Princess Kate has always been known for mixing designer items with affordable picks, as well as always having her finger on the pulse when it comes to fashion—even if there are guidelines for how a royal should dress.
The Princess of Wales proved she's still got it during her latest royal engagement with Prince William, when they visited the Foodshare food bank in their hometown of Windsor today, Jan. 26.
Kate opted for a subtle Barbiecore look, wearing a fuchsia coat and matching turtleneck sweater by British label Hobbs, both of which are not affordable per se, but are certainly more in regular people's price range than some of the princess' clothes by Alexander McQueen or Emilia Wickstead, for example.
She also accessorized with some gold-toned hoop earrings by Orelia London that cost just $23.
While Kate has always tried to strike a relatable chord, she seems to have doubled down on the relatability factor recently, for example by rewearing outfits within weeks of each other, rather than within years like she used to.
There are a number of factors that might be influencing Kate's decisions to dress more like a layperson: the ushering in of King Charles' "slimmed-down monarchy," the need to stay relevant amid criticism from the Sussexes and from anti-monarchists, consideration for the environment, and the cost of living crisis the U.K. is currently experiencing.
"The Royal Family have a knack for understanding what their public want," comments Mok O'Keeffe, a historian known as @gayaristo.
"It has meant that they remain relevant in people’s minds. Subliminally it may be a message about expense of the monarchy or environmental issues—reflecting public sentiment and challenging public dissent.
"But I think what Kate is doing is 'normalizing' royalty. It used to be about 'mystique' and now it’s about relatability.
"We all have 'work' clothes which we wear time and time again. Kate is saying that when she does her job, she is the same as all of us. It makes the Royal Family less remote, more relatable and, especially these days, more stable."
While at Foodshare, the Waleses learned about the work the organization does to provide food to those in need, and helped to check food baskets were in order.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Prince Harry Admits to Making “Mistakes” and “Stupid Decisions” and Being “Immature” in Relationship with Chelsy Davy
He is in the middle of a court case against Mirror Group Newspaper Limited.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Princess Kate Demonstrated Her Rugby Skills With "A Little Twirl" on Latest Royal Engagement
LOL, so cute.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is Giving Us '00s Fashion in a Zara Blazer, Skinny Pants and Flats
Back-in-the-day Kate is back.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Meghan Markle Sparkled in a Gold Gown as She Accepted a Woman of Vision Award
Stunning.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Brightens Up a Cold January in an Orange Sweater Set by Gabriela Hearst
I am so. Into this.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Dazzled in a Royal Blue Vintage Chanel Blazer for Her Latest Engagement
Name a more iconic duo, I'll wait.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate's Latest Zara Blazer Is on Sale Right Now
Royally good fashion that won't hurt your wallet.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Stunned in Powder Blue While Visiting Northern Ireland
She's back on her color-blocking streak.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Stunned in a Navy Suit While Meeting Members of the Royal Navy
I see what she did there!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kate Middleton Rounds Out the Summer in Yet Another Polka Dot Dress
Here's permission to bring the print into fall.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Meghan Markle Wore the Most Flawless Outfit to Promote Her 'Archetypes' Podcast
Her shirt is still in stock!
By Iris Goldsztajn