Kate Middleton’s new look shows she’s serious, says LIZ JONES
Please, Kate, he was begging her as he arrived on a dull, windy afternoon for the Commonwealth Day service.
Please, no wrap dresses with darts at the waist without room for the kidneys. No coat dress. no moles No exposed knees. Nothing recycled. Nothing gold from head to toe.
Nothing French, as the British fashion industry needs your gold dust to survive. And please, God, no main street.
In the six months since she became Princess of Wales, it’s true that Catherine has upped the ante.
Liz Jones has commented on the evolution of the Princess of Wales’ style. She is pictured here with her husband, Prince William, at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.
Liz Jones describes Kate’s style as vintage, sustainable and impeccably tailored. The UK-based writer loved Kate’s navy peplum dress that she wore to the Commonwealth Day Service.
There’s a new seriousness in the way she dresses. He has nothing to do with a rivalry with Meghan; Dear God, all you have to do to win that battle is have an iron and a mirror.
No. Kate knows that she is one step closer to becoming queen consort, now she has a much higher profile, dedicated to diplomatic regalia.
The symbolism of your choice of jewelry speaks volumes about inheritance, power, and reward.
Her fashion these days is all about vintage (her 1995 Chanel bouclé jacket was a stroke of genius), sustainability, and impeccable tailoring.
She can still be daring, namely her love of chunky Laura Lombardi jewelry. She can still be funny, namely the opera gloves worn to the BAFTAs. But everything is getting serious now.
The Princess of Wales avoided a wardrobe malfunction when she arrived for the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey today.
The princess, who paid a subtle tribute to her late mother-in-law by wearing her earrings and brooch, was beaming as she left the service.
The princess’s matching jacket and skirt featured peplum detailing at the hems and a white floral pattern.
There’s so much weight of expectation on her narrow shoulders that, to cope, she’s channeling not just Diana, but the late Queen herself.
Particularly with his use of vibrant colors. Catherine these days means business.
In years past, on this very occasion, Kate had looked somewhat disheveled and confident. Too many checks. Too much sludge. Exposed knees. Military buttons: ewwww.
I knew she wasn’t the star. That role, of course, was assumed by the Queen. But today? She knew that she was the one woman everyone craned their necks to see.
We first saw Kate at Prince Philip’s funeral. In black Roland Mouret, she was impeccable.
She knew she had to bear the brunt of the nation’s tears when the Queen couldn’t. She didn’t put a foot wrong. It was a ‘Wow’. moment, and we need a few more of those.
The princess opted for a navy blue peplum jacket by Erdem, which featured delicate white floral details throughout.
The princess accepts a bouquet of flowers from a schoolgirl as she was leaving the Commonwealth Day service this afternoon.
The Prince and Princess of Wales watched as the King delivered the emotional speech to guests at the service.
So Monday afternoon, did you deliver? For an occasion that celebrates an institution that has taken a bit of a beating of late, not just from the likes of Meghan.
This may not be the coronation, but in global terms, Monday’s ceremony is important.
Princess Anne was in mud. Sophie, for her first duchess introduction, was going all out in cream (I thought I would have liked a pop of color in the accessories – it was all a bit of a milkshake).
Camilla was in royal blue, the color Kate chose last year, but the outfit was a little too simple, like something she dug up in the storage room. No. This is secondary attire, not how a queen should appear.
and Kate? Hurrah! No dreaded coat dress, but instead? A peplum. A pattern. Inky navy blue, sexy and classy. A saucer hat that threatened to blow off in the wind.
She doesn’t have a slender silhouette like a reed, but a kick like one of the Queen’s beloved ponies. He’s not a bloody wrap dress, but a playful two-piece with a flare and ruffle. And a contrast cream liner, people.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, opted for a cream textured dress coat with a matching pillar hat for the service.
The Princess Royal opted for an emerald green gown when she attended the service alongside her brothers King Charles and Prince Edward.
The King appeared thoughtful during the Commonwealth Day service in London this afternoon. Camilla wore royal blue, the color Kate chose last year
The entire outfit is by Erdem, the Canadian-born designer who has made London his home and whom Kate adores for his love of prints, flowers and colour. (Jacket, £2,000. Skirt, £1,000. Together, they’re priceless!)
The exact, correct, adult length, which is mid-calf. It looks like it’s covered in little birds, but the pattern is actually floral.
The details on the back are exquisite: Kate knows that a lot of people will see her from behind. Everything is very Thirty. And not a mole in sight.
the brooch Oh, my days, I have a lump in my throat. They are the Prince of Wales’s feathers, the diamond and emeralds Diana once wore as a necklace, now refashioned.
Liz discusses the symbolism in Kate’s choice of jewelry. She said that she says a lot about inheritance, power, and reward.
Liz Jones thinks Kate is wearing Princess Diana’s jewelry like the late princess did, to cheer everyone up
Kate also opted for a matching navy blue saucer hat, which was threatening to blow off in the wind outside Westminster Abbey.
The sapphire and diamond earrings, which also belonged to Diana. I imagine that Willy felt that they hugged him.
A closed shoe, as cleavage at the toes is not allowed in Westminster Abbey. A bow, since loose hair is disrespectful. She is wearing her gloves.
She knows the late Queen always wore gloves (rings under, bracelets on top), but being more modern, Kate knows her people want fur.
This is a queen, but on steroids. This is Kate using fashion as Diana used fashion: to cheer us up.
This is what we need now. Trust. Kate finally has an hourglass shape, relaxed yet endlessly formal.
I am literally completely in awe and head over heels in love.