The Duchess of Edinburgh has proven that warm, rich reds and burgundies suit her well for autumn/winter, but on 15 December, she opted for a brighter pink – and looked fabulous. Duchess Sophie, 60, was seen arriving in Alderney, as the Channel Island marked the 80th anniversary of Homecoming Day. This day is a significant day in the island's calendar as it commemorates the return to Alderney of the first group of islanders after WWII in 1945.
Sophie looked lovely as she teamed a structured navy military-style jacket by Laurie & Jules with a pair of raspberry-hued wide-leg trousers by Emilia Wickstead. The jacket featured a Mandarin collar, structured buttons and long sleeves, while the trousers had a sense of movement to them.
Accessorising her look, the wife of Prince Edward popped on a pair of tan suede boots with a block heel by Penelope Chilvers, as well as a small leather handbag by Emilio Perera to match the deep blue hue of her jacket. Her sandy blonde hair was styled in a loose updo, and the final addition to her look was a dainty pendant necklace.
Wearing a bright pop of colour in winter may seem like an unusual style move. The raspberry hue of Sophie's trousers would work perfectly for spring/summer as it pairs nicely with pieces associated with this season – light airy cotton blouses, breathable espadrilles, or arm-baring waistcoats.
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But, Angela Kyte, a luxury stylist with a decade of experience in the fashion industry, tells HELLO! that trousers as bright as Sophie's shouldn't be written off for winter. "The Duchess of Edinburgh balances statement pink trousers with classic navy tailoring, creating a look that feels polished, upbeat and perfectly suited to a daytime royal engagement," she tells us.
"It works as the trousers are anchored with a neutral colour. The warm pink tone also softens the formality of the outfit, making it feel approachable and modern without losing authority."
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How to style bright statement trousers
Monochrome statement trousers like Sophie's can feel intimidating, but fear not. Angela has shared with us her expert tips for making these work for fans of Sophie's style who want to integrate this type of garment into their everyday wardrobe.
The Duchess has proved her penchant for statement trousers
Anchor with neutrals – pair bold trousers with navy, cream, grey or black to keep the look refined.
Keep the cut tailored – sharp pleats or a clean wide-leg silhouette ensure colour feels intentional, not overpowering.
Balance proportions – structured jackets or fitted knits offset the visual impact of bright tones.
Let one piece shine – avoid competing colours; allow the trousers to be the focal point.
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