The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, made a colorful bold fashion statement. She glimmered in bright orange, a departure from her signature complementary colors. At the same time, this surprising pick demonstrates her audacity. She’s open to trying out shades she has never donned before, herself, since tying the knot with Prince William in 2011.
On our visit around East Boston, Kate dazzled in a gorgeous pumpkin colored ribbed turtleneck cashmere sweater designed by Gabriela Hearst. She matched the headpiece with a bright orange pencil skirt that was clearly visible under her fabulous dark brown Alexander McQueen coat. Fashion insiders noted that this outfit was a serious runway reboot from her signature soft pastels and jewel tones. She would usually wear these colors in order to bring out her natural cool undertones.
Her color palette has always been more on the delicate side, as you can see from her television appearances through the years. At 2015 Wimbledon, she surprised audiences again by wearing a calf-length ‘Cayla’ dress by L.K.Bennett. This decision reflected her appreciation for traditional and sophisticated aesthetics. She’s shown a willingness to wear bolder colors at times. For example, just look at the tangerine ensemble she donned during her visit to Foxcubs Nursery in Luton on January 18, 2023.
While the recent decision to use orange is significant, it is hardly a novel move. Kate has only worn this vibrant color a handful of times in the past. She proved her sartorial chops by wearing a clementine-hued blouse with a white Alexander McQueen suit on her recent visit to Jamaica. In Thimphu, Bhutan, she accessorized a Tory Burch orange-accented maxi dress with a tangerine-colored pashmina.
Celebrity fashion stylist, Ellis Ranson raved about Kate’s most recent look. He drew attention to the lovely ribbed knitting texture of her sweater.
“The ribbed knit texture keeps it soft and approachable rather than too dramatic in a bold colour.” – Ellis Ranson
Ranson’s key focus was to encourage participants to experiment with new colors that they don’t typically work with.
“Kate usually leans towards soft pastels or jewel tones to complement her cool undertone, which always looks clean, polished and feels like a consistent uniform. As a stylist, although it’s important to know your colours, sometimes it’s good to explore outside of this, and this orange look pays off.” – Ellis Ranson
Photos by Kate B. Kate topped off her outfit with a chic pumpkin sweater-and-skirt set. She finished it off with Gianvito Rossi heeled boots and a stylish longline coat from Massimo Dutti during a trip to East Boston. The full ensemble further showcased her prowess at merging fashionista luxe with on-the-go ease.
Kate’s style evolution has brought her a long way from baby blue fascinator and lace gloves to striking cutout gowns and cheeky Katherine Hamnett tees that demand change. Her orange skirt and sweater express confidence and individuality. To dazzle us, to amaze us — these statements reflect her eagerness to embrace a more vibrant palette.
