The weather is hotting up in the UK this bank holiday weekend, and so many of us will be reaching for our favourite sundresses. The Princess of Wales' summer wardrobe provides endless style inspiration, especially the selection of dresses she wore during the Platinum Jubilee Royal Tour of the Caribbean in 2022.
In particular, the floaty number she wore while visiting Trench Town in Jamaica on day four of the trip was an ideal style to recycle in 2026.
Kate's heatwave-proof look
© Getty ImagesThe 1950s-style vintage sundress came from the Cheltenham-based boutique Willow Hilson Vintage and featured a square neckline and striped red, sky blue and yellow design with a black print over the top.
© Getty ImagesThe cut was particularly flattering with its fit and flare silhouette and knee-skimming length. As usual, Kate was accessorised perfectly, having added textured slingback pumps by Russell & Bromley, gold-plated pearl drop earrings by Maria Black and a custom woven bangle designed by Lashawndla Bailey-Miller.
Rather unusually, she wore her brunette locks sleek and straight and rounded off the look with a milky manicure and glossy lips. It's a look that fashion stylist Leanne Jones, who trained at the London College of Style, loves for heatwave weather.
Stylist-approved dressing
© Getty Images"Her look is a reminder that now is exactly the time to bring the floatiest dress out of your wardrobe. Kate wore this vintage, cotton design and its vibrant, colourful print was ideal for the occasion," she tells us.
"What really makes the dress so appealing, though, is its structure. The flowing skirt and lightweight silhouette would have, no doubt, kept her cool and comfortable in the Caribbean heat while still looking elegant."
© Getty ImagesLeanne would like to have seen a different hairdo, and she offers a valuable tip for those taking cues from Kate's look: "As beautiful as Kate's signature long hair is, a sleek ponytail would have helped to keep cool in warmer temperatures.
"If you’re shopping or styling for warmer weather, pay close attention to fabric choices – breathable materials such as linen and cotton are always the chicest way to stay comfortable in the heat."
Pop of pink
© Getty ImagesThree days later, Kate made an appearance alongside Prince William in the Bahamas. During a visit to Daystar Evangelical Church in Great Abaco, the princess stunned in a pink floaty dress that proved that longer sleeves can have a place on warm days, provided they are not tight-fitting or made from fully synthetic fabric.
© Getty ImagesThe royal styled it out in a rayon Rixo pink and white zebra print dress with a thick waistband for a cinched look and a floaty skirt. Ever a smart and thoughtful dresser, Kate wore heels to look suitably formal but opted for a more practical style – wedged espadrilles. Statement earrings and tortoiseshell sunglasses tied the look together and added a pop of personality.
