Styling Kate 2023 has really been quite fun, hasn't it? We've been enjoying it so much, I opted to extend the deadline for submissions and tonight we're taking a look at your selections for a day of engagements in Wales. Following on from your stunning Earthshot choices (catch up on that post here), where the theme of sustainability was truly taken on board and implemented with a great deal of creativity, this look asked for something entirely different: a combination of sartorial diplomacy and the rather tricky task of mastering formal daywear. Wales is close to my own heart and I was enormously struck by the time and research you all put in, and the opportunity to highlight several fabulous Welsh designers and brands. Should the Prince and Princess of Wales surprise us with a 'Wales Week' over the autumn, you've all got Kate stylishly sorted for the trip :)
A reminder of the brief for Look 2:
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 music and drama celebrating Welsh Culture.
Alaina - We're beginning with Alaina's look for Wales featuring a lovely summer Floral Print, Wide Leg Jumpsuit in salmon pink and black styled with a pair of Harriet Wilde Amy platform pumps and the Twisted Thimble Eclipse Disc hat. The ensemble is completed with pieces by Welsh jeweller Spells of Love: the Rose Gold Triple Topaz Dangle Hoops and the Dainty Triple Sapphire Bracelet. Alaina noted: "I wasn’t so sure about a jumpsuit until I saw the one I posted….I think Kate can pull it off, plus it can work for dressy or more casual - very versatile."
Louise, London - As you'll all remember, Louise chose an elegant vintage look for her Earthshot submission and decided to continue the theme for Wales, noting the look is built around this Welsh tapestry coat (obviously not Kate's size but I'm sure she has a good tailor!). It's worn over The Fold's Eaton dress in white. Kate's Hermes Rio clutch and Chloe's Oli suede pumps with a signature pointed toe silhouette. Milliner Tracy Hillel's Crystal Veiling trilby and a pair of large black decorative earrings by Welsh jeweller Mari Thomas complete the look.
Jennifer - "White and Floral dress that is pure summer with plum accessories plus a beautiful emerald brooch with Welsh history," Jennifer said. A sleeveless fitted Erdem midi dress is styled with a pair of Ralph Lauren Lanette suede pumps. Complementing the plum, a Loop Handbag by St. John and an elegant fascinator (a steal at £30 on Etsy). Accessories include the Prince of Wales brooch and the Queen's Bahrain pearls. Kate's hair would be styled in an elegant half-up hairstyle.
Micky - Turning to one of Kate's beloved British brands, Micky selected the lovely L.K. Bennett Amanda Green Camelia Print Midi Dress. The whimsical piece features a nod to Welsh green on the flag (you'll notice the threads of green and red running throughout this post).The dress is teamed with Vivian Sheriff's Clover Hat, Kate's Aquazurra bow pumps, and a black clutch from Kate's collection.
Nicole - Nicole suggests a separates look featuring a coat by an incredibly talented British designer -- Laura Green -- often worn by Zara Tindall. The structured grey, double-breasted piece would be worn with the Mulberry Silk Shirt by & Other Stories and tailored trousers by Reiss. The Lock & Co hat would be worn with Kate's Grace Han Love Letter bag and Kiki cushion amethyst earrings. A pair of lilac heels (with the possibility of changing to deep purple flats) complete this ensemble!
Eriq - "For Wales week I choose mostly British designers with a pair of edgy French designer heels." Victoria Beckham's Short-Sleeve Fitted Dress is styled with a pair of statement Balenciaga white knife pumps and a vivid green McQueen clutch, and Princess Diana's three-row pearl bracelet -- timeless piece we've seen the Princess wear on several occasions.
Elle - "For the day in Wales, I fell in love with the pattern and styling of this Smyth Blazer- which is why I'd ask for a bespoke coat in a fit & flare styling (remove the patch pockets but keep the flaps at the waist). The lapel is perfect for the Celtic brooch that was given to Kate as a wedding gift. For the church event add the Jane Taylor 'Neith in Straw' headwear in Ivory. Underneath I chose separates. Kate's Reiss Vinnie Ivory blouse and pair it with an ivory Ted Baker skirt. Kate would carry her Demellier Nano Montreal Bag (complementing the buttons on the coat) and her Celia style shoes by Ralph Lauren. Kate would sport an updo and accessorize with the Queen's Chandelier Earrings."
Elle also looked through several of Kate's favourite brands to create a combination which works for the day's schedule and feels very much in the Princess' wheelhouse. "Another look for Wales Week mainly because I really love this Eponine dress (the neckline is so pretty especially with the deep V in the back) and could see Kate wearing it. Luckily I also found a white Catherine Walker coat that I thought would work well with it (and besides, this coat could be styled completely differently a second time)." (An incredibly fun nugget? The Eponine dress is called the Lisa Carol Fremont after Grace Kelly's character in Rear Window. On your next rainy day at home, I highly recommend watching it.) The pieces would be accessorised with Kate's ruby and diamond earrings from her Mouawad set, her red Lock & Co hat from the Jubilee, Kate's red Miu Miu clutch, and her Alessandra Rich fab two-tone pumps. Kate's hair would be worn up to showcase the back of the dress.
Bluefire - For the listed engagements, Bluefire would love to see the Princess wearing a pointed wool collar coat with neck detail and a fitted waist, teamed with a pair of olive green Jimmy Choo caper green pumps, a stylish hat by Philip Treacy, and a Piaget watch.
Bluefire also suggested the very pretty possibility of a puff shoulder, ribbon tie, summery dress styled with a pair of Jimmy Choo Elme flats and the Piaget Limelight self-winding white gold watch.
Nancy, Iowa - With the itinerary for the day in mind, most specifically the service of thanksgiving for the NHS, Nancy opted for a polka dot Alessandra Rich dress in NHS blue with bow detail and pearl buttons. It's styled with Kate's Lock & Co. Mayer Boater hat and Emmy London Rebecca Riviera suede clutch and shoes. Nancy finished with two tributes to Wales: an Alex Monroe Leek brooch and a pair of earrings by Spells of Love.
Laura (Japanese Ginger) - The intrepid royal style identifier revealed: "For Wales Week, my pick is a rewear of her Eponine London Chi Chi coatdress. It is pretty close to NHS blue so seems appropriate to the occasion. I have her wearing the Prince of Wales feather brooch for obvious reasons. I found a cute pair of Spells of Love earrings for her to debut. I like the idea that the one piece she debuts would be a Welsh designer. I chose for her to rewear her Sean Barrett hat, Gianvito Rossi pumps, and Emmy bag."
Sirael - When choosing a formal daywear look for the Princess, Sirael created a separates ensemble featuring the Toteme drawstring-waist shirt and pleated cotton Alexander McQueen skirt in 'Welsh red'. Jane Taylor's Bow Band in Organza adds a fresh take on the traditional hat. A pair of Manolo Blahnik ballerina flats allows for the versatile itinerary. The look is completed with the Queen's Bahrain pearls and the Manolo Blahnik capri-crystal embellished clutch.
Steph - We're going to be treated to a spectacle of pink looks in our final styling post and it just happens, thanks to Steph, we're treated to a pretty in pink ensemble for the day in Wales. The Teri Jon by Ricki Freeman Pleated Cocktail Midi Dress would be worn with Kate's Jane Taylor Lyssa hat, her Emmy London Rebecca pumps in pink 'makeup' suede, pink Prada clutch and Kiki McDonough Morganite earrings.
MILady - Milady selected several British brands loved by the Princess with jewels from the royal vault for her look and opted for Welsh red. The timeless Eponine London Cherry Plum dress with lace detailing and a high-waisted silhouette is styled with the Suzannah Silk Bow Fuchsia hat. Accessories include the DeMellier Midi Montreal in black, a pair of Jimmy Choo Black Kid Leather Pointy Toe Pumps. The Prince of Wales Brooch and Kate's emerald earrings complete the look.
Anonymous - Anon would love to see the return of Kate's plaid Erdem coat teamed with one of her black turtlenecks. The coat would be worn with Kate's Gianvito Rossi 85 'Piper' pumps, Kate's Spells of Love medium twist hoops and Kate's Chanel bag. It's been great to see so much love for Welsh brand Spells of Love!
Beth - Beth honed in on an idea several of you discussed with me over the styling process. Might we see Kate utilising the Prince of Wales check more in her wardrobe moving forward? I think it very likely myself. Beth noted the specific weave used in the tartan and the "great opportunity" a day in Wales presents for such. Below Kate wearing a 'Prince of Wales' tartan Alexander McQueen coat dress alongside images of Royal Welsh Tartan.
Elle B - For a daywear look in Wales, Elle B revealed she chose the "Catherine Walker Olivia coat dress. Phillip Treacy white hat. Emmy London Natasha clutch in Riviera. Emmy London Rebecca pumps in Riviera. The late Queen's diamond and pearl earrings. Hair: Twisted half-up-half-down with curls". The combination of tried and trusted brands synonymous with sophistication makes for another splendid option for the Princess.
Vivian - For the Wales event, Vivian focused on the "possibilities with the colours of the Welsh flag", choosing a dress with a modern pattern she describes as "fun, lively and refreshing". Vivian also admired this sleek green and red fitted look which is very much in the wheelhouse of Queen Letizia.
Another chic option by Vivian is this fabulous Marc Jacobs forest green and burgundy polka dot dress worn by Beyonce in 2012. Vivian says: "Another day look with the half red/half green theme that has accents of black….(and then incorporate some accents of white with accessories? Or jewelry?"
Finally Vivian imagined the final event in Wales called for an evening look and chose a Two Tone Ruffled, One Shoulder Gown. "Finally for an evening Wales event: a black and white gown, with sparkly heels in either green or red, along with a sparkling clutch in the other color!!! Then, going way out on a limb: for the glittering necklace and earrings: put together RUBY piece(s) with some EMERALD piece(s)."
If I made any errors with your look or accidentally omitted a submission, please let me know and it will be immediately rectified. For those who shared graphics, any changes made were due to copyright issues with photos, and I hope the photos I used properly showcase your choice.
We just have our pink looks left now -- the most fun category of all because readers have carte blanche. Whether it's a white-tie banquet with a tiara and jewels or a casual day look with just one pink piece, the choice is entirely yours. If you haven't submitted for the category and would like to, I'll be taking submissions for the rest of the weekend. The initial deadline I set was just too short, so keep 'em coming for the pink category :)
I was excited to see Alaina's suggestions (SO pretty) and the gown from Vivian.
ReplyDeleteI love the green Beckham but for a different event. I would go with Molly Claires choice. Very suitable and classic look. Well done to everyone, some fantastic fashion and jewellery suggestions. S.🙂.
ReplyDeleteHello S.| |. Have you looked back to Styling Kate 2023 August 15? Catherine/Diana's emerald and diamond jewelry?
DeleteSorry guys a bit of topic. Hi Maggie, I only read it now. I googled Princess Diana wearing emeralds. I saw a picture of her with Princess Margaret, wearing a emerald necklace only seen one time. The earrings I asked about Diana wore with the choker necklace, very similar in style to the top part of the earrings worn by the Duchess of Cambridge. I was just surprised to see her wearing something I hadn't seen before. Thanks Maggie for sharing your knowledge. S.🙂.
DeleteHi again S. Hope you check back here to read this. The picture with Princess Margaret was 1992. As far as I know that was the only time Diana wore that particular necklace to an event that was photographed. The earrings Diana wore with the emerald diamond choker I have several pictures of. I don't remember the exact year but it was the early 1980's. In the close-up pictures I can see that the emerald in the center of the earrings is an oval cabochon cut. I'm sure you know what a cabochon cut is - the emeralds in the choker are cabochon. Flat back and rounded front with no facets. The diamond surround is small diamonds - marquise and other shapes. I don't remember seeing Diana in those earrings again although she did wear the choker often in the following years. (Did you mean the bottom part of Catherine's earrings?) I hope this answers your questions.
DeleteMaggie, yes it does and thanks for your help on that. I was referring to the top part of Catherines earrings. Diamond centre surrounded by diamonds. The necklace and earrings have to be gifts to the Princess or from the royal collection. I'd go with gifts. Hopefully the new Princess of Wales will decide to wear these and more. I was just surprised to see Diana wearing earrings I hadn't seen before. Thanks again. Charlotte, is Balmoral completely private or can we expect to see the Wales family out and about? S.🙂.
DeleteHello S,
DeleteThere's a possibility we will see them arriving for Sunday service at Crathie Kirk. It's a bit hit and miss and depends on how long they stay :)
Thanks Charlotte. Hopefully they will be there on Sunday. It will be a strange year for the family this year without the late Queen. It's good that they are spending this time together. S.🙂.
DeleteThe Mirror is reporting that the Prince and Princess of Wales will mark the late Queens first anniversary in Wales. S.🙂.
DeleteHello S.| |. Thanks for this info. Are you in Ireland?
DeleteHi Maggie, no problem . Yes I'm living in Ireland. S.🙂.
DeleteI found one outstanding compromise that says Wales color, Autumn, Kate, occasion ( fittingly / cathedral, castle, walk about and music. I found another one which goes year round, Kate, Wales color, and most of the occasion. Otherwise there are some I just love, but this comment is regarding what met the expected rules, occasion, for what person, and in what place. Once again, Year 2023 Stylists had done an amazing job. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAnon15
Wow! These are gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteAlaina- I LOVE this jumpsuit, and that hat! Beautiful! I would love to see Kate in this for sure.
Louise, London-I love the Welsh tapestry coat!
Jennifer-that dress is so pretty, and you paired the hat so well. Love the pop of color and matching pump!
Micky-I love the soft green of this dress. So pretty.
Nicole-I love the purple! Love how you paired the top, pump and earrings for the pop of color with the grey double-breasted piece. Cute hat.
Eriq-another beautiful green dress. I love the deep green hue.
Elle-what a fun blazer! I would love to see Kate in this. Also, love-love-love the red dress you selected as another look.
Bluefire-LOVE the wool collar coat and that hat! Love the green pumps with it. The puff shoulder dress is also very lovely. I could totally see Kate in this.
Nancy, Iowa-OMG-this is stunning! That dress and hat are beautiful!!
Laura (Japanese Ginger)-love this color blue...so pretty!
Sirael-very nice selection of separates. I like the ballerina flat for a change.
Steph-what a darling pink dress! I could totally see Kate in this!
MILady-very pretty red dress....and that HAT! Love it!!
Anon-I love the plaid Erdem coat! I like the shoes you picked to go with it...excellent.
Alejandra-love the cobalt blue-so striking!
Adrienne-love this whole outfit! I'd love to see Kate in this!
Marci-love how you put all this together, and love the red.
Molly Claire-OMG I love this! I love the tweed coatdress, and that plush velvet hat! (swoon!)
Gigi-these are different looks that I would not have thought of to pick...but I'm glad you did and I love them! I could see Kate in these.
Hannah in WA-this dress is sooo pretty....and I LOVE that hat! Kate can wear any type hat it seems, and this one would be beautiful on her.
Juniperfj-I love how you picked this assuming it is a late summer, early autumn day. I like how you added the boots and jacket...nice touch.
Lady West-a beautiful dress....and WOW what a gorgeous hat!!!
Khilen-Wow! Just wow! Yes, I'm with Charlotte on this one and hoping to see Kate in more Chanel. This is just stunning....love the gloves. Well done.
Beth-love this and the great opportunity a day in Wales presents...just lovely.
Elle B-just beautiful - love her hair, dress...and that hat!!
Vivian-I love this modern pattern you chose!! What a unique and beautiful dress!!
Dear Joanne, I thought those were lovely and positive comments to each of the style contributors. What a thoughtful gesture.
DeleteAww, thank you Pam ☺️ Everyone did such a lovely job. Love Tennessee, visited once…wonderful people.
DeleteJoanne from CA
Ditto Pam from Tennessee! I thought the same - how sweet of Joanne to comment on every contributor 😍 Zora from Prague
DeleteThank you so much Zora! 🥰
DeleteJoanne from CA
Wow!, some superb suggestions. Well done.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, there are absolutely beautiful clothes, shoes and accessories. Kate and her stylist should wander over to the blog for some suggestions.
ReplyDeleteThanks to all the contributors! My favourite of these outfits is Hannah in WA's. I like the subtle Welsh colours. I am a bit worried Kate would be cold though! Perhaps a red cardigan could be added for the cathedral and the late afternoon. I also particularly like Laura (Japanese Ginger)'s one. It seems very appropriate for the occasion.
ReplyDeleteLove the jumpsuit!
ReplyDeleteThese are all stunning selections. Wow! Incredible creativity. I struggled to choose my top two looks. I love the pop of color and the sprinkling of floral in Jennifer’s palette. I also loved Elle’s combination of the red Eponine dress and CW coat. I very much wish that any of you who took the time and effort to participate in this flight of fancy, could be hired to style me, lol. Ro from Illinois 💚
ReplyDeleteSome more stunning suggestions for the Princess to browse through! I can visualise her wearing some more than others, but all are great ideas. The Prince of Wales tartan will probably show up soon, but maybe in Scotland, rather than Wales. We are also definitely going to see her in that Catherine Walker coat at some point!
ReplyDeleteI will be interested to see who got closest, next time Kate is in Wales.
I just wanted to tell all the "Stylists" how much I've enjoyed seeing their ensembles, in this post & the last! I can't wait to see what you all have in store for The "Pink" Challenge!? Thank you Charlotte for spearheading all of this. It truly is fascinating! :) xoxo
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone who came up with these amazing suggestions! It's hard to choose a favorite, but I think the floral jumpsuit is probably the one I like best. I suspect that Kate would not embrace a jumpsuit (alas!) but we can always hope.
ReplyDeleteSeeing all the many incredible options available makes me have even more respect for the Princess's stylists, who do such an incredible job each and every time we see Kate!
ReplyDeleteHannah in WA
ReplyDeleteIt has colors of Wales in red, white, and green version while it also passes for autumn color. The bright red hat picks it up for the diplomacy part. Overall I can see Kate in it who also seems to favor matching shoes and purse color. I hope you find a jacket for it to be used as needed for whichever occasion of the day.
Adrienne
If only Earth Day and Wales don't happen the same month. I can see the ensemble on Kate in either place.
MILady
The woman in red and the cut is friendly for temperature changes w/o having to bother with a jacket
Elle
I like the dress, the dress coat and the hat. I can see Kate wearing either one for some occasion during the Wales visit/stay.
Jennifer
Nostalgia - I kind of "know" that dress! Beautiful! The one I "know" was knee length, three-quarter length sleeves, and imported from France. Remembering a good occasion
can make you cherish what you associate with it including world material. Whether people admit it or not, image and style in fact is a nice trigger for remembering places, people, occasions, spaces, and times.
Anon15
What a great variety of looks!! So imaginative and all over the place in a good way!!
ReplyDeleteNow I want to know how is it that everyone found their Welsh designers? My look ended up being a tad simple because I would type in "Welsh designers" and only 10 would come by. Or "welsh shoes" or similar and I would get weird results. Oh! Google never showed that Eponine was Welsh
Either way, thank you gor putting all of these together!!!
When we do these "Styling Kate" posts, do any of the small shops named, such as Welsh designers mentioned in a number of posts (including mine) get any uptick in web traffic? I don't suppose anyone knows, and it's probably also slightly egocentric to ask.
ReplyDeleteAs for favorites, I have to say I like Juniperfj's choices a lot. But then I scroll either way and so many pretty things jump out at me. Well done!
Alaina, Bluefire and Molly Claire I love the jumpsuit and coats! I know it’s great to rewear items but it’s also fun to see new options, too. Thx for all the amazing ensembles! Such fun and talent putting outfits together. Sue from IL
ReplyDeleteInteresting. After so many fantastic submissions for the Earthshot event, the daytime looks don't really get me. But a few made the cut. Those are all looks in line with what I grew to expect of Kate and I can see her actually wearing for the mentioned engagements:
ReplyDeleteBluefire, Laura (Japanese Ginger), Anonymous and Beth.
Honrouable mention: Lady West and Hannah in WA
While I don't see those looks in Wales, I love them and think they would be lovely at the Chelsea Flower Show or another themed day time event.
C.
@Anon 06:54 I agreed initially I was underwhelmed by most. But on second look I quite like about half - if not necessarily for Wales. One looks very Ascot another quite Chelsea Flower Show…so when I stopped thinking of the particular event I started living almost all.
DeleteI think everyone felt strongly about their suggested look. It will be fun to see what Kate wears next -- I'm certainly going to go back here to check similarities. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to the pink looks. Some of her most luscious outfits have been pink, like what she wore to Eugenie's wedding.
Another fabulous round up from CC followers. Looks I think we would most likely see Kate in are the coatdress style which we usually see Kate wear as they are formal daytime events, but I really like the looks put together by Jennifer and Lady West the pretty floral dresses and lovely accessories are something I'd love to see Kate wear. Sue in WA
ReplyDeleteActually, I like Lady West's ensemble also / delicately feminine and thinking of Spring.
ReplyDeleteAnon 15
These are terrific!
ReplyDeleteI am a big fan of Kate in blue or gray, so Elle B’s wonderful ensemble stopped me in my tracks. Wow! And Nancy from Iowa’s NHS Blue was another favorite. Both included the gorgeous Riviera clutch and pumps.
Great job Stylists! IMHO, I think it’s both fun and challenging. And then when you see what everyone else has styled you start to rethink your look. Certainly there are many ways to round up how to look at them all.
ReplyDeleteBest Innovative – Alaina, for selecting a beautiful, floral jumpsuit. Juniperfj – appreciate you going searching for a vintage look, so versatile.
Lovely Repeats – Louise, London – The Fold’s dress is one of my favorites. Laura (Japanese Ginger), agree that the blue is a wonderful choice. Anonymous, definitely a very good chance we’ll see this pretty coat again. Marci, definitely Kate should wear her red McQueen suit in Wales. Khilen, I too think about Kate’s earlier dresses, especially this Malene Birger. Beth, no doubt we’ll see this McQueen again given the Prince of Wales check, maybe with red (or green) accessories.
Welsh Designs – Louise, London, such a beautiful coat. Gigi, wonderful work finding this unique Welsh designer, perhaps Kate will select one of the separates.
Beautiful Florals (that are also perfect for a garden party, Royal Ascot, or the Chelsea Flower Show) – Jennifer, love that you selected a sheath dress. Micky, Kate loves green and chiffon making this a winner. Hannah in WA, love your choice, pleats are very in right now. Lady West, I love ODLR as well and could see Kate wearing this.
Favorite Hats – Micky, beautiful pale pink fascinator. Bluefire, very chic. Lady West, swooning over that white Philip Treacy. Khilen, love a new large felt hat. Elle B., another striking white Philip Treacy. Those that selected ‘repeats’ chose some of my favorites: Nancy, Iowa, Steph, Alejandra, Hannah in WA
Coats – Nicole, love the sleeves and the swing. Bluefire, very feminine selection. Molly Claire, hope we see this beautiful coat on Kate. Elle B., the color and the details on this coat are lovely.
Green and Red Selections – Eriq, would love to see Kate wear Beckham more. Sirael, love the red skirt (and skirts in general for Kate). Adrienne, the fabric and piping on this dress is what makes it special. Vivian, love your choices.
Versatile Dresses – Nancy, Iowa, lovely color and neckline. Steph, I checked out this dress for me personally to wear at an upcoming wedding - anyone would look lovely in this dress. MILady, I almost chose this lovely red dress. Alejandra, the color and lines are so lovely.
Again, well done everyone! Would love to see any of the suggestions above on Kate.
Hello all,
ReplyDeleteFor the Wales event theme, my favorites are (in order of posting by Charlotte):
Aliana
Jennifer
Steph
Elle B
But I must say there were many others who absolutely nailed the combinations of accessories. Truly brilliant. Kate could wear them all, and I would LOVE to see her in your creations, and celebrate that you predicted it!!!!!