One would never really describe Kate Middleton’s style as divisive or challenging. She is the Pied Piper of classic. She is the leader when it comes to lovely dresses and delightful coats. More often than not, she plays it safe in her favourite pumps and beloved trinket jewellery. It’s all par for the royal course, we know, but every now and then, the Duchess of Cambridge goes through a more daring streak, and when it happens, you can be sure that our editors become available to pore over every detail.
Hot on the heels of a rather “wow” appearance last night for the premiere of the latest Bond movie, No Time to Die, the DoC followed up her stellar golden caped gown from Jenny Packham with another British designer today. Choosing a vibrant purple trouser suit from Emilia Wickstead was an inspired and rather bold move into autumn territory. Not only are punchy colours a big presence for the new season, but purple is known for being the most controversial hue of them all. Some love purple; others feel a deep hatred towards it. Seeing it on K-Mids, I feel rather charmed by the idea.
This smart ensemble was for a royal tour of Ulster University Magee Campus, Londonderry, Northen Ireland, where the duke and duchess sipped a swift half in the student pub, visited science labs and even had a little one-on-one session with a tarantula. All in a day’s work for a member of The Firm!
She paired her tailored double-breasted jacket and skinny-leg trousers with navy suede pumps and a navy roll-neck, which made for a rather work-appropriate look for anyone heading into an office this side of the year. Even the slick ponytail and gold hoops are a perfect formula for both casual and corporate dress codes. This particular suit looks like a slight adaptation of a runway style for autumn 2021 and doesn’t appear to be available online as it stands.
You may or may not know this already, but purple is seen as the most regal of colours. In fact, it has been associated with wealth and stature for many centuries now, as it was one of the most outrageously expensive dyes for fabric to be dipped in. Nowadays, the spectrum of purple hues is far more attainable. Although, a deep, rich berry hue like this still wields a certain power and certainly stands out in a crowd.
If you’ve been inspired by Catherine, keep scrolling to shop our purple edit.
