As is customary in July, fashion retailers have been showing off the pieces they think will make an impact this Christmas.

Lace, shearling and velvet were key fabrics at the retailers’ press shows, while sequins and heritage cuts were also prevalent.

John Lewis focused on partywear, much of it in brocade or velvet. Highlights included the midnight blue velvet men’s tux, which puts a John Lewis Christmas spin on classic formalwear.

River Island’s more fashion-forward options included a claret velvet baseball cap and sequinned and velvet low cut party dresses.

Topshop also went down the velvet route, with a turquoise suit and a grey backpack sure to woo consumers during the holiday season. Its ornate sequin dress should be a winner too.

M&S also hedged its bets with velvet cullottes: a key cut in a very festive fabric which ticks the transitional box. Another stand-out piece was a sequinned gold jacket.

Boohoo showed a range of transitional bomber jackets for men and women in rich fabrics and colours. These are a safe bet as cover-ups for casual parties or for outerwear if this winter is as mild as the last.

John Lewis also got in on the sequinned trend with a multi-coloured clutch bag which will be easy for consumers to pair with plainer outfits for after work parties.

Luxe nightwear and lingerie was also a key theme: The White Company and Marks & Spencer both capitalised on their strengths here.

Amazon had a section dedicated to fashion and jewellery at its Christmas show. Heritage tailoring from labels such as Denmark’s Won Hundred are sure to woo shoppers come Christmas, and are a clear sign of the etail giant’s fashion ambitions.