This year, there’s a certain uniform emerging for Kate Middleton. While she’s had a number of highs on the fashion front of late—stepping out in everything from a pink Emilia Wickstead dress to a red Alexander McQueen number—she’s punctuated those moments with more classic looks that point to a reliable aesthetic she’s been nurturing for years. These are her go-to looks, the ones she can rely on for a daily visit or a public engagement where she needs to feel both understated and elegant..
The Duchess of Cambridge showed up to the opening of the Glades Children’s Centre in Bromley-by-Bow on Tuesday looking the picture of refined simplicity. It was a look we’ve seen from her time and time again: a long-sleeve navy midi dress with a crisp white collar and pretty gold buttons, finished off with a pair of navy heels and a boxy navy handbag. This was not an outfit meant to steal the spotlight; it was a subdued look that fit the setting, the occasion, and the duchess’s own pared-back sensibilities..
It’s also very much in line with her current routine. Since returning from her summer holiday with the family, Kate has been on a series of relatively low-key tours and visits—unveiling a statue of Princess Diana at Kensington Palace, visiting a school in Northern Ireland, and attending a series of sporting events—all of which have warranted chic and functional outfits that aren’t too showy. For these events, she’s leaned on her trove of classic pieces, pulling from her tried-and-true labels like Beulah London, Eponine London, and Emilia Wickstead. She’s also kept the heels to a minimum, wearing Gianvito Rossi pumps or Russell & Bromley flats, and accessorized sparingly with small gold earrings or necklaces..
This all signals a purposeful departure from the fashion tour de force she went on during her Platinum Jubilee tour to the Caribbean in March. There, Kate took full advantage of the tropical setting, appearing in a series of looks that celebrated the islands’ vibrant colors. She wore a magenta pantsuit, a hot-pink ball gown, and a floaty green dress. It was a welcome departure from her usual color palette, but clearly the duchess likes to keep her more adventurous looks for special occasions..
It’s a strategy that’s working, ensuring she can easily transition from casual to formal without skipping a beat. There’s a reason she’s known for her signature look by now—it’s clearly one she’s confident and comfortable in, and it enables her to adapt to any situation. From walking through Caribbean jungles to greeting kids in the British countryside, the duchess has found her groove and stuck with it..
