Royal style: 'tis the season for tiaras, fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la

[QueenOfTheAndals]

Previous thread

@Bellevu, good point, it’s probably more accurate to say for those of us growing up at that time. I’m 10 years younger than Diana, so was very much growing up when she came to the world’s attention.

Diana was the one who understood the power of what clothes and accessories could do in the press. I'm not sure she was edgy for fashion, more that it would get her on the front pages of the newspapers.

Yeah I think all this "dressing for posterity", "she has a Duchess uniform" and "she isn't really into clothes" are Mumsnet theories rather than fact. I was of the opinion that she isn't really into fashion but she really embraced the midi dress trend over the summer and I thought it was an interesting departure from her block coloured dresses. I still don't get the 10 identical coats thing but I guess if I had her budget then I might do it too!

@frugalkitty I wouldn't say Diana was edgy but she certainly embraced all the styles of the 80s and 90s. As did HM and PM in the 50s and 60s.

It’s the mother of the bride coat dresses that I really dislike on Kate I don’t think any woman of her generation or the next generation for that matter would ever wear them so I have no idea why she favours them so much, I love these looks on her.

I think her working wardrobe looks like air crew uniform.

I think she dress too old. Her outfits would look perfect on Carole Middleton

I think that commenting on the details of an outfit is what makes this thread more interesting. If we all simply said "She looks stunning" as most of the press seem to do, where would the interest be?
Just as a book thread is more interesting when plot & character are discussed, so a fashion thread comes to life when fabric, line and fit are talked about.

I like a lot of Kate's looks, both formal and casual. I like her flippy skirts (a lone voice here! ) but not keen on her Max Wall style skinny jeans & boots! I think she looks best in jewel & warm berry colours. And I adore her hats!

The York girls are a little younger than Kate, but also at different life stages, no children yet etc, and are at a different level in the hierarchy, so their fashion choices/influences won't be the same as Kate's.

I think you are right @Bertrand and @Encyclo.

Also, ultimately, I just don't think Kate is that into clothes. She dresses well and appropriately - never misses a beat, on duty or off, really.

But she's never going to set trends or be edgy. That's not her thing.

Who knows what her thing is - maybe it's sport, maybe it's family. Maybe it's stamp collecting or growing spuds or share trading 🤷‍♀️.

It could even be walking three paces behind her husband. Whatever... that's her business. It doesn't seem to be looking like a clothes horse though.

(Not sure that excuses 100 coat dresses in forest green, and a dozen others in Kermit green, but - again - that's her choice),

I don't think she's uninterested in clothes - surely you don't appear on the cover of Vogue unless you have some interest in fashion?

I find her literal dressing an interesting quirk. Maybe she should lean into it even more? So the next time she visits Bletchley, that ODLR jacket but with a full skirt a la Dior's New Look and hair in 1940s rolls. If she ever ends up patron of the Royal Ballet, a dress with a tulle skirt to their gala performance etc etc!

Sophie at Sandhurst today. Has she borrowed a coat from Kate?

I think Sophie has worn the blue cost before. It's such a lovely colour.

It really suits her colouring doesn't it?

Sophie is my favourite royal. She shines a light on some amazing causes. She seems to do through phases of when I love her clothes and then they don't seem quite right to me. She seems to have more fun with clothes than she used to.

Her work with charities that combat VAWG is commendable. Makes me wonder how she can bear to be in the same room as her MiL.

Not MiL, BiL!

I think all Andrew's siblings will have been frosty with him for years. This year will be a very tense Christmas for sure. Lucky Meghan and Harry being away.

I would not want to be there at christmas will be a minefield trying not to put your foot in it.

But his wider family ‘couldn’t be more supportive ‘. According to him. So perhaps we are all imagining they disapprove. Blood is thicker than water and they all have each other’s backs when it comes to the plebs or journalists.

I couldn’t be more supportive of him either.

As in I actually can’t support him even if I try.

I read 'wider family' as some long lost Aunt who was just happy to get an allowance.

No one ever looks like they have any more than a cordial relationship with Andrew.

Some cute picture from Sweden of Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar celebrating Saint Lucia's day today. Although a 3rd Century Christian martyr - Saint Lucia has become really big in Scandinavia. It has become incorporated into Christmas celebrations. There is usually a "Lucia" with a crown of burning candles and her maids. Children's event usually include star boys, Santas and Gingerbread characters, Every nursery, school, town and village will have their own Lucia celebration - often early in the morning before daybreak (shudders at the memory of having to have kids in costume to nursery for 6.30 am)

CPV's kids did their version on horseback at the Royal stables.

Omg, that is such a little Thelwell pony! Gorgeous!

I think if they were truly supportive of him they would have shown it some way. I think the queen is but the rest I'm not so sure.

I guess we will see on Christmas Day 1) if he does the walk to church 2) if he does will anyone walk with him?

My guess his he will rock up with the queen in the car but I hope someone says he should stay at home with Phillip! I think that will be the best indication of how supportive the family really are as they aren't going to come out and say anything either fro or against.

Enough about he who should not be named though. How about we spin it round instead of what Kate does wrong what are some of people's favourite Kate looks? For me these three stand out as strong looks for her but I'm sure there are more.