When I first started at PureWow—10 years ago this week!—something that stood out so prominently was a style move beloved by our then editor-in-chief: The shoulder drape. It’s sleek and sophisticated, but more importantly adds texture to your ensemble. As a bonus, for anyone less enthused about exposed arms, layering a sweater, jacket or blazer over them (vs. fully putting said garment on) is a bulk-free way to cover them. Done and done.
Queen Camilla Just Modeled This Effortless (and Cool Girl) Styling Trick
Did we mention it’s arm-covering?
Published Jun 5, 2025
•6:48pm
WPA Pool/Getty Images
WPA Pool/Getty Images
Enter Queen Camilla, who met with children this week at the Mulberry Wood Wharf School in London as part of the Big Lunch, an annual community-focused initiative started by King Charles, which will be celebrated in large part on June 7 and 8 in the U.K. Her Majesty dressed to impress, wearing a repeat Fiona Clare polka dot dress, plus a pair of two-tone pumps. But it was her trench coat and subsequent shoulder drape that caught my eye.
After all, it was a blustery day, according to reports. So much so that it led Camilla herself to comment on the weather throughout the event: “I’ve come into a hurricane,” she joked according to the Daily Express. Then, a bit later, she told a guest, “It is jolly cold.” Hence the need for a jacket.
That’s where the shoulder drape comes in. The queen looked elegant, stylish and pretty damn timeless with her trench set lightly upon her shoulders. Practically speaking, this is also a sartorial hack that supplies warmth without sacrificing style. A win-win.
Owen Humphreys/Getty Images
In fact, this trick is such a staple, Camilla relied on it again today for a visit to Hexham Racecourse. (This time a brolly was required, too, due to rain. Oh well.)
As for the celebrations this weekend in honor of the Big Lunch, I hope to see even more royals participating and stepping out. That said, if they do, they’d better check the forecast first.
