Duchess Kate in Preen, jeggings & a safari jacket in Canada: cute or no?

It didn’t seem like the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had a very busy Monday for some reason. During the day (the afternoon, really), they visited the island of Bella Bella and met with some representatives of Canada’s First Nations. For this sporty, outdoor outing, Kate decided to go with a pair of her much beloved jeggings by Zara, and her favorite pair of boots. The boots were handmade by Penelope Chilvers, and Kate has worn them for events in the past, like the hike in Bhutan earlier this year. Kate has had the boots for more than a decade! But the most notable thing, to me, was the jacket. It’s a safari jacket by Holland and Holland, and it’s not really the best look for this event? Like, wearing a safari jacket in the middle of a Canadian tour just seems… odd. It’s a strange fashion choice.

kate1

After the afternoon’s activities, Will and Kate attended a reception at Government House in Victoria, and Kate got all dolled up in a £1000 gown from Preen, a British label. So far, it doesn’t seem like she’s worn any Canadian designers? As for this dress… it’s cute and it has a sort of vintage vibe, like it’s something Audrey Hepburn would have worn in the 1950s. The thing is, Audrey Hepburn was a pretty tiny woman, and the proportions of that kind of silhouette look a little bit “off” on someone tall like Kate. Maybe I’m wrong, who knows. Kate also wore the Queen’s diamond maple leaf brooch.

kate3

Photos courtesy of Getty, @KensingtonRoyal Twitter.

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183 Responses to “Duchess Kate in Preen, jeggings & a safari jacket in Canada: cute or no?”

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  1. LAK says:

    I like both looks on her.

    Exception that matronly updo in the red dress.

    • Sabrine says:

      I guess she has to wear her hair up sometimes. She does look regal in the red dress but I don’t like broaches and she could stand to gain 10 pounds. The safari outfit is cute. She is not even thinking she wants to be like her husband’s mother.

    • HH says:

      Ditto. However, I don’t mind the hair. She’s looks good in both of these looks. I can easily dismiss the jeggings in this case since they needed to be tucked into high boots.

      • Fallon says:

        Agreed – I can give a pass on these.

      • Pandy says:

        I like her safari look. LOVE those boots and of course, you do need skinny jeans for them. Not a huge fan of the evening look but she’s supposed to look regal, comforting and solid I guess? I like that she can show “her” with her casual clothing. It’s what I would wear as well.

      • Justjj says:

        I feel like safari jackets and jeggings are sort of five years ago? I don’t know why people keep on with the animal prints and the safari green color. I don’t think it’s cute. It looks really basic to me. It’s like the outfit equivalent of a pumpkin spice latte. I don’t mind her hair. It’s actually a pretty look with the earrings. I think the dress is too long for her tall frame and would look much better at a knee length, also it’s a bit weird around the bust but it’s a pretty color on her and I like the top of it.

    • Yolie C. says:

      I actually really like that she’s wearing her hair up a lot on this trip. She’s not fussing with it all the time now!

    • Noor88 says:

      The updo suits the look perfectly.

    • Atlima says:

      I believe because Kate has a bit of extensions attached in a certain area in the back of her head, that she doesn’t have a lot of manuvering on where the stylist can create the chignon. I like her hair off her face.
      Although Kate for a 34 year old looks waaaay older. She is not ageing well, even with all the glitz and glamour she still looks much much older than her years IMO.

  2. Jules says:

    She’s not Diana. It will never happen………….

    • Rosalee says:

      I don’t think she’s trying to be Diana. The Duchess obviously does not have the elegant physical beauty of Diana- Kate is attractive in her own way..I remember Diana’s flouncy skirts and twin sets before British Vouge taught her how to dress.

      • Locke Lamora says:

        Kate is prettier than Diana, but does not have the elegance Diana had.

      • Betti says:

        Diana had a natural grace and elegance, even while wearing the dodgy 80s fashion. British Vogue needs to do the same to Kate – teach her how to wear designer/couture clothes and how to accessorize.

      • perplexed says:

        I’ve said this before, but I’m confused by Kate’s looks. If she weren’t a princess, I wouldn’t notice her on the street. She has all the elements of being pretty, but something about her face doesn’t move me at all. I guess I’ve grown to think she’s beautiful (maybe because everyone else says so?) , or I find myself surprised when I start thinking she’s beautiful, but before she was married to William, I vaguely remember thinking she was bland looking with a somewhat odd smile.

        Even if Diana hadn’t been famous and was wearing one of those mousy sweaters with her long matronly skirt while crossing the street, I think I probably would have noticed her face anyway. It’s hard for me to say who is prettier because they are both so physically different from each other, but something about Kate isn’t that noticeable. Maybe I’d notice her hair, I guess.

      • Timbuktu says:

        @perplexed
        Really? I’m the opposite: I’m 100% sure that I wouldn’t notice Diana without the polish that she usually had in the public eye, but I think I’d notice Kate as a pretty girl in the crowd.
        However, CB had her picture right next to Angelina Jolie’s the other day, and when compared to Jolie, Kate looked BAD: the skin, the make-up… Now, I realize that AJ is setting the bar very high, but I’m not comparing their physical appearance, but rather things that KM can afford to change (taking better care of her skin and wearing make-up better are both very much within her reach).

      • perplexed says:

        I think a lot of people in real life look similar to Kate. Maybe that’s why I wouldn’t notice her. I wouldn’t characterize her as ugly or unattractive, just similar to how a lot of other people look. Whenever I’ve been to a restaurant with women who are dressed up, so many look like Kate (is it because of the hair extension trend? I don’t know).

        But like I said, I think Kate has all the elements of being pretty. Like, objectively, I can tell she is what other people would call pretty. Maybe I feel I would come off as a weirdo if I tried to deny her prettiness. What I can’t figure out it is why her prettiness never moves me. Or why it took being married to William for me coming round to the idea that she’s beautiful (is it because he looks not very good himself next to her? What a mystery…)

        I think Diana’s features were more distinct (i.e her nose and eyes). Her smile stood out. The only thing about Diana I never really understood was the hairstyles she chose, but maybe the 80s were to blame. The fact that she could still wear those hairstyles and still look good has made me think that she was indeed beautiful. Naomi Watts looked so bad with that hairstyle when playing Diana, and she is generally a pretty enough woman when done up in Hollywood styling. Diana did tan too much so I’m not sure how she would have looked in her 40s though. She didn’t live long enough for us to find out how she would age. Around 36, you could see the effects of tanning (or not using enough sunscreen?) on her skin. But I think she had a nice complexion in her 20s to go along with her features.

      • HH says:

        In terms of physical features, I don’t find either of them to be “beautiful.” Attractive or pretty, yes. However, ‘beautiful’ is too strong of a word (IMO). Diana, however, had more of a personality that would make her glow. People can carry themselves in ways that make you stop and look. I think Diana definitely had that. Kate doesn’t have any “presence” so to speak. Attention is focused on her because of her position and everyone is told to act in a manner that makes her feel important (as with all Royals). However, without this, I don’t think she’d necessarily command a room.

      • Cookiejar says:

        All about public image, neither of them is/was very beautiful. Diana’s nose was really ugly. Kate’s eyes look really weird with the bad racoon eyes.

      • perplexed says:

        Probably an unpopular opinion, but I liked Diana’s nose. Without the length of the nose, I think her face might have looked generic. None of those Princess-Di look-a-likes (or Diane Sawyer and Joan Lunden) could ever get the look right, and I think that was because of the nose.

        I don’t get why Kate doesn’t get a make-up artist. Her make-up she can do something about. Her eyebrows baffle me to some extent. I’m sure they are real, but sometimes they look kind of fake. I did see un-photoshopped pictures of her skin once and was shocked. I couldn’t help but wonder if the un-photoshopped pictures were fake. It didn’t make sense to me that someone like her with all the money and resources in the world could naturally look that bad.

      • Citresse says:

        Kate has never tried to be Diana. Kate is the polar opposite of Diana except they both weren’t gifted public speakers. Diana, though, was determined to get better where Kate has just given up it seems. Diana took her royal duties very seriously, she had no choice given the fact she was born into the aristocracy and her father was an equerry. Kate is viewed as nouveau riche and will not receive the same respect from William’s circle but I doubt she cares. Diana had a certain gravitas which Kate doesn’t have- it’s something you’re born with- there’s no faking it. William has a type- he’s drawn to skinny, dark haired women. I don’t believe William has a mistress so at least his marriage to Kate has a decent chance. They seem happy together but I still think Kate has deeper feelings for William than he does for her. William seems to appear with Kate on the majority of their official appearances (which is nice) where Diana and Charles were eventually separated with regard to official appearances due to Charles and his ego- he couldn’t take the public preference for Diana. Charles is a needy, egocentric man but I do admire his charity work. Diana had a good look and tried hard to battle her demons. She looked her best while pregnant with Harry IMO. In later years when she cut her hair shorter and shorter I thought it aged her.

      • dawnchild says:

        Kate’s look is ‘basic’. That’s why she’s a generically ‘pretty’ girl-woman (Caitlyn Jenner has the Kate look too). She doesn’t know how to take it beyond the school/collegiate level. So she either looks matronly or girlish. She’s not been around normal working 30+ yo women, so she doesn’t know how to choose a style from that age group. Simple dresses dressed up or down with accessories, blazers, pants, suits are beyond her. It’s frocks and jeans, with occasional sporty stuff and gala gowns thrown in. And the stupid fascinator.

    • Bess says:

      I think it’s all about charisma. Kate doesn’t have it.

      • Giddy says:

        Right! And Diana had a natural warmth. She touched people, hugged them, made them feel special. She was wonderful with children, especially babies. And she had a creative fashion sense, especially about jewelry, which she changed up. Remember when she hit the dance floor with John Travolta? Can anyone imagine Kate doing that?

      • Anett says:

        I agree Bess.

    • Tia says:

      I don’t know she does share one thing, up close she is PAINFULLY thin.

    • Kitty says:

      @perplexed, wait Kate does her own makeup? That would explain a lot.

    • Kitty says:

      @HH, she does not command a room at all. No one stops and stares when she walks in a room and if they do its because of her royal position.

    • holly says:

      I find it baffling so much time is spent analysing “who is prettier” like its a competition.

    • Atlima says:

      ITS not even close,. Kate is not even in the same stratosphere as Diana. I think Diana was Stunning, Beautiful and had charisma off the charts,, she had a uniquiness and a etheral beauty that radiated beyond the hype, beyond the dresses and makeup.Her skin seemed to have a glow from the inside. Whereas Kate’s skin looks rough. IMO
      I dont find Kate beautiful at all. She is ok and can be attractive at events like these ,all glitzed up with the right clothing and hair, but IMO she is nothing special. She’s hyped beyond to the hilt but it never measures up to what actually appears and she can clean up nicely when she tries and her team gets it right, but she doesn’t even come close to Diana.

      I dont see anything special about Kate, she’s quite dull as far as charisma and no real beauty, she’s ok but nothing special.
      Comparing Kate to Diana is like comparing a souvenir postcard of a of Rembrandt to a actual Rembrandt, it’s NOT even close.

  3. Lainey says:

    Really didn’t like the casual look but loved the evening dress. But she looks soooo skinny in it. there’s not a bit of meat in her is there?

    • Nic919 says:

      There are a few other photos on other sites that show her arms look really grizzly. Basically Madonna arms on a 34 year old. That isn’t healthy. There is a reason why Sophie the 41 year old looks younger and has a glow (and is still very fit). The UK press tried to say her arms look toned, but let’s compare to Olympics athletes who are definitely fit and yet their arms don’t look like that. They are normalizing someone who has a serious issue and that doesn’t help any of the young women who look up to her.

      • Tia says:

        Bare in mind camera ” puts on 10 pounds” I kid you not.

      • JustBitchy says:

        +1. ++1 There was some unfortunate puckering near the underarm. I hope that doesn’t cause her to lose more weight. It was just the dress being a tad tight and/or not the right proportions for someone so tall

      • Atlima says:

        The U.K. Press keeps trying to hide how thin she really looks in person,but one reporter told one of the Kate bloggers on their Asian tour a few months ago that she was startlingly thin, even a guest at one of the dinners on the Asian tour commented on how extremely thin she is but the press built it up as Kate looking wonderful and fit.
        I think she’s even a bit slimmer now, if that’s possible.

    • Tia says:

      Casual look was acceptable ( I thought the jacket was just a short rain trench thingy like I have , never gave a thought to safari) because anything less would have been disrespectful anything ” more ” would have been a jarring affront to the grinding proverty existing in Native Communities here on the coast. This is how I have seen dignitaries coming to pole raisings and potlatches . I doubt they put that much thought into it, their ” job” is to bring attention to this place. We are having serious international discussions about serious issues thanks to their visit. If that forces change I’m going calling this a successful visit . If it brings economic and social benefit to those communities, then They will call it a success ….and yay no bum shots!

  4. Rocio says:

    She looks very regal in the red dress. Good choice.

    • Timbuktu says:

      I liked it a lot when I saw her from waist up, but I’m not a fan of the length, I think. A dress of that shade, I’d expect to be floor-length, and if not – maybe knee-length… The length the way it is is neither here nor there and, I feel, works best with really full skirts and tiny waists. Now, Kate’s waist is pretty tiny, but I feel like her build is more athletic, without major curves, and that matters here. I know I can’t pull this length off either, and my body type is very different from Kate’s.

  5. Locke Lamora says:

    I love the first outfit, minus the safari jacket. You can’t go wrong with a sweater over a collared shirt.
    The second outfit I don’t care for. The colour is too bright for my taste, I don’t like the cut and she looks much much better with her hair down. The hair up makes her look harsh.

  6. Elizabeth says:

    Love the red dress and the updo. Not sure whether the maple leaf brooch goes.

    By the way, Audrey Hepburn was 5’7″. Kate is 5’10”. Unless my math is off, that’s only 3″ difference.

    • Locke Lamora says:

      But Audrey’s constitution was very petite. Kate’s isn’t. She just got very very slim which doesn’t look natural on her the way it looked on Audrey.
      And I didn’t know Kate was that tall.

      • vava says:

        She isn’t that tall.

      • Hazel says:

        Audrey wasn’t ‘tiny’ nor was she constitutionally slim. She suffered through starvation years as a child during the war, yet somehow retained enough strength to become a ballerina. And she was a smoker. Comparisons to one-of-a-kind women like Audrey or Diana make no sense. Kate is neither. No woman could be.
        As for the fashion on their holiday, both outfits are nice. I wouldn’t have known that was a ‘hunting’ jacket had I not been told (I thought it was just a cute short trench) & I’ve never cared for those heavy looking boots. I thought her red outfit absolutely lovely, but personally don’t care for the earrings, or red shoes with red dresses. But hey, Katie got her clothes right. Now, as to her behavior, interacting more with her husband than anyone else, that still needs some work.

      • Atlima says:

        The U.K. Press keeps trying to hide how thin she really looks in person,but one reporter told one of the Kate bloggers on their Asian tour a few months ago that she was startlingly thin, even a guest at one of the dinners on the Asian tour commented on how extremely thin she is but the press built it up as Kate looking wonderful and fit.
        I think she’s even a bit slimmer now, if that’s possible.

    • LAK says:

      Kate is not 5ft 10inch. That was something put forth at the engagement/ first year of marriage to complete the twining of Kate with Diana in order to sell her as the new Diana. Diana was 5ft 10in.

      Kate wears 4in heels, or higher, at all times which gives her added height.

      At best she is 5ft 7in and i’m being generous in that assessment.

      • Elizabeth says:

        She is about 5’6 or so at best..Pippa is 5’5

      • Susannah says:

        She seems pretty close to William’s height in heels and he’s 6’2″ I think? That would put her around 5’10” without heels she looks about 4 or 5 inches shorter than William so maybe 5’9″ but she’s usually a lot taller than the other women around her and they’re wearing high heels too.

      • Elizabeth says:

        Susannah- she wears high heels…barefeet she is nearly 8″-9″ shorter than WIlliam, http://cdni.condenast.co.uk/592×888/k_n/kate_will_gl_6jul11_PA_592x888.jpg

        Like all her “work experience”, her princess image PR team also padded her height 🙂

      • Elizabeth says:

        Also michelle obama is 1.8m and here she is taller than Kate (in heels) http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=48674567
        By the way ladies, how tall is Harry?? <3

      • Citresse says:

        wow Kate looks so much younger in that photo and it was only 5 years ago on their first tour of Canada.

      • notasugarhere says:

        Best 5’6″ or 5’7″. The photos with Michelle Obama are a good ruler.

      • LAK says:

        There is also this pic of her standing next to Nicole Kidman

        http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/07/12/article-2013700-0CF22E5300000578-595_634x1068.jpg

        Nicole is also 5ft 10in, is wearing 2in heels. Putting her at 6ft.

        Kate was wearing her 5in heels from Jimmy Choo. Yet Nicole is still visibly taller than Kate.

        If you subtract 5inch from Nicole’s 6ft, it puts Kate at 5ft 7in. If you subtract the visible inch difference, it puts Kate at 5ft 6in.

      • Tia says:

        I’m 5’8 , both in heals, she’s taller than me.

      • Elizabeth says:

        Tia has been defending the Keen Cambridges since yesterday.. specially on Willnot’s lack of note reading preparation.. sounds weird

        And Tia its “heels” 😉

        @LAK: Wow that pic! Nicole Kidman usually looks so dainty, but Kate looks tiny (and nt just height but she is so so thin here) next to her.

      • perplexed says:

        I saw her once and she was in heels. She didn’t seem that tall for someone in heels. She wasn’t short and like me (I’m 5’3″ and, uh, maybe I’m being generous to myself), but she wasn’t tall like Cindy Crawford either (that lady looked truly Amazonian – whoa). Cindy Crawford clearly doesn’t lie about her height!

      • WTW says:

        Why the need to make Kate short? I don’t care what one way or another about her, but clearly her boots are not five inches, and she’s too close to Will in height in the photos to be as short as 5’6, as some of you are suggesting. According to Google, her height is 5’9. While you can’t trust everything you read online, that seems like a fairly good assessment of her height. I’m 5’7 1/2. When I wear heels, there’s no way I’d be that close in height to man who’s 6’2.

      • Tia says:

        Elizabeth says: the spelling is what ever spell check decides. I have been keenly bashing Trudeau since yesterday. I have said I believe they are lazy, and personally I feel they do charity because they are ” suppose to” . I already sent Celebitchy my private info and email. If they want to share or not share info with you. What ever I am 5’8 and she is taller than me…keep studying your pictures .

      • perplexed says:

        “Why the need to make Kate short?”

        I don’t think there’s a need to make Kate short. I think people are just questioning her reported height the same way we would with Tom Cruise (no, I don’t think she’s as short as Tom Cruise. I just don’t think she’s 5’9″ or 5’10” either. Tom Cruise has managed to look almost as tall as Kidman and Katie Holmes at times — how the heck does he do it? — but l don’t necessarily believe he’s the height he’s claiming to be.)

        In the photo of her with William above, I don’t think she looks nearly as tall as him when he’s not slouching and pushing his one leg forward, and that photo is right in front of us. In the photo with Michelle Obama, she doesn’t look as tall as her either, and Michelle Obama is probably the ultimate litmus test for tall.

      • LAK says:

        Tia: were you wearing 4in heels?

        WTW: at 5ft 7.5in, if you wore 4in heels, you’d appear very tall indeed. Like Kate.

      • Tia says:

        LAK I’m the shorty in my family my husband is 6″2 and son 6’4 and half so yah…lol I wear heels NOT 4 inches I’m not 35 any more. My mom was 5″11 aunt 6 ” my sister 5″10 , my adopted sister 5’6 . Kate is same size ( tall not width) as my sister so I’m buying anywhere from 5’9 to 5″ 10. Not any more than that . I perceive myself as short in context to family, but as I said I’m 5’8 she’s taller not a lot but it’s there.

      • perplexed says:

        If Kate is 5’10”, then women like Princess Diana and Cindy Crawford must be 6’2″ (and are/were underreporting their height).

        If she’s really a 5’10” person, and she still fails to be commanding as tall, slim, athletic-ish people generally are (from my perspective as a shortie), then, yikes, nothing can help her in terms of presence.

      • notasugarhere says:

        Visual evidence shows she’s 5’6″ or 5’7″ tops.

        Can her fans not like her unless she’s taller?

    • msthang says:

      Kate is 5’8 and a half, but tells people she is 5’9, Pippa is an inch an half smaller !

      • Nikole says:

        The metric system is more clear. I read that Bill – 191 cm, Harry – 186 cm. This year was a photo with Obama and Michelle is 180cm, and Kate was noticeably shorter. I think she about 175cm or lower. And Diana – 178cm

      • Atlima says:

        Go back and look at the first engagement announcements. All of them said Kate was 5″8′ , I believe she is 5’8″ which is still tall, but she is not 5’10” that was evidenced how Nicole Kidman towered over her and Kate had on huge heels, bigger than Nicole’s. Also Michelle Obama is much taller than Kate.
        In fact there is a photo Kate and Chelsy Davey, Harry’s ex girlfriend who is said to be 5’6″n1/2 , they are both wearing flats or the same shoe, they are standing in flat dirt at a outside event and she and Kate look quite close in height , Kate looks just a bit taller but not much.
        Go back and look at old photos of Kate and Chelsy together and the night difference isn’t much.

      • notasugarhere says:

        Atlima, what PR says and what photos prove are different things. Look at her flat-footed next to William. Look at her next to Kidman and Obama, in shots that show the heel heights of all of them. 5’6″ or 5’7″ tops.

  7. Citresse says:

    Two fashion hits. Red is a nice colour on Kate and I like the style of dress. Her hair looks good too.
    I doubt the boots she wore earlier are 12 years old as some claim she was photographed wearing them in 2004.
    It’s too bad rain cut short their tour.

    • MinnFinn says:

      Take a close look at the boots, they look 12 years old to me. They also need cleaning and polish to refresh the color on the foot and ankle.

  8. Betti says:

    Wonder if he read his briefing notes this time?

    The safari look in wet weather was just wrong althou it was appropriate. I actually liked the red dress and overall look, thou i think it needed more statement jewellery pieces to finish it off. I just really wish she’d get a proper stylist, rather than the amateur she hired. I used to work in fashion and no stylist would let a model or client walk away wearing clothes that had threads hanging, scrunched hemlines and dodgy/obvious stitching. Its like the fashion blind leading the fashion bland.

    • TheOtherViv says:

      So true. She could have saved the whole look if she had worn one of her many Barbour jackets. British and appropriate. That would have been a so much better choice.

  9. Lola says:

    There was a torrential downpour when they visited Bella Bella. They had to cut some events out of their itinerary. It might also explain the jacket if it was raining.

    • nicole says:

      Yes, it’s also a really long distance from Vancouver to Bella Bella and back to Victoria so travel took up most of the day.

      • MinnFinn says:

        They took a chartered airplane. If I have figured this out correctly, it’s about 2.5 hour flight (1200km) from Victoria.

      • Tia says:

        That’s to drive….and it’s only that long to fly on a commercial flight from Victoria, to Vancouver to Waglisa . Charter much quicker, it will be a long day when they fly up to Sandspit do their thingy in Charlotte, Skidegate and fly home. I hope they have fair weather for that, Haida Gwaii is stunning. But the storms have started and it gets nasty. Today the lucky bastards get a fun day swanning through vineyards.

      • Rain says:

        And Bella Bella isn’t an island. It’s ON an island…

    • Elizabeth says:

      @Lola: Really? Haha thats probably nature’s reply to WIll and Kate. They only enjoy the touristy parts of their tours anyway..hope the rains cu only the outdoor , touristy part of the day and not the visits where William would have needed notes (that he wont read)!

      • Tia says:

        I commented somewhere else about this , it’s still being moderated else where I’m praying for sunshine and beautiful weather…this isn’t about the Royals Travelling Circus , in the grand scheme of things no one will remember this trip , gossip or royally except Heiltsuk, Songees and Haida Nations – This international exposure benefits them in a miriad of ways, that only the Haida Nation enjoys in Canada. Those Nations view themselves on a personal level, of being individual nations hosting the symbolic heads of another nation.-In that context ( and I was reminded of that yesterday when I was snarking about the trip to Skidegate) critizing ” HRH Duke, Duchess of Cambridge ” is equivalent of critiquing the Hereditary Chiefs and Matriarchs that greet them. for what it’s worth they seem happy to be here in Victoria. The End stop was always planned to be the ” show stopper” by Justin Trudeau in Skidegate and I beleive they are really looking forward to it as their family members have been there before publicly and privately. But that really needs a break in the weather.

  10. MiniMii says:

    I actually really like both outfits. The safari jacket/jeggings/boots combo was perfect for an outdoor event in the woods, and I think the red dress is lovely – and as a Canadian I appreciate the red and the maple leaf pin she’s wearing. It’s a nice nod to the country hosting her.

    I like her hair too. I know people complain that she is sometimes too matronly or stuffy looking, but that’s part of the job. She is representing an entire country, so she has to be more conservative in her styling than the average woman her age. At least it’s in a style that’s off her face and un-playable-with.

  11. tracy says:

    her arms scream weightlifter and her bony neck. she looks harsh why has grown soo old she looks 45 especially when her extensions are out of her face!!!

    • Elizabeth says:

      I can never guess hair extensions..is her hair really faux??
      But her jaw, my goodness! https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CtVtp9YUMAAU0Jy.jpg why does she grin like that!!

      • Tessy says:

        I watched the entire opening ceremony and she looked lovely and totally appropriate throughout the entire thing. I was actually surprised because the still photos picked out here usually show her in some bad light and I expected to see lots of weird grimacing and grinning going on.
        Bear in mind that we all have fleeting expressions that look weird if they are caught on camera. Digital cameras make it so photos can be taken non-stop and I think some are picking the most unflattering ones to publish, the ones that we would delete if they were ours.

  12. DavidBowie says:

    Oh come on Kaiser! The red dress looks and fits great on her. Those shoes are hideous though. Ugh.

  13. TeamAwesome says:

    Something about the length or the fullness of the skirt is throwing me off. Also, if you look at the Fug Girls’ pictures, it has an exposed zipper down the back of the bodice. Her hair looks great up, though.

    A black suit would have looked infinitely more formal, Normal Bill.

    • ElleBee says:

      I think she looks great in the red dress from the waist up. Very Pippa-esque to me though. Not fond of the lower part of the dress but she looks nice if not a little matronly.

  14. Lindsay says:

    Also kudos to the Cheif of the Indigenous Peoples to stand up for the people he represents and not go if he felt the ceremony was hollow and just for show. I would imagine their was a lot of pressure put on him to go. William and Kate really didn’t belong there I doubt they know much or care about the plight of Canda’s indigenous people or the problems between them and the Canadaian government that this formal reception was supposed to be about healing the fractured relationship and apologizing and learning from the past. A representative of the Canadaian government (like the missing PM) should have been part of that underwhelming ceremony of adding a symbolic ring to the ceremonial baton used in Canadian Parliament. Wonder if he got around to reading his briefing papers?

  15. KatM says:

    I have to say, I love that dress because it does look exactly like something Audrey would have worn. I think she looks very regal with her hair up. The only thing I would critique is matching a red dress with red shoes. I would have worn black shoes instead of the red myself. The safari coat needs to go to the donate/burn bin pronto.

    • vava says:

      I probably would have worn a metallic shoe with that dress. Maybe a pewter metallic so it would look nice with the diamond pin. (those earrings are ugly. The safari jacket was too.)

  16. mellie says:

    I love both looks, I have said it before, those boots are just great, I don’t care how old they are. She should always wear red, it is her color!

    • JFresh says:

      I agree. Let’s be honest, she basically can’t look anything but gorgeous and impeccable.

      My question tho is DOES SHE EAT?

  17. Ellie says:

    Her skinny jeans always have a zipper, why does this website always call them jeggings? My coworker always does the same thing with my skinny jeans and it makes me cringe. They’re not leggings made with denim looking material, they are real life pants! If Gossip Girl taught me anything, it’s that leggings — of ANY kind — are not pants!

    • LAK says:

      Jeggings have zippers. Jeggings fit closer than skinny jeans. They fit like leggings and have similar amounts of lycra to fit hence the name.

    • Rose says:

      Yes, these are definitely just skinny jeans. They’re from Zara. A lot of skinny jeans have a bit of lycra in them. I have never seen a pair of actual jeggings with a zipper (doesn’t mean they don’t exist but this pair Kate is wearing is definitely a pair of skinny jeans not jeggings).

      I HATE when Kate wears skinny jeans with wedges, but I don’t mind them here. The whole reason I buy skinny jeans is to tuck them into boots though so I might be biased.

  18. Realitycheck says:

    I am so annoyed as a Canadian that our tax payer dollars ate being used for this trip.

    Not a good use of funds.

    • Margo S. says:

      I 100% agree. This is not what I want our money going towards. How about investing in OUR country. Not paying for duke and duchess dolittle’s family vacation.

    • bcgirl says:

      maybe it’s time to drop the “British” then,
      we could be “North Columbia”

  19. Bex says:

    I think that red dress is lovely on her but I’m not 100% sold on the matching shoes.

    • GingerCrunch says:

      I know. Her shoe game is BOR-ing! I’m here on watch for the maple leaf brooch, so whoop WHOOP!!!

    • Rose says:

      Yes, was about to make the same comment. This is one of my favorite looks EVER on Kate from the ankles up. But those shoes – ugh. A solid color dress does NOT call for matching shoes. I thought the red shoes looked okay with the patterned dress the day before but here they are a complete eye sore. I would have loved to seen maybe a silver shoe.

      • GingerCrunch says:

        Ohhh, silver! And maybe strappy? So many missed opportunities!

      • Giddy says:

        Silver would have been gorgeous! In the close-ups the bag is a different red and looks worn on the edges. Just think how elegant she would have been in the strappy silver shoes you dreamed of and a fun Judith Leiber purse!

    • zinjojo says:

      The shoes are all kinds of wrong. Red clutch and red shoes that are off-tone from the red of her dress. Again. She did this the other day when she wore the red printed dress. She should have gone with black or silver and this makes me think, once again, that her “stylist” really doesn’t know how to style.

      That rant over, I do like the dress.

  20. PHAKSI says:

    I actually said “wow” out load when I saw the red dress. I have never done that with any of her previous looks. I can overlook the obvious theme dressing cos this is such a great look.
    The day look was not bad. Thankfully her jeggings werent as tight as what we’ve previously seen

  21. Zimmerman says:

    Avoiding looking at other comments until I’ve made my own. I’m curious to see if I have similar thoughts as everyone else fashion wise or if my ideas are completely off in left field.

    Do not like the safari jacket at all. It’s one thing if you are actually on safari and need all those pockets, but another thing entirely if you are a princess with an entire staff behind and you don’t really need to hold anything. I think the look could have been cute if she wasn’t mixing brown boots, tan coat, black jeggings, a blue or black and white checkered shirt and a blue sweater. Too many colors. If the safari jacket were a short trench instead without so many pockets and she was wearing black, dark brown or olive jeggings and a cream shirt and sweater, personally I would have liked the look. I did not like that her sweater was see-through either, that cheapened it.

    I love the red dress and the maple leaf. Kate is pretty in red. I like her earrings, but not with the maple leaf. Also, It would be nice if her shoes and bag were a different color, silver perhaps and with some kind of distinguishing feature.

    Certainly no fashion guru myself, but those were my first thoughts. Can’t wait to read everyone else’s comments now!

    William sure made an embarrassement of himself yesterday not knowing about his mother’s work.

    • Deedee says:

      The safari jacket looks weird because she has it cinched up with the belt right under her boobs.

    • notasugarhere says:

      Similar to her silly Robin Hood leather vest in Bhutan. Because you go hiking in Bhutan in dress boots, sheer white blouse, and a leather vest? It is her theme dressing again.

      They weren’t going to be doing anything strenuous. Both of them are under dressed for the occasion.

  22. Maum says:

    Matching shoes are so unstylish and old fashioned. The rule is never match your accessories to your dess.
    This is a family thing as both she and Pippa do it all the time. I remember Pippa at a royal church service wearing a brown fur coat, brown coat, brown bag, tights AND boots. It was hideous.

    I love the neckline of the dress on her. It looks super flattering with her hair up.

    But I am so tired of her gimmicky dress sense. In India it was ikats and paisleys and here the dress is Canadian red. So unsubtle and patronising.

    • Betti says:

      Kate’s a theme/gimmicky dresser – always has been. Its a Middleton thing, her mother and sister are the same.

    • Green Girl says:

      I think the occasional nod to the host country is fine and suitable, but I think she tends to go overboard and ends up looking sort of costume-y. It would be better for her to wear items by designers in the hosting country.

  23. Citresse says:

    I didn’t see photos of the Trudeaus at the govt house reception so I’m guessing they finally stopped hanging on to W&K like a third wheel.

    • Lindsay says:

      At an event to apologize for the Canadaian governments mistreatment of their Indigenous People. Curious timing.

    • Tia says:

      I wrote about In response to Linsey when ladies here were commenting on the ceremony last night.but I guess my answer was too political to pass a moderated comment. I knew the ” blindside ” last minute cancellation was coming to embarrass Trudeau. ITs why I’ve been bashing Trudeau for 3 days and the animus I hold towards him dispite being a Liberal.ladies have labeled me .defender of the royals. When in fact I stated there has been ill will created by this visit, not at the Royals per say, but the Iteinerary the the PM office created for them for HIS agenda. Anyone from BC will look at this tour, it’s stops and who they are meeting will sense a theme. Indigionous community leadership approved this ceremony and felt it was symbolically significant The whole community in our healing. THe monarch is the head of our constitutional government, not the PM. WRongs were committed on behalf of the Crown, therefore having Royal Prince at ceramony was NOT insignificant. HOWEVER,The Minister of Justice blindsided the Native community by informing them it would be impossible to adoptiin its entirety the articles in the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigionous people’s. This was the BC Union of Chiefs retaliation to the Liberal Government.. Not a snub toThe Royals on a personal level, the Grand CHief made that clear.Every stop on this tour has been to show election promises that were ” kept” and this government cares about Environment, Refugees and Indigiounous Comminuty, and highlight areas ( Kelowna, Yukon) voted Federal and Provincial Liberal. In that context I have stated this Tour has been an eye opener for me. It is why I feel sorry for the Royals as I now see them for what they are , props in a theatre.I recognize and must respect the generalized thrill that those areas hosting visitors to their ” homes”.I was chastised and humbled about that last night. Heitsult , Songees and Haida Nations feel honoured by the personal visit from symbolic head of one Nation to their Nations.( they are greeted first by the Hereditary Chiefs and Matriarchs) There is a separation of feeling about anger to Government, versus honoured guests invited their homes.

  24. Barrett says:

    i love the dress, I think the neckline could have been tailored better for her frame. It seems lowered and angled an inch or to more than it should?

  25. Tig says:

    I like everything about the dress- I don’t have a prob with the shoes. Also, the boots are great, regardless of how old they are. So waiting for cooler weather here so can start wearing mine!!

  26. L84Tea says:

    I actually think the red dress is one of the best things she’s worn in a long time. It is indeed very Audrey Hepburn, but I will admit she still is pulling it off well. The more I look at it, that could be one of her best choices ever.

  27. Canadian Becks says:

    That first photo…..look how high she’s wearing the belt on her safari jacket. Like, almost right under her breasts. It makes it look like it’s been hitched up. I’m fighting the urge to give it a good tug down, like when you see your kid has his jacket hitched up.

  28. ElleBee says:

    I think she looks very nice in the red dress. I almost want to say to her “You look lovely, and your daughter really is a beautiful bride, she and her new husband look happy.” Shade aside, red is her colour and she should do it more often. The matchy-matchy shoes and bag MEH but that is Kate and she will never change.

    The safari jacket in Canada is particularly strange next to Will who looks like having fun isn’t hard cuz he’s got a library card. Will must be a light traveler since he only takes 2 suits and three ties.

    Anywho…I’m going to have breakfast

  29. mazzie says:

    I… like the neckline of that dress. I really do. It draws the eye up and makes her look taller. That’s how you style yourself to look like you have long legs.

    (Other than that, still not caring about royals in my country.)

  30. Natalie S says:

    Oooh, the red dress is a new silhouette for her. I really like it!

  31. seesittellsit says:

    The reception ensemble is gorgeous, nothing less. The dress, shoes, hair, jewelry, color: all perfect, probably the best evening wear I’ve seen her in. She looks adult and sophisticated, elegant.

  32. Rapunzel says:

    The weirdest part of her having the matchy shoes/bag is that they are different red shoes and a different red bag from the previous day. Why two sets? It’s silly from a packing standpoint.

  33. Anon says:

    I hate that jacket, its unflattering and looks puffy and uncomfortable, but I love the dress. I know her hair is back and that’s a good thing… but I think that neckline needed a bit more oomf. Something about it is off. BUT, happy for the midi length.

  34. Margo S. says:

    I just can’t with this mess. You are a duchess and you come to Canada and wear jeggings (?!) And a safari jacket?!?!? Why not get a safari hat too? And some binoculars and a Canon camera! Like seriously. Will looks legit. Dressy casual. GIRL, GET A NORMAL PAIR OF JEANS!

  35. kodakay says:

    I like the red outfit; even her hair. There’s nothing wrong with an occasional updo. I don’t think it looks matronly at all.

  36. Kk says:

    Eh she looks fine on both of these but not fashionable or “of the moment.” That’s just not her though. I think that’s why people have mostly abandoned the idea that she’s some kind of fashion icon. The red dress is very nice, but brought down by the matching shoes and bridesmaid updo. The casual look also ok and inoffensive but I hate the sweater over collared shirt look, especially with pants, and shorter boots would be much more fashion forward.

    Why does Canada still deal with these people?

  37. Cerys says:

    I thought her daytime look yesterday was fine and appropriate for the occasion. The jeggings didnt look as bad as usual as they were tucked into her boots and she wore a longer style top rather than her normal too short t-shirt. I’m not mad about the safari jacket though.
    I think i am in a minority when it comes to the evening dress. It is a lovely dress but not on Kate. It needs someone with a slightly better figure to carry it off. To me it just emphasises how bony and sinewy she is. However her hair was nice and the brooch sat well on the dress.

  38. littlemissnaughty says:

    Love the red dress and everything about the styling. It’s a great color and neckline on her. Even like the matching shoes. With red dresses it’s difficult to find great non-matching shoes unless you go nude or black and I think we can all agree that none of us would’ve approved of yet another nude LK Bennett. And I think strappy sandals are out of the questions for her at this event. If I were all about the nitpicking, I’d say the length of the dress isn’t perfect but she pulls it off. I have no opinion on the first outfit. It’s fine I guess.

  39. Cee says:

    Oh no, the pancake earrings are back.

    Love the red gown.

  40. Amelie says:

    They were supposed to do more events but the monsoon rain conditions canceled all the outdoor activities. Which is too bad because they seemed like pretty cool events.

    I didn’t like the dress at first thinking “The top is crooked!” because of my OCD tendencies (I do have mild OCD) but the more I look at it the less it bothers me.

  41. Meow says:

    Looking VERY brawny about the shoulders in that dainty dress, dear Waity!

  42. NOLA says:

    Love Kate in red and the neckline is lovely. But I feel like the proportions of that dress are off. The skirt is a tad too long. I agree the safari jacket seems a little out of place.

    I’m American so please correct me if I’m wrong. Can royal women not wear pants? I think Kate would look lovely in a pair of wide leg trousers. I know she loves her legs and all, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing some freaking pants now and then!!!

    • Deedee says:

      Diana, HM, Sophie, Anne, Fergie, have all worn pants for engagements.

    • HK9 says:

      Yes you’re right about the proportions. It frustrates me to no end that she doesn’t make those little adjustments to her clothing. It’s not like she doesn’t have the time.

    • Zimmerman says:

      And what she doesn’t seem to realize is that wide-leg trousers would balance out her wide shoulders.

    • notasugarhere says:

      Good trouser suit again would have been a nice choice. A loose, casual long-sleeve shirt underneath, take off the jacket and would have been suited to the originally planned activities.

  43. Starlight says:

    I see in the Canada press the BC First Nations Indians snubbed them at one event. I can understand the reasons why and sympathise. Obviously Wills is allowing her to put her hand on his knee in public I notice. I thought the short rain Mac looked cheap a darker colour would have been better. Anyway the red dress looked lovely and they look happier than I have seen them.

  44. Jessica says:

    The jacket gives off colonialism vibes to me. Very odd choice to wear. I also don’t think that coat looks like it should cost more than $25. In fact, I have one just like it from Old Navy and I’m pretty sure it was under $25.

  45. Kitty says:

    I like the red dress it looks nice on her. But honestly the people on DM are crazy. They all say she looks like a Queen and regal and a great ambassador because of the dress she wore? Why does the DM commentators always change their opinions on her whenever she is on tour or she wears something nice?

    • Llamas says:

      I always wonder the same thing and I’m pretty sure it’s because the fawners come out in droves during a tour because they actually having something to fawn over. Normally the DM comments are hysterical. Oh well, will have to wait until the end of the tour to get a good laugh.

      • Kitty says:

        @LLAMAS, what is funny is that they will go back to the comments before the tour which is so weird. No they not know William and Kate do this because it’s part Of their job. Don’t they know if they had the choice they would live the luxury life?

  46. Starlight says:

    .with reference to the article….. didn’t Audrey Hepburn play Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady ….. sorry I couldn’t help it!

  47. NeoCleo says:

    I think she looks great in both outfits but I really love the red dress on her.

  48. KiddVicious says:

    I love the red dress, it looks good on her. Once I saw the length I liked it even more. She seems more relaxed and happy than usual. Will too.

  49. Kori says:

    Love the red dress–my favorite color and I love a good full skirt, especially an ankle length. The Queen has a good amount of diamond and ruby jewels–I wish some of those would come out on loan. She’s worn 2 red outfits so far on the trip and they would be nice complements–there are ruby earrings, necklaces, bracelets and brooches so a wide variety.

  50. sequinedheart says:

    Finally she looks like a duchess – that red dress is gorgeous on her and gives her much-needed shape. But then…. there goes her shitty posture ruining it.

  51. Andrea says:

    I am not bodyshaming when I say this, but she looks too thin in the red dress. She clearly was more muscular years ago and now has the look my parents worried over me about when I was anorexic. Her collarbone is telling. her body is not meant to be that thin. I really hope she takes proper care of herself for her children as well as for herself.

    • Kitty says:

      She won’t. At least we know she isn’t pregnant.

    • Alicat1822 says:

      ITA, this is not her ideal weight naturally. She looks like she probably survives on minimal calories and probably works out pretty hard. There is no way all of that hair is actually hers. I think she is a long-term smoker as well. Which would explain the aging of her skin. And let’s not forget all of the vacations! She likes the sun and probably keeps a base “tan”, but for a fair Englishwoman, it’s really just sun damage. She has made the choice to sacrifice a healthy weight to be a super-lean clothes hanger. Something about her is always jarring.

  52. Elle says:

    Is celebitchy just about bullying her now? I’m all for jest and a little teasing and difference of opinion, but some of the comments are very cruel and if she was any other woman I think people would recognize how extreme it’s getting. Anyway, I think she did a great job with both outfits. Keep it up, Catherine.

    • Tia says:

      I sent a picture of her next to us that Mike took ,its a private picture so I asked not to share, I thought I would be scrutinizing her for tell tale bump or boob age gossip wize ,but I genuinely was taken aback how thin she is, obviously it’s thinness from ALOT of exersise and strict diet. But to see someone that thin is ….actually heartbreaking when you take a moment to think what must be behind it. I feel a lot of women on here comment on her weight out of genuine concern at the long term toll that might take on her. I thought it was a beautiful dress on her , but well ….I’m volumptious and a Catholic Jew my first instinct is to feed someone who looks like that.

      • Cee says:

        As someone who suffered from an ED I feel for her because she is not healthy. I’m not talking about if she’s beautiful or not, but photos have documented her massive weight loss and this is an issue, it is not bullying. No one is saying she is less worthy if she went back to her natural frame. No one is saying she is beautiful because she is so thin. It is clear she has issues with image, esteem and food.

    • notasugarhere says:

      Please learn what bullying is. Making valid criticism about taxpayer funded individuals who are not dressing or acting appropriately for their roles is not bullying.

  53. Tia says:

    I have a hangover and meeting s all day today , Will comment more later as I have no gossip to share about Kelowna or Yukon events other than they are election thank you trips. (If you are from BC you will get that reference)

    • Citresse says:

      Too bad they’re not bringing the kids to Whitehorse, it’s beautiful.
      I smiled when I saw where they’re due to stay overnight at the High Country Inn… I stayed there in 2012. I would describe it like a Holiday Inn Express with wood paneling and green carpeting. It’s quite casual, especially the restaurant so I guess it’ll please normal Bill Middleton. I wonder what they do with regard to hotel guests when W&K arrrive? If they clear out the hotel, then arrangements should have been made for W&K to stay at a private residence. W&K are due to stay at the jacuzzi suite, it reminds me of the story when Charles and Diana checked into the Gap hotel, Australia.

      • Tia says:

        You know…I think at a certain point they just would like to be alone away from the maddening crowd. It must be weird to always be stared at when you are so introverted sober. They have “tented it “before… As long as there are no bed bugs…BAHAHA could you image bed bugs in all that luggage? They must watch Downton Abby and think that’s should be us!! Only with more money of course sweetie darling!

      • Tia says:

        they seem more relaxed in the native communities, I was just looking at some pictures my cousin took in Waglisa. I think keeping kids near by but not on show was great idea, no hassle of a royal rampage but seeing them every night as I’ve said William and Kate look really relaxed and happy for the most part….then again we are the Herbal Capital of BC , and the Republic of Victoria has a dispensary on every other corner…..brownies! Takes care of the too skinny, and grumpy bored problem at same time, they past by at least three coming down Cook St. When they first got here!

  54. perplexed says:

    I don’t know if I like the lower half of the dress much, but she looks great in red. It’s the only color where she seems to pop.

  55. Elizabeth says:

    I love the red color and she is repeating the shoes is it?
    I dont understand though that she spends 3k, 2k$ on 1 dress but wears shoes that cost just about 200-300$ usually..that’s what I spend on my shoes..thought I dont hundreds of the same pair (and Kate probabaly does) But In a similar situation I would rather splurge on shoes than dresses. I would have a closet full of Ferragamo heels. *Swoon*

  56. Vb1978 says:

    a safari jacket in a region that is considered a temperate rainforest? Odd. A raincoat with a bit more length to the upper thigh (Burberry?) would have looked more suitable imo

  57. Kilo Tango says:

    Love the red dress and her hair up. Think the safari jacket is a bit fancy dress though!

  58. Kate Bush says:

    her red dress is pretty nice to see a different silhouette on her.
    Not sure about the safari jacket but it makes me happy whoever I see those long brown boots! So what if they’re old they’re obv her faves.

  59. Pine Cone says:

    As I am sitting here in white shorts and a red Star Wars tee shirt, I believe that I am not qualified to judge Kate’s outfit!

  60. Mrs. Darcy says:

    She looks fine, the jacket doesn’t look very warm though. I like the red dress but I don’t think the neckline is great on her, it does make her look hella thin. I love that they are doing this for the Great Bear Rainforest, but it can’t help but feel like a distraction from the less pro-animal, very backwards breed discrimination laws that they are pushing through against pit bulls and other bull breeds in Canada this week, meaning family pets who have never done anything wrong will now have to be muzzled at all times in public.

  61. msthang says:

    Okay, the green dress makes her look like” Gumby” , and if you guessed she had a long torso, and short legs Up you guessed right. Incredibly ugly dress !!!!!!!!!!!

  62. India Andrews says:

    The safari outfit was more colonial cosplay from Kate. Just give her a safari hat and a Land Rover and she could be an ad. Very wrong choice given she was going to see indigenous people in one of Britains former colonies.

    The red dress is nice but it looks like something a girl could buy at Macys for the high school winter ball. It was safe and boring for me. I will have forgotten she wore it by tomorrow. It is forgetable just like Kate.