The Princess of Wales had a banner year with her style and here are the fashion hits I can’t stop thinking about

How to narrow
down the Princess of Wales’s fashion hits this year? In between the
country chic styling, the diplomatic dressing and the elegant pant
suits, there were a trio of state banquets that Catherine used to
level up her sartorial skills.

Let’s take a look at some of the Princess of Wales’s biggest
style moments this year.

JENNY PACKHAM AT THE GERMAN STATE BANQUET

With a trio of state banquets, the future queen knocked it out
of the park in stately style. What
gives the German state banquet look the edge is the tiara
pairing: choosing Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet tiara, a tiara
reserved exclusively for queens, added a level of elegance to
Catherine’s look, which was already phenomenal thanks to the
shimmering blue ombre Jenny Packham cape gown and the diamonds
dangling from her earrings and bracelets.

CATHERINE GOES FOR GIVENCHY AT FRENCH STATE
BANQUET

At
the French state banquet in July, the Princess of Wales added
French flair to Emmanuel Macron’s visit by wearing a gown by one of
the most iconic French fashion houses: Givenchy. And an added bonus
for royal watchers: Sarah Burton, her wedding dress designer and
previously the head of Alexander McQueen, is now the creative
designer for Givenchy.

Catherine’s billowing crimson gown was made of silk creponne
with a caped back and pleats around the neckline and waist; she
paired it with the Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot tiara, her go-to
choice of tiara.

CHAMPAGNE CHEERS AT US STATE BANQUET

I love it when Catherine takes a risk or tweaks her usual style,
and the Philippa Lepley champagne Chantilly lace evening coat worn
over a silk gown at the
US state banquet in September was the perfect balance of what
we expect from the future queen and a twist that keeps you talking.
The hand-embroidered Chantilly lace evening coat is stunning,
adding a timelessness to the historic nature of the state
visit.

CRUSHED EMERALDS AT THE ROYAL VARIETY
PERFORMANCE

So simple, so Catherine. This crushed velvet emerald green
Talbot Runho gown was perfect for a festive outing like the glitzy
Royal Variety Performance.

BOLD AND BLUE FOR TROOPING THE COLOUR

What a better start to summer than a bold, refreshing blue? The
Princess of Wales’s
St. Patrick’s Blue Catherine Walker coat dress was a great
balance of sleek and regal and sunshine. After a grim 2024, it felt
like Catherine was stepping back into a sartorial spotlight this
year.

A NAUTICAL NOD TO NAME THE HMS GLASGOW

Catherine became Lady Sponsor of the HMS Glasgow a few years
ago, and
in May it was time to attend the naming ceremony for the ship.
With a nod toward the nautical, Catherine’s navy Suzannah London
coat dress with white piping was a perfect outfit, especially
against the brilliant blue sky.

KATE GOES POSH

I’d love to give a nod to all of the pant suits Catherine wore
this year, but the one that stands out in my mind is the Victoria
Beckham olive green pant suit she wore to present the Queen
Elizabeth II Award for British Design. A pop of trendy colour, a
ruffle-collared white shirt, and one of Britain’s best fashion
bets? A perfect combination.

BACK TO NATURE FOR THE BEST ANNOUNCEMENT

Catherine’s love of nature is well-documented, and she returned
to the forest to share the wonderful news that she’s in remission
earlier this year.
In a snap captured by Prince Louis on World Cancer Day in
February, Catherine is seen in a country walking outfit: hat, long
coat, pants and boots. It’s the perfect reminder that when she
dials up the glam, she’s playing on a level few occupy, but when
she’s in her element, she truly shines.

As Catherine prepares for her future role, it’s plain to see
that her styling is becoming all the more regal. May it continue in
2026!