As a seasoned fashion blogger who's followed Princess Katherine’s style evolution closely, it's clear that no brand can limit her ability to achieve a flawless look that aligns with her royal duties, all while respecting the monarchy's guidelines. Recently, the Princess of Wales has debuted a fresh look that subtly hints at a quiet yet powerful transformation within the palace.
From renowned designers like Jenny Packham, Alexander McQueen, and Erdem to more budget-friendly options, each piece she wears sets trends. But it’s not just her fame that drives these trends; her style itself is a powerful statement that captivates fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Royal wives are often expected to honor tradition through their choice of jewelry. Whenever the Princess or her sister-in-law, Meghan Markle, is spotted wearing a piece that once belonged to the late Queen or Diana, Princess of Wales, it feels like an homage.
One can only imagine the day Katherine might choose to honor King Charles by visiting his Savile Row tailors, Gieves & Hawkes or Anderson & Sheppard, for a custom suit in a light wool fabric. Often, Katherine turns to premium Italian brand Dolce & Gabbana to make a bold fashion statement at significant events. Known for its elegant party dresses, collarless jackets, and stylish bags, Dolce & Gabbana has been a staple in her wardrobe for years. She exudes exceptional taste and elegance, especially with the brand's lace designs and button-front midi jackets.
For more than a decade, the idea of Katherine in a blazer might have seemed as unlikely as her taking up a new hobby in Morris dancing. But the past two years have seen a discreet transformation for her and Prince William. She’s stepped away from her classic dresses, while he’s tailored down his suits—they’re now a modern Prince and Princess of Wales with a business-ready edge. It’s been a quiet rollout of a new sartorial regime, a strategic overhaul of their public image.
Day in and day out, the Princess used to wear demure frocks with matching clutches, often paired with nude heels or wedges. But now, during an appearance in North East England, she wore a striking, double-breasted wool coat with silver buttons, a classic collar, and a modern flare—sophistication embodied. Another memorable piece was a plum coat with shiny silver buttons and padded shoulders, which she wore during a visit to Norway while awaiting Prince Louis. This coat, blending silk and wool, has since become a Catherine classic, with its ruffled waistline and gold-tone buttons lending a formal yet avant-garde flair.
Among her standout staples is a gray pencil skirt, which she’s worn to several formal engagements, like a meeting with *The Huffington Post*. This stylish skirt, with contrasting black buttons and textured fabric, brings polish to her royal engagements. Following the late Queen’s passing in September 2022, a shift in her wardrobe became apparent. Catherine swapped skirts for tailored pants and coordinating blazers, embodying a more businesslike sensibility. Increasingly, she appears dressed like a junior law associate, capable of picking up a sharp two-piece from Zara when needed.
In 2023 alone, of the 17 official outings she attended, she wore suits, pants, or jeans for 15 of them. During the Festival of Remembrance, she wore a lace pencil dress—the quintessential “little black dress” with sheer sleeves, floral lace, and a removable silk slip—striking a perfect balance between tradition and modernity. And in a visit with Chinese leaders, she wore an exquisite violet sheath dress with floral detailing, exuding refined elegance and suited for prestigious gatherings where subtlety is key.
These wardrobe updates have been rolled out quietly, without press releases, but they unmistakably signal a shift. The royal family is evolving, maintaining respect for Her late Majesty’s ways while embracing their vision for the future.
