Grown-up style 2012

Stella McCartney with Victoria Pendleton, Ellie Simmonds and Jessica Ennis.

Let's talk about the year's best grown-up fashion moments. The highlights. The That's Not My Age New Year Honours List. It's impossible to talk about 2012 without mentioning the London Olympics. The Games exceeded my wildest expectations. I cheered, I sobbed, I didn't want it to end. From Nicola Adams to Rachel Yankey, the Olympic and Paralympic athletes were amazing. But let's not forget the woman who created their sports kit: Stella McCartney, 42. Already awarded Designer of the Year 2012 and an OBE, I think she deserves another gong for bringing back the glam-rock inspired, gold Lurex jumpsuit. Three cheers for Stella.

Photo: The Times

Olympic rower Katharine Grainer and Clare Balding.

And what about TV presenter Clare Balding? Whose natural, easy-going style, genuine love of sport and superb knowledge, made Olympic-viewing a joy this summer. The 41-year-old recently told Grazia, 'I'm not super-glam and people can relate to that. I dressed casually because I wanted to say, "This is me. I'm not restyling myself because what I look like isn't the point."' Hoorah.  Here she is (above, on the right) looking super-glam at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award.

Photo: Time.

Of course there was something to celebrate on the other side of the Atlantic too. The whole world breathed a collective sigh of relief, early morning 7 November at the news of another Obama victory and four more years of the most fabulous First Lady. Who can forget Michelle Obama's brilliant speech at the Democratic National Convention - and her strong sense of style? She celebrated the election night victory in a worn-twice-before Michael Kors dress. The fashion world calls this recycling or repeating. I call it wearing old clothes.

Another big Michelle Obama, 48, moment came when she flew into London for the Olympic Games and eclipsed a gaffe-prone Mitt Romney. Remember him? How we admired her tact and diplomacy, and her love of a neatly tailored jacket:

Photo: Getty

Kate Moss made an unexpected appearance at the Olympics too. The Closing Ceremony definitely wasn't a patch on Danny Boyle's spectacular Opening Ceremony but hey there were supermodels and the ghostly voice of David Bowie. Here's Moss, 38, going for gold again, in vintage Marc Jacobs, at her London book launch.

Photo: Getty.

The Queen's James Bond cameo has already won a TNMA award, so let's give it up for Dame Judi Dench. The legendary actress looked absolutely stunning at the Skyfall premiere. And just in case there are people out there that still haven't seen the movie, let's just say it's not a happy ending for M.

Dial M for Marvellous. Photo: Zimbio.

Last but certainly not least, the wonderful Mary Berry whose culinary skills and striking floral jackets illuminated the Great British Bake Off. The 77-year-old's love of a Victoria sponge is quite impressive too, 'I know that you should only have a small slice but I'm never going to stop eating cakes. I love it.'

GBBO's Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry.

Who would you add to the list?

Happy New Year!