by We can all be guilty of falling into a style rut – thinking we’ve found a formula that works for us and run with it. Coco Chanel may have said that “fashion is fleeting but style is eternal,” but that doesn’t mean it’s not healthy to constantly review your wardrobe and change the way you dress.
The Princess of Wales used her early 40s to do this. After shaping a world-renowned personal style in her 30s, over the past two years she’s made a number of changes that mean, as she celebrates her 42nd birthday, she looks arguably more sophisticated than ever.
Here are the fashion habits she has adopted to make it happen.
Continue to introduce new brands
There were certain labels that Kate was synonymous with early in her royal life – you might remember those LK Bennett nude heels or all the Catherine Walker and Co coats. And while these old favorites still have a place, the Princess and her longtime stylist Natasha Archer understand that injecting some new names will keep things fresh.
At her Christmas carol service Together at Christmas, for example, the Princess wore a slim, tailored white coat that was reportedly custom-designed by Chris Kerr, a Savile Row-trained tailor whose clients include Nick Cave and Keanu Reeves. . . It’s an unexpectedly inspired choice to add adult beauty to the royal repertoire.
On a more fair note, Kate jumped on the dress bandwagon that thousands of British women have worn for years and now vintage-inspired label Rixo has two frocks.
Take a risk
By now, the Princess knows exactly what suits her. But she has tried to experiment (within reason) with some new ideas that keep royal watchers glued for wardrobe plot twists. These tend to be some of the most talked about outfits.
Take Alessandra Rich’s puff-sleeve yellow dress that she debuted in the Bahamas in 2022 – a great nod to vintage glamor for some, garish and outdated for others. For everyone who thought the polka dot tea dress at Royal Ascot the same year was a sweet tribute to Princess Diana there was someone who thought it was too “cosplay”. Then there’s the red cape worn to salute the President of South Korea in November which, depending on who you’re talking to, was either dramatic and glamorous or fondly reminiscent of his The story of Bangor suit
You can never please everyone, but for those of us who are less committed to trying something new, it can be an empowering exercise.
Build a collection of the pieces you rely on the most
Once upon a time, you didn’t see the Princess wearing tailored jackets, but she’s now taking a more business-like approach to being a senior royal and it shows in the way she suits – indeed, a large number of her. now the outfits center around a blazer, whether the vibe is glamorous or laid back.
As a result, she has a huge collection of these items, which includes Zara (she even has some of the Spanish store’s designs in multi-colour) and Reiss to Blazé on fashion and the cool French girl brand Maje, among many another. We’re all guilty of overbuying or making an impulse purchase, but the Princess’s strategy of creating a huge collection of styles she knows she’ll keep coming back to makes sense.
Knowing what suits you is not boring
The Princess has a reliable way of knowing that she will always feel confident in what she wears; following formulas with a great track record.
She has doubled this amount in her fifth decade, establishing several recognizable silhouettes of outfits such as the knitted midi dress and tailored coat, the suit and blouse or the waist filled jacket and pleated skirt. Samey Yes, but also a powerful way to achieve consistency of style and send a message of continuity.
Exude stealth wealth in white
Even the Princess of Wales is not particularly influenced by the zeitgeist. Case in point – the way she is embodied Succession– bright chic colors in her wardrobe in the last few years. These reflect an “I only travel with a chauffeur or private jet” attitude. Kate has always loved using clothes to make her more relatable but these occasions are the quiet luxe answer to princess dressing in the 2020s.
Shop fashion forever
It is likely that the Princess could have as many luxury heirlooms as she liked, especially now that Prince William has inherited the Duchy of Cornwall and the large income it generates. Maybe it’s because she’s got priceless historical treasures at her fingertips or because she’s generally thought to be happier in gym wear than designer wear, but it didn’t seem to be the case. Kate is interested in classic fashion status symbols.
Until the year or so, that is. We spotted her introducing a classic quilted handbag and a tweed blazer, both sought-after Chanel collectibles to her wardrobe – a sign, perhaps, that her 40s have given her a new surety about investments that will truly last. they live.
Know that you still have it
It is now an outdated notion that women in their 40s and beyond could start to skulk into the background, but the Princess has given us some positive reminders that 40 could really be the new 25. on a visit to Plymouth to make headlines around the world in Jenny Packham and an absolutely gorgeous tiara. There is no excuse not to adopt her modern and refreshing approach.
