Obviously, we all know that Princess Kate is capable of making a big sartorial splash, but more often than not, we see her opt for discreet looks to make sure she doesn't overshadow others during royal engagements.
But at Ascot last Friday, the Princess of Wales showed up in a bright red midi dress by Alexander McQueen, paired with a matching hat by Philip Treacy, matching heeled pumps by Jennifer Chamandi, drop earrings by Sézane, and a clutch bag by Hermès (per the Daily Mail).
Her choice of outfit was particularly bold, and since nothing in the Royal Family is left up to chance, it left me wondering what messages Kate was trying to convey here. So, I turned to an expert to comment on what she might have been saying via her all-red getup.
“Princess Kate’s choice of a bright poppy red, scene-stealing dress for Royal Ascot was a move away from her previous Ascot outfits," says Susie Nelson, fashion expert at Modes & More.
"I think it reflects her new status within the Royal Family, and she is dressing for the new job—and possibly the role she will have in future years."
As you know, Kate became Princess of Wales last September, after Queen Elizabeth passed away. And of course, in the future, she will step up as Queen to Prince William's King. Red, then, makes sense for this newfound (and upcoming) power.
"Red is viewed as a confident, statement color, the color of a leader," Nelson adds.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
"Kate is aware that in the not too distant future, she and William will be head of the firm, and she is possibly practicing for it."
TBH, I think she's doing a great job.
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.
-
Princess Charlotte Turns 9—See the Sweet Photo Taken by Mom Kate
Wait, she's 9??? Then how old am I?????
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
The 2024 Met Gala Is Almost Here—Here's How and When to Stream It Live
Armchair fashion critics, it's our time.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Why Youthforia's New Foundation Is Under Fire
This isn't the way to do inclusive shades.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Another European Royal Is Set to Abdicate the Throne—Though When, Exactly, Remains Unclear
This follows the shocking abdication of Queen Margrethe of Denmark earlier this year.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands Shares Swoon-Worthy Story of How He Met His Wife, Queen Maxima, in Spain 25 Years Ago
He raised a glass to the country during a state banquet at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam, held in honor of King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Royal Family Is Up Against Its “Biggest Crisis” Since the 1936 Abdication, Expert Says
“It’s been quite shocking.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
King Charles and Princess Kate’s Aligning Cancer Battles Show “The Cracks Turning Into Craters” for the Monarchy, Royal Author Says
The King always wished for a “slimmed-down monarchy”—but not like this.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
The Reason Members of the Royal Family Aren’t Allowed to Eat Sandwiches with Square Corners Goes Way, Way Back
Royal family protocol weirdness is possibly nowhere more pronounced than in their interesting food rules.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Meghan Markle's New Brand Is "No Different" From What King Charles, Other Royals Have Done for Decades: Expert
Her new venture has predictably received criticism ahead of launch.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Omid Scobie: Princess Kate’s Photoshop Scandal Exposes Just the Tip of the Iceberg of “Years of Deceit, Coverups, and Lies”
His comments come after news agency AFP said Kensington Palace is no longer a "trusted source."
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Your Next Must-Watch Royal Film Hits Netflix on April 5, and the Trailer Was Just Released
‘Scoop’ depicts Prince Andrew’s catastrophic November 2019 BBC 'Newsnight' interview.
By Rachel Burchfield Published