Why the Duchess of Cambridge wears so much red
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The Duchess of Cambridge has an enviable wardrobe with outfits covering all weathers and social occasions, but there is one hue she is particularly fond of turning to - red.
In fact, you’ll find that many an iconic fashion moment involves the duchess wearing the vibrant colour.
As recently as this week the duchess stepped out in an all red outfit which included a scarlet-coloured pleated Christopher Kane skirt with a matching fitted polo-neck, to attend a function at the Forward Trust to launch the charity's Taking Action on Addiction campaign.
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Back in June she reached for a bright red, Zara blazer to attend the Euros 2020 match between England and Germany, showing show her support for her national team in the patriotic colour.
And in May this year she donned a post-box red coat on a visit to the National Portrait Gallery to celebrate the launch of her Hold Still photography book.
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That’s of course not counting the years of red carpet and royal events, in which she has been spotted sporting various shades of the vibrant hue.
From pillar-box red winter coats and matching hats, to chic, crimson coloured evening gowns and smart, fire-engine red blazers, it seems Kate Middleton is a big fan of rolling out the red pieces from her royal clothes rail.
Though it is certainly a look she rocks well, red isn't necessarily the easiest of colours to pull off, so why has it become such a wardrobe staple for the royal?
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According to colour psychologist Lee Chambers, wearing red can have a large amount of significance. As a colour, Chambers says red is highly charged and very warm, while at the same time drawing the eye more than any other colour, with the exception of yellow.
"It gives an intense energy and promotes social behaviour, while giving an internal feeling of power, health and courage," he adds.
Personal brand and colour stylist Melanie Potro agrees that red is a powerful colour that people can't help but be drawn to.
"One thing is clear: if you choose to wear the colour red, even in little doses - for lipstick, a hairband, or shoes - you know you will stand out," she explains. "Why? Because it’s impossible to ignore the colour red. It’s intrinsically linked to our brain, evoking emotions from to passion and anger. It can symbolise love, yet the devil (when not wearing Prada) is always in red.
"We all know when we see a red light that it means Stop! because the colour signifies a warning. We associate it with danger because it is the colour of fire and blood," she adds.
Chambers says that when worn by a figure who is seen as calm and collected, such as the Duchess of Cambridge, the hue doesn't convey the anger and danger in the same way as those who are known for taking risks.
"By taking this extreme away, it opens up a vibrant and adventurous image of more serene people when worn," he explains.
Four reasons red is the Duchess of Cambridge's go-to colour
It's a nod to the regal
There are many historical ties between the colour red and royalty. According to artsandculture.google.com the colour red featured heavily in Chinese royal ceremonies, with many Chinese Emperors wearing red robes, symbolising their royal power.
"Whilst Kings, Popes and people in authority have always used red as a symbol of power and distinction, British royal, Kate Middleton also has a penchant for dresses and coats in a vibrant, 'Riding Hood' red," Potro explains.
Chambers believes that the royal's intentional use of shades from scarlet to crimson portray a signature colour that really helps her to convey an individual royal persona.
"While opting for red aligns behaviourally with royal standards the Duchess uses the colour to express character in a way not dissimilar to how Princess Diana used fashion in an iconic way," he adds.
Equally as its a colour the Queen rarely wears, it is a hue that to a certain extent the Duchess can 'own'.
It's a way of literal dressing
The duchess is well-known for her diplomatic dressing, and regularly tries to connect her outfit to the event she’s attending, subtly paying tribute to whatever country, or institution, she's visiting with her clothes.
As this week's all red number has highlighted the Duchess also often cleverly uses her clothes to give a nod to the seasons, regularly opting to wear the hue when Autumn is in flow and during Christmas festivities.
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Last December, the Duchess joined families and children who are supported by the charity Family Action at Peterley Manor Farm in a very festive red puffer jacket and green jumper.
And back in January to celebrate Burns Night, the Duchess appeared via video wearing a red, tartan dress from Emilia Wickstead.
"She is using the colour while engaging in everyday activities and to milestone major events," Chambers explains.
This Burns Night, we’ve teamed up with @NHSCharities to provide staff at @NHSTayside with a Burns celebration lunch of haggis, neeps and tatties.
Thank you for all that you do — Slàinte Mhath! #BurnsNight2021 🏴 pic.twitter.com/nvALnO9LzR— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) January 25, 2021
It makes her stand out from the crowd
The Queen's brightly coloured wardrobe is deliberately chosen, so her royal fans can easily spot her in a crowd, and the Duchess opting for stand-out red could be an attempt to follow suit
"She certainly catches the eye with her liberal use of red," explains Chambers. "But with her demeanour and approach, it doesn't shout 'look at me' but rather whispers 'take notice'.
"In Kate's position, her use of red signifies a royal settled in her place, able to express herself through colour and emboldened in her approach to what can be a highly charged position in society."
Potro says that having developed into a poised, mature woman, the Duchess shows, by wearing strong shades of red, that she is in charge.
"And of course, by being noticed in the public eye, she can also raise more awareness for causes that are very close to her heart," she adds.
She just loves the colour red
While it seems that there could be a deeper meaning to the Duchess regularly turning to a crimson hue, Potro believes that one of the reasons she so regularly turns to the colour, is that it looks good on her.
"She just loves the colour red and enjoys the attention that comes with it," she explains.
"It goes well with her complexion and brown hair and paired with brown accessories, it’s warm and welcoming.
"Just think of the red dress with the white lace Peter Pan collar she wore after the birth of Prince Louis. She stepped out, looking proud and healthy with her newborn."
Chambers agrees that the colour perfectly compliments the Duchess' 'English rose' complexion while signifying that she is a more fiery character than we are led to believe.
