There’s nothing like dressing for the season – and this is certainly nothing like dressing for the season. Maria caught our eye as we prowled the streets of Brighton in search of style warriors, cheerfully sporting a 12th night-defying Christmas jumper, with an optimistic pair of shorts while the rest of us are shivering in long johns. Her general fashion manifesto is a fondness for vintage and lots of red – she talked us through her look:

Jacket It’s my 11 year-old sister’s, from H&M Kids, worn for the cropped effect.

Jumper It’s from Dirty Harry, with a Christmas tree, lots of Disney characters and a gingerbread man. I wear it all year round.

Shorts From Top Shop. Yes, it is a bit cold. I’ve got a fur coat in the car just in case.

Tights I never wear less than a 40-denier, unless they’re the ones with black seams up the back.

Boots From Office – they’re 11-hole.

Bag From Paul’s Boutique. It’s a Chanel copy, I can’t really afford the real thing at the moment.

Bracelets I went to my first festivals last summer so I’ve kept the bracelets from them. I’ve got Big Chill and Reading on. They drip a bit after a shower but they don’t itch much.