The Duchess debuted a new label for today’s HeadsTogether annual general meeting and Christmas party hosted by The Mix.
The new frock is by designer Vanessa Seward.
Kate, William, and Harry were all on hand for the day’s events. Rebecca English has more in her story for The Daily Mail:
This morning, William, Kate and Harry joined a group ‘breakout’ session where counsellors and volunteers shared knowledge and get training on dealing with a range of issues.
Its focus was on supporting people who are suicidal and helping young people coping with homelessness.
The Duchess took part in a live online chat about volunteers and counseling.
After the work sessions, the trio enjoyed a Christmas party. From Richard Palmer’s Express story:
The three royals, who are joint patrons of the mental health charity Heads Together, went to a party hosted by youth support service The Mix, to celebrate the volunteers and counsellors who support people through tough times in their lives.
The Mix is a national charity that offers confidential, multi-issue support to young people under 25.
More from that Express story:
Inside the club, there was festive fun. Guests built and decorated gingerbread houses and wrote messages on baubles to hang on the Christmas tree.
Kensington Palace @KensingtonRoyal
William, Kate, and Harry met staff and volunteers from The Mix, as well as young people helped by the services the organization provides.
The Mix Facebook (click photo to be taken to The Mix FB page)
Kate working on some decorations.
More from The Telegraph:
Kate joined staff and young people at the Heads Together event in creating paper chains adorned with morale-boosting words of support for young people.
Some of the decorations Kate made are shown on the right.
Harry, Kate, and William presenting George Yeorghaki with the Volunteer of the Year award at the party. 
Now to what Kate wore for the day’s activities.
As mentioned above, Kate was in a dress by French designer Vanessa Seward, the ‘Cai’ style.
From the a/w 2016 collection, the Cai is constructed of a silk jacquard features a small floral motif in red and green on a black background. The garment is described as having “a flowing draped design.” It features full sleeves, a button front with black enamel buttons, on-seam side pockets, and a self-belt the Duchess elected not to use.
Net-a-Porter
The garment is shown as still being available in one size on the US Net-a-Porter site (50% off, now $623), as well as on the UK site (40% off, now £432).
This is from Vogue’s review of the a/w 2016 collection:
Seward considers the little things, like the turtlenecks under knit sweaters, which this season were printed in silk, and the just-about-perfect fit of her raw denim jeans, worn cuffed over terrific blonde leather knee-high boots.
The new collection has a ’70s flair with silk blouses tucked into A-line midi skirts and culottes, and a trio of relaxed, belted jumpsuits.
And from today’s fashion column in The Telegraph:
Celebrated for its understated and real-world-ready aesthetic, the designer’s latest collection was met with solid reviews from fashion editors, making this a fashion-forward choice for the Duchess who has recently been expanding her wardrobe to include more contemporary labels like Barbara Cassasola and Preen, alongside her established favourites.
While Seward might be a new designer for the Duchess, the dress’s delicate floral print and midi-length are tried-and tested style signatures. Indeed the last time we saw Kate in a dress like this was the L.K Bennett ‘Cersei’ dress which she chose for a visit to the Natural History Museum less than a month ago.
Below, the dress referenced by The Telegraph alongside today’s look.
It is a silhouette of which the Duchess is fond; I think most Kate fashion followers could rattle off several other pieces with a similar design.
The dress was originally priced at $1245 at Net-a-Porter. Most recently it was offered at 50% off on the US Net-a-Porter site, where it is now sold out. It remains available in very limited sizing on the UK site, where it is discounted by 40% to £432. If fond of the dress, the Vanessa Seward US site still has it in stock in a few sizes, retailing at $525. Other pieces are shown in the print; they are also on sale: the Caroline Shirt ($416.50); the Clemence Bermuda Shorts ($360); the Caroline Shirt ($416.50); and the Aliyas Scarf ($112.50).
Actress Drew Barrymore has also worn the Cai dress. Click the photo or this link to see the brief video of Ms. Barrymore in the dress.
Vanessa Seward Instagram (Click photo to visit page)
More about the designer’s background from the website:
Vanessa Seward was born in Buenos Aires and grew up in London and Paris. After training at the Studio Berçot, she worked with Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel for nine years and then with Tom Ford at Yves Saint Laurent.
And from a Booth Moore Hollywood Reporter story:
Seward founded her namesake brand in 2014, after two years of creating capsule collections for French denim and casual wear label APC.
Seward was the designer of high-end French fashion house Azzaro from 2003 to 2011, when she visited L.A. often to dress celebrities, including Natalie Portman for the 2011 SAG Awards, Carey Mulligan and Eva Mendes for other events.
Vanessa Seward also does handbags, jewelry, and footwear. Below, the designer, in a photo on the Vanessa Seward website.
Vanessa Seward has recently opened a number of boutiques, including a second shop in Paris; the new location is on the Left Bank. The first US store opened this summer in Los Angeles (seen below); a London presence will be established in February when the Vanessa Seward location in Notting Hill opens.
Courtesy Photo via The Hollywood Reporter
In addition to the Notting Hill store, an Evening Standard story says Ms. Seward plans to open four more London boutiques.
Kate accessorized with her Gianvito Rossi Black Suede Pumps ($670).
She wore a belt by Alexander McQueen that we see with some frequency. The Duchess was first noted wearing it at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, during engagements on Valentine’s Day 2012. We also saw it when Kate joined HM and Prince Philip for the launch of the UK portion of the Jubilee Tour in March 2012, and in November 2014 for the Place2Be Awards. 
The belt is generally called the ‘Glossed Leather Belt,‘ shown below right. But I’m wondering if perhaps Kate bought the same belt in a different material, like suede, because going back to the first times we saw the Duchess sporting it I can’t locate a photo where the piece looked any glossier than it did today.
I’m sure there’s a sensible explanation, but I don’t recall the belt ever being worn when it had a glossy, hi-shine finish. I may well have misidentified it in a previous post, although I’ve not yet been able to find that reference. Hmmmm.
She carried her Mulberry Bayswater Wallet Clutch.
For jewelry, Kate wore the Catherine Zoraida Fern Hoops. Kate’s hair was down in her signature loose curls.
William shared a cute story about Prince George during the day’s festivities. From Richard Palmer’s story for The Express:
The Duke of Cambridge told KISS FM DJ AJ King that his three-year-old son was too excited to wait for the big day and had been opening a few of the gifts under the tree at the family’s Norfolk home.
“He said they were all really excited about it and that George is already opening his presents.
“He thought it a quite funny. That’s kids for you, even the ones that are princes.”
We will see you tomorrow when we hope to have a photo or two of Kate and others arriving at the Queen’s Christmas lunch. We’ll leave you with a look at the day’s events put together by The Mix. It runs about 2:30.
Here are the best bits from an amazing day celebrating our volunteers with TRH @KensingtonRoyal @heads_together #TheMixVolDay pic.twitter.com/FzF5IQzB3L
— The Mix (@TheMixUK) December 19, 2016
LINKAGE:
- The Heads Together website is here; the organization’s Facebook page is here, and its Twitter feed may be seen here
- The Mix website is here; the charity’s Facebook page is here, and its Twitter feed is here
- Richard Palmer’s story for The Express is here; The Telegraph’s story by Danny Boyle is here; The Daily Mail’s photo-laden story by Rebecca English is here; Victoria Murphy;’s story for The Mirror is here
- Simon Perry’s People magazine story is here; PopSugar’s oversized gallery is here; the Fug Girls story and gallery may be seen here
- The full Vogue review of the a/w 2016 collection is here; a Vogue walking tour of Paris with Vanessa Seward is here
- An official story posted on The Royal Family website is here.
I first thought 1972 (when local high street boutiques were full of red & green) and Christmas! It isn’t a colour combination I see often, perhaps because we think of red & green as being Christmassy as in red berries being on green leaves. I like it anyway, the style being particularly appropriate with children. I think it was the right type of shoe too, boots would have been too heavy for this lightweight dress & Kate does look very hot in some pictures – I think she’s realised these types of places are often like hothouses, no more coats worn all day.
It was an appropriate choice for mixing with ordinary people too; she fitted in like any woman at an office/school. I do think a glossy thin belt would have been better though.
Do people dislike the dress because it was what older folk wore when we were young & that’s why it’s called Mumsy/Grannyish? I don’t see anything Bo-Ho, if that`s hippy, but the style was worn by the over 40s in the 70s. It`s a young person`s look now, like the pleated dresses with sheer sleeves that Kate wears, another previously ‘oldies’ look, but for young people it’s a ‘new’ look. We 70s teens had the 30s look floral dresses, then came the Victorian look, then the Edwardian look of the 80s – the same people who dressed in then ‘granny’ fashions don’t like young people doing the same now. I’m glad to see the return of trends that look good on all age groups – tight skirts & dresses only flatter whilst standing straight and only if young & slim; if old enough to have a spare tyre, no matter how thin you are, I would stay away from sheath dresses.
One thing stood out, Kate’s hair which Alora didn’t like. I too have long hair & coloured like Kate does here. I have had many compliments over the years, but it has not been likened to Bisto Gravy before!! I realise it wasn’t a compliment but it did make me smile – my DH says he’ll call me Bisto from now on!
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Yes the combination of green and red and the flower print are lovely and the colours suit her. Its possible that next time she wears this dress with different accessories the overall effect will be lovely.
I’m clearly in the minority, but I loved it! I also love all of the tea length dresses she has been wearing, but I think this dress particularly hit her in the exact right spot. The print is spot on for the holidays and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see this dress again because she is clearly comfortable!
I like the dress itself, especially in the styling that Drew Barrymore gave it. I’m quite fond of the print! But I think the styling is where this outfit is a let down… the self tie would have been more than sufficient for shaping, so I don’t quite understand adding the heavy leather belt. The pumps and clutch don’t do much for the look, and while I do love those earrings, they seem a bit incongruous with the rest of the accessories. Add in wearing her hair down and it just feels very HEAVY, which is odd for such a light-looking dress.
I also agree that this doesn’t really feel like it fits the event. A sort of whimsical dress works for a children’s event (like the LKB dress at the history museum event), but it’s just not either chic enough or business enough to make sense here. She has a number of more tailored or edgier looks that would have been a better fit.
Although this isn’t a great dress style wise, it could have looked better had it been styled in a different way. Bohemian dresses need bohemian accessories. Classic accessories plus bohemian clothing just look frumpy.
Your comment put into words what I couldn’t put my finger on – the dress is fine, but the styling with classic accessories is what throws it off and puts it firmly in mumsy territory.
I don’t think this is “mumsy” or “grandma-esque” at all. By the way – and I’ve always wondered this – when you talk of a dress or clothing being “grandma”, what on earth are you talking of? My grandmother wore crisp, classic fashions from Ann Taylor and the Loft so I truly do not understand this concept. “Grandma-esque?” You might has well put me in there then as I like this.
While the print is small, it looks like a field of poppies to me and I love poppies. The color brings a lot of life to her face. The neckline beings the attention to her face and while I understand that the hemline could be shorter, I like the length as it makes her look regal in some odd way. She carries herself with purpose and she isn’t afraid of interaction because she knows there isn’t any fear of flashing someone. She dresses to be with whom she is interacting. Today, it is young adults and she is being her version of fun.
I think the dress could be nice in the right setting. I do not mind the length or general cut of the dress.
But stern,no nonsense black pumps simply don`t talk with a dress like this.Instead it calls for easy and fun accessories and only a summery and light hearted environment allows this.
Kate and her assistants clearly spend much time trawling through designers and she has showcased a lot of different ones this year. She seems to have a mission to find ‘long, flowered dresses’ and as someone else noted, has many similar dresses to this and I really wonder why she has such a fondness for this theme. Some have worked really well (both the LKBs). Others, like this, don’t.
When she sticks to a designer, eg McQueen or Jenny Packham or LKB, the clothes generally work brilliantly so I do think Kate may do better to limit the designers/stores she chooses and then try more adventurous looks within the fewer trusted brands.
We’ve had a big news item in the UK with ‘shock horror’ the PM wearing leather trousers! Teresa May ourchased them from a favourite designer and looked Fabulous – I can’t see she would ever wear a dress like this.
I’d love to see Kate ‘reign’ it in and buy less but better. She has had some fabulous looks but I really can’t think she felt good when she left the house (palace) in this. She does deserve better!
In some pictures it looks like the belt is turning towards the back. Perhaps it’s trying to get away from this ugly dress. I don’t blame it. Poor belt.
LOL—this is the funniest comment I have seen in a while. Thank you for the chuckle.
But but the belt is the worst bit…(though I totally agree on the ugliness of the dress)
This dress is way too “mumsy”. She is either very glamorous and perfectly attired or she is frumpy. I don’t get it.
Unfortunately “frumpy“ is also the word that came to my mind when I saw this. Not that it is a bad dress in itself, but the standard for the duchess has to be higher.
I understand that she finds it in better taste not to overly chic here, but her way of playing it down is sometimes going into the wrong direction. She is going for “rural“ and it might be authentic considering her fondness for a “simple life” in the country.This is something aristocrats have embraced for centuries and it is certainly ok in their eyes to dress down into this direction. But these photographs are not only seen by this little cycle of people. And for the general public there is something off here.
It is an urban setting and when she is with young people they obviously go for “cool”. She should have played it down towards “streetwear” and not towards “country style”.
Drew Barrymore makes it look cool but this is not nonchalant California. Kate does not look cool here. Her look is frumpy aristocrat here.
If at least she would have at least played it up and confidently be “the duchess”: pure and slick and elegant.
But this is an odd compromise. It is neither chic nor cool, nor accessible.It is just wrong.
Instead she goes for a phony compromise, neither one thing nor the other, but detached from those kids and oddly remote anyways.Clearly a miss this time.
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Huh. Well, I have to admit I’m a bit biased, because I absolutely detest those floppy 70s dresses with small prints, regardless of how they’re styled or who wears them. If she liked the print, it would have gone down easier as the blouse with a skirt. That would comfortable and easy to wear, while avoiding the 70s/tea dress thing. Why are “designers” even trying to make this style come back? It didn’t look good in the first place!
I’ve noticed we’re seeing a lot more of these small prints and tea dresses, sort of a bohemian thing I guess. Do you think that’s the influence of her stylist? I know some people complained when she wore more classic looks, because they weren’t exciting enough, but I thought they looked really nice. And the classic look will still be nice in pictures years from now (as opposed to things like cringe-worthy 80s dresses with puff sleeves).
I agree, Annie. These dresses just do not good look, whoever wears them!
I respect Kate for dressing conservatively, really I do, as someone else said she is a refreshing change from the likes of the Kardashians and even in this dress I’d rather follow her style than theirs.
BUT – something needed to give to make this dress work, IMO. The length, long sleeves and high neck was just too much covered up, it looked old fashioned and dowdy. I compare this look to her beautiful long white dress (Roland Mouret?), with the high neck, long length, and long sleeves, that she wore with the statement necklace – it’s elegant and she looks fabulous in that one, the split up the front of the skirt is necessary because of the sleeves and higher neck. Or her Dolce and Gabbana plum-ish colour lace dress – long sleeves and high neck, but the length is at the knee. For this dress, the way Drew pushed the sleeves up to elbow length was so much more fun and better looking.
If she wanted to be more covered because of cold weather, the audience, or the setting (all understandable), then as others have suggested, a long sleeve blouse with the top couple of buttons undone, with black trousers/pants could have looked wonderful, still feminine, and still practical.
Loved the print though – perfect for the Christmas season.
She does find a style she likes and just wears it to death, doesn’t she? I feel like she has worn several styles over the past 6 months that are very similar to this one.
Without the belt, I think it would be better, but as it is, yawn.
The pattern and color is gorgeous – in just a blouse, or just a skirt – or even this dress styled the way Drew Barrymore did – it’s pretty. But in this dress, styled this way – ugh. I think these type of dresses were in along with huge shoulder pads about 20 years ago.
It does nothing for her. And seriously, I dress as modestly as she does covering arms, chest, upper legs, but I try not to let the style look so old. It’s the combination of that much coverage with that much extra fabric and the styling. I look back on her India tour for examples of modest outfits that don’t age her like this.
That belt NEEDS to be replaced.
Quite the fail for me in this. The dress is OK if she had worn it for a different event with an espadrille or a sandal and opened the top button on the dress. The pairing with this structured belt and heels is horrible. A summery rope belt or the self belt would have been OK (at a different event). Her hair as well is messy and too much in front of her face. She needed to wear some of it up and back. I would have preferred to have seen her in nice slacks and a Christmas red or green sweater with a scarf. She would have blended better with what the boys are wearing. As is, she’s stuck between two looks – a classic and a frumpy look. I think the dress has a tad of boho to it, but that belt and heels wrecks that style.
I like the fabric of this dress ( very Christmasy) and the colours suit Kate but I would have preferred her to wear the blouse version with some really smart trousers instead. Her hair in a ponytail would have lifted the whole look as well. I never think that Kate doesn’t look lovely but in this instance I think that separates would have worked better. If Kate’s hair had been in a ponytail I think the earrings would have looked much better and made the outfit sing a little more.
The dress is really frumpy, its reminds me of when I was at a stuffy English private school in the 1980’s whereby each teacher was ancient and than a young music teacher started and wore this kind of stuff to fit in with the old dears. I recall that she too had long, full hair, wore a lot of eye make up and extremely high heeled shoes. All us girls thought she was really trendy at the time. Fast forward 35 years or so and I think that Kate must wear this kind of attire just to fit in too. Her sister and even her mum wouldn’t be seen in this kind of frock yet I can imagine the Queen or Princess Anne selecting it. I think that without the belt, some ankle boots and hair styled in a pony tail, this look could have worked.
Gosh that belt looks horrible! The self belt or sash the dress was made with looks so much better. If she had to wear a leather one a simple narrow suede would have worked. Nothing wide with those narrow stilettos. Even unbuttoning a few buttons at the neckline would have helped the dress- it’s just too dowdy! But I do love her hair so pretty!
I think she tried to be festive with the print but the accessories and styling did not finish it well.
This is a lot of print and she tried to style it like the model with a black belt but the belt comes across heavy in appearance, he shoes are OK but black hose would have helped balance the bottom more and the earrings are busy to pair with a printed item. Missed opportunity for her emeralds, the India tour green earrings or even her kiki drops. Would have loved a surprise piece of red jewelry!
I agree the belt shifted upward on the smooth fabric and settled at the rib cage area which always makes the dress gather on the sides and pull flat across the abs, which makes for a rounded tummy where is not one!
I do think this fabric in a shift dress with a collar could have worked and I give points for the color combo for the season but just not as good as it could have been.
Neither a hit or a miss for me -an ordinary dress pleasantly accessorized.
I just don’t like this style of dress on Kate. It’s too long has too much material and with the safe black pumps makes it all a bit jelly and custard. While her hair is reminiscent of just after her marriage it’s spoiled by whatever colour she is using. It’s a deep brown with a reddish tint under lights. Too Bristo gravy for me. I must also whinge her penchant for belts to tame billowy numbers does nothing for her lovely lithe frame. This ensemble is a miss
‘bisto gravy’ that should read lol
lol! I wondered!
She’s obviously veering towards trendier labels judging from the outfits she has worn over the last few months, so why she couldn’t also apply that same effort to her choices in footwear baffles me. On the model(s) this dress looks great because she/they are wearing strappy sandal/heels. The skirt also appears to be fuller in some of the photos. But when Kate pairs it with a black belt, black clutch and black pumps and this incredibly heavy-looking hair, the effect is considerably more dowdy and dutiful. If one were to compare Kate’s looks to those of Princess Mary or Letizia the obvious differences are hair and shoes and her over-reliance on clutches and belts to ‘pull outfits together.’
She isn’t a celebrity, she is a senior member of the BRF on an official engagement. She has dressed appropriately. The dress is bright and cheerful for a festive event, it enables her to join in.
She is nearly 35, mother of two and is at work. Looks fine.
Only issue I have is the belt – it’s looking worn.
Horrible and frumpy. It looks like she is wearing a size or two larger than she is. Her assistant’s 1/2 boots would have looked darling with this
The fabric sounds nice, and I like the print – Christmas-y but not too much. I like the look of the self-belt better, though.
I think Kate really needs to hire a real stylist to help put her outfits together. This look she has adopted of long dresses, full sleeves and buttoned up to her neck is awful for such a gorgeous, young woman. This dress ages her about 20 years – I agree with others that said boots would have looked better as well as her hair in a pony tail. Her hair looks very heavy – it looked so much better right after she got married. I know it’s not all about her clothes, but when you’re a Duchess on the world stage part of the job is the clothes. You can still get your message across and look fantastic – Princesses Mary, Victoria and Sophia all look fantastically stylish and still are taken seriously.
Yet, Kate is the one that generated the sales in the clothes that she wears, much more than the other princesses. Clearly, her style resonates with people. And I don’t agree that this style is aging her, by 20 years, much less?! In none of the photos does she look 50, or even 40. She looks her age, wearing a style that she obviously enjoys. Looking fantastic, imo.
The other Princesses do not receive the same press attention. Unless one really searches, you have no idea what’s worn. As a result there’s not the same impact to emulate an outfit.
I don’t think I can quantify a set number of years, but certain outfits do have the effect of ageing Catherine.
Agree traveling blush. And I think because the Duchess receives more press than other royals she must feel pressure to not outshine the event. The focus is really suppose to be on the organization and the supporters and beneficiaries. Kudos to the admin for supplying all of the important background.
This is the kind of dress that works best under something. Imagine if Kate had topped it with a red cardigan and styled the sleeves, or found a smart green velvet jacket. A foulard is instantly aging (think
Bette Davis in Now, Voyager) but it can be rescued. Sadly, Kate’s print phase is not going well.
Love the idea of a green velvet jacket!
I can’t figure out why Kate is still trying to make the belt work with dressy outfits. It’s a casual belt, better suited to pants or jeans. The only time it remotely worked was the green suit.
It’s hard to see the dress when the belt is so stark.
I like that she chose Christmas colors but the belt is distracting.
One word: grandmotherly….blah. I guess that’s two words. I wish she would dress her age. She is so beautiful if she would just kick her style up a couple notches.
Overall, I like the dress. The print is perfect for Christmas. I even like the length. I would prefer a different neckline such as the keyhole on the LK Bennett dress.
I do not, however, like the belt at all. It is too heavy for the dress. I felt the same way when Kate wore it with a dressy blouse and skirt at the Place2Be awards in 2014.
Hi – what earrings was she wearing at this event?
Thanks so much for asking about this, I plumb forgot to include that in the post! It is the Fern Hoops by Catherine Zoraida. 🙂
thanks!!
I wonder why she doesn’t wear a pretty coat and then just take it off inside? There would be more to dissect and discuss for us haha! Like a previous commenter, I am intrigued that she and Drew would choose the same dress twice now…what’s the connection!? Don’t love this dress but obviously she loves this sort of thing – of all the dresses in the world she chose this…that in itself is interesting much as I’d like to see her in something else. Time to retire the belt for sure.
She is beautiful but this is clearly an old lady dress, like for the queen. =(
My grandmother wore dresses like this, but she was 80!!!!! This look is just plain ugly.
I like the idea of this dress in theory but unfortunately this look is a bit of a miss for me. Something about the belt placement was wrong. She almost looked like she had a tiny baby bump hiding behind that (lovely) print (this is by no means a criticism of the Duchess’ weight-just an observation on the styling with the belt). I do like the print and think it’s great for the occasion. I find that I prefer the Duchess in bolder, jewel tones rather than the icy blue she seems to favor. Her hair & makeup look beautiful and have been spectacular of late.
While I appreciate that the Duchess has been taking more risks with her clothing, I find myself not liking quite a bit of it-could it be that Natasha Archer has been a bit too influential of late? On several occasions lately, the Duchess has managed to select dress (in particular) that seem simultaneously too young and too mature for her age. I must remind myself that she is only two years older than me but manages to age herself with her clothing from time to time.
Sigh….. it’s a pretty dress and she is such a beautiful woman, but the length and simpleness looks like it’s for a much older lady. She is only in her 30’s…… why this???? And the red and green for Christmas idea is just….. whatever. Not every outfit has to be a theme for something. Just wear something fun and elegant!!!!!
Interesting – in scrolling through the photos, I see a hairstyle that is worn down with loose curls, but only one photo where it could remotely be described as “in her face”. I see no evidence of an “awful/frumpy/dowdy”/etc. dress – but agree with the peasant blouse-style bodice. I like the print, very festive, and I wouldn’t mistake it for something out of the Queen’s closet at all. Is it edgy? Up to the minute? Bold and daring? Nope, but it’s a classic style that looks nice on her here. A feminine, warm, accessible look that works well with sitting in on group discussions, or elbow to elbow with the others assembling Christmas decorations.
Putting aside critiques of Kate, I sometimes wonder what the designers would think if they could read how their ideas are considered, ha! At least Vogue gave Ms. Seward good marks, and it sounds as if she has good experience in multiple fashion houses that don’t specialize in dowdy.
To be fair to a lot of the designers their designs are often heavily altered before Kate wears them to make them a little more modest.
I was going to say the exact same thing……some designs end up looking not even remotely similar, excepting the fabric (thinking about the McQueen white with red flowers number earlier in the season). And in support of critiques found here, they are critiques of the Duchess’ clothes, not the Duchess herself! She is a beautiful woman, there’s no doubt…..speaking for myself, I wish for a bit of the old “glam factor” the Duchess wore with such flare both prior to and just after her marriage.
I realize these are critiques of the clothes, which is why I made the comment regarding what the designers might think… 🙂 Though she does indeed have items altered, many others aren’t changed a whit (like this one).
You bring up an interesting point in your statement that you are missing Kate’s “glam factor” that she “wore with such flare” from before her marriage and not long after – I find this a curious statement, because she has always been a conservative dresser, and the “glam” dresses certainly weren’t appearing on an every-day frequency. The ones that stand out in my mind were evening gowns, but the daywear hasn’t drastically changed over the years – nor has her hair. That’s a big part of her appeal, imo.
I myself admire the consistency in style that Kate has managed to retain. It would be all too easy to slip into some almighty howlers as royals the world over have done from time to time.
Her discretion has served her well if the worst it can come up with is a few complaints about dull — rather than disaster! And consistency is so little valued in a world that demands constant change and stimulation.
In fact, after coming back to look at this dress again, I’ve come to like it a lot more than I did at first.
Yes to all of this! Thank you 🙂
Drew’s curvier figure is better suited to this dress. My first thought was a Quaker/Amish look with its dowdy silhouette. The sweater dress in one of the belt photos is much more flattering. In winter it would be nice to see her in skirts, tights, booties, chunky jewelry (things more age appropriate, after all, she isn’t 70!).
In my opinion, Drew’s curves have little to do with it. Drew rolled the sleeves up and her shoes were interesting. Perhaps if the DoC wore black hose, boots or booties or interesting shoes the length of the dress would not be so “frumpy-looking”. The colors are festive. It’s the accessorizing!
Boots would have looked much better as would a wider belt in the same fabric of the dress or a wider black belt.
Drew Barrymore styles it so well! Hair pulled up into a loose pony. Block-heel shoes. Gold bangles and hoop earrings. All of those elements make the dress fun and modern, instead of dowdy and matronly. I think this is a case where the Duchess needed to accessorize much differently. Such a conservative dress needed more modern and light-hearted pieces to accompany it.
I very much agree. This is a classic example of styling that veers the look off into ‘dowdy’ territory. It’s happened quite frequently recently, in my opinion.
Dreadful. Her stylists and hair dresser must be on vacation for the holidays. If not, time for a staff meeting!
I’m joining in the minority that likes this look, especially for what it is — a seasonal gathering for a charity, at which most people seem to be dressed quite casually.
i would be willing to bet that the fabric looks brighter in person than it does in pictures, and that there’s a graceful flow to the skirt’s movement that — surprise! – -doesn’t show in flash pictures.
On a slightly grumpy note, I’m really tired of hearing “mumsy,” which I assume to mean “looking like a mum,” used as an insult. Last time I checked, the Duchess was — HORRORS — the mother of two, rather than a mannequin.
Oh Mary, thank you for your comment. I think exactly the same thing on all points. It’s a classic shirtdress in a pretty print in seasonal colors. A perfectly appropriate choice. She doesn’t have to “style the look.” Remember, royalty is not supposed to be seen in the latest trends every minute–that would appear frivolous. And yes, she’s a MOM!
And by now, everyone should recognize and accept that Kate dresses modestly for public appearances. I think that’s wonderful. For too many years, women have been sold the idea that being “independent” and “powerful” etc. means being “unafraid to own her sexuality” and other drivel, which has resulted in working women being sold short, tight dresses and skirts and flimsy blouses and painful high heels (I do wonder how Kate tolerates them). Look at what the female announcers wear on (US) television–all those tight, sleeveless sheath dresses and spike heels, while the men sit comfortably in full business suits and oxfords.
And need I remind anyone of what the omnipresent photographers (and everyone with a cell phone) would do if a short skirt flew up in a breeze, or she leaned over just a little too far in a low-cut neckline?
I read a recent fashion analysis essay asserting that the new power look for women is in volumes of fabric–wide pant legs, flat shoes, and long, full jackets, etc. It said that women will assert their prerogative to cover up because they do not need to win the male gaze with revealing, “sexy” clothing. I read another essay by a Muslim woman (in the USA) who wears a head covering and said that believe it or not, she chooses to do so, because she chooses who sees her uncovered. Interesting!
This dress is a thumbs up for me.
My criticism of this outfit has nothing to do with it not being “sexy” enough nor it being too modest. I would say that I have never seen Kate, since she became HRH, wearing anything that would be accurately described as “sexy.” Yet, she has worn modest but beautiful clothes that make her stand out as royalty should at these public events. This dress is wrong for her figure and is not styled correctly. It misses for so many reasons, not one of which being that it should be tighter or lower cut or “sexier.”
Look, I don’t think Kate needs to dress like an actress or billboard model; I appreciate her modesty – heck, I myself dress even more modestly than she usually does. I think it’s great if she can be appreciated for who she is and the good work she does rather than for her sexiness. But this dress on her looks like a relic from the 1970s and was just not, IMO, flattering.
You can look modest and put together without looking like your 90 year old grandmother.
I don’t believe that any of we commenters who do not like the frock are suggesting that the Duchess dress in an immodest manner. We are simply saying that this particular look is aging and frumpy.
There is certainly an appropriate and happy medium between “Granny’s Night Gown” and “skin tight mini skirt”
One of the reasons I am such a fan of Kate’s is that she dresses in the opposite manner of the Kardashians and I much prefer her as a role model for my young female relatives. However, this particular look is one that many of us believe is far to old for a young woman in her 30’s.
Oh my gosh, yes. I am tired that when I complain about her being frumpy prople act like it is her only option as a senior royal. The Swedish royals, Princess Charlene, CP Mary, and Letizia are all senior royals, and they mostly all dress beautifully while being appropriate AND age appropriate. They are also mothers, so that excuse does not wash either. I would seriously love to see Kate rock something glam like Charlene often does. Not at this event, but in general.
Sorry, everyone, I just like the dress. I don’t honestly think she’s had a frumpy day in her life, and the day I see the Queen dressed in anything this draped is the day I will take back my complaints about “grandmotherly” as a description for this.
It’s for sure a dress with a 70s vibe, which I personally loathe having been there once, but as a dress of that sort, I think the print adds quite a bit of interest.
I’m not fussed about modesty one way or another — i don’t like descriptions of women (be they moms or grandmothers) used as criticisms.
Thanks for giving the outfit the thumbs up — I find it heartening to find folk who will stick up for Kate’s choices. I wholly agree that she dresses in an appropriate and modest manner for these outings and continue to find it amazing that anyone could still be found willing to do so as a royal given the endless prompting to behave quite otherwise.
It’s a lovely dress in a lovely fabric, though I’m not sure how well the skirt would ever hang in a light fabric, but as has been said elsewhere, that would be remedied by a lighter belt. I wonder if the comments about being matronly &c might be a little misplaced as the dress is to me a clear example of the ‘granny chic’ that was decreed for this season, along with some heavy floral prints, and fashion might well decree that Kate had succeeded admirably!
For my money she manages to keep things classic enough that the dress can easily move on to a post autumn/winter16 afterlife.
I suspect part of the problem is the premise of the blog itself – even though I LOVE what Susan has put together, don’t get me wrong!!
But if the blog is all about what she wore, while Kate’s thought process is dressing for what she does (and who she IS), it’s inevitable that very often those ends won’t line up. Those expecting Kate to bring glam to every occasion are going to be disappointed, there’s no question – she is very dialed in to not only the function she’s attending, but also the others who will be there, and the theme I see evolving over the years is one of helping others feel comfortable when she or William attend, and to help them see that they are every bit as important to these causes, and often more important. I could be wrong, but for me her fashion choices fit that perspective. She comes across in her attire as approachable, warm, caring, and interested in others – and I think these qualities are more important to her than glam. 🙂
As others have noted, many of these “frumpy” dresses seem to sell out immediately, so her choices are resonating with more than a few people.
Thanks for making some good points. It’s interesting to think how much the ‘wearing’ of clothes means — it doesn’t just take into account fashion, but context as well. I mean the scope of WKW itself isn’t limited to fashion, but needs to extend to the royal role Kate has taken on.
I’m probably not making much sense, but I appreciate how you manage to see her style evolving in terms of those she engages with, balancing the need for informality against the inevitable anachronism of being a 21st century royal.
Kate so often gives a nod to fashion without going in headfirst, which is about as royal as you can be. It’s part of what makes her seem to echo the career of the Queen herself.
And I think I’ve said elsewhere, it may be it’s Kate who is bang on the fashion trend here and the rest of us who are getting left behind. The decree went out last autumn for ‘granny chic’ and floral prints and the longer hemlines. I don’t see it as Kate ageing herself as much as exploring a look which is fresh to her while being something many of us thought went out with the Ark.
I’ll join you regarding your “grumpy” note about the way in which posters use the word mother and I’ll add grandmother to it, too.There’s something very disturbing about the way women comment here using derogatory images about women to make their points. It’s 2016, not 1950, yet matronly/mumsy/granny appear here constantly as insults.
I worked in magazines and then television in NYC in the 1970s, and I have no idea what’s being referred to here about granny dresses in the 70s. Young professional women were wearing Calvin Klein, Perry Ellis, Tahari, Ralph Lauren — and this was before Klein and Lauren began making jeans. Great blazers, skirts, vests and dress pants.
I happen to really like the print Kate’s wearing, especially for the season. Photos probably don’t do it justice.Not fond of the length, which in the 1970s was called “midi” as in mini-midi-maxi lengths. But overall I think she looks lovely and at ease, mother of two that she is.
Her hair is gorgeous !!
Your comment made me smile! 🙂 Yes, it sure is, as is her makeup!!!
Agree with the majority that this is a dowdy, matronly look on Kate. The belt doesn’t help – too heavy for a light dress – and her hair, while glossy and bouncy (lucky girl) just adds to the weight of the whole look. Hope she moves on from this trend of tea dresses – they are unflattering and not very stylish for a public engagement. And for this time of year, curiously out of season. It’s winter in the UK! A coat and boots would be a better choice.
Well the colours of red and green are festive at Christmas time. Not sure when this print would be suitable again. The dress is really buttoned up looking and a tad dowdy. The belt does not help. I prefer the look of the models, wearing either a self belt of the same fabric, or a much thinner black belt.
This is the second time that Kate has worn the same outfit chosen by Drew Barrymore. The first time was the long gown with the orange shawl, in Bhutan. Since Kate and Drew are miles apart in personality, I wonder what attracted each of them to these outfits?
Kate’s hair looks very heavy. I think she’d look great in a shorter style…rather like the photo of the designer, Vanessa Seward, on this blog posting.
I agree about her hair. The designer’s hair could definitely work on her, and there would be enough length that her stylist could still create more formal looks when appropriate. She is a lovely woman, but her hair, when worn down, is distracting and starting to look a bit too young for her age and role in life.
Take a chance and cut it, Kate! It you don’t like it, it will grow in no time.
I don’t think this style dress in such soft fabric is ever going to work on Kate, she doesn’t have the curves. Limp shirt-waisters on such a lean frame are unflattering and fail to function as the fit-and-flare shape which best suits her.
I can see it’s a practical choice for her, though, giving more ease of movement when she’s engaged in activities like today and I’m not sure what her options are in that case. I imagine busy patterns also might help especially when she’s around young children and pots of paint. This one is so dense it made me think of Liberty prints, but that seems to be a trend this winter.
I think the colours suit her, but my first thought was the fabric would look better in a shirt and was pleased to discover the designer had thought of that. The studio illustration of the dress looks prettier with a slimmer black belt or the tie-self-belt, Kate’s own belt is way too clunky for delicate fabric.
I’ve never been a fan of those clunky earrings and the big blow-dry hair all round her face doesn’t help an overall air of heaviness. It’s not a complete fail, just that the details don’t help lift the outfit from the humdrum.
I agree she really needs a new belt. I do really like this style of sleeve on her though and I love the festive print. But I too am tired of the higher necklines. At least the LK Bennett dress had the lovely key hole detail in the front. I also miss her in a sleek ponytail! That would have made the dress look a bit more youthful I think.
Frumpy, frumpy, frumpy!!!!!
NOTE: Quick Admin Edit
Haha, really??? This is so bad! I can see the 90-year-old Queen wearing this: the pattern, length, neckline. Thus dress is ultra-conservative and quite a weird choice (except for the red and green Christmas colors, that’s all I can think of). Obviously, Kate can wear whatever she wants. And, also, that means literally whatever dress on Earth she wants to wear. That said, I don’t know why she would choose this. I feel bad criticizing her for her clothing choices because they are just that – her choices. This is just my opinion. She is so young, and her style was much more fun and age-appropriate back in 2011 and 2012.
No the Queen wouldn’t even wear this dress.
This is absolutely hysterical. Thank you for the laugh! So true!
I am going to be the odd one out and say I like it — pretty Christmasy color, and I think the higher necklines suit her just as well as V-necks do. Would have been better to stick with the belt that came with the dress, but otherwise I think this is a nice warm look for a festive visit. The below-the-knee hem seems to be such a line not to cross for some fashionistas, but we’re going to see more of these, on plenty of other women besides Kate, and I don’t find it dowdy at all but rather flowy and comfortable.
That said, I am curious as to the suitability of this dress, with no coat, for a December engagement. Wasn’t it only a high of about 10 C today in London? Wouldn’t she have been freezing cold just walking from the car to the door in this? William and Harry, too, look like they are dressed for a fall or spring engagement. It just looks odd when you see them greeting the kids who are wearing their parkas.
I thought the dress bodice was particularly pretty with the buttons down the front, a kind of hint of gypsy/peasant girl, were I to give way to complete whimsy! And I agree that the jewel neckline suits her as well as an,.
It’s always possible for Kate to counter outdoor temperatures with warm layers — there’s plenty of room under this particular dress.
Oh dear……upon first glance my initial impression of this dress was, “My grandmother wore a nearly exact dress when she was 90.” After several more glances, and deeper study, my impression hasn’t improved – except I feel the need to defend my grandmother, because she looked sweet and lovely, and she was 90 in 1997. On the Duchess this looks (oooo, I cringe saying this) dowdy and unbelievable out of date, and I’m not sure it would look any different on anyone else, if that makes my harsh criticism any easier to stomach. This is nearly as awful as the flowsy pink number she wore on the London Eye last fall. I’m not really understanding what is going on with her style, but I feel the Duchess needs to take a bit more time in her selection process, or stop allowing Natasha Archer to choose for her, if that is what is happening. I’ll defer to more knowledgeable fashionistas for the details, and stop my complaining here – oh to be as gorgeous as she is!
I actually really love this look. I think it’s festive and appropriate, while being understated and practical for an arts-and-crafts kind of event. It looks like it was a jolly good time!
I might be in the minority, but I really like this dress. Kate wears prints well, and this one is particularly festive and suitable for the season.
When William, Kate and Harry make an appearance together, they always seem relaxed and like they’re having a good time. They’re a very attractive threesome, and seem to be doing a lot of good, as well.
The belt, even though it is McQueen, is about as frumpy as it could be. I think a more interesting belt would have helped this look a bit. This does remind me of the 80s, and not in a good way. The Queen could really wear this dress, which makes me think that it is not the right dress for Catherine. She looks so good in sheath type dresses, and doesn’t really seem to favor them lately. But still love watching her style evolve.
That belt!!!! 🙁
I am definitely over these high necked, puffy sleeved, flowy dresses she has been wearing as of late. They are horribly unflattering on her frame. Fitted dresses with v-necks suit her so much better…they flatter her longer torso.
Oh My–I really have nothing nice to say about this dress. The print is so mumsy and fussy and the skirt is several inches too long. Unbuttoning a couple buttons at the type might have helped but the matronly, overly long, long sleeved, buttoned to the throat look—combined with hair down and in the face—all come together to just look so much older than the duchess is. She is a lovely woman with a figure that fashion models must envy but this entire look does absolutely nothing for her. I think it looks like an old lady’s night dress.
I did note that when Drew Barrymore wore this dress, the sleeves had been shorted to slightly above elbow length and she wore her hair in a bouncy ponytail—this helped lighten and freshen the look (although nothing relieves that dreadful print).
I will say that the Duchess’ makeup looked great and she had a lovely smile on her face and this entire engagement was very important and commendable.
I am disappointed with this series of tea-length, silky, patterned dresses Kate’s been wearing lately, and I just figured out what they remind me of: those floral-patterned dresses the Queen wears under her monochrome coats at public appearances – or at home when she meets people. I don’t even love them on the Queen, but at least she’s a 90 year old great grandmother.
I’m afraid I don’t like anything going on here. The dress is dowdy and I wish Kate would invest in a new belt.