They say the key to great style is a personal uniform designed around a signature piece. Audrey Hepburn had the little black dress. Iris Apfel has her oversized glasses. Kate Middleton has the tea-length coat dress, which lately she’s been pairing with matching accessories to create a variety of elegant, monochromatic looks that can be styled for any occasion. This tailored, mauve ensemble is a perfect example.
For the first official state visit of King Charles III’s reign, the new Princess of Wales greeted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in a trim, pleated coat dress with a matching pillbox hat (very Jackie Kennedy of her), mauve pumps, a small clutch, and matching gloves. Her jewelry, as ever, was simple and steeped in meaning.
Karwai Tang
Drop pearl earrings are another one of the princess’s staples, and these appear to be the pair that once belonged to Princess Diana, which Kate has been photographed wearing on important occasions before. Even more symbolically meaningful might be the broach pinned to her wide lapel, the Princess of Wales Feather Brooch, worn by many of her titular forbears. This piece was made as a wedding gift for Princess Alexandra of Denmark in 1863, according to People, and has been worn by Princesses of Wales ever since—including Diana. This special occasion is the first time Kate’s worn the broach since taking on her new title.
Karwai Tang
