All of the Duchess Summer Style Inspiration You Could Ever Need, Right This Way
While we look to the royal women as style inspiration year round, there's something extra worthwhile about the study during summer months. Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle have both mastered sophisticated, elegant dressing for occasions big and small-a skill that's especially handy during the time of year when vacation and off-duty lounging is heavily represented.
Here, we rounded up some of our favorite moments from the duchesses and shopped out similar finds.
Find a Go-To White Eyelet Shirt
A white shirt is a summertime classic, but more polished dressers eschew the t-shirt for something tailored. Lightweight eyelet is comfortable to wear and nails that hard-to-find balance of being relaxed enough for a weekend, yet still pulled-together.
Wide-leg, cropped khakis are a surprise when you're expecting denim. Fresh white sneakers-Kate's favorite Supergas in this case-keep things casual. The same outfit could work with heels (or her beloved wedges perhaps), and the shirt can go the distance when styled with skirts, trousers, or denim shorts at the beach.
Try a Structured Dress
Diaphanous maxis and flirty sundresses might seem like they own summer, but don't forget about the other options that exist. Mid-calf styles with a nipped waist (whether via the cut or a belt) are endlessly flattering and can be just as easy to wear as its aforementioned cousins.
A pair of nude heels makes the shape formal enough for a summertime wedding, but the dress will read beautifully with a pair of flat leather sandals too.
Update Last Season's Dress with Hero Accessories
Make last summer's dresses feel brand new by smartly styling with some key extras. A sleeveless column dress in an abstract print will work for decades, but fashion fatigue is a real thing. Beat boredom by cinching a statement belt at your natural waist, and switch up what shoes you reach for.
While a dress like this could feel less formal with sandals (or even sneakers), a heel adds a jolt of polished energy. Instead of the classic pumps you might have expected, Kate shook things up with a three-strap heel.
Invest in White Trousers
The key to making the wide-leg silhouette work is ensuring it's perfectly fit to your body (a feat that doesn't require couture-level craftsmanship; stylish women in the know routinely take their lower-priced contemporary buys to trusted tailors).
Swishy white pants can be worn the same way you might have styled ivory denim in the past. Easily mixed and matched with button-ups, silk blouses, anything, they convey an instant sense of style.
Go Preppy with Sailor Stripes
Horizontal stripes inspired by the sailors of Breton have been a style mainstay since Coco Chanel popularized them in early 20th century. It's the sort of piece you can live in on summery weekends, and something Kate's adopted into her regular wardrobe.
On the weekends, wear it with other basics like jeans and sneakers. It's easily elevated too: Tuck it into a skirt or trousers and finish with luxe sandals or heels.
Fake a Monochromatic Look
Going all-in on a particular color can have major pay-off when it comes to creating a commanding look. And while you can certainly shop matched pieces, there's fun to be had with reaching into your closet and trying previously untested pairs of similar-but-not-quite pigments.
Identify your palette (rich blue in Meghan's case) and then start playing. By selecting different-but-similar shades, you avoid the potential eyesore of, say, royal blues that aren't quite the same.
('You Might Also Like',)
