While many critique royal fashion for its perceived conservatism, that very restraint is its allure. There's plenty to learn from their approach. Let's explore the autumn wardrobes of Kate Middleton and Queen Elizabeth II.
Kate Middleton’s Fall Wardrobe
Kate is a celebrated fashion icon who leans toward refined, timeless looks. Occasionally, she experiments with hemlines, opting for dresses and skirts above the knee, but she always balances them with a modest, covered top. Some may find her outfits too predictable, yet they perfectly reflect her royal standing.
Coat
View this post on Instagram What colour looks best on Kate? 🤎 or 💙 A post shared by Kate Middleton (@katemiddletonphotos) on Feb 2, 2020 at 11:26pm PST
Kate’s coat collection brims with rich autumn hues: forest green, wine, brown, sand, and more. Deep green is especially flattering, complementing her eyes and hair. She favors tailored, fitted silhouettes that highlight her slender frame. The Duchess pairs her coats with turtlenecks and skirts—the turtleneck being an essential fall staple.
Suits
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kate Middleton (@_kate_middleton_royal) on Feb 18, 2020 at 10:39pm PST
Kate’s suit ensembles are a goldmine for office workers. Notably, the Duchess of Cambridge opts for skirts far more than trousers. Her formula: a pencil skirt hitting just above the knee, paired with a structured, fitted jacket. She confidently experiments with colors like sky blue, emerald, burgundy, and wine, but keeps accessories minimal. Her footwear is equally understated—no flashy leopard prints. Expect classic black or beige pumps, always with a high heel.
Dresses
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kate Middleton (@_kate_middleton_royal) on May 25, 2020 at 7:46am PDT
The royal loves feminine, fitted dresses—clearly a favorite cut. Hemlines typically fall just below or above the knee. As with coats, color plays a starring role. Recently, Kate stunned in a lovely lavender dress, a shade that was a 2020 trendsetter.
Casual
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kate Middleton (@_kate_middleton_royal) on Mar 6, 2020 at 5:22am PST
Like many, the Duchess of Cambridge occasionally embraces casual style. One standout look: a parka, black skinny jeans, and sneakers. Though skinny jeans may have fallen out of fashion, they suit Kate remarkably well. The result is a simple, chic everyday outfit.
Houndstooth Print
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Royals frequently wear plaid suits and houndstooth coats. A black-and-white check can be paired with matching boots, a green scarf, and a bag. Another striking option is a red-and-white check combined with a burgundy handbag and shoes, just as Kate does.
Queen Elizabeth II’s Autumn Wardrobe
A whole book could be written about the Queen of England’s wardrobe—and Angela Kelly, her longtime dressmaker, did just that in her memoir The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe. Here are a few fashion habits that have become her signature.
Color Therapy
View this post on Instagram The Queen in blue! 💙 – – – #BritishRoyals #BritishMonarchy #BritishRoyalFamily #royalfamily #BritishRoyalty #Realeza #QueenElizabethII #ElizabethII #PrincePhilip #DukeofEdinburgh #PrinceOfWales #PrinceCharles #CamilaParkerBowles #DuchessofCornwall #Kensingtonroyal #PrinceWilliam #DukeofCambridge #KateMiddleton #DuchessOfCambridge #Sussexroyal #PrinceHarry #DukeOfSussex #MeghanMarkle #DuchessofSussex #Past #PastTime #Time #Remember #Remembering #BritishDream A post shared by Monarchies (@royal.monarchy) on Sep 17, 2020 at 9:33pm PDT
Elizabeth II adores suits and coats in every rainbow color—yellow, green, blue, fuchsia. For instance, she once completed a fuchsia outfit with a matching hat topped with a red feather. Black is virtually banned from her wardrobe, except during mourning. Bright colors are a wonderful way to lift spirits on gray autumn days. Plus, a vivid coat needs little else; neutral accessories suffice.
READ: WHEN TASTES CAME TOGETHER: CELEBRITIES WHO CHOOSE THE SAME CLOTHES
Accessories
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Queen Elizabeth II UK 🇬🇧 (@queenelizabethiiuk) on Aug 31, 2020 at 11:50am PDT
Gloves are a near-constant companion for the Queen. The rule: the shorter the sleeve, the longer the gloves. This accessory can elevate any outfit. She typically matches her gloves with scarves she has worn since her youth.
Footwear
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thr British Royal Family (@britishmonarchy) on Aug 21, 2020 at 12:16am PDT
Elizabeth is conservative when it comes to shoes. Stiletto heels are never seen; she prefers practical low-heeled shoes with rounded or square toes. Looking at photos, it seems she wears the same pair with metal fittings, unchanged since the 1950s. In reality, her footwear is custom-made by the renowned British brand Anello & Davide. The brand gained fame in the 1960s when the Beatles spotted Chelsea boots in their window and decided to try them. As for Elizabeth, the practical monarch sticks to the same style year after year.
