What Kate *Might* Wear & More Charities For The Duchess

As we wrap up this lull between appearances I thought it would be fun to do another “What Kate Might Wear” post, looking at the new spring merchandise arriving in stores. Selecting possible styles is very much a challenge as we’re in between seasons, but also because of Kate’s pregnancy. She has long shown a talent for finding garments that look “blah” on the hangar and somehow transforming them into solid ensembles, several of our picks very much fit that profile.

We begin with items from Zara, the retailer’s Short Military Coat ($189) is a good transitional piece.

Zara Short Military Coat

Next, a forgiving silhouette that is also ideal for warmer temps is seen in Zara’s Draped Linen T-Shirt ($49.90). It is 100% linen, making the dress a very breathable piece. It is an example of something that on the surface looks overly casual without much to it, but I imagine the Duchess could really make it sing.

Zara Draped Linen T-Shirt

Below left, Zara’s Crossover Dress in a very Kate-like blue ($59.90) has several elements Kate appreciates, like the deeply veed neckline, pleating at the neck and self-belt at the elasticized waist. Unfortunately, it is also 100% polyester, which could feel quite warm if worn on one of those rare hot and humid days in the UK. On the right, we show Zara’s Crossover Dress with Pockets in black ($79.90), a very generous silhouette, but it too is all poly. I could see either one of these peeking out from a jacket or coat Kate is wearing.

Zara

I have to say that while grazing online at Zara this week I felt like there had been a decree issued this was the season of the sack, there were many (many) dresses and other pieces that were shapeless, simply hanging in baggy folds and looking not at all enticing. So if the Duchess wants pieces with absolutely no waistline or other definition then Zara would be worth a stop, but fair warning– a lot of these items looked utterly dreary online.

A style that reminded me of Kate’s propensity for basic pieces with a twist, Zara’s Sweater with Zip at Back ($25.90) in 100% acrylic fibers.

Zara Sweater with Zip at Back

The next two pieces are strictly for those desirous of repli-Kating the McQueen Black Watch look. First, the Tartan Blazer at Zara ($99), it looks fairly well put together, the pattern matches at critical seams, a must for a design like this.

Zara Tartan Blazer

The matching Tartan Cropped Trousers ($59.90), are not as appealing, even at a $59.90 price point. They are too shrunken, with pulling and gapping at some points, nasty gathers at other parts of the anatomy, not a flattering look on anyone.

Zara Tartan Cropped Trousers

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That is it for our Zara look-see, we move on to Reiss, beginning with the Finlee Gathered Back coat ($420) in a weighty cotton. Not only does the coat offer many design elements Kate likes (epaulets at shoulder, welt pockets, a fabric with texture, asymmetric fastening), the ruching at the back waist will provide a touch of comfort.

Reiss Finlee Gathered Back Coat

Another non-maternity style that could work for several more months, the Lunata Dress ($320) in a silk poppy print at Reiss, it also has that elastic at the waist, making the frock more forgiving than most.  As a rule I would consider this a summer dress, but Kate has shown she’ll wear lighter chiffon weights throughout the year, it will obviously need a sweater or jacket.

Reiss Lunata in Poppy

The Danica in stone ($320) by Reiss is another dress with a forgiving silhouette. Kate likes this rounded neckline, she also favors three-quarter sleeves and self belt. This item is reminiscent of Kate’s ‘Maja’ dress by Diane von Furstenberg.

Reiss ‘Danica’ Dress

When it comes to separates the Duchess still has plenty of time to wear tops in standard sizes, non-maternity pieces like the Mimi Blouse in slate, white, lilac ($160). The ruffles are a touch precious, but Kate has demonstrated a fondness for pieces with details at the neckline and sleeve.

Reiss ‘Mimi’ Frill Neck Blouse

A more sophisticated blouse by Reiss is its Penny style ($180), the pin tucks and pleating provide a different look, as do the dropped shoulders. The piece is 100% silk, and *very* sheer, perfect under a jacket but in need of proper undergarments if worn on its own.

Reiss Penny Blouse

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We now move to Max Mara. The firm offered a number of coats in its Resort collection that hold some possibility, although they don’t all have a definite “Kate look” to them, particularly the one on the far left. (But it is one elegant piece.)

Max Mara Resort

The jackets shown below left also have forgiving lines, as do the dresses on the right, they are all by Max Mara.

Max Mara

These next items are all part of a special ‘S Max Mara spring collection.

‘S Max Mara Special Collection

Glamorous? Not terribly. Clean lines that might work well for someone entering their third trimester? Very much so.

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A reminder about this week’s engagement, Kate is slated to be at Hope House on Tuesday, the 19th.  Hope House is a women’s treatment centre, and part of Action on Addiction, of which Kate is Patron.  More from the news release:

During her visit, the Duchess will hear first-hand our female clients’s experiences of their addiction and recovery journeys. She will also have the opportunity to experience what a typical day at Hope House is like and find out why a range of treatments, such as art therapy and information on nutrition, are effective in helping women start to re-build their lives

As many as 23 women can be treated at Hope House, it is a residential-based program.

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Also tonight, word that Kate will also be announcing additional Patronages, more from the Daily Mail:

Kate, who will announce she is taking on three new charities next month. A Palace spokesman confirmed: The Duchess is already patron of four charities and will add a small number to that list.

EACH

That is the bracelet she created and makes for another of Kate’s patronages, EACH (East Anglia Children’s Hospices), they are sold as a fundraiser for the group. Only today did yours truly realize Mrs. Sheeran was good enough to mention WKW on her page about the bracelets, I am woefully behind in expressing my gratitude. (Thanks to Trisha for mentioning this to me!)

Perhaps the best thing I can do is simply go purchase another bracelet! They are just £10 (roughly $15 USD), and best of all, that price covers shipping and handling! For a review of an Ed Sheeran concert by, pop in and say “hey” to A Petite Princess, she was lucky enough to attend one of his concerts last weekend and posted a review on her site.

We’ll be back on Tuesday, if not before.