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Kate Middleton's Genius Outfit Formula Helps to Elevate This Casual Staple

This is certainly a game-changer

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kate-middleton-chambray-shirt-and-blazer: A collage of photos with Polaroid borders. One features Kate Middleton and the rest are models in blazers and chambray shirts.
Samir Hussein / Contributor/Getty Images; Retailers

No matter where Kate Middleton goes or what she's doing, she knows how to elevate everyday basics with elegance and ease. Take the classic chambray shirt, for example. Depending on how it's styled, it may lean a little more country Western than intended, but paired with a structured blazer, it instantly elevates an otherwise basic outfit. And that's exactly what the Princess of Wales donned while visiting Aros Hall, a local community hub, on April 29 in Tobermory, Scotland.

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kate-middleton-chambray-shirt-and-blazer: Kate Middleton street style photo of her wearing a chambray shirt, blazer, skinny jeans and combat boots.
Samir Hussein / Contributor/Getty Images

Middleton and her husband William, Prince of Wales, are on a two-day trip to the Isles of Mull and Iona to connect and engage with the rural island communities and their local residents. When the princess stepped out on the first leg of the journey, she wore a button-down chambray shirt with what appears to be a herringbone-patterned brown blazer. The royal styled the look with a pair of trendy dark-wash skinny jeans and lace up combat boots, which were perfect for the environment of the trip. She kept the accessories simple and wore a ring, silver watch and a dainty necklace to complete the ensemble.

Her take on outerwear has me thinking about ways to replicate the look. I took some time to scour the web looking for the perfect pieces, ranging from affordable to designer. Read ahead to check out the styles so you can be spring-ready and royally chic.

Shop Chambray Shirts

One of the coolest elements of this Quince chambray shirt is the subtle ombré blend in the fabric from a light blue wash to medium wash. Made from 100 percent Tencel Lyocell, this piece is wrinkle-, shrink- and static-resistant. It's got an optional roll-tab sleeve and functional chest pockets for a relaxed look. Soft and moisture-wicking, this piece is great for layering, especially if you tend to run warm.

I love nothing more than finding a gorgeous piece for half off. This chambray number from LOFT is just that. Marked down to $32 from $65, the slightly roomy, classic-fit shirt follows the contours of your body. It features a point collar, button front, long sleeves with button cuffs, a front patch pocket and a high-low shirttail hem. Machine-washable, and made from 100 percent cotton, this piece is sure to be both durable and comfortable. Perfect for a princess on the go.

Available in classic, petite and tall sizes, this J.Crew Garçon classic chambray shirt has been designed with everyone in mind. It's made from 100 percent cotton and is entirely machine-washable. With a fit that lands somewhere between slim and relaxed, along with a single front pocket and pointed collar, it makes for the ideal everyday staple.

Shop Blazers

Though oversized, this is not your boyfriend's blazer. This single-breasted layer has a tailored shape, cuff buttons, a welt breast pocket, a left interior chest pocket, practical flap pockets and classic notched lapels for a sophisticated finish. Crafted from 55 percent recycled Italian wool, this piece will also keep you nice and toasty on those chilly spring mornings. Plus, the timeless style will be great for transitioning from fall to winter. We love a multi-season, multi-functional coat.

This oversize James blazer from Reformation is intentionally crafted with a relaxed fit to keep things cool and casual. Made from unique dead stock 80 percent polyester and 20 percent wool fabric, this piece will be unlike anything anyone else is wearing. Its luxe herringbone pattern will add some visual interest to anything you pair it with, but especially a contrasting bright chambray shirt à la Middleton. Per the brand, you can size down for a more tailored look.

Featuring similar hammered gold statement buttons to Kate Middleton's pick, this Veronica Beard blazer is expertly tailored from Italian stretch linen for a cool and comfortable fit. Though it's cut in quite a structured way with an elongated, classic silhouette, the 55 percent linen/44 percent viscose/1 percent elastane outer and 95 percent polyester/5 percent elastane inner leaves you feeling easy and breezy for those in-between weather days. Plus, the gathered sleeves create an effortless pre-styled look. Pair with Veronica Beard's Piper stretch-linen short ($398) for a perfectly coordinated look suited for your inner royal.


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Assistant Editor

  • Covers beauty, fashion, news, entertainment, travel, wellness, money and LGBTQ+ culture
  • Has worked in media for the last eight years and has held positions at Boston Magazine, Boston Common Magazine and Northshore Magazine
  • Graduated from Emerson College in 2019 with a degree in Writing, Literature and Publishing with a minor in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies

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