Royal tour dressing involves a complex fashion formula, as Kate Middleton understands all too well. Diplomatic nods must be considered, functionality is key on long days with multiple appointments, and state heads must look approachable while retaining an air of the utmost professionalism. While Ireland bound on Thursday, October 6, the Princess of Wales had myriad factors to consider in addition to these central tenets.
What, for example, could Kate Middleton wear that was suitable for a visit to the Suicide Prevention Ireland (PIPS) charity, a street-food market, and a walkabout along Carrick Connect’s seafront?
The Princess landed on a style signature: the pussy-bow blouse. Kate teamed her baby blue Winser London button-up with a matching tailored coat, navy high-waisted LK Bennett trousers, and suede Gianvito Rossi point-toe pumps. A failsafe pair of Missoma rhodochrosite pyramid hoops and DeMellier’s Nano Montreal bag bumped up the repeat accessories on a day that was all about looking smart, but certainly not frivolous.
Things took a turn for the unexpected when Trademarket vendors invited Kate and William to try their hands at mixology, competing against one another in a cocktail-making contest. The Princess’s pussy-bow blouse gave her the edge, with that soft blue proving to be the perfect color contrast to the Campari bottle in her hand.
With her blow-dried waves slightly undone after the morning’s engagements and her smile wide as she gripped the cocktail shaker, this was the competitive Kate who loves a challenge, be it kiteboarding or pulling pints at a local pub.
