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Kate Down Under...the fashion verdict so far...

300 replies

susannahmoodie · 14/04/2014 09:23

Changed my username when I changed my password but am a regular...

Thought we could enjoy a (shallow and lighthearted, yes) analysis of Kate's antipodean wardrobe choices?

I'm finding it all a bit matchy matchy so far, all the colour blocking reminds me of the queen herself.

Would like to see we in more trousers other than the skinny navy jeans + Breton combo which has been done to death.

OP posts:
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Philoslothy · 14/04/2014 15:46

I am feeling quite mean, I would hate people to analyze my wardrobe every day and constantly look for signs of impregnation

squoosh · 14/04/2014 16:00

I think she looks great here, not too racy but a bit more fashionable than some of the things she's been in recently.

Kate Down Under...the fashion verdict so far...
Philoslothy · 14/04/2014 16:13

Kim and Kate in the same dress.

Kate Down Under...the fashion verdict so far...
Parabolica · 14/04/2014 16:45

Kate seems to play it a lot more safe these days than she used to and overall I have been a bit disappointed with her choices this trip (some of her outfits on the Canada tour and the Queen's jubilee were lovely, eg blush coloured lace outfit she wore to the church service). Her and William's casual outfits for the regatta looked just SO middle-aged and staid. You could cry for them! While I liked the playdate dress objectively it seemed ridiculously formal for playing with babies. Princess Mary and Princess Letizia as mentioned above are great examples (Letizia especially loves a trouser suit) - also Queen Maxima's style might not be to everyone's taste but it does manage to be fun and regal at the same time. Kate has far too amazing a figure to be swamped in heavy coats and matchy matchy accessories all the time. Loving Prince George's little outfits though Smile

thereisnoeleventeen · 14/04/2014 17:52

I think she needs to have a bit of a change tbh, it's all a bit too samey samey. I'd love to see her hair chopped and some different shapes and patters on her.

The best 'fashion' pics that she have been in so far have been the ones where the person she is meeting is wearing an exciting outfit.

Sorry Kate, I'm sure it must be tricky negotiating all the 'what to wear' protocols but could you come on here for advice instead get a new stylist?

squoosh · 14/04/2014 17:58

I wonder what would happen if she said 'no' to their protocols?

MrsCampbellBlack · 14/04/2014 18:46

The wedges, the wedges and those bloody j brands and that awful blazer - did she get given that by the stewards at the olympics Wink

Overall I think she's looked fine - appropriate and under-stated. She's probably planning number 2 so didn't want to spend too much on clothes in case she didn't get back into them Wink

Livingwithminecraftaddicts · 14/04/2014 19:16

I adored the green Erdem coat, just beautiful. The red one was definitely a bit old for her. But obviously she has to keep in line with whats expected. I would love to see her in more from Erdem like this or something a bit edgier I also think Preen would suit her fab figure this or something like this well thats what I'd wear if I had her budget. Sigh. Back to real shopping on h&m site

Legologgo · 14/04/2014 19:17

i like that kates evening dresses have sleeves - it might encourage ore shops to make them

eggeggduck · 14/04/2014 20:50

She looked like a virgin atlantic air hostess when she got off the plane. Very very dull in all, such a shame she has to dress like she's 50.

Philoslothy · 14/04/2014 23:30

Erdem would be a good choice although that is another ageless label. I have the odd bit from Erdem ( sales) as does Samantha Cameron.

Kate Down Under...the fashion verdict so far...
Alibabaandthe40nappies · 15/04/2014 09:45

But if you look at the way her mother and sister dress, maybe this stuff is what she likes?

Her and William's casual outfits for the regatta looked just SO middle-aged and staid. You could cry for them!
What a daft thing to say Hmm

Mignonette · 15/04/2014 10:09

She dresses appallingly. She is young, has an amazing fashion body and has pots of cash so why in gods name is she channeling middle management at a smart wedding? She looks old and tired and frumpy.

The fashion world is her oyster and even if you don't care that much about fashion, you can still dress youthfully but appropriately. Those dreary coat dresses looked old fashioned on Diana in the 80's let alone now. Solid block colours are boring and restricting and the argument that it makes her stand out is a lazy one- she stands out because of who she is.

Hats? ODFG. The only people who should wear hats are the devout in church, racegoers and sometime wedding goers, those that need to keep their hair covered and Isabella Blow (although she hasn't been wearing many lately on account of being dead). They are so stilted in the way she wears them.

Sort the bloody shoes out! There are amazing British shoe designers now; some of the bets in the World in fact. If i was her dresser i'd be dropping a pot of nail varnish on those hideous Sleds.

Am i the only one who thought Diana dressed appallingly too? I do not get the slavish praise of her 'style'. She looked like Mum on hen night half the time and witless KensingtonBot the other. Putting a woman with no waist into shift dresses was an epic fashion failure.

DinoSnores · 15/04/2014 10:49

"the argument that it makes her stand out is a lazy one- she stands out because of who she is."

The Queen has reportedly said that she wears bright block colours so that people far away from her but who have perhaps travelled just to see her can definitely spot her. She really means being able to stand out in a crowd from a distance, not standing out more figuratively.

squoosh · 15/04/2014 11:00

Livingwithminecraftaddicts I'm swooning at some of those dresses you've linked to!

Mignonette · 15/04/2014 11:25

No I got that but I still think it is a lazy argument because if 10% of the crowd are in block colours/ her attendants etc it makes no difference.

sansucre · 15/04/2014 12:19

As lovely as the dresses you've linked too are, they're too ostentatious for the job required. Sure, some would be great for the evening, but for a walkabout, not suitable, and why she opts for lots of dress coats.

And silly I know, particularly given the press (and us) scrutinises her wardrobe and how much it costs but the items she does wear, probably represent more value for money. They're stylish and instantly forgettable and can probably be altered at some point in the future and used again.

I think she's caught between a rock and a hard place tbh with her wardrobe. Her natural style is incredibly Sloaney and while it would be great if she dressed a little bit more edgily, it's just not her, and not suitable unless she's doing something for the British Fashion Council, although SamCam has that niche sewn up.

Given her role, I think she dresses in exactly the way she should. Remember, she's still very new at this so give her some time. Look at Prince Edward's wife, she used to look a fright but is now very stylish. (I can't believe I wrote that!) Additionally, Lady Helen Taylor always looks great and in my opinion is the best dressed British royal, so hopefully she might be a reference point.

She has long. very public life ahead of her and am sure she'll figure it out as she goes along. And with any luck, she'll sort her hair out. It's lovely but it's dragging her face down. I think if she cut it even by an inch or too, she'll automatically look a tiny bit more modern.

squoosh · 15/04/2014 12:29

I forgot about Lady Helen Taylor. Wasn't she an Armani brand ambassador for aeons?

Mignonette · 15/04/2014 12:30

Yes she was Squoosh and working in the art world alongside her DH exposes her to people who really do dress originally and well.

squoosh · 15/04/2014 12:41

I've just googled Lady Helen, she does dress well. I suppose being so far down the line of importance you can do whatever you like. Her kids have cool names too Columbus, Cassius, Eloise and Estella!

squoosh · 15/04/2014 12:42

I can't imagine the Queen giving the nod to a Prince Columbus.

ParkingFred · 15/04/2014 13:13

Yes, I can remember admiring Lady Helen when I was a young teen. She has a hunky husband too, iirc. She seemed cooler (and prettier) than any other royal.

Can you imagine Kate in anything like these?

She wouldn't dare!

ZacharyQuack · 15/04/2014 23:35

Hmm the argument that she wears block colours to make herself more visible in a crowd doesn't really work when she wears a navy blue suit to visit the police college.

ZacharyQuack · 15/04/2014 23:37

Where's wally?

Kate Down Under...the fashion verdict so far...