Why the Princess of Wales’ suit is so much more than just a fabulous fashion look
The Princess of Wales may have razor sharp instincts for nailing a dress code, but she was never going to turn up to Greentown Labs, North America’s largest climate technology start-up incubator, in a grey hoodie or merino wool trainers.
Instead, she wore what has become her own professional uniform: a tailored suit (this one was burgundy Roland Mouret and Seventies-inspired with a fitted jacket and flared trousers), teamed with a pale pink pussy-bow blouse, a Chanel top-handle bag and Gianvito Rossi heels. Once again, she’d coordinated with William, who wore a burgundy V-neck knit under his blazer, sustaining their power couple image.
It’s an impactful look that plays to Kate’s fashion fans, a huge number of which are American and dedicate blogs, forums and social media feeds to everything she wears. They’ll know, for instance, that she wore those same shoes during South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s state visit to London last week, and that she was first seen with that bag on a trip to Paris in 2017.
The colour combination came across as joyful and optimistic, too; well judged given that the trailer for Harry and Meghan’s anticipated Netflix documentary was released just hours earlier. Had she sustained Wednesday’s slightly more sombre theme (their arrival in Boston was overshadowed by the racism row involving William’s godmother Lady Susan Hussey back home) perhaps it would have started to appear a little apologetic. The differences between the two couples have never been more stark. The Sussexes are selling us their love story; the Waleses are selling us their professional partnership.
The best thing about Kate’s suit though, is that it’s so much more than a fabulous fashion look; it’s a little more practical than the silky midi dresses and coat-dresses she so often wears, and more comfortable too. Exactly what you need on one of the most important overseas trips of your career. No wonder she exudes confidence - wearing a great suit has the potential to do that for all of us.
