Stylish shades of Jackie O as Kate stoops to conquer
ONE woman you don’t want to end up standing next to in a family photo is the Duchess of Cambridge – especially if you’re wearing a similar outfit.
So it’s rather unfortunate for Princess Beatrice that she and Kate both chose to wear off-white, always a tricky colour to get right, for the Easter Sunday service at Windsor Castle yesterday.
The pair were pictured greeting the Queen outside St George’s Chapel alongside Prince William, with Kate performing a curtsy.
Such a sight is rarely seen in public because, according to royal experts, it is required only when the two women first meet on any given day, which would often be in private.
Yesterday’s gesture suggests the duchess had not seen the Queen, who wore a turquoise coat and hat, prior to the church service.
On the fashion front, Kate had made a fantastic choice: A tailored Catherine Walker coat finished elegantly below the knee. With long sleeves and a nipped-in waist, it was both understated and sophisticated; a classic shape with fashionable details including a Peter Pan collar and subtle matching piping.
A pillbox hat was perfectly positioned far back on her head. It’s a new hat for Kate, but appears similar to the red felt pillbox by Gina Foster which she wore in New Zealand in 2014 – although yesterday’s was in a lighter fabric that appeared to have a slight, satin-like sheen.
Not perhaps the most exciting look, but exactly right for church.
The outfit bore the clear hallmarks of Jackie O’s timeless style, and you can never go far wrong taking fashion tips from the iconic American first lady.
The coat, custom made for Kate and which she first wore in Canada last year, is the perfect shade of cream for her complexion. A similar style from the designer would cost £3,000. The buttery notes lend warmth to her skin, which has slightly cool undertones, and she looks fresh and well turned out as a result. A true white would be draining for her, but this softer version hits all the right notes.
Meanwhile, Beatrice went for a slightly darker shade in her champagne Rowan fit-and-flare lace dress from All Saints, £188. The result? Her skin looks washed out, particularly in comparison with the duchess. While the gold eyeshadow is a good choice, and adds light to her face, she’d look so much better if she had opted for a brighter white or flattering ivory.
But it wasn’t just the tone itself that was a little off. Any white tone, whether cream, beige or ‘candlelight’ (a deep, creamy ivory), only looks its best when worn head-to-toe. Kate wasn’t about to make a mistake here, and her hat, £195 LK Bennett clutch and shoes – also £195 and from the same store – matched perfectly.
Beatrice’s heavy purple velvet heels, which looked like Gianvito Rossi’s Lorraine style, £240, were the worst possible match for her dress. Her statement clutch could work well with something brighter, but here it was just a distraction. And as for the gold and mauve fascinator, well, she never has had the best choice in headgear.
Simplicity is the key to a stylish white or off-white outfit. You don’t want fuss or detailing, just a sleek silhouette and a clear understanding of which shades really suit your skin tone, and which will make you look pale and grey.