I’m a style expert – the secret messages Kate Middleton sends through her clothes & how she tries to steal the limelight
IT will take a lot more than Netflix documentaries and a book by her brother-in-law to ruffle the Princess of Wales’ feathers.
Kate always appears classy and sophisticated but there could be more to her sense of style than meets the eye.
With the help of colour expert Jules Standish, Abby McHale unpicks Kate’s “crisis wardrobe” and reveals the subtle signals she could be sending out with her choice of outfits.
JAN 2023: Show of strength post-Spare
THE release of Harry’s tell-all book Spare was undoubtedly a blow to the royals, as he unearthed private text messages between his wife Meghan and the princess.
Kate’s first appearance after the bombshell biography hit the shelves was with Prince William in Liverpool.
She was pictured wearing a navy and green check coat from British brand Holland Cooper, complete with a navy dress by Samantha Cameron’s label Cefinn.
William complemented her look in a dark green jumper and navy coat.
Jules says: “This combination of navy blue and dark green are known to represent a sense of peace, reassurance and friendliness along with good communication.
“Putting people at ease and showcasing her authority with William in matching colours highlights their unity and strength.”
DEC 2022: Dutiful after documentary
THE release of the second instalment of Harry and Meghan’s documentary on Netflix came in December.
And Kate was seen arriving at Westminster Abbey in a burgundy coat dress from Eponine.
Burgundy, which has a more purple tint than that of maroon, is said to symbolise sophistication.
Kate twinned with her daughter Princess Charlotte on this occasion and they weren’t the only ones wearing the warm colour.
Kate’s sister Pippa and the King’s niece Zara Tindall also wore the same shade, which Jules says sends out strong signals.
She explains: “This intense shade of red is sophisticated and powerful and highlights how self-assured Kate feels in her royal role as Princess.
“It gives us the sense that Kate feels in control, taking her responsibilities seriously without ‘shouting’ about her presence.”
DEC 2022: Going into the lime-light
WHEN the trailer first dropped for Harry and Meghan’s documentary, Kate and William were on a trip to Boston in the US attending the Earthshot Prize.
Refusing to let the scandal stand in her way, Kate stepped out in a bold green gown rented from online site Hurr, showcasing her dedication to sustainability in a colour that is associated with peace and security.
Said to represent nature, lime is a shade of green that shows confidence, high energy and freshness – and that could represent her attempt to clear the air of any scandal upon her arrival.
Jules says: “Kate glows in this bright shade of lime green, exuding energy and fun.
“It is both refreshing and stimulating to the eye, and definitely steals the limelight.
“Green can also represent peace and serenity, which is what Kate is emulating here.”
MAR 2021: Things are looking rosy
KATE hit the headlines over relations with her sister-in-law in March 2021.
During an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan claimed reports she made Kate cry were untrue – asserting that it had been the other way round.
Perfectly poised, Kate shrugged off the accusation when visiting a school in East London.
The then Duchess of Cambridge wore a pink coat from Max&Co, a colour that shows compassion and love, according to Jules.
Jules says: “Kate’s combo of pink coat and top is a beautiful shade that really showcases her caring, compassionate side, being supportive and nurturing by nature.
“Pink is the colour of love and compassion.
“It is kind and comforting and it is associated with bringing warmth and joy into lives.”
MAR 2020: It’s maroon for Megxit
THE last time the so-called Fab Four of William, Kate, Meghan and Harry were on official duty together was in March 2020.
It was for the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey before the Sussexes turned their backs on royal duties.
The mum of three wore a red outfit by Catherine Walker, not just one of her own favourite designers, but also among those loved by William and Harry’s mother, Princess Diana.
Red is a powerful colour and has often been seen as a hue of ultimate privilege, dating to the middle ages.
Jules says: “Kate stands out in the crowd in her show- stopping red outfit.
“It is a warming colour that will provide Kate with stamina and energy through any event and will keep spirits up for everyone around her.”
NOV 2019: Hitting a purple patch
SHE wore this purple Oscar de la Renta outfit for a solo engagement in Norfolk.
Kate was stepping out after Prince Andrew’s infamous interview in November 2019, when Newsnight’s Emily Maitlis grilled him over his friendship with the late US financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as well as the prince’s own alleged sexual misconduct.
Purple is also seen as calming, so could have been Kate’s attempt to move forward from a troublesome situation.
It was once the exclusive preserve of monarchs as it was such an expensive hue to produce.
Jules says: “This colour is often associated with power, luxury and glamour, yet is calming at the same time.
“It highlights Kate’s unique personality and her understated leadership qualities in a creative and visionary way.”
OCT 2016: Everything’s just peachy
IN 2016, Kate’s uncle Gary Goldsmith was arrested after having an argument with his wife Julie-Ann in the street.
But it was business as usual for Kate, who headed to Paddington Station in West London for a Charities Forum event in a blush-pink dress from Orla Kiely.
The peachy shade of Kate’s dress represents innocence and could be her way of removing herself from the situation.
The shade blends in with her skin tone, which might be seen as an effort by her not to stand out from the crowd on this occasion.
Jules says: “This warming, pretty, coral pink is a soft shade full of fun and friendliness.
“The black detail on her dress gives this playful outfit a more grown-up feel which could be her attempt to show that she is the ultimate professional at all times.”