If there’s one royal title that bestows an added element of sartorial flair, it’s the Princess of Wales. Though both Kate Middleton and Princess Diana’s occasion dressing remains the acme of regal chic, it’s the Princesses’ off-duty style that showcases their personal aesthetics.
While the late Lady Spencer pioneered athleisure in her signature oversized graphic sweaters, dad sneakers and bike shorts or tailored blazers, grey sweatpants, baseball caps and cowboy boots, the silhouette has become more synonymous with the boulevards of Los Angeles than the grounds of Buckingham Palace.
Enter: Kate Middleton.
Born and bred in the rural, historic royal county of Berkshire, the Princess’ latest public appearance is an ode to the British countryside. Or perhaps more aptly with the impending release of The Crown’s sixth season, her university days.
Featuring an elevated spin on styles synonymous with bucolic dressing, the pastoral attire is certainly a departure from the sleek pantsuits and soft co-ords the future monarch sports while in London. Think: Queen Elizabeth II’s Balmoral uniform meets high-end Glastonbury staples.
For the occasion, Middleton sported a Breton stripe sweater from Erdem—a mainstay in her royal wardrobe—indigo-wash blue jeans, a military-style Barbour jacket co-designed by Alexa Chung and Chelsea boots.
Perfect for tramping through the Cotswolds, grabbing a pint at the pub or even, as Middleton was, attending a community event during school holidays with her three children and heirs to the British throne; Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 8 and Prince Louis, 5.
Though we’re certainly fond of the former Duchess of Cambridge’s Alexander McQueen sets and structured Emilia Wickstead dresses, seeing the Princess embrace quotidian ensembles with elegant pieces is a mode we’re keen to see more of.