How Kate became the Queen of 'literal dressing'

How Kate became the Queen of 'literal dressing'
Source: Daily Mail Online

The Princess of Wales never fails to strike the right chord with her stylish looks - but beyond being effortlessly fashionable, her ensembles also frequently pay homage to her surroundings.

Kate is no stranger to dressing to theme with both literal and figurative nods to the heritage of where she is visiting, or building on an aesthetic through patterns, symbols and accessories.

These range in subtlety.

During her and William's most recent visit to Northern Ireland, the royal, 43, made her fondness of the region clear as donned an emerald green trench coat for engagements near Cookstown in county Tyrone.

Earthy, khaki camouflage shades followed in later outfits throughout the day - with sweet shamrock-shaped earrings to add glam.

It's not the first time the Princess has opted for colour as a way to pay tribute - she has also worn hues present on the flags of nations she has visited multiple times, including a poignant navy and yellow dress when meeting displaced Ukrainian families.

Earlier this year, when arriving for engagement in Pontypridd, Wales, Kate was elegant in a scarlet Alexander McQueen coat, matching the patriotic red dragon - also sporting a daffodil to accentuate regional pride.

Other times, her choices have been more rooted in context than culture.

During her and William's most recent visit to Northern Ireland , the royal, 43, made her fondness of the region clear as donned an emerald green trench coat for engagements near Cookstown in county Tyrone

Earthy, khaki camouflage shades followed in later outfits throughout the day - with sweet shamrock-shaped earrings to add glam

Over the summer, the Princess - who is patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club - made a dazzling appearance at the final.

What did she opt for? A tribute to tennis whites, of course.

Kate once again focused attention on the reason for the season with an ivory fitted ensemble featuring a structured button-up shirt and flowy skirt.

And to add a little extra athletic fair, she went for a purple ribbon - one of the AELTC's signature colours.

At other times, it's not just the garments that do the talking.

In January, the Princess of Wales wore a necklace from a celebrated Jewish curator as she attended a moving a Holocaust Memorial Service in London.

As she made an appearance at the event, which paid tribute to those who suffered the horrors committed during World War II, Kate appeared to send a message of support as she donned a stunning vintage faux pearl necklace from luxury jeweller Susan Caplan during the commemoration.

The brand took their Instagram page to thank Kate for highlighting an artist from a community which was horrifically victimised.

Earlier this year, when arriving for engagement in Pontypridd, Wales, Kate was elegant in a scarlet Alexander McQueen coat, matching the patriotic red dragon - also sporting a daffodil to accentuate regional pride

Over the summer, the Princess - who is patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club - made a dazzling appearance at the final. What did she opt for? A tribute to tennis whites, of course

'Today marks 80 years since the Holocaust, and as a Jewish owned brand we are honoured that the Princess of Wales chose to wear our necklace for today's memorial to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day,' they penned, in a post alongside a photo of the future Queen.

And in other instance, Kate has also opted for more hidden statements.

Over spring, she presented The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design - and championing UK creatives, Kate showed her support for another sartorial legend, Victoria Beckham.

The royal attended an event held by the British Fashion Council at London's 180 Studios in May, to celebrate those at the helm of Britain's thriving fashion industry, as well as recognise those who are leading the way in sustainable practices and making a positive impact on the environment.

Paying homage to yet another icon in the industry, Kate was typically sophisticated in a stunningly tailored khaki power suit, sporting VB's patch pocket jacket, retailing for £850, and matching £490 'Alina' trousers, both in the colour 'willow'.

The mother-of-three is known for her love of literal dressing, and regularly gives a nod to the event she is attending and countries she is visiting with her clothing.

She often selects 'nautical' style outfits for maritime visits, such as arriving at a sailing regatta for charitable causes, having in 2022 donned a striped navy top with a pair of white shorts for the occasion in Plymouth.

Meanwhile she also gives a nod to the sporting teams she is supporting with her outfit. That same year, the royal wore a full red ensemble to watch England play Papua New Guinea in the Rugby League World Cup quarter-final match at the DW Stadium, Wigan.

In January, the Princess of Wales wore a necklace from a celebrated Jewish curator as she attended a moving a Holocaust Memorial Service in London

And in other instance, Kate has also opted for more hidden statements. Over spring, she presented The Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design - and championing UK creatives, Kate showed her support for another sartorial legend, Victoria Beckham

The Princess of Wales showcased her love of 'literal dressing' in 2022 as she donned the colours of the Ukrainian flag to meet with displaced families in Reading

The Duchess often selects 'nautical' style outfits for maritime visits such as arriving at a sailing regatta for charitable causes

On Christmas Day 2024 at Sandringham, she wore an emerald Alexander McQueen coat with a heritage Scottish scarf; an elegant reference to national tradition while capturing the festive spirit of the season

Elsewhere, she also regularly chooses floral prints while visiting Chelsea Flower Show.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Los Angeles based stylist Tyler Ellis that the method has made the Princess of Wales into 'the female embodiment of the United Kingdom itself'.
'She represents an entire nation with authenticity, grace, and elegance; her wardrobe serving as a reflection of her devotion to both duty and diplomacy,' she explained.
'Kate—already one of most recognised women world and future Queen Consort—has gracefully embraced lifelong role support service making uniquely her own.'
'With quiet strength she embodies respect dignity—not only through actions but also through thoughtful subtleties wardrobe.'
Tyler explained that Princess's style 'never accidental'.
'With great sensitivity she uses fashion diplomatic tool honoring countries visits gestures national symbols traditions,' she shared.
'She wore maple leaf-red dress Queen's maple leaf brooch Canada Day celebrations Ottawa; striking green gown Ireland reflecting nation's color; Poland she appeared crisp white red mirror Polish flag.
'On tour Bhutan paid homage culture ensemble reflecting traditional Bhutanese dress; blending respect modern elegance.
'Her choices home carry same intention. Most recently Christmas Day 2024 Sandringham wore emerald Alexander McQueen coat heritage Scottish scarf; elegant reference national tradition capturing festive spirit season.'
'In past years often turned rich reds deep greens classic seasonal patterns reflect holiday mood role within Royal Family.'
'For maritime engagements gravitated timeless navy-and-white stripes; quiet deliberate acknowledgement nautical setting.'

However, the expert added, Kate also does a great job of knowing when to play the method more subtly.

‘There are her red-carpet moments where she shows mastery of glamour while never compromising her innate elegance,’ she explained.

‘The shimmering gold Jenny Packham gown she wore to the 2021 James Bond premiere, walking alongside Prince William, remains a defining moment.

‘It was regal, radiant, and commanding; an unmistakable reminder that she can stand shoulder to shoulder with global icons while still embodying the refinement expected of her role.’