Kate Middleton Darwen Academy 4.11.2011 (UPDATED with Suit Designer)

Today we look at a visit by Kate Middleton and Prince William to northwest England, the couple’s last public appearance before the wedding, Miss Middleton wore a navy suit with a fitted jacket.

The jacket featured a modified peplum and wing collar with a hook and eye closure up the front, topstitched darts enhanced the elegant look.

UPDATED: Australia’s Big Pond News reports the suit is by Amanda Wakeley, from the designer’s 2007 line.  Red Carpet Fashion Awards also says the Princess-to-be was wearing a Wakeley design.

UPDATE #2: From Amanda Wakeley, “Kate Middleton looked stylish in a midnight blue, vintage silk mikado Amanda Wakeley suit, which perfectly complemented her engagement ring.” It turns out the suit dates to 2007.

Her accessories were understated; she carried an Anya Hindmarch navy leather clutch with kauri shells.

Kate was also forced to carry an umbrella for a good portion of the outing, the couple encountered massive downpours. (Note: Actually, she wasn’t forced at all, in similar circumstances many dignitaries have someone else carry it for them.)

The bride-to-be wore understated navy pumps in rich leather, manufactured in Spain. UPDATED: These appear to be LK Bennett’s ‘Art’ shoe.

“Art is a high-heel court shoe with a rounded toe. An exciting take on the modern classic, with a distinctive block heel.”

LK Bennett

And yes, they might also be referred to as ‘sensible,” but it makes perfect sense when facing the different surfaces to be trod upon. Wearing more exciting footwear begs disaster when faced with the risk of losing a shoe to the muck or losing one’s balance in the uneven, sodden ground.

Miss Middleton’s jewelry was discreet, delicate pearl drop earrings and her engagement ring. UPDATE: Kate wore her Kiki McDonough Citrine Drop earrings. 

While some of the fashionistas may once again screech about Miss Middleton’s boring sartorial selections, we think she looked just fine, especially for a young lady this close to her big day.