Take a sip of cappuccino couture: As Kate opts for a camel trouser suit, why you should slip into neutral this autumn

Camel, taupe, biscuit, oatmeal, whatever you call it, beige is having a blast this fall. After a summer all in Barbie pink, the new season is dedicated to relaxation.

But if you’re having visions of your parents’ old three-piece set or nude tights, let me stop you right there.

Dubbed ‘cappuccino couture’, it’s part of the understated luxury trend that has dominated the fashion scene this year and sees streamlined basics in luxurious fabrics and soft colors championed by flashy designer colors.

The Princess of Wales adopted an understated look in a chic camel Roland Mouret suit and cream top during a visit to a youth charity in east London this week.

The rich and fabulous have been making couture cappuccino for a while now. At this year’s Critics’ Choice Awards, Cate Blanchett opted for a muted beige ensemble rather than a flamboyant dress.

Jumper, £39.99 and skirt, £49.99, H&M; shoes, £199, LK Bennett; bag, £495, Aspinal Of London

Sweater, £129, The White Company; skirt, £89, Mint Velvet; boots, £525, Russell & Bromley

Coat, £495, LK << Bennett; top, £8.99, Zara; trousers, £85, John Lewis; shoes, £195, Me+Em; bag, £395, Russell & Bromley

But you don’t need a top-tier budget to enjoy a sophisticated look.

Start with a camel coat, a wardrobe classic. This trench from LK Bennett is a chic way to face the indecisive fall weather.

Pair it with matching wide-leg pants and a t-shirt for a contemporary chic-casual look.

For something a little more refined, try Massimo Dutti’s fitted overcoat. Add café-au-lait pants and a cream shirt for the office.

And Jigsaw’s taupe pantsuit is a surefire way to amp up the style of your 9-5 uniform.

Stay stylish on the weekend with a pair of honey-colored pants and the Zara cardigan. Slip a turtleneck underneath if you like.

Mix and match a few complementary shades. This caramel mohair sweater from H&M looks luxurious worn with an off-white midi skirt. Pair a sand-colored blouse with chocolate cropped pants from Ro&Zo.

You can even introduce print. This striped sweater from The White Company is the perfect accent to Mint Velvet’s café-au-lait slip skirt.

Cardigan £29.99, Zara; trousers, £425, frame; boots, £219, mint velvet

Blazer, £270 and trousers, £170, Jigsaw; shoes, £99.95, Massimo Dutti; bag, £119, mint velvet

Coat, £149, Anthropologie; jumper, £55, John Lewis; dress, £159, Hobbs; boots, £199, Mint Velvet; bag £395, Aspinal Of London

Coat, £249, Massimo Dutti; shirt, £95, with nothing underneath; trousers, £35.99, Zara; shoes, £59, John Lewis; bag, £229, LK Bennett

Shirt, £69, Ro&Zo, vest, £37.99, H&M; trousers, £79, Ghost; shoes, £55, John Lewis

When dressing in similar colors, combining different fabrics will keep your look interesting.

Elevate this coffee midi dress from M&S by cinching it with a leather belt. Or why not layer a crisp shirt over Ghost’s silky trousers for an effortless desk-to-cocktail outfit.

We’ll have an espresso martini, of course.