Why Kate Middleton Wore White to Mark Windrush Day: Body Language Expert
It shows discretion and humility.


Since so much of the work the Duchess of Cambridge does is public-facing, what she wears matters enormously in establishing the image she projects to people.
As a lover of fashion and a seasoned royal, Kate Middleton has mastered the art of choosing just the right outfit (aided by a styling team, of course) for each event she attends, and her latest appearance on the occasion of Windrush Day was no different.
"Kate’s choice of clothing always gives away how she wants to be perceived at a certain engagement," body language expert Darren Stanton tells Marie Claire on behalf of Slingo (opens in new tab).
"Here she is wearing white, her go-to color for neutrality. She wears white when she is trying to deflect attention away from herself or wants to ensure all eyes are on William instead.
"White is also the colour she chooses when she attends more solemn and respectful events and she wants the attention to be focused purely on the event itself."
On the day, which celebrates the Caribbean-British community—and in particular those who immigrated to the U.K. as part of the Windrush Generation—the duchess chose to wear a white suit by Alexander McQueen, which she, significantly, first wore in Jamaica earlier this year.
"Although her outfit choice allowed her to take a backseat from the spotlight, that didn’t stop Kate from exuding confidence and her power suit is reflective of the self-assurance she now has when carrying out her royal duties," Stanton continues.
"It’s also telling from her body language how Kate wants to ensure she gives everyone equal attention.
"For instance, there was a point where we saw Kate interacting with William and another guest—she stood in between the two clutching her bag and her body was facing forward instead of turned towards who was speaking.
"This shows Kate was unconsciously keen to ensure both parties were just as involved in the conversation and her attentions were not directed to a certain individual.”

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.
-
'Stranger Things' Season 5: Everything We Know
The Netflix hit is coming back for one final season.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
14 Abortion Rights Organizations Accepting Donations to Support Their Fight
'Roe' is no longer the law of the land, but these organizations won't stop fighting.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
All of the Best Fourth of July Fashion Sales
Let the savings begin.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
The Royal Family Cost U.K. Taxpayers Over $120 Million Last Year, While Meghan and Harry Remain Financially Independent
It's all in the numbers.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton Showed Support for the LGBTQIA+ Community During Pride Month
They highlighted a mental health charity.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Charles Was "Delighted" to Meet Lilibet for the First Time, Reportedly
It's not a huge surprise, to be fair.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Buckingham Palace Won't Release Meghan Markle Bullying Report Findings
They're avoiding pouring salt in already existing wounds.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton Honor Cancer Campaigner Dame Deborah James After Her Passing
James sadly died of bowel cancer at 40.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Meghan Markle Calls Prince Harry a Feminist, Expresses Fear for Women's Safety Over Roe v. Wade Being Struck Down
The duchess spoke to Gloria Steinem about it.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Was Filmed Shouting at a Photographer Who Interrupted a Cambridge Family Bike Ride
The photographer was in breach of Kensington Palace privacy policy.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The Queen Helped the Crown Princess of Greece With Her Wedding Dress as They Posed for a Portrait
Guest of honor, much???
By Iris Goldsztajn