We can all be guilty of falling into style patterns, thinking we’ve found a formula that works for us and going with it. Coco Chanel may have said, “fashion is temporary, but style is eternal,” but that doesn’t mean it’s not healthy to constantly review your wardrobe and improve the way you dress.
The Princess of Wales used her early 40s to do just that. After establishing a globally recognized personal style in her 30s, she’s made some tweaks over the past two years, meaning she’s likely looking more sophisticated than ever as she celebrates her 42nd birthday.
These are the fashion habits she adopted to achieve this.
Keep introducing new brands
In the early years of her royal life, there were certain labels that Kate became synonymous with; You may remember the nude LK Bennett heels or all of Catherine Walker and Co.’s dresses. While these old favorites still have their place, the Princess and her longtime stylist Natasha Archer understand that injecting some new names will keep things fresh.
For example, at the Christmas carol ceremony together, the Princess wore a stylish white tailored coat that turned out to be a couture design by Savile Row-trained tailor Chris Kerr, who counts Nick Cave and Keanu Reeves among his clients. . An unexpected but inspiring choice to add grown-up elegance to the royal repertoire.
Even more relatable, Kate has finally jumped on the dress bandwagon that thousands of British women have been wearing for years, and now owns two dresses from vintage-inspired brand Rixo.
Take risks
Now the Princess knows exactly what suits her. But he did make an effort to try out some new ideas (within reason) that kept royal watchers hooked on the wardrobe plot. These also tend to be some of her most talked about outfits.
Take the puff-sleeved, yellow floral Alessandra Rich dress that debuted in the Bahamas in 2022; For some, it’s a charming nod to vintage glamor, for others it’s garish and outdated. For everyone who thought her polka-dot tea dress at Royal Ascot that same year was a sweet homage to Princess Diana, there was someone who dismissed it as “cosplay” too. Additionally, the red cape worn to greet the South Korean President in November was either dramatic and ostentatious or chillingly reminiscent of a past, depending on who you talked to. The Handmaid’s Tale costume.
You can never please everyone, but for those of us for whom trying something new is less risky, it can be an empowering exercise.
Build a collection of the pieces you trust most
Once upon a time you’d never see the Princess wearing a tailored coat, but now she’s taking a more serious approach to the job of being the senior royal, and that’s reflected in how she dresses – in fact, so does much of her. Whether it’s a polished or casual vibe, outfits now center around a blazer.
As a result, its collection of these products is very extensive; It covers everything from Zara (the Spanish store even has the Spanish store’s design in several different colourways) to Reiss, to fashion-forward Blazé and French cool-girl brand Maje. We’re all guilty of overbuying or making an impulse purchase, but Princess’ strategy of building a massive collection of styles she knows will keep her coming back makes sense.
It’s not boring to know what suits you
The Princess has a reliable way of knowing that she will always be confident in what she wears; It’s based on formulas with a great history.
In its fifth decade, it has really doubled down and created some identifiable clothing silhouettes, like the knit midi dress and tailored jacket, the suit and blouse, or the cropped waist jacket and pleated skirt. Samey, yes, but it’s also a powerful way to ensure style consistency and send a message of continuity.
Show off hidden wealth in white
Even the Princess of Wales is not beyond being affected by the zeitgeist. Case in point: Form of incorporation into the company Subrogation-She’s been wearing chic pale tones in her wardrobe for the last few years. These looks reflect the “I only travel with a chauffeur or by private jet” attitude. Kate has always loved wearing outfits that make her look more put-together, but in the 2020s, these occasions have become a quiet, luxurious answer to Princess dressing.
Shop forever fashion
The princess can probably have as many luxurious heirlooms as she wants, especially considering Prince William inherited the Duchy of Cornwall and the huge income it generates. Perhaps because she had priceless historical jewels at her fingertips, or because she was generally thought to be happier in athleisure than designer clothes, Kate has never seemed all that interested in classic fashion signifiers of status.
That is, until last year. We’ve seen her incorporate the classic quilted bag and tweed jacket into her wardrobe, both highly sought-after collectibles from Chanel; perhaps a sign that your 40s bring new assurance about true longevity investments.
Know that you still have it
The idea that women in their 40s and beyond might start to secretly fade into the background is now outdated, but Princess gave us some reassuring reminders that 40 really might be the new 25. And she’s done it in all style contexts, from wearing shorts to wearing shorts. The gorgeous Jenny Packham and her tiaras are on a visit to Plymouth to make headlines around the world. There is no excuse not to embrace his modern and innovative approach.
