It’s Military McQueen Again as Kate & William Visit Riot-Damaged Birmingham

I think this outfit was appropriate. What else would you wear to meet the father who lost three sons in very violent circumstances? Bright colours would have been off the Mark and a dress could have been construed as too much, she is meeting victims not attending a party. Also she is a Duchess, there is nothing wrong with what she spent on the outfit because I think we all know that we will be seeing it again! I personally like seeing her in McQueen, supporting the British clothes industry, that is the point of this outfit, the riots happened in England and she is here to support us in England. A Gap jumper and jeans would not have been appropriate.

Not wild about this one.. I am getting bored, bored, bored of the white/navy look. Yes it looks good on her but for a young woman I would love to see her in brighter colours. Outfit is a little too costumesque for my taste and yes, I really do hate to say this, a tad bit inappropriate for the occasion. I think one of her trademark Issa dresses in a plain colour(even navy!) would have been a better choice.

I too am not sure what the all fuss is about regarding her outfit. It was a very tailored, classic, safe look and it was as "business-like" as you can get without actually wearing a two piece suit. And had she worn one, I could just imagine all the "what is she trying to prove" remarks. IMO, the gal can't win. She's doing splendidly and I hope she continues to follow her gut and use her own judgement.

I also think it's unfair to compare her to Mette Marit since William and Kate were not attending a memorial service; they were there to show moral support for the community. And I noticed that the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Anita Ward was dressed in a very colorful outfit: purple jacket and shoes with a very bold print skirt in purple, green and white. If an official representing the community selected such an outfit, surely Kate's was not inappropriate.

Those who complain about the expense of the McQueen outfit are off base here. What price outfit would you think appropriate? If she had worn something from the Gap outlet or Target would people then criticize her for being disrespectful towards the people in Birmingham that she visited?

I thought she looked quite nice. The blouse and skirt were tailored and with enough interest that she looked stylish (what people want to see in a future queen) but not over the top. Tucking in the blouse (was the peplum skirting of that removed for a better tucked-in fit) I thought was appropriate - an untcked blouse in this instance would have made it too costumey (IMHO).

There was no need for a purse - they were coming to show respect for those who had suffered. All in all, I thought it a good outfit. Yes, there were other items that she could have worn that would have been appropriate as well - the grey dress that she wore to the tree planting ceremony comes to mind. Even the navy suit that she has worn in the past. However, perhaps there were other things that they did that day so what she wore did double duty.

Not every clothing choice that she makes would be one that others would make. I do think that she has good taste in what she chooses. Granted, her wardrobe budget is much greater than what, I would guess, the majority of people who post on this site possess. Therefore, a McQueen outfit is well within her finances. I, for one, do not begrudge her ability to own and wear such clothing. Just as a Gap outfit was, at one time in my life, at the high end of my budget that did not mean that I found it awful that others could afford clothes from Talbots, for example. That was what my budget at that time could reasonably accomodate. As I progressed in my career and made more money, I could afford better quality and more expensive outfits. Should I feel guilty that that is the case? No - and neither should the Duchess have to feel guilty or be deemed some sort of uncaring, flighty, clothes horse because she is able to wear high end clothing. I believe that she is setting a marvelous example in many ways - wearing lady-like clothing that is stylish but tasteful; repurposing outfits; and finally always projecting an image of elegance and care to others.

Gosh. I'm really surprised by some of the comments about this outfit. A bit taken aback, tbh.

The average person in the street, Birmingham or elsewhere, won't know it's Alexander McQueen, they'll just see Kate in a nice blouse and skirt. It's very 80's/early 90's to me - I'd have worn it back then, in green and black - it actually looks a bit old-fashioned to me, but that's just seeing it come round again.

I wonder if she thought long sleeves and a buttoned-up blouse would be more appropriate than sleeveless or low-cut. I love the grey frock she wore in Canada, but I'm not sure a v-neck back would really have been right either - I'm not sure, I am just speculating here, but she'd going into a difficult situation in Birmingham and I'm sure wouldn't want to inadvertantly cause any offence. The slits on the skirt are better for her like this than the original.

The price is a bit steep, but most people who met her or see her on the telly will just see her in a nice blouse and skirt. Those who recognise it might just be pleased she's flying the flag for McQueen. And if she smiles, well, part of the point of a royal visit is to cheer people up; I'm not sure a black frock and an air of mourning is what's needed. Wearing something you feel comfortable in - colours you like, a brand you trust - that isn't bright or garish or attention-seeking, looking interested in what's going on while all the time knowing you personally can't really do anything for anyone there apart from listen and offer sympathy and a smile.