Royal Style: Bring on the Summer Bling!

[Maireas]

Royal Style: Summer's lease will soon be here, as will summer style, we hope!

(I’m going to the Chelsea Flower Show next week and can guarantee that most of the 40 year old women there for corporate entertaining will be dressed just like Kate!)

I love Marie's dress, it's very pretty, and Leti rocks that hot pink, plus I love her bag. Mathilde's outfit isn't quite right, I think maybe the neckline is too high, and perhaps all over lace is a bit much? I like her hair though, it's less severe.

Another few recent pictures of Mathilde from her recent trip to Instanbul. I think she is looking good these days. I think the softer hair helps. Dressing as a senior Royal seems really tricky to me. And there is an awful lot of standing around in front of men in suits 😂

I agree with you, @chesticlesabout Mathilde's hair, the softer style suits her. I like the skirt and blouse, less so the red dress which is a bit overwhelming.
Yes, dressing as a senior royal woman is a bit fraught.

I like the white dress with the cutouts on Mathilde’s - that is less trad-royal and more modern (to my eyes) and suits her shape too.

Mathilde is looking great at the moment - I've seen her in some great outfits and I like the red dress posted above. She also looks fab in her reading glasses further up the thread - they really suit her.

I see a lot of trousers / silky blouse at work - with a jacket or smart cardigan if needed - so not dissimilar to some of Kate's work outfits. But also a lot of skirts/dresses and trainers still. Fifteen years ago my work wardrobe was full of the Next suits that someone mentioned previously along with a few shift dresses and matching jackets.

I agree with whoever it was that said that many off us used to dress in a much 'older style' - it was all very Melanie Griffith from Working Girl. I remember going to nightclubs in the late 80s wearing a peplum suit with shoulder pads, a blouse, BIG perm and high heels - DD was horrified by some of the photos but we thought we looked amazing.

I’d love to see Mathilde with a fringe. I think it would suit her. Vogue Williams had a faux one the other day and it looked great on her.

Yes and, coupled with the slightly tousled hair, it feels a bit sexier than what she usually goes for.

I'm also in the US and think that Catherine's day look is generally dull - not necessarily old fashioned but dull. Also she's been dressing like this all through her 30s as well as now in her 40s so it isn't really an age thing. Her stuff is perfectly appropriate but ... dull. She is a lovely looking woman with a figure made for clothes - she can knock it out of the park with evening clothes but rarely gets the wow look in day clothes - like Leti or Mary do. Like I said upthread you can't really compare anyone to Maxima.

Speaking of which I love that pink dress on Leti - beautiful colour and length.

I'm going to the Chelsea flower show too & agree , those hosting corporate events ( and those attending ) will dress similarly. It isn't Ascot , although occasionally you do see people dressed like that during the evening but even on the Tuesday opening evening people don't typically dress like that. My main criteria for Chelsea is comfortable shoes. 😊

I think C could up the ante a little bit on colour for day to day engagements even if the outfits themselves are not outrageous - the beige , brown etc I don't think suit her particularly, although I think cream and white do , and as HLMTQ said re wearing bright colours "I have to be seen to be believed."

My main criteria for Chelsea. Trainers and a Tote bag for the leaflets and brochures. Unfortunately unable to go this year but I do love it. Can also recommend Hampton court flower show which I think I prefer to Chelsea.

I've only been to Hampton Court flower show once , but I can see trainer / comfy shoes even more needed there. It's huge (in area) compared to Chelsea as I recall. I think they both have their charms.

I think if Kates jacket was navy (like Sophie’s recent outfit) or maybe a forest green would have elevated it. But it looks a bit “this jacket will do”

It may have been more “this jacket that I already own is Italian” (it was, so was her belt).

I agree with you. She wisely chose Italian designs

I'm mostly pro on Kate's beige ensemble. I liked the combination of textures and the brown belt and shoe tips stopped it being entirely bland. She was meeting young children and the skirt provided a slightly softer look, whilst still being smart.

I have mixed feelings about the shoes. I associate those contrast tips with smart shoes for the older generation, but I have a sentimental affection for the look. I think it would have been amazing on Kate if she'd chosen a slightly younger, more modern looking style. Somehow the sensible block heel and broad straps make hers look a bit staid. From the front the contrasting dark, pointed toes look great - literally and figuratively sharp!

Zara has very good legs. I like this outfit on her

Yes, Za looks good there and has amazing legs!

She looks really good when she veers away from the trussed up look!

I’m not keen on the silver shoes (either style or colour) but great dress and I like Mike’s jacket too.

Edward and Sophie appropriately attired at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Edward looks good in a well fitted single breasted jacket. I would not have thought a beige gore-tex coat would work on anyone if I saw it on a rail, but actually the whole outfit works well and suits Sophie. Although I am itching to say “don’t walk with your hands in your pockets, what if you fall over!

I like Zara's dress - I think the simple shape suits her really well

They are a couple of total frumps. Particularly Edward.

Zara looks gorgeous here.

Zara looks great, I’ll forgive the silver shoes! She’s worn quite a bit of Rebecca Vallance (particularly when they are over in Australia) and most of it seems to work for her.

Sophie and Edward look fine, I think Lady Louise has been working at the Royal Windsor Show too.