So of course I'm keen to copy!

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Ali Lees, Founder of Inspired Styling tells us why velvet is so fitting for Christmas. She says: "whilst the glitz of sequins and glitter appeal to many, a more elegant, understated way to dress for Christmas is to opt for a gorgeous texture instead. A velvet dress or trouser suit is a statement piece that stands for grown-up glamour, making it perfect for the party season. Velvet’s soft sheen looks sumptuous as it catches the twinkling Christmas lights and brings a tactile touch that warms up the coldest of winter evenings.

"As a stylist specialising in colour analysis, I’m excited to see velvet occasion wear in so many gorgeous shades this year. If you want to go all-out with the Christmas theme, red velvet is the one for you. Plump for burgundy to be on-trend, emerald for luxurious energy, midnight blue to give a mysterious feel and black for a chic, timeless appeal."

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