Talk about a double-whammy. The Princess of Wales has made a triumphant return to royal duties, attending her second engagement of the week – her annual carol concert at Westminster Abbey – last night.
And for this event, like the first, she turned to her most trusted designer: Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.
Kate’s double decker-red, double-breasted coat is a bespoke design by the British fashion house, and an item she has worn on three previous occasions.
Her skirt was another recycled choice, again by a British brand, Emilia Wickstead. The regal kilt-esque design in a perfectly festive tartan (£1,456) was first worn by the Princess in 2018.
Yet Kate brought her wardrobe classics straight into 2024 with one clever addition. Yes, the black velvet bow that she added to the coat’s neckline.
Once thought of as girlish, bows are now a by-word for grown-up dressing and a huge trend for winter 2024 for both clothes and interiors, seen on everything from bags to festive bannisters – the bigger the better.
It’s not the first time Kate’s used a bow to upcycle a look. To attend Trooping the Colour this year, she similarly added a large black and white striped bow to the neckline of an old Jenny Packham dress, adding a note of playful sophistication.
And with this accessory’s Christmas giving connotations, Kate has yet again nailed the art of ‘literal dressing’ to support the message of this event, which is so dear to her heart.
The Princess of Wales has made a triumphant return to royal duties, attending her second engagement of the week
or this event, like the first, she turned to her most trusted designer: Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen
Kate’s double decker-red, double-breasted coat is a bespoke design by the British fashion house
Her skirt was another recycled choice, again by a British brand, Emilia Wickstead. The regal kilt-esque design in a perfectly festive tartan
It’s no coincidence the Royals wear Bretons on boats and present-like bows and red (note the Prince of Wales, George and Louis’s co-ordinating red ties tonight) for carol concerts
Kate brought her wardrobe classics straight into 2024 with one clever addition. Yes, the black velvet bow that she added to the coat’s neckline
It’s no coincidence the Royals wear Bretons on boats and present-like bows and red (note the Prince of Wales, George and Louis’s co-ordinating red ties tonight) for carol concerts.
£240 pearl earrings by Mulberry and a £110 English-made bangle by Halcyon Days completed Kate’s thematic look.
It was only her Ralph Lauren boots (approximately £864) that weren’t by a British designer.
Upcycling old favourites, showcasing the best of British design (itals) and (itals) an on-trend twist? Take a bow, Kate.