Usually, I’d argue that Kate Middleton is a trendsetter, not a fashion follower, but I’ve noticed something interesting in recent weeks…
At royal engagements, the Princess of Wales has showcased several of this season’s trends. She’s worn a lot of the must-have colours and fabrics (as dictated by the runway and dissected by top style bibles like Vogue).
Seriously, I’ll read a report about what’s hot this Autumn/Winter and notice Kate wearing it soon after… Coincidence?
Do you think she’s poring over Vogue, keeping abreast of the latest trends?
I’d imagine she’s tasked somebody else with the job. I wonder if she’s working with somebody new since Natasha Archer’s departure earlier this year? (She dealt with sourcing clothing alongside being Kate’s PA, and it’s thought that she played a key part in shaping the Princess’s public style.)
Either way, Kate’s recent wardrobe choices have been nothing but spot-on for the season, sartorially. Let’s take a look at them in closer detail.
This article is perfect inspiration if you’re feeling stuck in a style rut this autumn. I’ll take you through each trend and show you how Kate wore it.
Burgundy Brilliance:
Let’s kick things off with burgundy, the powerful and sophisticated hue—and a huge colour trend this autumn/winter:
Burgundy and its sumptuous cousin, Oxblood, have been creeping to the fore since 2023-2024. Last autumn, they were big news in the fashion world. From shiny leather bags to gorgeous patent boots, and full-on fluffy coats—every statement piece was burgundy last season.
This season, the trend looks set to continue:
The first indication of the bright future of burgundy was actually on the S/S 24 runways, where Gucci and Bottega Veneta, among others, laid the groundwork. Even more brands jumped on the oxblood bandwagon with their F/W 25 collections, including Prada and Ferragamo. Additionally, burgundy has been all over the red carpet and my Instagram feed as of late, and every time I check a site’s new arrivals, there are new burgundy goods to shop.
Who What Wear
When did Kate wear this trend? The Princess wore the captivating colour for the state visit in September, as she welcomed Donald and Melania Trump to the UK.
How did she wear this trend? The Princess paired a burgundy coat dress with a hat in the same shade, a darker-toned bag and a pair of brown suede heels.
Seasonal Suede:
Every fashion editor will tell you that autumn’s MVP is a suede jacket.
And their opinion is shared by many:
Suede jackets have in recent years been a mainstay on the street style circuit and celebrity sphere.
Vogue
Vogue has an entire article on the ‘resurgence’ of suede jackets and how the trend shows “no signs of slowing down for autumn”. The magazine credits Prada for bringing the trend back in 2023, after they sent chestnut coloured suede blazers down the runway.
The hardworking suede jacket is an essential item for the transitional weather. It’s also great for adding texture and interest to an otherwise unremarkable outfit. (think jeans and a basic tee). The right jacket will add a little luxe and elevate your whole look, as Kate can attest.
When did Kate wear this trend? During a high-profile public engagement with Melania Trump in September.
How did she wear this trend? The Princess chose this beautiful moss green cropped suede jacket by ME+EM and paired it with a tweed skirt, suede boots and wool sweater in earthy tones.
The result? understated luxury. The jacket? Bang on trend.
On to the third trend I’ve spotted on Kate this autumn:
Olive Elegance:
Olive green is the head-turning shade that Vogue describes as “the new black“.
The verdent hue is a breakout colour this year, it dominated AW25 runway—and was spotted on models walking for Gucci, Bally and Tod’s, to name a few.
I’ve personally noticed it filter down to the high street (have you? Walk into any shop and you’ll see what I mean!) It really is the colour of the season.
And the colour that Kate rocked effortlessly earlier this month:
When did Kate wear this trend? For a visit to Home Start in Oxford, in early October.
How did she wear the trend? Kate used her favourite styling trick again: sticking to a monochromatic palette for an editorial but not elaborate edge, and then finishing with a shoe in a different, complementary tone.
She finished the look with gold jewellery. Mwah. Chef’s kiss.
Nature’s Colour Palette:
While A/W25’s standout colours are burgundy and olive green, the season is all about the nature-inspired shades. Specifically, dark, dank, earthy hues that invoke the forest floor. Think lichen and moss greens, muddy browns, and cold, stone greys.
Earthy colors align with the quiet luxury look—like Fendi’s olive greens, Gucci’s rich browns, and the other fall color trends that pull from a tonal palette you’d spot on a nature hike. Consider picking up a brown sneaker, a top fall 2025 shoe trend, to ground yourself even further.
Marie Clare
Pantone agrees. And we can take their word for it, they’re literally colour experts. They summed up that “elegantly grounded earth tones” dominated the fashion weeks this year.
And let’s not forget their pick for 2025’s Colour of the Year: Mocha Mousse…. a shade of brown.
How has Kate worn this trend? She’s worn the earthy colour palette on repeat since September.
We refer you back to her engagement at the Natural History Museum in London. Remember her herringbone tweed blazer, forest green trousers and tan brown shoes? Gorgeous!
Then came her joint engagement with Melania Trump—where she wore the suede jacket, green scarf, tweed skirt and brown maxi skirt and boots:
And let’s not forget her recent visit to Northern Ireland. She pulled out two looks that day—and two variations of the colour trend:
Kate shows us how these colours are surprisingly easy to wear.
Let’s finish up with the final trend I’ve spotted on Kate this autumn.
Plaid Princess:
The final trend is tartan dresses.
Sure, tartan or a plaid of any description worn in the winter months is certainly not breaking fashion news but the cadence with which it appeared on the catwalks chosen by designers from Louis Vuitton to Burberry places it as a key trend for the season ahead
Elle.com
When did Kate wear this trend? The Princess wore a tartan dress in September, for an event with the Women’s Institute, honouring the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.
Kate’s dress—by Alexandra Rich—showcased heritage fashion with a fresh twist. The piece featured a contemporary pink, white and black colour palette, an oversized collar, finished with sparkling diamonté buttons.
Writing about the engagement, Elle.com said the Princess “stepped out in the dress trend that dominated the AW25 shows”.
Bonus: the one trend that Kate’s NOT worn this season (yet).
I’ve read that tomato red is another HUGE colour trend for autumn/winter this year.
Red-orange brights took centre stage at the Miu Miu, Balenciaga, Prada and Louis Vuitton shows in February, leading fashion magazines to include the colour in all their seasonal trend reports. (Likewise, Pantone).
I can see Kate wearing this colour over the next few weeks. We know she loves to rock a bright red…
Now, you tell me:
In the comments, let me know if Kate’s inspired you to try one of these autumn/winter trends.
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