Kristin Contino, Chief Reporter
January was a busy month for the Duchess of Cambridge, and both of my top looks are from her engagements in conjunction with the 5 Big Questions survey.
For the second day of her early years survey visits, Kate wore a long, camel-coloured Massimo Dutti coat, black turtleneck and a Zara leopard print skirt with tall black boots.
Embed from Getty ImagesThen, on a visit to a London preschool, the Duchess wore an unidentified new blue coat, the Sézane ‘Tulio’ jumper, unknown brand black jeans, and black Aquatalia booties.
Embed from Getty ImagesKristin’s thoughts: The Duchess of Cambridge always shines when she’s around children, and both of these outfits were perfect for days interacting with little ones. I own a very similar pleated leopard print skirt, and it’s proven to be such a versatile item in my wardrobe. Kate could certainly transition this to summer with sandals and a different top; I’d love to see how she could style it differently in the warmer months.
As for the second outfit, I adore a bright-colour when it comes to coats, and wish I knew the brand of this one! The lacy white jumper and jeans looked pulled together but were comfortable and easy to wear when serving breakfast to preschoolers.
Brittani Barger, Deputy Editor
I found January to be a hard month to choose. Obviously, it is a slower month for events, so there aren’t as many events to choose from. My first pick for January is the outfit the Duchess of Sussex wore to visit Canada House. She was in a Reiss camel coat (which was my favourite part of the outfit), Massimo Dutti jumper and skirt, and her Jimmy Choo pumps.
Embed from Getty ImagesMy second choice was the Duchess of Cambridge when she launched her 5 Big Questions on the Under 5s. She wore chevron printed blouse by Tabitha Webb and navy Jigsaw trousers. She was also in Emmy London pumps. It was such a polished and appropriate look to play with children (where she really shines).
Brittani’s thoughts: I’ve always loved Meghan’s style. The coat was what made the outfit for me. I know it’s a ‘dull’ colour, but it’s definitely something I would wear myself. I think for January where there’s a lot of very dark colours, the camel colour was a nice change that reminded me of my favourite season – autumn!
Embed from Getty ImagesThe bright colour of Kate’s top was perfect for children, and it really brought out her eyes. I wasn’t a fan of the pussy bow on the front, but otherwise, I loved the entire look. I also really like that she is wearing more trousers now as she used to always be in dresses. It’s nice to see a good mixture of both in the wardrobe.
Heaven LeeMiller, Europe Correspondent
My first choice is Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie in her Seraphine Maternity gown at the New Year’s Reception. First of all, because it was a total surprise to see gowns and tiaras for the reception but also because Stéphanie was glowing. It was her first (and only?) gala dinner while pregnant, and she couldn’t have chosen a better gown.
It looks like I really love blue gowns this month because my second choice is Letizia in her blue gown for Pascua Militar. This was such a great gown for Letizia. Very appropriate for the event but also edgy with the hidden slit that was visible when she walked and the wrap of the gown with the jewelled button. The colour looked stunning on her but it was still brighter than the colours she usually chooses for this event so that was a nice surprise, as well. I also really loved the hair and the earrings which complimented the gown very well.
Embed from Getty ImagesHeaven’s thoughts: The Hereditary Grand Duchess’s gown was so flattering while still being true to her usual style. I really loved the lace sleeves, and the colour really matched her tiara – a tiara that we hadn’t seen in a long time in its tiara form so that was an added bonus! Letizia is the best at putting a little bit of edge in the most simple designs so they can suit her style and still be appropriate for the most solemn events, and I think this outfit was the perfect example of that.
Laura Faurot, Reporter:
My first choice is the black and white polka dot dress Queen Letizia wore when receiving the Spanish National Handball Team. The snazzy dress is by CH Carolina Herrera. Letizia paired it with her black suede Steve Madden boots.
Embed from Getty ImagesMy second choice was the outfit the Duchess of Cambridge wore to visit the Stockwell Gardens Nursery. The star of the outfit was a stylish new blue coat. She chose to pair that with a new Sezane top, black pants, new Russell & Bromley ankle boots, and her Accessorize earrings.
Laura’s thoughts: Letizia’s look is both fun and professional. The print adds some personality to the look, but the cut of the dress is appropriately professional. I loved the choice to pair the dress with the suede over the knee boots. It coordinates so nicely with the look. This is an example of a stylish look that works so well on the wearer.
Embed from Getty ImagesCatherine’s choice was a little different from what we’re used to with her. Over the years, she has often chosen a coat dress for events like these. I have loved her move to coats paired with other separates which she has done several times in 2020. The blue is such a great pop. It looks great on Kate and of course, works fabulously with her sapphire engagement ring.
