Styling Kate 2023: Back by Popular Demand. What Would You Choose if You Were a Royal Stylist?

A reader emailed me the other day and remarked, "It feels like ages since Kate's Wimbledon appearances, do you have any ideas until engagements resume in September?" It followed several messages requesting the return of 'Styling Kate', a hugely popular activity proposed by a commenter named Julia who had the rather splendid idea of allowing readers to show off their taste and showcase looks they would choose if they were Kate's stylist. It was really tremendous fun and a very unique means of inviting participation from all of you. We had Wimbledon, Royal Ascot, a State dinner and a Royal premiere. On each occasion, I was completely blown away by the talent on display and fresh takes on the royal wardrobe.

Styling Kate 2023

As with previous occasions, I've selected two potential events for you to style, which both call for the possible inclusion of sartorial diplomacy (there is also a third bonus styling round I'm quite sure you'll enjoy). To begin with, we're tackling evening looks... The Princess has had just one evening engagement in the UK which called for a gown this year -- the BAFTA awards in February. With that in mind, I know you'll be eager to tackle eveningwear first :)

LOOK ONE -- THE EARTHSHOT AWARDS IN SINGAPORE

Whilst there's been no word of an official Commonwealth tour for the new Prince and Princess of Wales, we do know the couple will visit Singapore in November for the third Earthshot awards. We can expect the night to be a formal, star-studded affair. With the theme of sustainability in mind, Kate repeated her lilac Grecian Alexander McQueen gown for the inaugural awards in London.

Last December in Boston, the Princess rented a grass green maxi dress from Herr Collective and styled it with Queen Mary's dazzling Emerald Choker.

I'm very excited to see how each of you interpret the brief and put your own spin on the theme. Might a sustainable designer feature or perhaps a repeat from Kate's closet? Indeed, you may opt to choose a gown from one of the Princess' favoured designers or a fresh face on the scene. In terms of jewels, choose any pieces you want from the royal vaults, Kate's own collection or your own favourite jeweller. Include a clutch, shoes and any other accessorises you wish.

Will you choose a designer with Singaporean links or possibly honour the country's colours, red and white? Below, the flag beside the national flower of Singapore -- the Singapore Orchid, also known as the Princess Aloha Orchid.

LOOK TWO - A FORMAL DAYWEAR LOOK FOR 'WALES WEEK'

I always very much enjoyed Charles and Camilla's 'Wales Week' during their time as the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall. It typically saw the couple undertake a plethora of engagements in the summer over seven days, with a truly fantastic variety. We haven't yet seen it adapted by William and Kate (though, there is still plenty of time, and it would certainly make a fantastic surprise). So, looking through the itinerary over the years, I'm asking you to style a look which covers the following three engagements:

The day will begin at Llandaff Cathedral with a thanksgiving service to celebrate the NHS (a hat will be required for this engagement only). From there, a visit to Cardiff Castle where the Prince and Princess of Wales will meet charity representatives, local officials and undertake a walkabout outside. The Prince and Princess will then enjoy a celebration of music and drama, celebrating Welsh Culture.

The brief?

• A formal daywear look befitting a day of significant engagements in Wales.
• For the first engagement at Llandaff Cathedral, headwear will be required. It's envisaged the hat will be removed before the arrival at Cardiff Castle.
• Once again, this is an opportunity to deploy sartorial diplomacy and pieces of historical value from the royal vault. Possibly the inclusion of a Welsh jewellery brand like Spells of Love if you wish. However, this is entirely optional. This could be an opportunity to debut sparklers from Cartier, a new designer or to support a British high street retailer.

Below, the Princess wearing a fitted peplum suit by Erdem with Diana's dazzling sapphire earrings and the Princess of Wales Feather Brooch for Commonwealth Day, as an example.

Equally, something along the lines of Kate's look for the luncheon and reception on the eve of the Coronation fits the bill and could easily work well with a floral headpiece or hat. Kate wore Jenny Packham, the Queen's Bahrain Pearls and Aquazzura Bow Tie pumps for the occasion.

Perhaps you'll select a coatdress or go for a daring trouser suit or jumpsuit? The choice is entirely yours. The second look is far more open to interpretation; there are no rights or wrongs. Red is of course Kate's colour and happens to be one of the colours of the flag. The national flower is the Daffodil and the Leek is the national emblem. Of course, Kate has a Leek brooch and wore it on St David's Day (another ideal sample for this look).

LOOK THREE -- BONUS ROUND -- LET'S GO PINK!

Over on The Royal Digest last week, I remarked pink is truly everywhere thanks to the movie of the summer Barbie. It's truly been a treat to see the incorporation of the colour across fashion and media in recent weeks. (My friend's eleven-year-old has been to see it twice and insisted all cinema-goers dress in pink for the occasion; the results were fantastic). So, for our final bonus round, I want you to style Kate in pink! That's it, there are no other rules. If you would like to style a white-tie look for the Princess with a tiara, this is your chance! A look for a day of engagements at home or on tour, Wimbledon, Trooping, Chelsea Flower Show or a simple casual look, the choice is completely yours. If you're looking for a shoe-stopping sparkler from the royal vault, click here to read about the 'finest pink diamond every discovered'. If you're shopping Kate's wardrobe, Susan over at What Kate Wore has done a fabulous, comprehensive review of Kate's pink looks over the years.

A list of the looks:

1) An evening look for Earthshot in Singapore.

2) A formal daywear look with headwear for engagements in Wales.

3) GO PINK for any event you wish, as glamorous or informal as you want.

Below sample looks from previous years of Styling Kate from our readers Christine from NJ, Duchess Fan from Down Under, and S From E.

Below, a selection of links to various designers and fashion retailers. I've begun with three designers who have Singaporean links as options. I've also included vintage and sustainable designers. This list is merely cursory; part of the fun will be doing your own travels on the internet.

• Prabal Gurung (previously worn by Kate)
• Andrew Gn (previously worn by Kate for Trooping the Colour, as seen in image above).
• OliveAnkara
• Alexander McQueen
• Jenny Packham
• Emilia Wickstead
• Stella McCartney
• Net-A-Porter
• Harrods
• 1st Dibs
• Neiman Marcus
• Nordstrom
• Saks Fifth Avenue
• The Outnet
• Suzannah
• LK Bennett
• Reiss
• Really Wild Clothing
• Hobbs London
• Eponine London
• John Lewis
• J Crew
• Emmy London
• Strathberry
• Jimmy Choo
• Erdem
• Elie Saab
• Alessandra Rich
• Boden
• Kiki McDonough
• Spells of Love
• Cartier
• Accessorize
• Jane Taylor
• Lock&Co Hatters
• Philip Treacy Millinery
• Gianvito Rossi
• Gucci
• Zimmermann
• Mulberry
• Various jewellers at Net-A-Porter
• Van Cleef & Arpels
• Oliver Bonas Headbands

You can submit your choices by simply leaving a comment with links, or if you would like your looks to be a 'surprise' for other readers, send me an email at hrhcatherineblog@hotmail.com

You can simply email me links to the products/looks you choose. If you don't receive a response from me via email within 24 hours, please let me know to ensure I received your submission. 

Whichever option you choose, please leave a first name or moniker so you can be properly credited. In terms of a deadline, you can share your looks for inclusion for the next week (10th August), you don't need to do all three at once either. I hope you'll all submit for the three categories listed. If not, choose your favourite. On that note, happy fashion sleuthing!