Fashion Flashbacks Showcasing Two Very Different Looks

Fashion Flashbacks, one casual and one worn to a white-tie affair. 

We begin with a look the Duchess wore one year ago today. 

That was when she visited a Buckinghamshire farm.  

This was the day it was announced the Duchess was royal patron of Family Action.  At the farm, she spent time with people using Family Action’s services and support. Below, she is seen speaking with mothers helped by programs the organization offers.

One of the day’s big goals was helping children pick out Christmas trees.

The youngsters looked very excited. 

They had strong opinions on the trees.

Another view.

Kate’s red jacket and green sweater were perfect for the season. 

Success!

Kate was very patient with the little ones. 

There was also crafting fun. 

The Duchess and children visited the “Elves Enchanted Forest,” where Kate helped the little ones make food for Santa’s reindeer.

And she visited the elf workshop. 

Now for our look at what Kate wore. 

 She brought back her Mini Duvet II jacket ($450) by Perfect Moment. 

It has a nylon exterior lined with ethically sourced down, a high collar, front zipper, and contrasting ribbed trim. Unfortunately, the jacket is no longer available.

This was the third time we saw Kate wearing the piece. We first saw the jacket at a 2017 Heads Together London Marathon training event, and then again for a November 2017 Coach Core event in Birmingham.

For the farm visit last year, the Duchess paired it with a bright green sweater that appeared to be by Really Wild, the brand’s Long Crewneck Jumper in emerald green.  The sweater is made of 100% lambswool that is spun in Scotland and is still available in smaller sizes.

We saw the return of Kate’s Berghaus Supalite II boots.

The Duchess wore a pair of UFO hoop earrings first noted at a UK Scouting engagement in March. 

One more image from the engagement. 

Our second flashback comes from the opposite end of the fashion spectrum. 

We’re talking about the Jenny Packham evening gown worn two years ago today for the annual diplomatic reception. Below, a photo of the Duchess arriving at Buckingham Palace on a rainy London evening. 

This view offers another peek at the full length of the dress.

The Duchess chatting with guests. 

These images offer a good view of the Jenny Packham gown.  It was crafted in an off-white shade with a sheer overlay adorned with sequins and crystals. It’s difficult to tell from the photos, but it looks like there *might* be multiple layers of the sheer material.

The overlay is softly draped at the neckline and cap sleeves have the same folds; the waistband is defined by crystals or rhinestones, and the gown has a full, sweeping skirt. You can see the pleating, or folds, at the back of the garment.

The Duchess glittered in an array of diamond jewelry.  We’ll start with what has become her “go-to” tiara, the Lover’s Knot with its nineteen baroque pearls.

It is set with brilliant and rose-cut diamonds. More from Garrard, who made the tiara: 

There is no beginning or end to the sweep of diamonds that loop around the tiara, designed in 1913. They overlap to create a series of heart-shaped knots, which evoke the strength and constancy of love. Baroque pearls hang from each knot, their different shapes and sizes reinforcing the uniqueness of the headpiece. 

This montage from The Royal Order of Splendor offers a much better look at the iconic piece. 

And two more views of the Duchess in the tiara. 

Kate also had on Queen Mary’s Diamond Choker Bracelet, a loan from The Queen. In the montage below you see it as worn to the 2018 reception in the two shots on the left, and when first worn at the 2015 China State Dinner, shown on the right.

The Duchess wore the Collingwood diamond and pearl drop earrings that belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales.   

She had the Royal Family Order on her left shoulder.

And carried her ‘Casa’ crystal-embellished clutch by Jenny Packham.

Also today, congratulations to Emily; she is the winner of the giveaway for a signed copy of HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style by Elizabeth Holmes.  In her comment sharing one of her favorite “Kate looks,” she said it would be the 2018 diplomatic reception gown shown just above!  Thank you to everyone who left comments describing their favorite Kate styles. They really were good and reminded me of several outfits that merit more coverage. I’m even pondering a post based only on the comments left for the giveaway!

LINKAGE:

• Visit the Family Action site here; follow the organization here on Facebook; the charity’s Twitter feed is here and its Instagram page here