ALEXANDRA SHULMAN: Now KATE is the new Queen of colour blocking

Now KATE is the new Queen of colour blocking: As the Princess of Wales wows in top-to-toe camel, ALEXANDRA SHULMAN explores how her one-colour style was inspired by the late monarch

She may be married to the heir to the throne, but when it comes to fashion, the Princess of Wales has already succeeded her late grandmother-in-law – to become the queen of colour blocking.

Last week, Kate looked breathtaking when she arrived in Scarborough wearing head-to-toe camel, with the uniformity turning a somewhat bland colour into a memorable look.

The turtleneck fine knit dress, the £295 DeMellier London handbag, the £60 woven waist belt from Boden and brown court heels showed how she has inherited the late Queen’s ability to carry off one-colour dressing with complete aplomb.

The Queen may not have chosen to wear such a neutral tone, though, having once commented: ‘If I wore beige, nobody would know who I am.’

Kate has showed how she has inherited the late Queen’s (pictured in 2014)ability to carry off one-colour dressing with complete aplomb

But the idea of wearing a uniform colour is one Catherine has adopted with enthusiasm, embracing a high-street trend in the process. 

The Queen knew the stand-out value of a single hue to make herself clearly visible in a crowd and it seems that the Princess is following suit, often choosing one-piece dresses rather than separates.

Not for her dodgy prints that might look muddled when you meet and greet, or patterns that look confused in photographs.

Back to fuschia: Kate mimics the Queen's favourite outfit (above)

Back to fuschia: Kate mimics the Queen’s favourite outfit (above)

Go green: Kate in a Jenny Packham gown at the 2021 Royal Variety Performance

Go green: Kate in a Jenny Packham gown at the 2021 Royal Variety Performance

Zara Phillips, Sophie Wessex and countless female celebrities have been seen out in one-colour outfits and you only have to look at the high-street windows to see how many brilliantly coloured trousers suits and coats there are out there.

The trend started on the spring catwalks, most memorably by Valentino, who produced an entire show in startling neon pink, a shade that is everywhere this autumn.

Catherine has so far avoided quite such a shouty tone (although the late Queen had quite a tendresse for fuchsia) but she did choose a striking coral coat dress with matching hat by Emilia Wickstead when she hosted a Buckingham Palace garden party in May. 

Favourite: An Emma Wickstead frock at Queen's thanksgiving service

Eggshell blue: A bespoke dress coat for Easter in Windsor

Favourite (left): An Emma Wickstead frock at Queen’s thanksgiving service. Eggshell blue (right): A bespoke dress coat for Easter in Windsor

Royal mint: A custom-made pastel-green outfit at a Palace garden party in May

Royal mint: A custom-made pastel-green outfit at a Palace garden party in May

Wickstead has always known the value of a well tailored single colour, and is a tried and trusted Royal favourite.

Whichever shade she chooses (and her dark hair and pale skin allow her to suit a huge range), Catherine has mastered the art of the colour block.

The rainbow mantle of the late Queen is in good hands.

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk