It was a delight to see the Princess of Wales brave the chilly weather on Thursday. The royal accompanied her husband, Prince William, for an engagement on the Isle of Bute, and the mother of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis debuted a new outfit that oozed seasonal elegance.
As a fashion editor who writes about Kate's outfits daily, I immediately spotted a new item in her wardrobe: her new Burberry trench coat. It was undoubtedly the piece of her look.
© WireImageWith its tailored finish, it was made even more distinctive by the brand's signature house check lining, visible at the bottom of the hem. The double-breasted design, which retails for £1,895, elevates the outfit, bringing structure to Kate's otherwise low-key ensemble.
© Getty ImagesUnderneath her coat was a pair of skinny jeans. Designed by one of her favourite designer brands, Holland Cooper, Kate, known in Scotland as the Duchess of Rothesay, donned the luxury label's 'Jodhpur Jean' in chocolate brown.
We know the royal has a plethora of brown items, but when it comes to jeans, Kate is a dark denim girl, so this choice was rather unexpected. Costing £99, the style has an ultra-tight fit and a high waist, creating a flattering, body-skimming look.
The demise of the skinny jean
Skinny jeans are widely considered a Y2K style staple, and one that has gained notoriety over recent years for being dated. At the moment, barrel and turn-ups are widely considered more trendy in the denim world, with wider styles more en vogue.
© AFP via Getty ImagesHowever, the humble skinny always looks great because it is universally flattering, and Kate's refusal to conform shows her style individuality. The royal proves that skinny jeans can work in 2026, and I wholeheartedly agree.
© Max Mumby/IndigoYou can dress them up with a fabulous off-the-shoulder, boho top and heels, adding some fancy statement earrings and an oversized bag, or dress them down with a simple striped top and trainers for an active lady-on-the-go look.
Fashion stylist Angela Kyte agrees, previously telling HELLO!: "While many have shifted to looser denim shapes, Kate proves that a well-fitted skinny remains effortlessly chic when styled with intention. The look feels polished, modern, and confidently understated – timeless Kate at her best."
