What (or Who) Kate Might Wear In New York, With Insight from Royal Correspondents

We are back with a preview of what we might see the Duchess wear on this week’s New York trip. It won’t be long before we see a scene like this at the Carlyle Hotel; that is luggage belonging to Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, being unloaded at the Carlyle back in 2005 when they were visiting.

Brian Pahl/Splash News

Members of the Royal Family have to strike that difficult balance of wearing clothes that are attractive and classy without stealing the limelight. They are also expected to wear things that befit their status without being too flashy, and always strive to endorse quality craftsmanship, especially that of British designers.

The Queen usually sticks to her own dressmaker Angela Kelly but younger royals often choose a variety of designers or high-street brands and I think that is something that has been highlighted with the huge interest in Kate’s outfits.

She sticks to many of the old fail-safe rules – block colours, tailored fabrics and high necklines, but also isn’t afraid to throw in the occasional shorter hem or unusual pattern.

SplashNews.com/SplashNews.com/S. Lock, i-Images.co

Here’s a brief rundown of guesstimated ‘dress codes’:

• Sunday Arrival: dress and dress coat
• Sunday night reception: cocktail dress
• Monday daytime: working daywear
• Monday night NBA game: casual wear with a dressed up edge
• Tuesday morning: working daywear
• Tuesday midday: it’s possible Kate could choose to change into something a bit dressier for the afternoon’s GREAT receptions
• Tuesday night: major party frock for the Saint Andrews dinner

One factor impacting the wardrobe for this trip: Kate’s changing size as her pregnancy progresses. It’s possible we’ll even see the Duchess turn to a brand worn when she was expecting Prince George, Seraphine. In a recent story on the Fashion ‘n Style site Seraphine founder Cecile Reinaud spoke about what she hopes to see the Duchess wearing:

She’s purchased a couple coats from us, so since it’s freezing in New York I’m hoping we’ll see her in coats! I think she’s going to start wearing quite bump-hugging styles, because she’s got that little tummy. She needs to hug it to make sure people know she’s pregnant, even though everybody knows. She’s bought from us a couple of tight fitting dresses, so we’re really excited to see her in those. They’re actually quite fashion forward prints.

Seraphine

There are plenty of coat styles that are not technically maternity pieces that could work for the Duchess. Below we share some from brands the Duchess frequently wears: on the left, the Lumina in rose smoke and Chiara in navy, both pieces are from Beulah London. In the center we show Catherine Walker’s Josephine coat, then the Emile in ‘blue passion’ from Reiss and Hobbs Millie in red.

Beulah London/Catherine Walker/Reiss/Hobbs

We could see Kate in either of the recently worn McQueen coats; it’s possible there’s enough leeway that moving a button over could allow for another wearing.

Splash News/Splash News

Possible workwear styles include LK Bennett’s Brindi Belted Shirt Dress, the Lamarie Wrap Dress and Kiel Pleat Dress; the Lily Valley and Sandrine Dress are both from Hobbs; next we show Goat Fashion’s Pandora dress in cherry red and Goat’s Wilder Dress. The Wilder would need to be a bit longer; I should also note that it looks much more sophisticated when seen from different angles.

LK Bennett/LK Bennett/LK Bennett/Hobbs/Hobbs/Goat Fashion/Goat Fashion

The Duchess wears a sizable amount of Alexander McQueen for work both at home and when traveling. Following are day dress possibilities. Keep in mind that any dress will have been modified for the Duchess; I don’t believe we have yet seen Kate wear a piece from this house that is straight off the rack. From left to right we show the Flared Dress in navy, the Front Twist Dress, also in navy, the Slit Bodice Long Sleeve Crepe Dress and the Half-Sleeve Deep V-Neck Dress.

Farfetch/Farfetch/Neiman Marcus/Neiman Marcus

Kate is fond of coat-dresses from designer Emilia Wickstead. Below left, the Coat Dress with Tuille Fusing, and Nude Crepe Coat Dress with Tuille Fusing. The black might work well but the lighter color doesn’t strike me as a stellar piece for the Duchess.

Moda Operandi

We turn to another royal correspondent for more thoughts on what we’ll see the Duchess wear. Emily Andrews, The Sun newspaper’s Royal Correspondent, said:

Kate is a naturally elegant dresser, so I think we’ll see some smart day dresses by American designers adapted to accommodate her growing baby bump.  I would expect her to dial it up a notch on the sartorial front, as she knows there will be wall-to-wall coverage in the American press.

They’ll also be two opportunities for some knock-out glamour: the St Andrew’s Gala dinner and the drinks reception for the American Friends of the Royal Foundation. So a floor-length and fabulous frock for the gala and a daring cocktail dress for the drinks.

With party frocks in mind we look at formal options from Temperley London. Below left, the Long Francine Tattoo Dress and Long Klara Dress. In the center we show a full-length evening coat, the Faye; it is offered in a rich palette of colors. The two dresses on the right are the Long Faye Wrap Dress and the Long Macey Dress.

Temperley

To show what a striking difference color can make, we show a few of the dresses that are seen in black above (l to r): the Klara in Ice Blue, the Macey in red and Faye Wrap Dress in green.

Temperley London

Many a Kate fashion follower would love to see the Duchess in another Jenny Packham creation. These styles are all from the designer’s a/w 2014 collection.

Jenny Packham

As we mentioned above, Sunday evening’s reception calls for a cocktail dress. Options from designers Kate has worn previously: the first three are from Jenny Packham and the other three are by Diane von Furstenberg (the Mardi Snake Tuxedo Wrap, Roma Gold Wrap Dress, black Ruched V-Neck Dress).

Jenny Packham/Diane von Furstenberg

There is much discussion about what American designers Kate may choose to wear. One ‘high street’ brand that makes sense is J. Crew.  Not only is it considered a quintessentially American brand, the company has opened a number of stores in London and plans to continue its British expansion. Below we show (left to right) the Structured Knit Zips Dress ($158); the Chevron Stripe Silk Dress ($495); and a frock much like others she already owns, Crew’s Floral Lace Shift ($158), available in multiple colors. We also show the Apiece Apart Esta Double-Breasted Coat ($595) in a soft blue, or the Harris Tweed Topcoat ($580); the latter item is made from Scottish fabric.

J. Crew

There are plenty of other options for the Duchess at J. Crew, including a plethora of skirts and sweaters that would work well.

On the luxury front the American designer whose name has been mentioned the most by Kate fans in the run-up to the trip: Oscar de la Renta. Not only does this brand offer styles that are ideal for Kate, the designer’s death last October makes this a sentimental choice for many. Below, daywear from Oscar de la Renta. Understated. Chic.

Oscar de la Renta

Next, OdlR cocktail dresses that might appeal to Kate, including two coat-dresses on the outside left and right.

Oscar de la Renta

Mr. de la Renta was known for his elegant, feminine evening gowns.

Oscar de la Renta

Carolina Herrera is another designer many have said they would love to see the Duchess wear. Below, four dresses from the Pre-Fall 2015 collection.

Carolina Herrera

Back to Emily Andrews of The Sun:

It’s not easy maintaining a glamorous look when 19 weeks pregnant, but I’m sure Kate will knock it out of the park!

I would expect to see some faves like Ralph Lauren, Diane von Furstenberg, Alexander McQueen and Temperley, plus some specially made frocks..”

Mr. Lauren’s name has been frequently mentioned as a designer many would like to see the Duchess wear more often. 

Of course, we could see Kate in new styles from US designers she has previously worn: Michael Kors, Milly, Lela Rose, or Tory Burch. Other names fashionistas would love to see the Duchess wear include Kate Spade, Milly, Zac Posen, and Marc Jacobs. We should note that one way to offer a sartorial nod to the country one is visiting can come via accessories: a bag, a pair of heels, or even jewelry.

Whenever previewing travel wardrobes previously we have generally selected a name unlikely to be recognized by many. In this case, we’ll opt for American designers not (yet) on the tip of everyone’s tongue, Katie Ermilio. Ms. Ermilio grew up in the business; her father owns a men’s custom clothing shop where she has worked for years. Her grandfather was Grace Kelly’s personal clothier; he also designed the Eisenhower jacket and those distinctive green blazers worn by the select few who win the Masters Golf Championship. The designer works to “infuse each distinctly feminine piece with sharp tailoring and soft drape.”

What designers would you like to see Kate wearing?

NOTE: Those looking for trip details and specific site locations will want to see this post.