Kate was in a mix of old and new pieces for today’s visit to the Henry Fawcett Children’s Centre. 
The Duchess was at the center to learn about the Lambeth Early Action Partnership (LEAP) and how that program uses the Parent and Infant Relationship Service (PAIRS) to support parents, caregivers and children.
More about the LEAP program from a Palace news release:
“LEAP was set up, and all their work with families is funded by A Better Start, a major 10-year funding initiative from The National Lottery Community Fund, which has supported five locations across the UK, including Lambeth, to test new ways of making support services for families stronger.”
You may remember that Kate and William learned about Blackpool’s ‘A Better Start’ program when they visited the city last week.
Russell Myers reports in his Daily Mirror story that this morning the Duchess “joined a briefing at the centre, listening intently as she was told there aren’t as many children’s centres like it as there used to be.”
Kate took part in a “Circle of Security” session with parents and their toddlers.
The exercise helps parents and caregivers better understand their child’s emotions and enhances the child’s sense of self-esteem. 
Circle of Security is one of two programs offered to all parents with children of 0 to 4 years at the Children’s Centre. Below, Kate with one of two pairs of twins she met today, Kamina and Kashay who are almost two.
From People’s story:
She asked the girls’ mother, Finesse, about her experience of having twins. “I told her, ‘double the trouble’ and she laughed,” the mom shared.
Finesse, 31, who has a 12-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old son in addition to her young twins, said Kate was interested in finding out how the center had helped her.
“I told her that I felt very isolated, and how much it had supported me,” she explained. “It enabled me to meet other mums and twins, which has been incredibly helpful. In fact, I feel like I have got triplets given that I have a two-year-old as well. They are really little divas in the making!”
“She was just lovely, really down to earth. I never thought she would come down and sit with us, but she did,” Finesse said. “She just wanted to chat about what it was like to be a mum. She said that we all had our ups and downs as parents, regardless of who we are.”
Kate also joined a “Together Time,” sessions that support attachment and bonding between parents and infants.
A quick video.
The Duchess of Cambridge joins parents and their toddlers taking part a ‘Together Time’ session offered by @LeapLambeth and PAIRS, which is designed to support parents’ ability to understand their child’s cues and feel more confident in their parenting. pic.twitter.com/8Lb4KeXJqC
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) March 12, 2019
Together Time includes interaction led by the child.
The Duchess speaking with parents and/or caregivers.
Kate talked about Louis with some of the parents. More from this People story:
“Louis just wants to pull himself up all the time,” Kate told fellow parents. “He has got these little walkers and is bombing around in them.”
A mom named Kriti, who was at the center with her 9-month-old son Kameron, swapped stories with the royal about their little ones. Kriti told reporters, “She took one look at Kameron and said, ‘Oh, he wants to go walkies.’ Apparently her son is cruising, and she said she was running after him all the time.”
Now for our look at what Kate wore.
We’ll start with the Duchess’s Gucci Silk Crepe Pussy Bow Blouse ($1300).
The blouse is 100% silk satin georgette in a color called ‘pale violet orchid.’ The fabric is described as being lightweight and non-stretchy. It features a loose silhouette, covered buttons on the back, a high collar with the distinctive bow and a straight hem. Kate wore her blouse with the buttons to the front (backward per product descriptions). 
Below left, you see how the bow is attached at the back collar, and on the right, the cuff.
We show the blouse at Nordstrom; it is also available at Gucci, along with Net-a-Porter, as well as My Theresa, Neiman Marcus, and Saks (in limited sizing). A ‘thank you’ to Middleton Maven for the blouse ID.
The Duchess also wore a pair of Jigsaw trousers. We believe they are the same pair worn for a December visit to an RAF base in Cyprus.
We believe they are the brand’s High-Waisted Sport Luxe Trousers (£130). 
The Duchess appeared to be wearing a new pair of shoes that look like Gianvito Rossi Piper Suede Pumps ($695). As you can see, I do not have a really good closeup of Kate’s shoes. 
The style has what is described as a “severe point toe” and a block heel that is 85mm, roughly 3.5″. We show them at Barney’s ($695); they are also available in limited sizes at Neiman Marcus, at My Theresa and also very limited sizing at Gianvito Rossi. Our thanks to Data Duchess for the shoe ID.
Kate carried her Aspinal Midi Mayfair bag (£495, roughly $650) in the deep shine lilac colorway. The bag shown is slightly different from the Duchess’s; hers has the croc pattern on the entire bag while the product photo does not. 
It looked like the Duchess wore the same belt today that we saw in Cyprus. 
UPDATE MAR 17: Kate’s belt was new and it remains unidentified. Many thanks to Cosima for her comment reminding me I needed to fix this!
One of the most interesting things about today’s look: the return of Kate’s Hope Egg Earrings in sterling silver and white topaz by Links of London.
Their most notable wearing was for one of the official engagement photos taken by Mario Testino (lower left). The photo lower right is from a 2012 visit to Fortnum and Mason with HM and the Duchess of Cornwall. 
Elizabeth at Kate’s Closet pointed out, we haven’t seen the Duchess wearing the earrings since March 2012!
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Also today, a couple of quick updates to Kate’s Calendar, including confirmation of Sunday’s engagement with the Irish Guards and the addition to the calendar of another next Tuesday.
- Sunday, March 17: Kate and William are confirmed to take part in the annual Shamrock Ceremony with the Irish Guards.
- Tuesday, March 19: Kate will visit the
Foundling Museum to “understand how they use art to make a positive contribution to society by engaging with vulnerable and marginalized young people.” This will be the Duchess’s second visit to the Museum.
We’ll see you in a few hours when Kate attends the annual National Portrait Gallery gala.
VIDEO:
This Royal Family Channel video runs about 4 minutes.
LINKAGE:
- Learn more about LEAP on the organization’s website here; follow the Facebook page here; the group’s Twitter feed is here
- The Daily Mail’s story by Rebecca English is here; the Russell Myers Daily Mirror piece is here; The Evening Standard’s story & gallery are here;
- Simon Perry’s People story is here; a PopSugar gallery is here;
[…] The Duchess brought back a much-discussed piece, a blouse first worn for a March 2019 visit to a children’s center. […]
amazing look, so clean and stylish! wow!
There are elements of this outfit I like. The trousers are great. Yes they are wide-legged and maybe a bit too much but the reason they worked so well the first time she wore them is because she wore a very fitted blazer and shirt on top to offset the wideness of the pant leg. Here she wore a blouse shirt with wide sleeves that is not fitted and the proportions of wide and roomy on bottom and on top do not work here.
The color of the blouse is great, it’s always great to see Kate in jewel tones. The shirt may be backward but I honestly couldn’t tell. Also who puts buttons on the back of a shirt? Nobody would be able to button them up on their own unless they were a contortionist! That design choice makes no sense to me. However that pussy bow is… terrible. There’s no other word for it. Pussy bows are not flattering on anyone to me, they make me cringe so much. It’s a style Melania Trump wears often as well and I do not understand why. It makes anyone of any age look so dowdy and buttoned up. I just want to take a pair of scissors and cut it off!
To end this comment on a positive note: I love her little handbag! So chic and classic.
I knew there was something off about the way the blouse was hanging on her, even before I realized it was on backward. The cut where the armholes meet the sleeves is different on the front than on the back of the garment, and it changes the lay of the garment over the bust. Plus the buttons on the sleeve cuffs are on the wrong side. I’m surprised that an impeccable dresser like Kate would make such a mistake!
The pants are too large on her. Overall, not my favorite of her outfits.
I really love this outfit! She always looks impeccable! 😀
But I think that the belt Kate wore was not the same as the one she wore in Cyprus. I sent a Mail to Susan already:
You can clearly see that the hardware (clasp) is silver and not gold like the one from Cyprus and I also think that the color of the leather belt is different, it looks more like a dark blue color to me and not black like the one from Cyprus (as well as her wide trousers. I don’t think they’re black, very hard to see).
Also the shape of the clasp is a bit different: while her “old” one from Cyprus is completely symmetric, her new one is a bit thinner in the beginning and goes into a big wider end… I don’t know how to explain this xD And also the clasp on her new belt is shaped a bit rounder while the one from Cyprus is shaped straight.
But the most significant hint that Kate was wearing a new belt was the end of it. While her old one has a triangle shape at the end the new one looks like it’s cutted straight at the end.
Thank you, Cosima! I thought I had fixed this but clearly hadn’t, you are *wonderful* to let me know and share details on the distinctions between the two belts. 🙂
You’re welcome! 😀 Love a good Kate-fan Teamwork! 🙂
If everyone wasn’t so helpful with input there would be many more errors, so I am always grateful for the assistance!🤗
Duchess Catherine always looks beautiful. She dresses refreshingly, thoughtfully and classically. Not many women have perfected how to dress a beautiful, tall, thin & athletic body as well as she. . . We all have our own personal tastes, professional inspirations and yet she must also engage a royal filter when choosing her outfits. Catherine does a magnificent job choosing her garments for each occasion. I love when she wears a reworked gown, dress or coat- – bringing out a new personality of the fabric. She looks stunning in this dress. Thank you admin for this page which allows us to admire beautiful fashion on a lovely young woman.
So sorry, my comment was meant for subsequent fashion installment. (New at this.)
I love the outfit, but I’m a child of the 60s and 70s, and have never liked the skinny-pant look.
But what really struck me was how happy and comfortable the Duchess looked interacting with the kids, especially the little twin girls. The photo of her apparently talking to another mother, but instinctively putting her hand in front of the little girl to prevent her falling or perhaps wandering is a gesture known to every mother.
The color on the blouse is lovely on the duchess but she is way too long waisted for this look. The pants need to be higher waisted and the pants are also way too big for her. There are so many trousers out there in a great fabric that could work. With the combo of the blousy top overflowing and the pants on too low at her waist this look is messy and sloppy. A miss for me.
I hope that we will see The Duchess wearing the blouse again, but with the buttons to the back. It’s a lovely colour. I like the look of the new shoes too.
I loved these pants the first time Kate wore them but they just aren’t doing it for me with this blouse. I love the color of the blouse and the earrings are lovely. As usual, Kate looks genuinely engaged and connected to the event at hand.
This blouse is darling (and she’s wearing it correctly), but poor DoC is swimming in those pants! Her hips are so narrow, and the pants’ hem is so long, that they simply look too big.
Love the lavender Aspinal bag– 🙂
Yes I don’t understand why they are not a smidge shorter!
I think a pencil pants or sleeker cleaner legs might be better with the top. I used to be a fan of wide legs but I learned they aren’t always as flattering as we thought….They aren’t always covering things but rather exaggerating problems…
Are pencil pants also knows as cigarette pants? Mixing my names here!
I’m really surprised she hasn’t worn those earrings since 2012–they are gorgeous!
I think this entire outfit is gorgeous. Love seeing her change things up with some trousers. She’s such an icon and inspiration!
Someone who buys a $1,300 blouse would have the help to do up the buttons, but still, I would prefer buttons in front and get ready in peace. The color is lovely. Pants seem a bit long but if I have her lifestyle, in andmout of chauffered car, wouldn’t bother me and the extra 2-3cm height would be welcome.
Not my favorite combination. Both pieces are beautiful, just not together. They kind of swallow her up. Kate has such a slim figure that together they are too baggy.
I am gaga over this look! She looks fabulous! The purse is to die for!
Oh my gosh. I wouldn’t wear the fussy shirt nor the super-wide pants, but Kate looks AH-MAZING in them! I think you need her willowy body type to pull off these dimensions. She looks comfortable, professional, mature and approachable… as ppl have posted, these loose pants are a great choice for getting up and down off the floor. The shirt’s details keep the whole outfit from being too basic. But most importantly – she looks like someone who is her own age, at this current moment in time (not someone a decade older, fifty years ago)! I’m just dying here, I love this outfit.
As soon as the first pictures hit twitter, I saw that the buttons on the cuffs were in the wrong spot and thought, “wow all that money for a blouse and they did the cuffs wrong?!,” but I now realize that she was wearing it backwards—I wonder if it was on purpose or she was simply in a hurry?
I want to like this outfit, because theoretically a professional blouse and straight legged trousers are right in my wheelhouse and I have long wanted her to start dressing like all the other young professional ladies during daytime events.
However, the pants are an inch too long and need to be hemmed and I would have preferred they be just a bit slimmer. These are so wide that they almost look like flares instead of straight legs.
Hair and makeup was gorgeous and I like the color of the blouse. Earrings are nice.
What a gorgeous blouse! I had my fingers crossed that it would be something affordable, perhaps in multiple colours, as I’d love to snag one for myself despite not being a big fan of lavender/orchid tones. My heart sank when I saw the name Gucci and the price tag. Guess I will be keeping my eye on the Repli-Kate page for that one!
I agree the buttons on the back are silly, I imagine they would make sitting in a chair rather uncomfortable. So I agree with Kate’s decision to reverse the blouse, even if it does make the buttons at the cuffs sit a bit awkwardly. It seems they must have been slightly altered though, otherwise the edges would be pointing in the other direction. However, as much as I love the blouse it loses it looks unstructured next to such wide-legged trousers. I’m not a fan of the trousers in general but I will admit they’re a good choice for an engagement like this, with lots of floor-sitting and squatting (and in heels! How Kate can manage that for so long is beyond me). In that case, I think a more fitted blouse would have looked more polished – perhaps even a nice sweater would have done the trick, as the trousers and heels keep the look from being too casual.
I love that Kate has, if only briefly, brought back the Hope Egg earrings. I find I often do that, gravitate to certain pairs of earrings for a long time, and then suddenly “rediscover” an old pair and match them to all kinds of outfits. Kate is so relatable sometimes. 🙂 Looks like she really enjoyed herself at this event.
I absolutely love this whole outfit. I’m so happy about the trousers! I loved them the first time I saw them and now I really hope they become a wardrobe staple for her. The fit and flare shape suits her long frame much better than the skinny jeans we are used to seeing. They look tailored to perfection.
On the other hand, my only criticism seems to be a small point about the blouse. I’m intending to think that Kate actually had no idea that she wore the blouse backward because of the small detail of the cuffs.
I think it’s an easy mistake to make. It’s a ready to wear piece, of which she probably tries on many pieces during a fitting. She may have seen the piece online, ordered it for a fitting, and then when trying to figure it out during the actual fitting just assumed the piece was worn buttons in front. Otherwise, if she saw the blouse and said, “this would be better backwards”, wouldn’t she have her tailor adjust the cuffs and turn them so as to sit properly? Or maybe it’s just an overlooked detail that neither her or her stylist bothered to notice. At any rate, she didn’t have this piece tailored and simply wore it as bought.
I love this look on DoC! I think she has the height and frame to pull off the slouchy look, and I liked the pieces together, the vibrant colour of the blouse and the more muted but coordinated clutch.
My only quibble is that if she is going to wear a blouse in that price point, for heavens sakes wear it the way it’s designed to be worn or choose a different one altogether. I can’t believe she dressed hastily and therefore put it on backwards. There is a team and a process behind each of these outfits and if it was a “mistake” it’s because someone didn’t do their job properly. I’ll bet the awkward placement of the the cuff buttons drove her nuts for the duration of this engagement.
Also – a $1,200 blouse worn to a mom and baby event is a bit silly and tone deaf imo given the socio economic group the centre is designed for.
I like this outfit in theory but the proportions are off. The pants are too long and given Kate’s smaller frame, I think I’d prefer more of a straight leg or bootcut on her versus the wide leg.
The bow on the blouse is also distracting. In the stock photo, it’s tied a smaller and it hangs shorter. I think this length would have worked better on Kate too.
Othe than that, I love the jewelry, handbag and shoes. With all these visits focused on kid related places, I wonder if a new patronage or 2 may be imminent.
Not sure about the shirt being on backwards. Melania Trump has worn a similar Gucci shirt in the past also with the buttons on the back but the sleeves appear shorter on her.
Maybe the DOC’s (or First Lady”s) sleeves were custom tailored.
Both ladies, however, look amazing.
I love the blouse ( color and fit) and purple is gorgeous on her. She looks radiant. But waist down is a disaster in my opinion. Classic case of an outfit swallowing a person up. Too, too baggy. A tighter, less flowing pant would have made it so much better.
But she looks so happy which is wonderful.
LOVE.THIS! The orchid is knock-out! The pants suitable for being actively engaged with families! Very posh but relatable!
100% agree! She looks young, but professional and approachable and totally chic! That color is to die for on her and her hair and earrings are lovely. Total hit for me!
Poor girl, doesn’t wear pants and gets criticized, wears them and the fashion police take her on!!.
Love the lilac shirt and the versatility that it can be worn two different ways, how creative from a design point of view. Would love to see the pants in a slight different design eg tapered skinnier style just sitting on the top of heels. Would certainly not look out of place in any corporate work place. But either way Kate looks amazing.
Fantastic color and love that she is stepping out of her fashion comfort zone
As much as I’ve been hoping that Kate would wear pants besides her skinnies, I think these are too baggy, wide and long. I’m not convinced that these are the same ones worn in Cyprus, although I suppose another shoe could have made the difference.
I love the orchid colour of the blouse and that shade suits Kate well. If the blouse were mine, however, I’d wear it with the buttons down the back and forget the bow. Wearing the blouse backwards increased the length of the tails on the bow.
This outit was suitable for getting down to floor level and as always, Kate’s warmth in interacting with children was so genuine.
I literally gasped with awe when I saw the first pic. She looks gorgeous! I love a wide-legged trouser and the lilac blouse looks stunning on her backwards or not. I do think getting the trousers shortened and taken in just a smidge in the legs would make it even more beautiful.
Ahhh … the return of the proper trousers! They look fabulous and fit her beautifully around the hips. I agree they could be an inch shorter and still elegant but not so floppy down bottom. I’m usually entirely prejudiced against pussy bows because they take me back to a ghastly fashion time, but this blouse looks stunning on her. The color, the drape, the combo with the pats — fabulous. The shoes, her hair … it all looks so lovely. I hope we see more trousers on her … she can pull off wide-leg with her height but anything wider than the endless skinny jeans would looks great. Just loving the sweep and drape and flow of this entire outfit.
This would look fantastic if only the pants were a little shorter! The length makes an otherwise smashing outfit look “off.” Compare the pictures of her walking, pants dragging on the ground, with the pictures of her sitting and talking. So much better seated! I have to say I never thought Catherine would make this mistake. Sometimes trends make no sense at all, and draggy pants are a prime example.
I know a lot of posters will be happy to see the Duchess in pants but I am not a fan of these pants. They are just too long and wide to be flattering. Also, what is up with that blouse? The cuff buttons are facing forward. Is it on backwards? Bless her heart if it is. Still remember sitting in an important meeting and realizing my shoes didn’t match.
On the plus side, her hair looks great and I love how she gets down on the floor and joins the circle. Lovely.
Oh my word. I just looked at the pics again and you appear to be right! Maybe Susan could clarify this. It looks like skate is wearing the blouse backwards from what is shown in the advertisement photo. Maybe it’s a blouse you can wear either way…? It still looks beautiful on her, backwards or not.
I love that she is stepping out of her comfort zone and the pants were definitely a good choice for on the floor with kids. There are some thing I would change though:
1. For her long torso, I think a high-waisted pair of pants would balance the frame more as well as contain the blousiness of the shirt.
2. I think these are just a tad too wide-legged (although this would also be balanced more if you brought the waist up.
3. She really does need to hem them, while I think there is a certain amount of personal preference in length of pant, my perfect length is just above skimming the floor so you still lengthen the silhouette but not so long the floor causes them to break.
I think wearing the blouse backwards is genius, I have done it before and will do it again. There are limitations (bust darts in the back not a good look) but f you can get two shirts out of one, why not?
I have review most of the photos, and I agree Kate is wearing the beautiful blouse backwards, but in her defense the buttons on the back can be uncomfortable. It looks like she is wearing the same pants that were in a dark navy, and they need to be hemp about a inch and why because the bottom of the leg it gets wider and moves around, but the pants in the hips and waistline fits her perfectly. Since she is wearing navy pants and carrying a lavender handbag. Either she should have wore a navy or lavender pump. I did a little searching in Nordstrom store that you can order online Charles David – Calessi Pump in Lavender Patent Leather that would match perfectly with the handbag. Otherwise I 💜 love the outfit Kate is wearing and she should wear more business pants with blouses.
I’m so happy to see her in trousers! Such a change of pace and so flattering on her gorgeous long frame. I’m excited she’s growing her hair back out too, I missed her long locks. Such a perfect business look all in all, especially with that cute little bag.
I love this outfit.
I always thought you should either wear loose trousers OR a loose blouse- never both, or you’ll be drowning in fabric- but clearly I was wrong, because HRH looks simply fab in this ensemble.
I don’t think buttons going up and down the back make any sense at all. How the bloody hell is the average woman supposed to do up a shirt with buttons down the back?! I would reverse it as well!!! (And since she gets all of her clothes tailored anyway, I’m sure her seamstress altered the fit so it would look “right” being worn backward).
I probably wouldn’t have even brought a bag to an event like this- if she was just sitting round tables and chatting with other mums, perhaps, but getting on the floor and joining in playgroup… nah. Maybe that’s why I don’t *love* the bag; not because it doesn’t go, but because she didn’t really need it at this sort of engagement.
Smart choice of shoes- obviously she couldn’t wear anything flat with the length of the pants, but I’m surprised she chose to purchase a pair of Rossi pumps so similar to her Tods (well, maybe not *surprised*- we remember her wedge and her nude heel phases!). Then again, perhaps she prefers to wear her Tods for outdoor/walking engagaments because of the sole. Either way, the style works for her 🙂
Yay PANTS. I do like these trousers although in this go around they seem a smidge baggy. They could be taken in a bit in the leg…I do like wide leg pants but these seem baggy in the thigh area, too. But I am really happy just for pants and hope she wears them more often. I like the blouse and actually prefer it with the buttons in the front, because I think it actually looks backwards the other way. Normally I think pussy bows can look really twee, but I think this more substantial bow looks good. Love the shoes and the purse. And love that she really got down on the floor and engaged with everyone.
Amazing!!!! She looks great in this purple, and I love seeing her in trousers that aren’t tight.
She should wear this look often!!!!!!
I think this is a classic case of pretty clothes not looking good. The blouse is I’ll fitting perhaps because it’s worn backwards. The sleeves look too short and the cuff buttons in front is odd. And the pants look too long and highlight her long waist.
Not my favorite look for her
OMG yes! That is all! 😀
Tho I am not a fan of the wide leg trouser . . .I’ll take them over tight skinny pants. And they sure made it easier for her to get down and hang out with the kids! Love the blouse and the color – but it is clearly on backwards – no tag? Silver earrings, gold belt buckle, gold hardware on handbag – just frustrates my sense of order. I do love the handbag!
This looks really nice, even though I’m not a huge fan of these really wide leg trousers. A more moderate width would look great, especially with the high waist. The blouse looks lovely, very nice color. I like the way buttons down the back look, but the few times I’ve worn that, my hair got caught in the buttons. Maybe that’s why Kate wore it the other way. I’m flabbergasted at the price though – $1300! You can buy crepe-backed silk satin fabric for something like $20 a yard, that’s an astounding mark-up!
I love the trousers…very fashion forward and they look great on her. I wonder if she realized the blouse was backward? It would be funny to think she’s just like the rest of us and only realized once she left the house! The violet color is gorgeous.
at first I wondered if it was customized/tweaked for her, but then I looked at the cuff buttons on her. She appears to straight up be wearing it backwards. I can’t think that she doesn’t notice given the photo depicts a longer back hem, and the buttoned cuffs.
Love Love Love the blouse. Kate in Purple is to die for! Also love that she wore it backward. Iv’e had shirts with buttons on the back like that and they *always* get stuck in my hair when I wear it down, so when I can, I wear them backwards.
Not a fan of the pants. I think they make Kate look very slim, but as someone else said, they swamp her. The belt is a nice touch. (And we all know how much Kate loves a belt!)
YAY for the earrings! So fun to see them again!
Pants are way tooooo long!
There is a duplicate of the earrings on Etsy that I have been going back and forth on for a while and after seeing her wear them today I finally pulled the trigger, lol.
Hi, SG.
I’d love to know what you think of your Etsy purchase when you receive it. I’ve loved the Hope Egg Earrings since the first time I saw Kate wear them, but can’t get on board with the price tag for sterling silver and white topaz! I’ve purchased several pairs of earrings from different sellers with Etsy, but wonder if a duplicate of these will look cheap.
Thanks!
Will do. They had good reviews from other purchasers so that convinced me. Are you talking about the ones from DBaker’s shop? Those are the ones I bought.
Actually, I didn’t have a particular pair in mind. I just thought something with that many jewels might be difficult to duplicate successfully.
Thanks!
Kate in pants!! *internal happy dance* She has legs for days in one of the photos. She looks great, I didnt realize this was the same pair as before. This pair seemed a bit looser or more flowy for lack of a better word. But this was a very put together look and practical too since she was getting down with kids. 😁 Interesting how the shirt can be reversed like that, I never would have thought of it.
Well, yay! for trousers. I suppose she may have known she would be sitting on the floor. She really is a very slender person, isn’t she?
This is STUNNING! I was very pleasantly surprised to see her in trousers this morning, but it makes perfect sense for an engagement like this. The lilac colour is phenomenal on her and there’s something so fresh about the combination of the flowy, feminine top and the tailored trousers. I’ve accepted that I’m never really going to like this bag, but this is by far its best showing. This would have been a perfect outfit to play with a bright, contrasting shoe (a mustard yellow suede pump would be fabulous here), but the rest of the outfit is solid enough that the black works fine.
I absolutely love the photos of Kate sitting on the floor with other parents and their kids. That level of enthusiasm and humility can’t be faked, and you can tell that she’s absolutely in her element here. And how lucky are we to get to see stoic future-queen Kate, smile-y playing-with-kids Kate, and (soon) glam Kate within just a little over 24 hours???
Although it’s a different colour, I think the top looks a bit similar to the pink she wore to the Christmas Lunch at Buckingham Palace.
I think this is a good guess. The car window tint could have changed the colour of the shirt.
I really love this look. She definitely wore the blouse backwards – but maybe she likes to dress herself, which would be nigh impossible with back buttons! But the colour and style is great on her.
I thought the trousers were a tad long – perhaps the shoes she wore on their first outing had a higher heel? But again, I love the style on her and perfect for sitting on the floor with tots.
Kate looked truly lovely today, although it might have been an idea to take up the trousers hem a smidgen.
I am trying and failing to wrap my mind around a $1300 pricetag for a fairly simple blouse. I am further trying (and failing) to wrap my mind around paying that amount of money for a blouse and then wearing it backwards because you don’t like the way it looks. Clearly I need to work on my imaginative powers.
A fantastic look, the colour of the blouse is gorgeous. The Duchess looks great in these pants. A bit too baggy for my liking, but this is personal preference. The bag is really lovely.
The blouse is a beautiful color, and I’m intrigued that she wore it backward. Still nursing little Louis, perhaps? I also dearly love the earrings, which I’d forgotten about entirely.
I know there are those who rejoice to see the Duchess in traditional dress slacks, but I’m not one of them. I don’t hate these–there’s nothing to hate–but I don’t get excited about them, and honestly there is something about the cut that I think makes her proportions look off. I much prefer her in a slimmer silhoette.
Totally agree about the trousers. Kate is skinny enough that she can pull anything off, and I do think wide-legged trousers look better on slim frames, but I don’t really get the excitement about this pair. Perhaps they are a touch too wide, plus any dragging hems will always put me off.
The color of the blouse is gorgeous! I want it – not at that price, but something in that color and style.
I really like these pants. I much prefer them to her skinny jeans and skinny pants. They look professional, comfortable and more grown up than the skinnies.
I’m caught in a bit of a twist here as this isn’t an outfit I particularly like myself, but I think Kate looks terrific. I’m as chuffed as monkeys to see the tailored pants make a reappearance, it’s quite a relief to know they haven’t been mothballed.
My personal preference wouldn’t be for such a wide leg – but then I’m a shortie myself and look pretty hilarious on the rare occasion I try any such on. These ones look wonderful on Kate as the style gives her fullness around the lower hips where she most needs it and adds a refreshing balance to her silhouette.
I’m also stuck on a prejudice against pussy bow blouses as they evoke strong memories of a certain UK lady Prime Minister from the 1980s. But Kate is clearly keen on them and the fullness of this one, the drama of its bow and the beautiful gathering of the full sleeves at the shoulders and cuffs, all nicely offset the bold statement of the wide leg pants. The gorgeousness of the rich purple on Kate is clear for all to see, and I love that we have a return appearance for the delightful Hope Egg earrings. In short, I think this outfit’s a triumph.
I love Kate in pants! She looks great. Love the blouse, but I am a fan of pussy bows. Finally a look that doesn’t age her or looks outdated. She looks fab. And I love seeing the way she interacts with those babies 💜
You can tell she was 100% in her element and loving this engagement. She is such a natural with children. Wonderful cause to support!
Love today’s looks, excellent for getting down on the floor with babies but also professional. I am cracking up that she wore it backwards, like “mmmm no I like it this way more”.
Haha! I love that too. This is how I know I’m not creative because that literally would never even occur to me lol!
The blouse is beautiful and Kate looks great in it– even backwards.
I wonder if she knew she was wearing it wrong way around and thought “it’s my blouse and I like it better this way” Or if she put it on this morning and thought “this feels sort of weird, and what’s with these cuffs buttoned in the front, but I’ve got to get going… whatever…” It gives me a little giggle.
Great coverage of today’s event! Kate is such a natural with kids and is in her element for sure. I know if I had been one of those moms or dads I would be praying the whole time my kid wouldn’t be the one to spit up on the future Queen!!!!
It’s so funny, before I read that she was wearing it backwards, I thought that the shirt was kind of being stretched from the back. Like the front looked a bit odd when tucked in, too much excess fabric that wasn’t laying straight! Now I know why!
It’s a beautiful shirt and it’s not a huge mid-step, but I could tell something was off and I’m not sure why she wore it backwards. From the models, the front lays much better and smoother. I love a the boy- very in trend now.
I love the idea of the outfit- and obviously Kate looks amazing in anything, but the pants look a bit baggy and not in a wide leg way. I just think, out of all of the black wide leg pants (even from high street brands), there definitely tons of pants that would be more flattering.
Overall, she looks beautiful, but considering how well her clothes are tailored, I’m surprised her and her team didn’t choose something that is more perfectly tailored.
Love the accessories and her hair looks great! Kind of reminiscent of her original long hair with the curl at the end.
No wonder you put an exclamation point in the title of this post! WOW!!!
Those pants… I’m still getting used to seeing Kate in loose trousers like this, but WOW do I love it! Excellent outfit with the lovely shirt as well.
Kate just looks so totally comfortable and happy sitting on the floor playing with little kids… that was heartwarming and adorable to see. What a great event.
Great post, thanks!
Love this entire look; I love it even more knowing she wore the blouse backward.
I think I can understand that, as it can be so uncomfortable to sit in anything with buttons down the back. I often wonder at them when royal ladies step out in dresses with covered buttons from neck to hem. I think in abstract design terms the buttons look better at the back, but a garment that isn’t comfortable is by way of a fail in my book. The switch by Kate surely works as the buttons are mostly hidden beneath the sumptuous bow.
I thought Kate looked lovely today although I’m sure she will be criticized for wearing a Gucci blouse. I thought is was an elegant, classy look and such a good cause. And of course the precious babies are just too cute! She really is in her element with these types of engagements.
I honestly don’t think most people will criticize the Gucci blouse. As was discussed at the time, Gucci had a design that was a one-off mistake that they immediately pulled and apologized for. I think the consensus was generally that Gucci responded appropriately. Many of us, myself included, were troubled by her wearing Dolce and Gabbana, who are consistently doing terrible things. But I don’t think there is similar feeling toward Gucci. I like the blouse, at any rate 🙂
I must say, I just LOVE this.. love love love. Catherine has beautiful long legs and I adore when she is in pants. I also adore that she stepped away from her more typical “uniform” in this instance. I think trousers are much more practical given she was on the floor with moms and children and this is one of those instances where the choice of clothing certainly goes beyond what looks nice.
Lovely coverage as always, Susan!
This lilac purple is beautiful on Kate!
It’s unusual to see her in trousers…I like them while seated and are perfect for getting on the floor ro play with toddlers!
I love the color of the top, but I think she’s wearing it backwards. The pants are a nice idea, but look too wide.
I agree. The pants are not flatering Kate body shape.
The model is definitely wearing the buttons on her back, and the cuff buttons sit correctly. The way Kate is wearing it looks fine except look where the cuff buttons are – facing forward and looking weird.
Love these trousers. My only quibble with them is that the trend it to have trousers drag on the ground. I’d love to see them even half an inch shorter. They just look ill fitted and are bound to get dirty, damaged, or wet. The loose fit is okay with me. They are fitted neatly around the waist and hips where she is so tiny and the loose legs are a refreshing change from all the years of skinny jeans we’ve endured. Elegant and classy.
Agree about the blouse being worn backwards. The cuffs button in the wrong direction, and sit towards the inside of the wrist rather than the outside.
Still – a beautiful colour, and that silk must feel wonderful to wear.
Kate seems so natural with kids. She really seems to have a knack for connecting with them.
I really love the blouse. It’s a beautiful color and fabric and I love the retro style. I liked the pants the last time she wore them, with the jacket but I think they swamped her a bit today. She’s so slender and they just looked a bit too baggy. I’m sure they were comfortable for the day’s events though.
I *LOVE* the blouse! The color and style. I was so excited to see trousers but…I’m not sure about these. Can we get something in between the skinny jean and these?