The Duchess mixed things up this evening for a Place2Be event at Kensington Palace, pairing an off-the-rack top from Hobbs with a designer skirt by Jenny Packham. Below, Kate chatting with guests; on the right you see Benita Refson, founder and president of Place2Be.
Paul Hackett/WPA Rota/SplashNews.com
The occasion was the first annual Place2Be Wellbeing in Schools Awards, held in the State Apartments at the Palace, not Kate and William’s private home. More from The Telegraph’s story about the evening:
Ms. Refson said the awards were a fitting way to mark Place2Be’s 20th anniversary.
She said: “The Duchess’s support is enormous because of her total belief in the importance of children’s mental health. She has said really this is an important issue and gives a tremendous boost to the children, volunteers, staff and people involved.”
Below you see the Duchess meeting 12-year-old Ashantae Ahmet, a finalist in the Child Champion category.
Clarence House
Kate meeting more finalists.
Place2Be Facebook Page
Kate has been patron of Place2Be since April of 2013. Previous engagements on behalf of the organization include a visit to Willows Primary School in April of last year, as well as attendance at a forum just about a year ago. Place2Be offers mental health support for children in a school-based environment, boosting their social skills and confidence. The Duchess meeting nominees, sponsors, and other guests.
Place2Be Facebook Page
From Richard Palmer’s story in the Express also quotes Ms. Refson:
“This is a wonderful, exciting opportunity to honour our young people and schools in such a wonderful setting. The Duchess’ total and utter belief in what we do and her commitment to children’s mental health is incredible.”
REUTERS/Paul Hackett/SplashNews.com
In a foreword to the awards program Kate noted that Place2Be helps 90,000+ children cope with bullying, parental substance abuse, domestic violence, neglect and other issues. More on tonight’s event from Place2Be:
“The Awards celebrate those often unsung heroes who make a real difference to the life of their school community through their commitment to children’s emotional wellbeing
Place2Be posted a darling video shown this evening at Kensington Palace, children from Prestonpans Infant School in East Lothian provided some entertainment singing and dancing.
Place2Be You Tube
The Child Champion winner is Bailey Dunne, seen below on the far left in the blue sweater. More about Bailey from the Daily Mail:
The Duchess, who has been Patron of Place2Be since 2013, was scheduled to meet all 20 awards finalists, including Bailey, who has gone from being a quiet boy to one who shows confidence and determination.
His nominator said: ‘Bailey has taught his peers that it is okay to be individual and that you don’t always need to follow the crowd to be successful and popular.’
Place2Be Facebook Page
The other children seen in the photo are finalists for the award. The Telegraph has a video from the awards posted online.
The Telegraph
Another look at the Duchess speaking with guests.
Paul Hackett/WPA Rota/Nunn Syndication/Polaris
Kate wore a top by Hobbs, the ‘Emilia,’ from its Invitation line of occasionwear.
Hobbs
The top is described as “A textured crepe overlay and curve-enhancing cut are stunningly complimented by an embroidered polka dot design and subtle peplum waist detail.” The fabric is all polyester with a touch of elastene for stretch and comfort. It is a past-season garment, likely from the retailer’s a/w 2014 collection. These images, though smaller, give another look at how the peplum drapes when atop another garment. Most recently the piece sold at $120.
Hobbs
In addition to standalone stores, Hobbs is also carried at department stores like House of Fraser and John Lewis in the UK, as well as select Bloomingdale’s in the US.
The Duchess debuted a new piece by Jenny Packham, a full skirt in what appears to be a silk satin weave.
Paul Hackett/WPA Rota/PA Wire
A tip of the tiara to Melissa J. on the WKW Facebook page and HRH Duchess Kate, they suggest the skirt is one of these from Jenny Packham’s a/w 2013collection. I think she is correct.
Jenny Packham
The Duchess accessorized with an Alexander McQueen belt we have seen before. We show Kate wearing the belt with her LK Bennett Davina jacket for a trip to Leicester in March 2012, as well as on a visit to Newcastle and Stockton in October 2012.
L: Montfort University R: Jo Taylor Twitter Feed
We are still awaiting better photos before identifying the shoes Kate wore, It looks like Kate is wearing her Vikki platform pumps by Jimmy Choo. The intrepid Ashley Marie believes Kate was wearing the Jimmy Choo Aimee, not the Vikki.
Jimmy Choo/SplashNews
The Duchess brought back her Cassandra Goad Temple of Heaven earrings.
Paul Hackett/WPA Rota//PA Wire
They remain available at the jeweler’s website (£1395).
Cassandra Goad
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Next, what we thought was a new ID on the maker of a hat Kate wore several years ago.
Lefteris Pitarakis/AP Photo
We’re talking about the aubergine hat the Duchess wore for her first Christmas at Sandringham. In a feature about Kate’s hats this week E! Online attributes the piece to London milliner Rose Cory. Several of us who follow Kate’s fashion were all a-dither learning about a new milliner the Duchess had used, especially for this ensemble, as her hat accessorizes the coat created by an anonymous “independent designer.”
Allpix / SplashNews
Yours truly actually thought this was a new identification, but it turns out this is not the case. In a January 2012 blog post the Headwear Association refers to the piece this way:
“The hat was designed by Jane Corbett, who was trained by Rose Cory, the Queen Mother’s milliner.
And The Daily Mail described it as being by Ms. Cory in a photo caption accompanying a story that also ran in January of 2012. It appears that your fearless correspondent may have been one of the few unaware of the hat’s origins. Ms. Cory has a fascinating background. More from the Love Hats blog:
A milliner for over forty years, Rose Cory is one of millinery’s all-time greats and best-kept secrets. A huge proportion of today’s leading milliners have at some point been trained by the iconic Rose Cory and use her as a benchmark by which to judge their own designs.
Ms. Cory continues to teach millinery classes today.
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We have some other news morsels that may be of interest, beginning with word that Nordstrom is making a significant change in its approach to sales. For decades Nordstrom has held sales twice a year. It turns out that is changing, more from a Huffington Post story:
For a certain group of shoppers, there’s nothing quite like a sale at Nordstrom. Alas, those days are over. Now Nordstrom will put on sales just like all the other stores.
I had wondered about the increased volume of email from touting sales and markdowns, including one arriving int the electronic in-bin.
Nordstrom
Now the additional discounting and markdowns make sense. What this will do for the brand longterm is a question mark; obviously most consumers will appreciate the year-round discounting. Nordstrom carries a number of brands and items that Kate wears, we will have to see if that merchandise is included in the sales.
Our other newsbyte involves a profile of Monica Vinader running earlier this week on the Business of Fashion website. Readers may recall that Kate wore a necklace and matching earrings by the company for an event at the Natural History Museum last month.
Monica Vinader
The profile includes a look at the brand’s expansion plans.
Courtesy Photo via The Business of Fashion
Those plans include a move into the US market. More from Hettie Judah’s story:
Next up, Vinader has her sights on the US market: “We’re getting some very good traction both through Net-a-Porter and our own website. That’s going to be one of my focuses for next year, but we really need to have the team to be able to scale up to it.”
Those interested in reading the full profile can find it here.
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Our final note is about an exclusive offer for WKW readers. One of our favorite sponsors, Beulah London, is giving What Kate Wore readers a 10% discount on all of its dresses.
Beulah London
That includes Kate’s Sabitri dress in the powder blue colorway, as well as the new pattern, Navy Bright White Lights, and black.
Beulah London
As well as other beautiful styles like the new off-the-shoulder Moonbeam dress.
Beulah Moonbeam
To receive the discount use promo code WKWDRESSES at checkout; the offer is good until December 1st.
LINKAGE:
- Learn more about Place2Be by visiting its website or Facebook page, the official news release about tonight’s event may be seen here.
- The Daily Mail’s photo-laden story is here, the Daily Express story is here, the Daily Mirror’s story is here and The Telegraph’s is here
- The Daily Mail has a video of the evening posted on its site
the Daily Mail
Everything Kate wears looks gorgeous and stylish Kate is a fashion icon
Just an FYI, there cannot be a “first annual” anything. If something is annual, it is held each year, which can’t happen the first year. The word you want is “inaugural.” 🙂
I had to leave just one comment about how much I loved the outfit. Yes, It looked 80s with the the black top and coloured skirt and dots but it also looks 30s & 50s too. Also, Edwardian fashions were replicated in the 40s, 60s & 80s and at the moment one can’t buy small home appliances without seeing the word “Retro” so it really doesn’t matter. I have to say though that the lovely JP top should have been the one worn – I wouldn’t have paired that lovely high quality silk skirt with a polyester top and the JP top is truly a ‘match’.
Kate often adds belts to coats. I’ve noticed Kate has often paired a chunky tan or black “Jeans-style” belts with dressy clothes (she added both (at separate private weddings) to the Navy lace dress worn to Canada). I think it is because the belts, particularly in a lighter colour, along with a mini-skirt and high heels, especially boots cuts her body-line up and makes her look long-legged! It is the opposite advice given to shorter and curvier women. However, I’m really glad the mini’s have gone for public appearances – she really did look awful crouching to talk to children, as if she needed the toilet. I’ve also always thought that she looks as if she is covering her modesty holding her hands where she does. I’d like to see her hands away at her sides too or held behind her back like the other Royals when posing, the Queen is a master at this.
Wow, I am in the minority, but I LOVE this outfit! I think the skirt is so beautiful and elegant and when paired with the top it gives the look a bit of an edgier feel. I don’t find this look matronly at all, mainly because of the top. My only qualm is I think her accessories (earrings and belt buckle) should be silver as I feel the gold clashes a bit with the black and blue colors. It’s great seeing the Duchess attending events again and looking so radiant, healthy, and of course beautiful. Place2Be seems like a great organization, and I’m happy she is bringing attention to them and their worthy cause. Until next time 🙂
Kate is beautiful — no matter what she wears.
In the past few years I have looked forward to seeing what the Duchess of Cambridge is wearing at each and every event she attends, although that anticipation is quickly going away. I have to say that this is the worst she has ever looked! Why didn’t she purchase the beautiful top that was made to go with this skirt? The outfit would have been such an elegant statement, but she looks a “HOT MESS”!!!!! In my opinion she dresses entirely to old and she need to get away from wearing the constant and same old pump. Stop trying to be one of the common people, go for it, act your age stop dressing 20 years older and be the Princess that you are. Also, look at the other European royalty, wear a skirt set or a pant set. Shake it up and give the same old dress, coat dress and shoe designs a rest and try something young and out of the box!!
i love this ensemble, the whole styling and shebang. her hair looks lovely here as well, not too done and the color reflecting off the lights is lovely.
Guess i am really in the minorty this time becaseu I like the outfit, sans the belt (a belt with the same material as the top would have been better)…but of course, the original JP’s own ensemble (with black glittery top) would have been a much more polished choice.
The silhouette is very classic and post war (Dior’s “new look” anyone?) the satin skirt is really touching my heart. I am actually curious to know if it comes with a a matching jacket. That would be a great option for a princess like Kate. 🙂
I’m in total agreement about the skirt! Wonderful satiny sheen and soft folds and the colour is just amazing.
While I said the whole ensemble didn’t wow me, the skirt certainly does.
The skirt actually reminds me of a recent look from Queen of Spain Letizia. She rocked a true navy satin skirt with a similar sheen and silhouette. 🙂
I agree, that skirt would look great on the four real princesses of the UK- Beatrice, Eugenie,Ann and Alexandra. It is timeless and elegant.
umm….not sure which part you ageed with but what you said was not what I meant…I had problem when trying to deliver my message in the right way. 🙂
Any woman who marries a prince in the UK becomes a “real” princess. You can be a “real” princess by either birth or marriage, and the Duchess of Cambridge is one by marriage. I might also point out that she will someday be the first woman in the land in terms of the order of precedence, ranking ahead of any woman born a princess. The fact that she wasn’t born a princess herself will not matter at all.
Actually, this is not true for the UK. A real princess is one born so full stop. Others can carry the title of “princess of” but not actually be princesses. Diana and Camilla are the perfect examples: they are Princesses of Wales but not princesses in themselves. That’s why Diana always cringed when someone referred to her as Princess Diana in her presence. Look it up, if you don’t believe me.
I don’t understand why ppl always take this reality to be an offense to Kate; it’s just the way the system works. She is now the Duchess of C. and will be the Princess of Wales someday but she will never be Princess Kate ( she is however the Princess William).
I’m afraid I do not agree, though that is not because I regard it as “offensive” to the Duchess of Cambridge. While it is certainly true that women not born princesses may not use the title before their given names, they are still “real princesses” if they are married to princes. This is why the Duchess of Cambridge is styled “Her Royal Highness” and why one of her titles is “Princess William”.
The wives of princes are certainly “real princesses,” simply not princesses by birth.
As an academic who has had reason to study royalty and royal history closely and intensively, I am quite sure of my ground here. I think perhaps it’s best to avoid the word “real” and simply distinguish between women born princesses and princesses by marriage. They are both “real”.
This link explains my previous post about Kate not being a princess a lot better than I ever could:
http://royalcentral.co.uk/blogs/explanation/why-well-never-see-a-princess-catherine-13573
I hoppe posting links is ok Susan. Thanks!
Excited for tomorrow!
Very well put indeed!
Terrible combination of top and bottom.
Though she does look stunning from the neck up… this was a total miss compared to her usual looks. In her last few appearances she has looked flawless, this one (I think the belt and contrasting materials are the problem) is terrible.
Still think she’s great, but total miss on this outfit.
Yes, this is the situation I often find myself in. Love the top, love the skirt, love the belt, love the earrings, and the shoes – then put them together and what have you got?
In my case I stand in front of the mirror and pull a face 🙂
Kate’s outfit is ok…and I suspect if we were there with Kate in person it would be a different experience…but sitting here I don’t want ‘ok’, I want ‘wow!’ and I’m not wowed by this one.
Great to see her out and about again, and looking so well.
I neither love, nor hate this look. I do agree with some of you that it is a bit matronly or maybe too fashion forward for the the event (mixing the fabrics). However, still looks radiant and I agree healthy! Other posts mentioned about scraping another look perhaps because of a bigger bump and I never thought of it until now but I think that that could be quite true! I love the belt and the earrings I am just not a fan of them with this outfit. I think some more understated accessories would have pulled this look together more. For example a skinny black belt and her teal drop earrings…. just some thoughts. Overall, not a complete bust but not a favorite either. Her last few outfits have just been so spot on though lately she is bound to have one shake up the mix eventually. Happy to have her back in the news and I CAN NOT WAIT to see what she wears while in New York!
I just went through the Place to Be photos and here’s one more thing to say about the belt – you can see the crease where she’s buckled it in the past. (Look at the one’s where she is actually holding the trophy.)
Since I do that, it’s a wonder her advisers aren’t aware of it. (I wonder if this is like the dress she wore previously…under the glare of photography, the faux pas has surfaced.)
I might be dense, but why is it a faux pas that you can see where she buckled the belt pre-pregnancy? We know it’s not new because we’ve seen t before, so it’s not like she’s trying to pass it off as brand new.
Amen to this – how is it a faux pas? Surely the fashionably correct wouldn’t expect her to purchase the belt a second time?
I really don’t think a minor problem with a belt is a “faux pas”. That’s a rather seriously exaggerated term for something so very unimportant in the grand scheme of things.
Her hairstyle is flattering and overall I do like the look. I don’t care for the belt or earrings so much. The belt looks to casual for the seperates. I personally do not particularly like full skirts in this fabric but I can see why this works for her body. I prefer the straight skirt the model has on with this top. She looks in good health.
Well…I’m glad she pulled her hair back. It looked lovely. She does look like she feels better, so that’s good, too. The rest of this look is just a mess. It’s a very matronly look to me, and none of the pieces work together. It looks like her skirt is a couple of inches shorter than it is on the model, and I think that makes it even worse. I think this is a situation where a nice pair of blue, black, or even cream slacks would have been lovely, comfortable for her, and still appropriate for the event.
She looks radiant and well-rested! Her makeup is lovely and her hair is gorgeous!
I love the silhouette this outfit cuts (it’s reminds me of the early Mad Men/Betty Draper style, having not been around in the 60s myself), and it does minimize the baby bump. It’s very feminine and flattering. I really like all of the components (except the earrings–for whatever reason aren’t pleasing to my eye, but they please her’s and that’s what matters!), but I agree with everyone who thinks the pieces aren’t suited to each other (possibly the fabrics? I couldn’t say). I do wonder along with a previous commenter if she woke up with a bigger baby bump than she had the day before, and her original outfit had to be scrapped.
I think her posture looks fine–she’s a real human being and not a mannequin. She might be conscientious that being so tall in heels, she could come off as stiff and snobby if her body language read uptight. Softer body language (as compared to having a rod up her spine) likely makes her seem more approachable. And to the comment that I read that it is a mistake for women as tall as Kate to wear heels, I disagree. I’m 6′ in heels, and I love this. A tall woman should not be obligated to wear flats or lower heels just because others are shorter (we are each made how we are made and should feel comfortable in our own skin), and I’m sure if Kate wore flats to a dressy event, people would decry that as too casual, and if she wore lower heels, it would be criticized as too matronly and assumed that it was foist upon her by the firm.
Kate is only 5’7″ or 5’8″, she is not as tall as everyone thinks. So I believe that is why she wears heels, to appear taller. She still towers over people since it would make her about 6′ tall with heels on. I agree though, no matter what your height, women should wears heels:). Look at Taylor Swift, she is 5’10” and always wears 4″ heels. But I will say, her posture is so good in them. Personally for me, when I wear heels it makes me stand up straight. So I find it odd that Kate slouches so much. She does not need to have perfect posture, but I cringe when I see her because of what it must be doing to her lower back. So, I humbly disagree, I think she just has poor posture and it has nothing to do with trying to be approachable. 🙂
She is indeed not as tall as many people claim, but I believe that the reason she wears such vertiginously-high heels is the fact that she is quite long-waisted. Her legs are actually rather short relative to her torso. You see this clearly on the rare occasions that she wears flats instead of heels or wedges.
Yep. I totally agree. Both she and her sister have long torsos and short legs. The heels even her out. Tho I think pointed-toe pumps (rather than the almond-toe platforms she favors) would elongate her legs even better.
Guess I’m in the minority. I love this look. The different fabric textures are wonderful and the color story is sophisticated. As is the addition of the belt. Very sophisticated.
Phew, another fan of this look! Seems we poor lost souls must stick together. I can see there are some problems of fit, but can’t help thinking the biggest crime on the part of the belt was that it can’t sit easily over a bump.
Also, it’s a common mistake to assume a gathered skirt is somewhere to hide an expanding waistline when it generally tends to exaggerate such.
But for me it’s a neat working outfit for a lovely working royal who’s getting into her stride stylewise. And if it were worn by some other member of the royal Windsor ladies I suspect there would be comments on the sudden upsurge in the fashion-savvy of one of those naturally conservative dressers.
I like it too! But think she could have used a different belt. I actually wondered if she used the belt to emphasize her bump. Plus I sympathize trying to put together clothes while pregnant and form a half decent outfit. There’s no advance planning outfits whilst pregnant as it’s day by day with the bump size.
Thanks for the update on pregnancy outfit planning — good point! I can’t see that another belt would have made much difference since the bump was going to make its presence felt whatever. She’s tried to hide under the peplum and use a comfortable skirt in soft fabric but of course it still shows.
The other point about the belt is that the buckle echoes her earrings and gives an extra point of interest without resort to further bling. Just a thought!
I don’t think the outfit is bad. Dressing a pregnant body is always challenging and she may have chosen a skirt (waistline easily modified), black / peplum style shirt (minimizes expanding belly) and belt (illusion of more cinched in waist) to minimize the pregnant look and appear dressy. I know having had 4 pregnancies that one can never really adjust to being a different size every day and often one craves to keep the nipped in waist look, especially if one is naturally slim, for as long as possible before the unavoidable full blown belly sets in.
You hit the nail on the head, Tabitha. Someone else in the comments section said that this outfit can be chalked up to a fashion challenge! Thanks so much for giving us your insight into how complicated it can be to dress a pregnant body. I appreciate your opinion in this discussion.
I would agree that dressing a pregnant body is difficult. I can remember days when I would wake up and feel that I was nine months pregnant when I was only four months and then the next day feel and look like I was not pregnant at all. I like the look except for the belt – but then again I am not a belt person.
It is very important, when one is pregnant, to dress for comfort – and even more so for someone who has suffered as the Duchess has with unrelenting morning sickness. She looks beautiful and in good health – and comfortable. There are many who could take a page from her style book on how to dress for any and all occasions.
Thanks, Lauren. My intent is not to pretend to know what it must be like for the Duchess, but I am over here imagining what it might be like for her. Being pregnant is a highly emotional experience, both of itself and due to changing hormones. At various times one feels underweight, overweight, bloated, giddy, joyful, nervous, calm, apprehensive, and excited. Dressing oneself then becomes a more emotional experience than usual, and some days one may feel like emphasizing the bump while other days she may not. That said, when one’s pregnancy is public knowledge, other people may completely misinterpret an outfit meant to minimize a bump for one meant to emphasize it, and vice versa. It’s a crazy time.
Well, I think most of us are on the same page here. While I appreciate the Duchess’s effort to mix things up here and be a little trendier than is her wont, the outfit just doesn’t work. Blue and black can go very well together, and it’s not a color mixing problem. In fact, I think that with a different belt, the outfit might have worked significantly better. Oddly, that McQueen belt really strikes a wrong note and ruins the effect.
Someone suggested one of her bow belts, such as the one she wore with the Temperley cut-out dress. We didn’t think it worked with that dress, but it would have worked well here, and the look would have been much less jarring.
I’ve never liked those earrings, and I think that they, too, contribute to the problem. Her simple Kiki McDonough studs would have looked just right with this outfit. I think drop earrings of any kind would have looked fussy with that top and the full skirt.
It’s funny how small details can make or break a look. I really think that had she just worn a different belt and different earrings, we’d all be feeling much less negative about this ensemble.
Full, longer skirts have been trendy since last spring, and this is a particularly pretty example in a beautiful color. It should prove versatile, too. I think we’ll probably see it again. Peplum tops have been “in” again for a while, too, though they’re on their way out, I think. However, this top ought to be versatile as well. I’d like to see the Duchess try it with an interesting dressy pencil skirt.
I like the earrings on their own, but dangly earrings compete with her long hair. Add in the polka dots and the multiple fabrics and my eyes didn’t know where to rest. Lol. I do see that the shape of the earrings echo the belt buckle, as someone up thread pointed out, but both items to me seem a bit too casual for this dressy outfit.
This has to be a classic Kate outfit – demure, comfortable and elegant – and a sign of her maturing royal style. The black/blue combination is chic and nicely done, offset with the simple belt buckle.
I’m glad of the sheer spotted upper bodice panel, which I find a relief from the ocean of stretch lace threatening to overwhelm the entire fashion planet at present. That style of solid bodice with sheer top echoes her oh-so-flattering wedding dress.
I love the skirt which looks versatile and I hope we might see it again. It reminded me at first of the similar Beulah bow skirt which was featured in their WKW advert here for a while. I think the top might be better teamed with a straight skirt as shown on the model, but Kate’s natural elegance and poise carry the outfit off well enough for me.
Her hair looks fabulous, so lovely away from her face, and in such fine glossy condition. I don’t favour that style of earrings myself, but again Kate knows how to work them.
You really don’t believe in calling a spade a spade, do you?
I like the way you comment, like tv presenters back in the day of black/white TVs, when they used to describe the costumes of figure skaters or gymnasts.
I think I may have done the odd bit of spade calling here in the past. I seem to be on a quiet week here. Who knows, I may get my natural bite back for New York!
You just made me laugh-snort. (Quelle horreur!)
Oops…certainly didn’t mean to put you off your stroke. 🙂
I’m looking forward to it ElizaMo…
…and congrats for making admin snort with laughter. It’s good to snort…sorry, I mean laugh 😀
Thank you for your kind words, Prue, I am certainly happy to bring a smile of any sort to admin given the heavy burden of marshalling all the information and diverse posters on this site.
My one small protest might be that I did try to be as ladylike and even-handed as possible in my original post — and yet I still find myself the object of mockery for not being rude enough. Will have to see if I can up the ferocity-ometer for NY.
Meantime I remain resolutely at peace with this present outfit!
Kate is lovely, but I think this is my least favorite outfit she’s worn… ever. I don’t think the two pieces go together and the belt with it is pretty horrible. I love the way the skirt looks in the runway photos. I hope she wears it again, but pairs it with something different! The top would have been great with a black skirt.
~Ashley @ A Cute Angle
acutelifestyle.blogspot.com
I’m inclined to think that she suddenly hit the awkward stage between regular clothes and oh-no-the-waist-doesn’t-fit. Furthermore, the event was apparently both a champagne reception for adults in daytime-formal clothes and a meet-and-greet with young kids in school uniforms. My read on this was that she was trying for something that would go smoothly into both contexts, and also look festive and princess-y for the children, and fit over an awkward stage with the tummy. I’m not crazy about the top at all, but I’d definitely consider the moment a fashion challenge. And I’d put money on the earrings being chosen as some bling to satisfy the little girls.
Agree with the other posts here about the pieces being fine on their own, but not together. I have never been a fan of a darker top half with a lighter shade bottom half. Thought the top looked great paired with the black pencil skirt on the model.
This does not work at all – she needs new advisors as she has more often hit the mark fashion wise in the past.
Completely horrible. The top looks mismatched with the skirt and the belt is really too casual.
I also think the earrings look awful with it all. I am usually disappointed in her jewelry selections- she really wears only a few special pieces…
The lights must have been out at 1A KP last night. I think this outfit is simply horrendous.A peplum top would have worked with that skirt but not in mesh; a solid would have worked better. She should have bought the matching top from Packham and be done with it. I think this happens to a lot of us when we want to replicate a runway look with some of our own pieces.
I wonder why nobody told her to reconsider. That Rebecca woman or her new stylist should have said something.
The hair and polka dots combined don’t do it for me either. She is still relatively youngish but she is not a girl. Time for more mature haircuts.
Better luck next time.
That was the thought I had: she got dressed in the dark. 🙂 Don’t like this look at all. Belt is awful, top looks like it’s cheap, skirt has some redeeming value, but clashes with the rest. Boo.
Horrible. Just horrible. A rare fail 🙁
I hope these pieces are never put together again.
Although probably a sartorial nod to the organisation’s colours, this outfit just didn’t work for me. The two items individually were lovely pieces – and I particularly liked the skirt; it would be lovely to see it with a glittery top perhaps.
But the Hobbs top would have looked better with a black skirt. The belt just confused the look even more. Perhaps it was deliberately trying to draw the eye to her bump but it really didn’t work and cheapened the outfit.
I like this look, and appreciate that it’s a little different than we usually see. It resembles the first of the two ad images for the skirt shown above, which was perhaps the look she was hoping to achieve.
I also notice from the photos of the event, many other attendees were in black and/or blue. Perhaps there was a theme? With as much forethought we’ve seen Kate put into her wardrobe, I can’t imagine she paired these two pieces together haphazardly.
And if she did, well, she’s a pregnant working mother of a toddler so I won’t be one to criticize too harshly. She looks great to me.
Her hair and her makeup are absolutely lovely, but sadly her outfit reminds me of her sister Pippa’s sartorial combinations!
No, no, no, no, no no no. I agree with the majority: this outfit…it’s just not quite right. Lovely pieces separately and paired with other things, but as an ensemble – no. I think that skirt would have been stellar with a slightly dressier top, an evening belt (if she must have a belt), and absolutely different earrings – silver tone would have been better. In fact, if she was trying to incorporate a sort of geometric element given the children she was supporting, the Monica Vinader earrings would have looked nicer than the ones she chose. I don’t mind the black and blue together, but as someone else mentioned, she ought to have incorporated more blue into the outfit, and earrings would seem the obvious choice.
Oh, well! I’ll look forward to her next outfit. Other than that, she looks healthy and happy – and rightly so, supporting such a cause. I’m pleased that children’s mental health is a priority for her charity work, and pleased to see her looking well.
Oops! As many others have indicated, this outfit is a major miss. I’m having a bit of a flash from the past here; it really resembles an 80s prom dress to me. The two pieces on their own aren’t problematic, but when paired together, especially with that belt, the look just doesn’t work. The problems are manifold, but to begin the fabrics do not mesh and peplum tops really work best when paired with a slim silhouette on the bottom.
It’s a shame, because I think this Jenny Packham skirt is lovely. The color is gorgeous and the length is on trend. I hope the Duchess wears it again soon, with a different blouse, of course (maybe avoid pairing it with a high street top?).
I agree both pieces are lovely, separately but not together. The skirt has a very festive, holiday feel to it and would be great paired with a shiny blouse, without the belt. 🙂
I was sort of thinking along the lines that maybe she gets away with the skirt since it hangs well, the fullness of the skirt doesn’t protrude quite as much as the most prommy of prom dresses! But I can see where the rest of you are coming from on this one.
Hi Lauri, I would actually pair this skirt with a different texture, so that it balanced out the shininess of the skirt. The photos from Packham are spot on: notice how the sparkly and textured floral tops really bring out the shine of the skirt, instead of competing. But, I would stay far away from polka dots!
ElizaMo, I don’t think the silhouette is all that bad, but the volume of the skirt, sheer lace polka dot top, and the color combination just scream 80s to me.
It’s okay: I’m sure she will wear some lovely coats on the New York trip, and then I can come out of my grump cave 😉
Well, I made a big effort to come out of that same cave on this one — and found myself well out on a limb! Be careful out there :-\
Aww.. I loved this look and thought it was precious, before I read the comments! Now I think it looks like she wore half an outfit from 2 completely different occasions. Amazing, the power of peer pressure! 🙂
A hotch-potch outfit. Both the top and skirt are lovely in themselves but not together – somehow the materials looks a bit mismatched. If she had paired the skirt with a similar cut but sparkly black top (like Packham did in the picture) it would be great. Anyway, her hair in the half-updo style is lovely.
Hmmm….while I like the idea of this, I don’t love the final product. It seems as though she was trying to replicate the look of the skirt as put together in the Packham photos. Sadly, the peplum feels too long and the belt just ruins it for me. I love that she mixed it up and tried some separates, as I get tired of the monotone dresses and coats. The black with the skirt had great potential, but it ended up not being my favorite. It’s pretty, but not the best I’ve seen of her.
First off, Kate looks beautiful! Love the hairstyle and makeup, and the smile definitely conveys an upswing on the health front, which is great!
As for the ensemble, I don’t mind the top, as I do like the spotted-sheer fabric, but having said that, it’s not a fabric that lends itself well to this particular belt (might have been better with the velvet or grosgrain bow belts she’s worn previously), and she likely could have gotten away with no belt. The pattern, size and color of these earrings (which I love most other times) seems to be competing with the patterned portion of the top. Skirt and shoes look lovely – and tonight she could have ditched the purse, given that she stepped across the hall from home to attend. 🙂
Having said all this, it’s nice to know that even someone with a closet most of us would love seems to have moments of “maybe this….?” – it’s rather endearing.
I came on here to say that exact same thing about the belt! While I loved the look, the more I study it the more I wish she had worn the velvet or grossgrain bows that have been on other dresses – or perhaps more of a sash, as the buckle is what I feel takes away from the look.
I think the top and skirt is a cute combo, and the colour of the skirt is wonderful against the black. I love how swishy it looks!
Her hair and makeup is lovely, is her makeup changed up a bit or is that just me?
The only thing I can fault (other than the belt) are the earrings. I really don’t like them! I just don’t think they seem to ‘go’ with what she wears.
At first glance I was not a fan…but then watching all those kids in blue and black, I think she was making a nod to those colors. Still not my favorite, but passable enough and even cute. So very happy with the hair half-up-do so I can’t complain too much about the clothing choices.
This may not be her best choice, but she’s so incredibly lovely she can pull almost anything off that most of us could not. One of the reasons, besides her apparent happiness and genuine sweetness, so many of us are fond of her. Love this young lady!
This!! Agreed.
Spot on!!!
Very nice. Simple and pretty. I really like the top. It’s a solid piece that can be worn with skirts and dress pants.
Oops, looks like we’re in a minority here! I noticed how the outfit was originally liked by many but then gradually fell apart — in manner of speaking — once the fashion critics moved in. Oh well, glad there’s someone apart from me who thinks it looks pretty!
Perhaps a bunch of the earlier comments must have dropped off the string, since I’m seeing a majority of ‘meh’ or negative comments on the clothes from the start – though all seem to agree that Kate looks terrific! Your review was positive and didn’t seem to drag down the reviews, though I always think of you as one of the fashion critics on WKW! 🙂 I find it endlessly fascinating to read the lines and dislikes of the responders, would be a hoot to get everyone in the same room together and do this real-time!!
Disappointed with this outfit. The 2 pieces just don’t go together. I love the skirt but really dislike the top. I also think the belt is an odd choice. Can’t win ’em all, I guess.
On a positive note, Kate looks healthy and happy. Hopefully the HG is behind her once and for all.
I sadly agree with Erin… I actually LOVE the top and the skirt, but the belt and gold earrings don’t complete the look, but rather throw it a bit off for me. SHE still looks stunning of course and I love to see her regardless of the fashion.
I’m wondering if blue is a special color to members of the organization. If you look at the photos, you see many people dressed in blue, as are the adorable children. It could be that she wore the skirt as a shout out to the group. If so, that was very thoughtful.
Taken purely as an outfit, I’m afraid this looks kind of thrown together, as if she planned to wear something else and grabbed this at the last minute. We all find ourselves in that predicament, so I can’t criticize her for doing that.
Actually, it reminded me a little bit of something you’d see in one of the Christmas scenes in the movie, Love, Actually. It’s got kind of an early 2000s feel to it.
That’s exactly what it looks like Brenda! Something went horribly wrong with the outfit she was supposed to wear and she had to pull sonething else out of her closet in the matter of minutes.
That’s a good point you make about the colours in the children’s uniforms — it would help account what for the off-beat blue-black combination of Kate’s outfit.
This isn’t my favorite thing she’s worn, but I don’t think it’s a disaster. I love the top (and I actually like the belt with it as well), and the skirt is pretty. I don’t know that they necessarily go together as well as I’d like them to, though — maybe if the skirt had been a different color or fabric?
Wow Susan you got this post up in record speed!! Sorry to say this is not my favorite outfit on the Duchess. I can’t pin point what I don’t like about it, it just seems as though this top and skirt don’t go great together. On paper this should be a winning combo but alas it doesn’t work for me. I know I have put together outfits that again on paper should be great but then half way through my day I catch sight of myself in a mirror and freeze, Oh God have I looked like that all day!!! Oh well live and learn. 🙂
I did like the Duchess’ hair tonight, the half up/half down look is one of my favorites for Kate.
I agree, something is off with this outfit. The Hobbs peplum top looks much better paired with a slim fitting pencil skirt. The Jenny Packham skirt looks much more elegant paired with the tops shown on the runway.
how …. could she match that (evening) top with that (day) belt?
what a strange… ensemble.
NOTE: Edited by admin
dreadful posture. I can see why she usually wears dresses, because separates in this ensemble clearly do not work well together.
Hi Vava,
I too have noticed that Kate’s posture has really been pretty poor lately, very hunched in the shoulders. I think if she quit holding her hands clasped in front all the time it would allow her shoulders to move back and end the slouch.
I have a 5’10” sister who slouched her way through life. She would be 75 now & there were fewer tall women when she was in her 30s, but it’s still not common. Tall women in 4″ heels, a mistake IMO, have to bend down a great deal to get near shorter mortals. I noticed Catherine slouched way too much the 1st couple years of public duty. In these photos, however, I don’t see a posture issue. Yes, she bends over too talk to shorter women. Maybe lesser heels at parties are in order. Otherwise, I see the standard out pouch of a pregnant woman. She didn’t bare her bump at 4 mos with Grorge. Who knows how big she was? But, she IS showing us this time & that’s a pretty good sized baby at 4 mos. it’s hard to stand up straight with that middle weight throwing you off balance. Try standing straight in 4″ heels NOT pregnant. Then add the bump. Your posture won’t be stick straight……..also, I love her clothes, so I’m shocked to say I loathe this top & would loathe it with anything. The belt is clunky, more suited to the coats she’s worn in the past. The skirt is gorgeous. I wish she had matched it w/ a JP top. The fabric weights are a total mismatch. This is the 1st time I’ve ever thought her outfit unflattering…last comment, her beautiful long hair looks so much better off her face at dressy affairs, so glad she did that. While I don’t like the outfit, I want to defend the posture comments.
Hi Grace,
I understand the pregnant women tend to develop a sway back due to the baby bump, but Kate’s posture has been bad for some time, way before she was even pregnant with George. I’ve said many times before, walking and standing with your hands constantly clasped in front will pull your shoulders forward, collapsing the chest and pushing the hips forward, just try walking around like Kate does and see what happens to your upper back and shoulder area.. As someone who suffers from chronic low back pain, it’s not something I wish for anyone. If Kate doesn’t start practicing better posture now it will certainly catch up with her later in life. Lastly, why does a woman who is 5’10” need to wear 4″ heels when her only job is to meet and interact with others? Trying to talk to someone who towers over you, when you are already nervous about meeting them, doesn’t sound like a lot of fun to me.
Tall women shouldn’t feel any less free to wear heels than the rest of us. People manage to communicate with tall men just fine (including Will, who is always taller than Kate no matter what shoes she wears), so there’s no reason women should be required to take up less space.
As for her job: wearing heels probably makes it easier for people in crowds to see her, so I’d say it’s a help rather than a hindrance.
LOL, I have been wanting to yell at her to stand up straight:). She leans back and pushes her stomach out, which actually I think makes her ‘bump’ look bigger than it really is. Her posture is pretty bad.
This outfit is stunning! The color of that skirt is magical!! The embroidered dots add the perfect touch of whimsy!!!
xo,
Katie
http://hellolittlebean.com
Hmm, I feel like this is a huge miss for Kate. I like the top and skirt, but definitely not together. Add that belt into the mix and it just throws the whole look off. Sadly a very mismatched ensemble and a dud for me:(.
I have a quick question, does Kate wear false lashes. I never noticed how full her lashes are, but looking at the photo above of Kate at Christmas looking down you can really see how thick her lashes are. It just made me wonder if she wears false lashes? I didn’t know if anyone knew, or if this was mentioned when talking about her makeup before in older posts?
I don’t *think* she wears false lashes, but it’s possible, I guess. IF she does, I would guess them to be individuals glued on, since there’s no other sign of them. Perhaps she takes Viviscal or some other serious hair supplement – that would affect lash growth as well as hair and eyebrow. And she does have very lovely hair.
Hi Erin and Tsipa,
I’ve wondered about this for awhile, fun how great minds think alike! 🙂 I agree that if she wears false lashes they are individual lashes and shaped correctly. In the pictures of her pre-wedding she didn’t have eyelashes like she has now.
I think a great percentage of ‘celebrity’ women have been getting lash extensions for the past few years (even at the outrageous cost–can easily run into the hundreds–my own coworkers get them), with with extensions there isn’t any evidence of a strip or glue like there might be with traditional false eyelashes. I would not be surprised at all if Kate gets eye lash extensions.
What an interesting thought — love how WKWers always come up with a fresh angle!