Features

Tara Maynard on Festive Plans, Fashion and the Power of Accessories

by Kelly Morris, Guest Writer

Meet fashion influencer, designer and mother of two, Tara Maynard.

Since amassing a loyal following of over 230k followers on Instagram, we’ve fallen in love with her more-is-more approach to dressing not to mention her fun, fearless and playful style. More than that, she’s a true girls’ girl – funny and bubbly, exactly the same IRL as on her feed.

This season, Tara’s curated her very own New Look edit of partywear must-haves to see you through the festive period and New Year’s Eve in style. Think bold colours and prints, shimmering sequins and statement silhouettes all with a shot of Tara’s signature glam.

We grabbed ten minutes with her to talk festive plans, dressing for yourself and why she loves the power of accessories.

Tell us a little about yourself… Who is Tara Maynard and how did you become a content creator?

“I'm a 32-year-old mumma of two who just loves fashion. I love that there are no rules and how good clothes can make you feel. To be honest, I still don’t really know how I got here. I'm winging the whole thing!”

Your Instagram grid is colourful and playful. Is that how you would describe your personal style?

“Oh totally, life's too short to wear boring clothes! I feel so much more confident in colour, I can't explain it. Everyone should definitely try it.”

Tell us a little about your edit – which item is your favourite?

“My edit is so fab, I love it all! It's very me, very glam and I feel there's a piece for everyone regardless of age, style or size. If I had to pick, I think the sequin dress and top are my faves.”

If you could only select one piece from your edit, what would you choose to wear for NYE and why?

“I would go for the blue sequin top because there are so many ways to style it and it feels super sexy on with it being backless.”

We adore the puff sleeve black mini dress in your edit. How would you style it from day to night?

“I love this piece. We all know I'm a puff sleeve girl - the bigger the better I say! Pop a black roll neck underneath with some light denier tights and chunky boots for the day, then just whip the jumper off and swap the boots for black strappy heels for after dark. Chunky gold jewellery always makes the perfect finishing touch.”

Your edit is getting us so excited for the party season - do you have any fun festive plans?

I'm so excited for the festivities! I love Christmas, having an excuse to see my family and friends every day and, of course, knocking back the rosé (who doesn't!?) I'm actually going to Barbados the week before the big day which is freaking me out slightly because it means all my shopping needs to be done super early.”

You’re a fabulous mum of two beautiful kids. Has being a mum changed your style?

“Ahh thank you. I love my boys, but I don't think them coming along has changed my style, to be honest. I’ve definitely got more confident with age and care less about what others think. It's all about living and learning — that's the fun of life.”

What advice would you give mums trying to rediscover their style?

“Oh just be you because life's too short! Don't feel you have to copy anyone, but also if you want to then you can. That's the beauty of Instagram I think, we're all helping each other out and sharing inspo.”

Which piece from your edit would you recommend for busy mums wanting to get glam this party season?

“I think the black puff sleeve dress because everybody can wear it and feel confident. Also it isn’t clingy, so you don't have to breathe in all night when wearing it. Bonus!”

As a mother, what are your top styling hacks?

“Cinch your figure by pulling in your best parts and always fake tan. Everything looks so much better with a tan…”

Which piece from your edit will you be gifting your besties?

“It’s got to be the sequin top because everybody can style it their own way. And that's what I love about fashion - accessorised differently, pieces never look the same! I think it will become ‘that top’ you pull out for every festivity.”

We know you’re a big accessories fan. What are your must-haves this season?

“Anything chunky. I love hoops and anklets, too. Layering jewellery is probably my favourite as it really does change the look of an outfit completely.”

Anything special on your Christmas wishlist?

“Oh guys, I always want everything for Christmas! I am not that girl that doesn't want anything I'm afraid… It's usually accessories because they last forever.”

Something that people would be surprised to discover about you?

“I have a degree in primary school teaching, but I changed my mind on what I wanted to do when I had my own kids.”

Favourite Christmas film?

“Home Alone or Jingle All The Way.”

Favourite thing to eat during the festive season?

“Yorkshire wraps!”

Heels or chunky boots?

“Heels.”

Diamantés or sequins?

“Sequins.”

Most catchy Christmas song?

“Slade - Merry Christmas Everybody.”

I have too much... in my wardrobe

“Too many shoes!”

I have too little... in my wardrobe

“I don't have enough clothes!”

Celebs wardrobe you'd love to raid?

“Christine Centenera.”

It's no secret that you love colour, but what's your favourite hue?

“Hmm yellow or green.”

How do you take your coffee?

“Coconut latte with hazelnut syrup to be exact.”