When it comes to looking put together, the Princess of Wales is the ultimate style muse – even during a heatwave.
In 2022, Kate, now 44, styled it out while attending the Platinum Jubilee Sailing Regatta with Prince William on day seven of the Royal Tour of the Caribbean. She wore a look that would be perfectly recycled during the hot weather that the UK is currently experiencing.
© GettyThe royal donned low-rise chino shorts with a folded-over hem cinched with a woven leather belt. She styled it with another excellent choice for hot climates – thin Superga trainers.
Though sandals are an obvious choice, a light pair of trainers ensures that sweat doesn't cause blisters or discomfort, especially on days when you are heading out in a heatwave.
Light and breezy for a heatwave
© WireImageIt's a look that gets the seal of approval from Leanne Jones, a fashion stylist and alum of the London College of Style. "What a polished look. The low-rise waistband is a brave move, but one that's having a major resurgence this season," she tells us.
© Samir Hussein/WireImage"We've seen low-rise skirts all over the runways, with designers like Tory Burch leading the way. Crucially, many of those designs are belted like Kate's here, showing she was well ahead of the curve."
Kate's particular shorts are a success in Leanne's eyes. "The colour and cut of the shorts feel so elevated, and they're actually a great idea for casual workwear in this weather when trousers and rising temperatures seem like too much of a paradox! Kate pairs them with a breathable polo on the top too, which is perfect in the heat."
Styling it out in shorts
© Getty ImagesSailing events are the only occasion the Princess has worn shorts for public engagements since marrying Prince William in 2011. In 2022, the royal headed to Plymouth with the 1851 Trust, where she joined Sir Ben Ainslie and the British crew at a SailGP event. Nailing nautical dressing for this daytime outing, the mother-of-three sported a pair of white linen shorts from Holland Cooper.
© GettyThe high-waisted style featured belt loops, but Kate omitted a belt to show off the shorts' gold statement buttons. It was teamed with a fine knit striped jumper and those same Superga trainers, but just as easily could have been paired with a vest top or breezy blouse for an off-duty outing.
Sundress season
© Getty ImagesIf looking for heatwave style inspiration, Kate's back catalogue is also a great place to start when it comes to wearing a sundress. In particular, the royal's look from her outing to the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival in 2019 was a pretty and practical choice.
She opted for a Sandro midi dress, which was light and airy but also covered her shoulders, meaning she was less likely to experience sunburn. The floaty short sleeves were non-restrictive, and there was a great deal of movement in the skirt owing to the breezy crepe fabric – sublime!
