Fashion edition will spotlight Catherine, the Princess of Wales. She recently wore two stunning dresses announcing that she has completed treatment. If you missed my discussion about it, I’ll link it here if it's already out.
While the focus of her video wasn’t on fashion, she certainly looked spectacular. The blue dress—a charming shirt style—was an excellent choice, casual and comfortable, perfect for the setting. It gave off an easy-going vibe, which is exactly what you’d expect for a day spent in nature. Honestly, I don’t have much to critique; it looked relaxed and was a lovely pale blue—a color she’s particularly fond of.
She tends to gravitate towards blue, especially during her off-duty moments. This is likely a reflection of her personal style, as her wardrobe probably fills up with blue pieces during casual shopping trips.
Moving on to the second dress, this Veronica Beard piece seemed almost tailor-made for the video. Its fit complemented her figure beautifully and evoked the relaxed, feminine vibe of the moment. The dainty details and color scheme were right up her alley. Her hair and makeup looked gorgeous, making it the perfect outfit for such an occasion.
Choosing a dress over something more form-fitting, like jeans and a top, was also a strategic move. A tighter outfit could have drawn attention to any weight changes she may have experienced, which would have shifted the focus away from her important message. Instead, the light, cream-colored dress with its playful pattern conveyed a joyful atmosphere. A darker dress would have clashed with the uplifting tone of the video, so this choice was spot on.
She wore her hair down, which we all know is her go-to style—and Prince William's preferred look for her. She looked magnificent, and it’s hard to believe she’s been through such a challenging time. Clearly, she started from a good place health-wise, and that has certainly helped her recovery.
Some viewers have speculated about whether she’s wearing a wig. I can confidently say no, and the video supports this. You can see her natural hairline in certain shots, which shows a normal progression. While her hair may have thinned slightly due to health changes—like anemia or pregnancy—it’s still in great shape.
It’s wonderful to see her looking so healthy and happy, and I know we’re all excited to see more of her in the spotlight again. Everyone has missed her fabulous fashion moments!
Now, let’s take a look at some of my personal favorite fashion highlights from Catherine, the Princess of Wales. We won’t get too extravagant; just some of our best picks.
Before we dive in, I want to address a common question I get about style. Many of you have asked how to achieve similar looks, especially when you have different body types. Fashion icons often have few style concerns, making it challenging for the rest of us to figure out how to replicate their looks.
We all have one primary style concern that we’d like to camouflage, whether it’s a specific area we’re self-conscious about or just a little insecurity. When we find an outfit that disguises this concern, it boosts our confidence. However, we can get caught up in avoiding that feature and inadvertently hinder our overall style.
Imagine a child trying not to hit a tree but focusing so hard on it that they end up crashing right into it. That’s similar to how we can get when fixating on our style concerns—we lose sight of the bigger picture and end up looking worse in our efforts to hide one thing.
Shopping and building a wardrobe can be challenging when we avoid discussing our body’s unique features. It might feel negative, or we may worry about giving ourselves too much credit, but being honest about what we’re working with can help us make meaningful improvements.
To truly elevate your wardrobe and personal style, it’s crucial to acknowledge your unique body type and address any insecurities you may have. These insecurities often dictate whether an outfit feels comfortable and boosts your confidence. The primary concern you feel self-conscious about often becomes the tipping point between loving or hating an outfit.
In my personal experience, competing in pageants helped me overcome these style insecurities for two reasons. First, pageants require you to embrace feedback. If you're unwilling to hear critiques, like if an outfit isn’t flattering or polished, you won't succeed. You need to be receptive to improving your appearance, as those critiques can lead to a better presentation. Secondly, pageant girls are incredibly supportive during preparation, especially at seminars. They share tips on outfit choices because, in the end, your overall presentation, including confidence and poise, plays a significant role in your success.
Confidence in presenting yourself is crucial, whether on stage or in everyday life. You can control how your clothes fit, ensuring they are well-tailored and that you wear the appropriate undergarments. A polished appearance can elevate your score or impression, and it's something within your grasp. In pageant preparation, the girls help each other look their best, focusing on aspects they can control to improve their chances of success.
This approach translated well into my everyday wardrobe. Asking for feedback and accepting critique, especially regarding outfits or hairstyles, is helpful. Whether on camera or in real life, constructive feedback helps improve your overall appearance. It’s important to take a critical but not harsh view of your outfits. Ask yourself: If I saw someone else wearing this, what would I think? Does it look too tight or ill-fitting? Does it complement my body well?
Let’s take an example. Say you’re self-conscious about your upper arms, something many women deal with. You avoid sleeveless tops or dresses because you don’t like how they reveal that area. This can lead to your wardrobe being dominated by choices that cover your arms, even if it limits your options.
One way to address this is by acknowledging the current state of your body and dressing accordingly, rather than allowing that insecurity to control your style. Look in the mirror and remind yourself that your arms are just one part of your body, and you don’t have to let them dictate your entire wardrobe. Most people won’t even notice your upper arms in everyday life, so it’s more about how you feel rather than how others perceive you.
Of course, you can still shop with that style concern in mind while expanding your wardrobe options. Look for pieces with longer sleeves, t-shirt sleeves, or even flutter sleeves that provide coverage while adding interest. You can also consider sheer or open-knit cardigans over sleeveless tops, which can offer comfort while still showing off the style of the dress or top.
Accessories can also divert attention from your arms. Wear statement necklaces or eye-catching earrings that draw the focus upward. When you do choose sleeveless items, opt for tops or dresses with details like beading, color blocking, or patterns that direct the eye away from your arms and toward the center of your outfit, such as your neckline or chest area. V-necks are particularly flattering as they guide the eye downward toward your cleavage or chest instead of the arms.
Ultimately, the goal is to move away from the tunnel vision that you "can’t wear anything sleeveless" because of your arms. There are ways to wear those items and feel confident, knowing that your styling choices will enhance your overall look while addressing any insecurities. By shifting your approach and making thoughtful wardrobe decisions, you’ll be able to wear sleeveless styles without fear, and focus on the bigger picture of how fabulous you look!
You just need to find something that will draw the eye away from the arms or find other types of tops or solutions that work for you. It will be much easier to find pieces that address your style concerns without letting them completely control your wardrobe.
It can also be helpful to identify your best asset—whatever you're most comfortable showing off—and then design outfits that keep the focus there instead of other areas. For example, it's the same idea as drawing attention to a stylish neckline. The eye will be drawn to the asset you’re highlighting. Whether it’s a well-defined waist or your legs that you’re proud of, wearing things that draw attention to your best feature will make people overlook areas like your arms, if that’s your concern.
Balancing your proportions and considering your overall body shape can be more complex and challenging, but I believe that’s not as significant when it comes to what most people shop for. Typically, the biggest insecurity we have tends to dominate our fashion choices. Our insecurities can easily become a "monster" that controls all of our outfits.
So, addressing that biggest insecurity can be a great starting point. Shifting your perspective on it so it doesn’t dictate your entire wardrobe can prevent your outfits from being lackluster or less flattering. By tackling this concern, you can take a more strategic approach to your style. It’s easier because you know exactly what the issue is. Narrowing down and addressing it can be an ideal first step, in my experience.
Now, let’s take a closer look at some of **Catherine, Princess of Wales’** best outfits of all time.
In one of her standout moments, she wore a stunning bright red Alexander McQueen dress paired with a Philip Treacy hat. This look was simply amazing! The color was bold and beautiful, and the fit-and-flare silhouette accentuated her figure perfectly. It was such a striking outfit.
The previous year, she dazzled in a polka-dot Alessandra Rich dress. This elegant piece was made of crepe de chine fabric, featuring an asymmetrical hem with brown dots instead of the typical black. The warmer tone added a fresh twist to the classic polka-dot look, and it suited her perfectly. She completed the outfit with Princess Diana’s pearl and diamond drop earrings and an elegant hat.
In 2019, Catherine wore a fan favorite—a delicate, ethereal light blue Elie Saab dress that evoked a Mary Poppins-esque charm. The original design was more sheer, but it was adjusted for her, resulting in a bespoke piece from Saab’s resort collection. She wore this dress to several garden parties, where she has often showcased some of her most beautiful fashion moments.
One of these moments includes a mint green dress with charming details like puff sleeves, ruffled trim, and floral accents. It had a feminine, flowy design, making it perfect for spring. She looked effortlessly elegant in this pretty ensemble.
Another favorite is her bespoke pink Alexander McQueen coat dress, featuring a pleated skirt and matching hat. The bright pink was perfect for spring, and the coat dress fit her flawlessly. The structured panels on the dress balanced her figure beautifully. This look was absolutely stunning, and the entire Wales family coordinated their outfits perfectly. Prince George and Prince Louis wore matching suits, while Charlotte and Catherine embraced nautical-inspired looks. Charlotte’s dark navy ensemble contrasted Catherine’s primarily white outfit, and it all flowed together wonderfully for photos on the balcony.
While last year she wore a bright green for the Irish Guards, this year she opted for a predominantly white outfit. Some sources claimed the accents were black, while others said they were navy. Either way, the look was striking and helped brighten her complexion. The lighter color was a smart choice, as darker shades could have emphasized any potential weight loss. The whimsical bow accent on the shoulder was a fun and pretty touch, adding a lighthearted element to the outfit.
This Jenny Packham dress, which Catherine previously wore during coronation weekend last year, was slightly updated. She swapped out the plain black belt for one with stripes, echoing the bow, and paired it with different accessories, including a brand-new hat and white heels. These changes made the outfit feel completely fresh and polished.
Re-wearing outfits like this has become part of her style, as she has been refreshing older pieces in subtle ways over the past few years. It's a thoughtful, sustainable approach to fashion. The strategic re-wear softens the pressure of appearing after a long absence, while also showing that timeless outfits can be easily updated with small adjustments.
Many people have drawn comparisons between this look and Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady, particularly because of the striped bow on the right shoulder. Although it’s likely not a direct reference, it could have served as inspiration for the upcycled dress. Either way, the result was stunning.
The hat, worn at a jaunty angle, added to the charm of the outfit. The white around the brim, in contrast to the darker accents, brightened her face and completed the look.
This white Alexander McQueen coat dress, worn at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, was another classic look. It was perfectly balanced and one of her most memorable outfits. The dramatic silhouette, with a double-breasted front and a voluminous tiered skirt, was a fun departure from her usual style, but it worked beautifully.
