The Royal Pantsuit Resurgence
Once upon a time, one particular Princess of Wales was revered for her admiration of a classic two-piece ensemble. Fast forward several decades and it would seem the current holder of that ancient title is having a dalliance with one of fashion’s most tried and tested combinations.
After twenty, at times tumultuous, years in the public eye, Catherine, Princess of Wales, has journeyed through her personal style to many a stranger’s positive and negative opinion. In the early days of courtship with the future King, Kate often donned low-rise denim jeans, knee-high boots and mini dresses, her noughties aesthetic decidedly that of a ‘Sloane Ranger’. During the early years of her marriage, she opted towards safer sartorial pickings, leading some (Sarah Vine, Daily Mail 2016) to call the Duchess at the time ‘drab’. Eager to focus on the road ahead and her new, probably petrifying, position, Kate seemingly chose to wear what she and her team believed ‘worked’, rarely taking a risk.
L to R: Alexander McQueen, Holland & Cooper, Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Alexander McQueen.
Now just one step from the throne, the Princess has begun to experiment in new and exciting ways (remember *that* gold dress?). Since returning to Royal duties after a drawn-out Summer break with a new 70s-inspired hairdo, her current stylistic obsession is undeniable. After years of relying closely on the security of her beloved coat dress, the pantsuit has become this Princess’ armour. Since the 8th of September, Kate has worn 10 variations of trousers/blazer or trouser/shirt combination (she has only presented one coat dress). Including a slick white Alexander McQueen co-ord previously worn, a Maje double-breasted houndstooth tweed blazer, an emerald green Burberry jacket and trouser union and a cherry red textured Zara blazer. Each and every ensemble has proven an exemplar of precision tailoring.
While on a recent visit to a Ukrainian centre in Bracknell, Kate took her new appearance to a new preppy level. Wearing a sleeveless grey jumper atop a crisp white shirt with oversized sleeves, the Princess chose to accessorise her Sezane mottled grey trousers with tweed pumps from J.Crew.
The change in the Royal wardrobe comes almost exactly one year following Kensington Palace’s announcement that it would no longer be sharing details of the Princess’ outfits while on engagements (not including state occasions and overseas visits.) The decision was taken in order to place a stronger focus on the work carried out, however, Royal fashion fans have managed to keep the ‘Duchess Effect’ in full working order, swiftly recognising almost any item. Moving towards a more corporate image across the board, Kate’s latest wardrobe additions have certainly kept things fresh and visually absorbing, even if one may miss her world-famous coat dress every now and then.
