The Duchess of Cambridge's Daytime Fashion Part 12: November 2013 - April 2014

[GracieGiraffe]

Originally Posted by Baroness of Books

Anne rocks in retro!

Anne is morphing into Tilda Swinton.. she can put on anything now, virtually anything.

I'm not quite sure who Kate will morph into fashion wise. Would be kind of cool if it were Helena Bonham Carter. That would give us all something interesting to post about.

Maybe she turn up at her next event wearing two different shoes. Now, that would be... majestic!

[miche]

Originally Posted by Baroness of Books

Yes, the very unprominent Mary and Letizia are absolutely ancient and their clothes do look absolutely ridiculous on them since they're desperately holding onto their youth. Shame on them! Kate should definitely avoid at all costs styles like these that would make her look like an old woman. After all, the 66-year-old Hilary Clinton is the only choice in town.

When did I say I say any of that of Mary and Letizia?
If I recall Hilary Clinton wore those same style of pantsuit when she was in her 30s.
And I would prefer her go the unfashionable route since everytime wear something in style it a big deal in the media and online about how inappropriate she is, even when she wear things that are similar to what Mary and Letizia as worn.

[Baroness of Books]

Originally Posted by GracieGiraffe

Maybe she turn up at her next event wearing two different shoes. Now, that would be... majestic!

What about one of her nude LK Bennetts and her scuffed shootie? That would be....intriguing!

Originally Posted by miche

When did I say I say any of that of Mary and Letizia?
If I recall Hilary Clinton wore those same style of pantsuit when she was in her 30s.
And I would prefer her go the unfashionable route since everytime wear something in style it a big deal in the media and online about how inappropriate she is, even when she wear things that are similar to what Mary and Letizia as worn.

You used Hilary Clinton as an extreme case of what Kate should dress like since you feel too many protests are leveled against her for her fashion choices. I used Mary and Letizia et al as examples of what Kate could wear similar to what her contemporaries are wearing. I have yet to see Kate wear a pantsuit similar to Mary and Letizia that would broaden her fashion scope.

I simply pointed out choices that Kate can make. End of story, finis.

[miche]

Originally Posted by Baroness of Books

Yes, the very unprominent Mary and Letizia are absolutely ancient and their clothes do look absolutely ridiculous on them since they're desperately holding onto their youth. Shame on them! Kate should definitely avoid at all costs styles like these that would make her look like an old woman. After all, the 66-year-old Hilary Clinton is the only choice in town.

I never said that that Letizia and Mary were ancient or desperately holding onto their youth.
You said Kate shouldn't dress like a middle-age woman yet you gave two example of middle-age women for her to take note from (40-60 is middle-age).

I mention that people always criticize Kate saying that she's desperately trying to hold on to her youth and yet you take that and claim that I was criticizing Letizia and Mary for desperately holding on there youth

Originally Posted by Baroness of Books

You used Hilary Clinton as an extreme case of what Kate should dress like since you feel too many protests are leveled against her for her fashion choices. I used Mary and Letizia et al as examples of what Kate could wear similar to what her contemporaries are wearing. I have yet to see Kate wear a pantsuit similar to Mary and Letizia that would broaden her fashion scope.

I simply pointed out choices that Kate can make. End of story, finis.

She hasn't worn pantsuits but she has worn dresses, coats that are similar in style that her contemporaries wear but it still the same criticism. I don't see how pantsuits of similar style would change that

[JennahPc]

Kate and Letizia have one major thing in common and that is their emaciated frames. It is concerning that the Duchess of Cambridge is so closely associated with Children's causes and Sports charities and yet perpetuates a poor body image for young women. Like Diana, in about 5 years she will likely confess to an eating disorder. I suspect that it is not easy to be in the public eye and have all of your moves critiqued but I do worry for her health.

[TLLK]

Originally Posted by JennahPc

Kate and Letizia have one major thing in common and that is their emancipated frames. It is concerning that the Duchess of Cambridge is so closely associated with Children's causes and Sports charities and yet perpetuates a poor body image for young women. Like Diana, in about 5 years she will likely confess to an eating disorder. I suspect that it is not easy to be in the public eye and have all of your moves critiqued but I do worry for her health.

Just checking but did you mean "emaciated" instead of emancipated?

[JennahPc]

Originally Posted by TLLK

Just checking but did you mean "emaciated" instead of emancipated?

Yes, darn auto correct.

[GracieGiraffe]

Originally Posted by miche

I never said that that Letizia and Mary were ancient or desperately holding onto their youth.
You said Kate shouldn't dress like a middle-age woman yet you gave two example of middle-age women for her to take note from (40-60 is middle-age).

I mention that people always criticize Kate saying that she's desperately trying to hold on to her youth and yet you take that and claim that I was criticizing Letizia and Mary for desperately holding on there youth

It's not so outlandish to suggest that a 31 year old woman take some fashion cues from 42 year old women ...especially since these women were not always in their 40's when they started princessing. In fact, they were Kate's age.

[Baroness of Books]

Originally Posted by miche

I never said that that Letizia and Mary were ancient or desperately holding onto their youth.
You said Kate shouldn't dress like a middle-age woman yet you gave two example of middle-age women for her to take note from (40-60 is middle-age).

I mention that people always criticize Kate saying that she's desperately trying to hold on to her youth and yet you take that and claim that I was criticizing Letizia and Mary for desperately holding on there youth

I used just two examples of royal women; I could have very easily chosen Princess Charlene or Victoria as well if we're talking more age category with ladies who wear pantsuits which is how this all started. I did mention "et al." Hilary Clinton is not a good example of whom Kate should emulate. Mary and Letizia may have a decade on Kate, but they dress modernly and she could certainly take a page from their current style book as well as elements of Charlene's or Victoria's. If people still criticize her anyway, that's just how it is. All the royal ladies get criticized for their fashion; Kate is no exception and there's room for improvement. After all, style wars are always a hot topic and they definitely heat up here.

[Tarlita]

I see Kate building up a working wardrobe and over time she will find her style or the right style to stick with. Or I could be wrong and she may experiment more with some fashion daring. But in the end she will find what suits her best we just have to give her time. She does need a good stylist. Especially one who strongly suggests she pull her hair back from her face.

[miche]

I believe that Kate has already found her style, it has been the same since she graduated from University.

[ladongas]

Originally Posted by miche

I believe that Kate has already found her style, it has been the same since she graduated from University.

And hasn't she frequently appeared on best-dressed lists? So she must be doing something right. If I had gorgeous legs like hers, I would never wear pant suits.

[Roslyn]

Originally Posted by LadyGabrielle

Oh my. Jacknch, wouldn't that have been something if the urban legend was true? I can't even imagine it especially in that era. Lol.

I believe it could easily be true. That very thing happened to my grandmother in the 1930s in the streets of Sydney. There she was in all her finery, wearing a fashionable hat and the obligatory dead fox wrapped around her neck, and down they went. She stepped out of them and walked on. Those loose, silky, bloomers ladies wore in those days just slipped right off if the elastic failed.

I'm all for Kate wearing nice tailored pants suits. It would solve all these flilmsy skirt problems. Go for it, Kate!

[Baroness of Books]

Originally Posted by Roslyn

I'm all for Kate wearing nice tailored pants suits. It would solve all these flilmsy skirt problems. Go for it, Kate!

I wholeheartedly agree, Roslyn! A variation in her wardrobe would certainly be nice for a change, then that pesky wind won't always get blamed for those upward moments.

[HereditaryPrincess]

Overall I like Catherine's outfit she wore during the Place2be Forum. The skirt does remind me very much of a school kilt, but it's nice nonetheless. I would say that the jacket is my least favourite part of Catherine's outfit, because I don't like the lines/zips on it.

[soapstar]

I like the brown coat dress, but hate the shooties. Not only do they throw the outfit off, but they look a little scuffed up. Heels would have looked much better. Now the blue outfit, I really loved that...I thought she looked perfect. It's unfortunate that it was so windy though.

As for the skirt length debate, I see nothing wrong with the length of her skirt. I've seen many other royal women wearing skirts of that length (and even shorther), yet no one makes as big a deal about it.

Originally Posted by XeniaCasaraghi

But it is happening with Kate time and time again and she doesn't appear to learn how to deal with it.
Kate should most definitely not wear skirts below the knee, she is not 60. Her skirt is appropriate for a modern woman of her age.

It seems that she has started wearing a slip or liner with her skirts, so it does appear that she's trying to deal with it.

I know people keep talking about weights, but weights can only do so much in really windy weather. I think the problem is more so with the fabric. When she wears fitted dresses or ones with a heavier fabric, she doesn't have these type of wind issues. Notice the few times that the Queen's dress has flown up, she was wearing a lighter fabric dress too.

Originally Posted by JennahPc

Kate and Letizia have one major thing in common and that is their emaciated frames. It is concerning that the Duchess of Cambridge is so closely associated with Children's causes and Sports charities and yet perpetuates a poor body image for young women. Like Diana, in about 5 years she will likely confess to an eating disorder. I suspect that it is not easy to be in the public eye and have all of your moves critiqued but I do worry for her health.

I see absolutely nothing wrong with her weight/frame and unless you're her doctor, it's best not to speculate on her health.

Originally Posted by Baroness of Books

Well, now, Hilary isn't the only prominent lady to wear pantsuits and wear them well. Just look at Letizia, Maxima as well as other royal ladies who certainly wear them with style, flair and panache. I think it would be a good idea for Kate to vary her wardrobe up at official events and put on a nice pair of slacks with a great blazer and accessories. It's not that she'd be breaking the style barrier here!

Unfortunately not everyone shares your admiration of Letizia's pantsuits. I've seen lots of criticism about how her pantsuits are boring, ugly and not suitable for a princess. So it appears there is nothing that these women can wear, that won't invite some type of criticism.

Kate doesn't strike me as someone that likes pantsuits. I mean, in the 10+ years that she's been in the public eye, I've never once seen her wear one. Plus, the women in the BRF don't really wear pantsuits. The only time I've seen any of them in pants, is during engaments that involve some type of sports or military related activity. Otherwise, they're pretty much always in skirts or dresses. So since it seems standard practice in the BRF, I don't see Kate wearing pantsuits any time soon.

Kate's style is hit or miss for me. I think she does casual wear really well, but her dressier style is not always that great. It seems as if she's still trying to find her footing when it comes to what to wear to engagements. It will be interesting to see how her style changes through the years. Has she found a style that she likes and will stick with, or will she start to experiment a bit more? Will she rely on a stylist (like Mary and Charlene), or will she continue to choose her own outfits?

[Baroness of Books]

Originally Posted by soapstar

Unfortunately not everyone shares your admiration of Letizia's pantsuits. I've seen lots of criticism about how her pantsuits are boring, ugly and not suitable for a princess. So it appears there is nothing that these women can wear, that won't invite some type of criticism.

Thank you, you've just reiterated what I said previously that all these royal women will invite criticism of their clothing, no matter what they wear and how they wear it, since these fashion threads always invite hot and heavy debate across the board. Letizia was just one example of what I had been discussing, and my "admiration" of her pantsuits doesn't include the times that she does wear them in an inappropriate manner. I'm not blind to how any of these women commit fashion faux pas, including the subject of this particular thread who could benefit from a good stylist.

[XeniaCasaraghi]

Perhaps Kate is trying to alleviate the situation with her flying skirts, she did have a slip on this time. I shouldn't say she isn't doing anything about it when I don't know either way. And I can't recall Kate wearing dress pants; I know she's worn jeans and pants that stop above the ankle, but nothing close to a pants suit, and I can't say I want her to wear one.

[soapstar]

Yeah, I haven't seen her in dressy pants either. Even when she was dating William, her wardrobe consisted of just skirts, dresses and jeans. And since the women in the BRF rarely wear pants at engagements, I don't see pantsuits in Kate's immediate future.

Originally Posted by Baroness of Books

Thank you, you've just reiterated what I said previously that all these royal women will invite criticism of their clothing, no matter what they wear and how they wear it, since these fashion threads always invite hot and heavy debate across the board. Letizia was just one example of what I had been discussing, and my "admiration" of her pantsuits doesn't include the times that she does wear them in an inappropriate manner. I'm not blind to how any of these women commit fashion faux pas, including the subject of this particular thread who could benefit from a good stylist.

To be clear, I wasn't implying that you don't or haven't criticized Letizia when she's worn inappropriate outfits. My point was that pantsuits wouldn't solve Kate's style problem, since even women that wear them well (Letizia and Hillary), get criticized.

I don't think Kate needs to hire a stylist, her style is fine to me. I do think she needs to tweak some things with her wardrobe though. Since she's tall, some of the hemlines for her dresses/skirts look a little uneven, so I think employing a good tailor would do wonders for her.

[blauerengel]

I guess that Catherine will get critisized no matter what she wears, just like any other Princess will always find someone who hates her fashion choices and some people who adore them.
Being one of the most-photographed and most-talked about royals at the moment, I guess she is aware of her image but she seems to stick to her own idea of beauty and her style did not change very much from the time she got married. Most of the time I like her outfit choices & she usually gets a lot of positive feedback for her looks,therefore I do not believe she needs a stylist or complete fashion transformation. The fact that she has had repeated pictures of her skirt blowing up with the wind does not indicate bad outfit choices,it rather shows the current trend of "journalism" where only sensational news or scandals sell and paparazzis have little respect for the people they photograph. Everyone of us has had some wardrobe malfunctions and moments where we do not look perfect, but most of us do not get photographed as often as celebrities do and therefore our "fashion misses" or "Marylin moments" are quickly forgotten.
A few mistakes and misses can be avoided,but even if the Duchess of Cambridge hires a tailor or stylist, there will be some moments where photographers will be able to snap unfavourable pictures of her, no matter how much she tries to avoid it.