Ever since Kate Middleton traded in her Duchess title to become the Princess of Wales, she has also undergone a notable fashion transformation. The senior royal has retired her trusty uniform of calf-length skirts, opting instead for much more severe, tailored suits appropriate for a queen-to-be. But today, Middleton opened Evelina London’s new children’s day surgery unit wearing an outfit that offered a nice twist on her usual suiting.
The Princess wore head-to-toe Alexander McQueen pantsuit: a high-waisted cigarette pant with a matching blazer, layered over a cashmere crewneck sweater—all in a dazzling shade of sapphire blue. Middleton kept her footwear on theme with a pair of dark blue pointy-toed pumps.
One can’t help but think of her engagement ring, the instantly recognizable 12-carat oval sapphire surrounded by a halo of diamonds that once belonged to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. And need not look far to recall either, as Middleton wore a necklace and set of drop earrings that matched the famous ring. (The earrings, in fact, belonged to Diana and were refashioned into drops for Middleton after her 2011 wedding to Prince William.)
While the look is in keeping with Middleton’s more elevated style—and more elevated role in the palace—this was a fresh interpretation of monochrome from someone who has been wearing a lot of neutrals lately. The jewel-toned pantsuit felt like a happy medium between her colorful style as a Duchess and her more austere Princess fashion. As Kate Middleton continues to settle into her new role in the Royal Family, we look forward to seeing the depths of her new fashion, too.