The Duchess of Cambridge's Eveningwear Part 5: October 2013 - October 2015

[Duchessmary]

I admit it, I very much miss the "old" days with more glamor, jewels and tiaras. This is sort of a let down for me.

[IloveCP]

Originally Posted by dazzling

Here are better pictures


Full view 1 ** Full view 2 * *Close up

This dress is very beautiful. I love the details on the shoulder. A very regal and classic look.

[Frelinghighness]

I was hoping for some Linda Darnell 40's glam hairdo to top off the black appliqued dress.

[Baroness of Books]

Now that would have been very glamorous indeed, Frelinghighness!

[soapstar]

Love everything about this dress - the fit, the style, the silver fern.

I agree with others, the appliqué on both shoulders would have looked way too 80's.

[LadyGabrielle]

It was a pretty dress but I was hoping for a gown, as in a more formal long gown along with some jewels. This seemed to be more like a cocktail party. She looked nice though.

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[MARG]

Originally Posted by LadyGabrielle

It was a pretty dress but I was hoping for a gown, as in a more formal long gown along with some jewels. This seemed to be more like a cocktail party. She looked nice though.

I am guessing that cocktail was the dress code. However, she could still have pulled a stunner with an appropriate updo and taken a page from Victoria and planted a fabulous brooch in her hair. We would also have have been able to admire those gorgeous earrings.

We would have been able to appreciate the beauty of the boat neck and the crystal embroidered fern. You can't get much more NZ than a black dress with a silver fern. As an aside, I think it would make a knockout full length gown. But, if her hair is down . . . forget it. I was fascinated by how her hair got caught in her earrings, and tangled in the beading on the shoulder.

After her beautiful ponytail during the day the evening hairdo was a big let down. It looks a bit fly-away, almost brittle.

[biboquinhas]

I don't like coats wearing like dresses....I love the black dress with that shinny flower in the shoulder she looks lovely!

[Elly C]

State receptions always get me anticipating gowns and tiaras- seems I never learn. She looked fine, but I agree this could have been stunning with a hair adornment ( I don't mean a tiara!).

[casualfan]

If the Duchess's hair looks brittle, then there's no hope for any of us. Clearly she feels comfortable with her hair down-she might also be "tender-headed," as we say in the South, and not feel comfortable in updos. We simply don't know.

[roseroyal]

Originally Posted by Lumutqueen

At a reception at Government House;

An Jenny Packham cocktail dress with fern applique on the shoulder!
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/...67_964x640.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/...54_964x940.jpg

Can't say I like that one.

[Baroness of Books]

Originally Posted by MARG

I am guessing that cocktail was the dress code. However, she could still have pulled a stunner with an appropriate updo and taken a page from Victoria and planted a fabulous brooch in her hair. We would also have have been able to admire those gorgeous earrings.

Imagine if she wore the fern brooch in her hair with a fabulous French twist; how stunning that would have been and it would have displayed the earrings as well.

[ladongas]

Catherine is lovely, no matter how she wears her hair, but she just doesn't look like herself when it's pinned back or up. If I were to see her, I would be disappointed if her fabulous hair was all flattened down atop her head.
I may be biased, though. I have a big ol' head of hair myself, and it's always down.

[HereditaryPrincess]

I thought the cocktail dress looked nice and elegant on Catherine, the fern is a thoughtful touch but there's just something about it that looks a little odd. The dress would've looked better without IMO. I don't really understand why some are complaining about her hair, whenever there's an appearance from Catherine there's usually always a negative comment about it. I think it often looks fine - it does make me wonder what people must think of mine!

[Baroness of Books]

Ah, Heriditary Princess, when you get a fashion thread of your own then we can chat about your lovely hair! It's only that we like to discuss other possibilities how Kate can wear her hair on formal occasions while displaying those lovely jewels that she brought with her.

[HereditaryPrincess]

Originally Posted by Baroness of Books

Ah, Heriditary Princess, when you get a fashion thread of your own then we can chat about your lovely hair! It's only that we like to discuss other possibilities how Kate can wear her hair on formal occasions while displaying those lovely jewels that she brought with her.

My hair is usually very frizzy and 'everywhere', so I doubt I would get many positive comments!

[scooter]

Am I wrong here or does she not have a hairdresser with her? The dress is fine...nothing to write home about...but the hair is so distracting. Also, I remember when my child was that age, hair hanging down was an invitation to become bald in what ever patch was hanging! If she would just do something with the front and leave the rest down I think it would be flattering, elegant and practical.

[julliette]

^^ She does have an hairdresser with her.

[LadyGabrielle]

I agree. Her hairdresser really needs to suggest some styles that take the hair off her face. Now that she is a mom I would think she would prefer her hair up.

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[Catherine Helvin]

Originally Posted by Duchessmary

I admit it, I very much miss the "old" days with more glamor, jewels and tiaras. This is sort of a let down for me.

So do I, Duchessmary. I hate the way society is so slobbish and casual compared with how it was decades ago. Having said that, I wouldn't want to see a return of the compulsory wearing of gloves. I like to be free, not bundled up.