The superfluous buttons down the side of the skirt, I’M DYING!!! The Duchess of Cambridge stepped out today in Lewisham (South London) for yet another event. In case you’re keeping track, Kate has already done three days of “work” this month. As we discussed in the Gossip With Celebitchy podcast this week, it really feels like Kate is making the effort to be really and truly KEEN early in the year. For several years of pre-Meghan duchessing, Kate would barely have three days of “work” for the first two months of the year. But now that Meg’s around… well, we all have eyes.
Kate’s event today was to launch a national support line at the Family Action center. Family Action “provides a range of valuable community support for children and families in the area.” For the event, Kate chose a green Beulah London dress which is apparently “bespoke,” but something like this dress retails for £550. That’s pretty affordable for Kate’s usual clothing choices (but to be clear, not really all that affordable). The Daily Mail is making a big deal about how Beulah London is an “ethical line” which donates a portion of its sales to anti-trafficking charities in India, perhaps to emphasize the point that Meghan isn’t the only duchess who wears “ethical” clothes from fashion lines which benefit important charities. Overall, I think this is an okay-to-good look, and the vibe is very “Kate.” The matchy suede shoes and clutch, the row of buttons (!!!) and the silhouette – it’s very dated/totally ‘80s and it just feels like her default style. Also: this is a good hemline. When I heard “bespoke,” I worried that Kate had another dress altered with a raised hemline, but look at that length!
Photos courtesy of Press Association (for Kensington Palace) and Getty.
Hummmm… I don’t know!
Yeah, I often strive to find something nice to say… I love green.
STAND UP STRAIGHT….jeez.
She needs to get rid of that belt. It never matches whatever she is wearing with it.
it probably cost so much but it looks so so cheap. The belt makes it look cheap. It is not ugly, But it looks hella cheap.
She often uses belts to shorten her torso – its sad as they often ruin a nice dress.
Exactly Digital Unicorn, she uses belts and alters the waist of ver dresses for this…. I honestly think it is not necesary…
I do like the dress, the color is great on her, and I might say that the buttons (!!) are evento nice!
Maybe its the 34 hours awake after a night shift, but its Nice to see she is working her third day
….. (/sarcarsm)
The buttons are throwing the belt off, making it rise too high in the front. I like the belt in theory.
I like the dress. I had a lot of similar ones in the 80’s for work. I had to look conservative and as a 20 year old I hated it, but these dresses worked great. They looked great with boots in the winter and could be dressed up or down with belts and jewelry. And they were very comfortable.
That color looks good on her, terrible on me because I have yellow tones in my skin.
My first thought when I saw this was “ugh, that belt again…”
Yup. Dated as hell but the color suits her. It’s true – she has found her uniform and if she feels good in it then I wish her all the best. There’s just nothing remotely ‘fashion’ about it and it’s sad that a woman with her kinds of resources doesn’t want to make more of a statement.
I don’t even think its that sad that she doesn’t want to make a statement – if she wants to dress in classic clothes that verge on dated and wants to dress like her grandmother in law – then whatever makes her happy like you said.
What gets me is the talk of her as a fashion icon and how she is so stylish etc. No, she’s not – and that’s fine, she doesn’t have to be – but let’s stop pretending she is.
Yup!
The thing about fashion is that it’s based upon opinions. I would wear a lot of Kate’s clothes, and I really do enjoy looking up stuff that she wears. Does that make her a fashion icon to some? Maybe, maybe not. But let’s not pretend that because she’s not liked here, that others aren’t interested in her fashion. What interests you may not interest others, and vice versa.
I don’t think anyone is pretending that people don’t like her. And she clearly interests me because I post here, ha. I’m just not on board with the line of thinking that she is the most fashionable duchess ever (which is very prevalent in some places – such as People, ha.)
@Lolly, I’d rock this outfit without the belt and wearing chunky layers of jewelry.
After spraining my foot, these shoes are a no for me, I’d wear a wedge bootie. I like her fashion style. These pieces never go out of style. I like classic pieces with trendy jewelry.
If by modern and stylish you mean that short bodycon dress Meghan wore to the dog shelter then I’ll pass! I don’t see what’s so old fashioned about Kate’s look today. She’s out working at an event during the day. What she has on is appropriate & professional, and the color is nice. This is what is required at an event such as this.
Bodycon it was not
I don’t know what you would call it then. It was tight and ill fitting enough to keep riding up. From the first photo I saw it looked like a mini dress, but other pictures showed it pulled down. Not only that, but who wears 6 inch spikes to visit a dog shelter? When they’re 6 or however many months pregnant. I also heard that she was hours late and only stayed a short time, but I guess that’s another story and not appreciated here.
The buttons are the same colour as the dress so they don’t bother me, they add some interest. As for having a work uniform: yes! When I find something that is flattering and comfortable I buy a few in various colors. I hate shopping and have sensory issues that prohibit anything remotely scratchy or constricting. It makes my life so much easier. As long as one is clean, pressed, and occasion appropriate I will not side eye a wardrobe choice.
Right with you! I’ll also buy something flattering and comfortable in various colours. @BlueSky is one of my favourite clothing stores and I have 4 dresses all the same style in different colours. Bamboo dresses!! Love ’em. About Kate…..classic styles NEVER go out of fashion. I also appreciate dresses that flatter without one’s boobs hanging out all over the place, and I love that she’s wearing longer dresses, because the length is incredibly elegant. Whilst a bit matchy-matchy, (a contracting scarf, maybe, or as mentioned above some fun jewelry?) would/might add that pop of ‘something’ that seems to be missing, overall, I like what @oliveGreen and @Aang and @Girlplease have to say
I actually liked the buttons for the same reason: a bit of interest. Agree with Thirsty that a scarf could have added a bit more pizzazz..
Your comment is what is sad. Women are only about fashion nothing else.
I love this outfit. A nice length and colour.
Very work appropriate.
The color at least is beautiful on her, love the belt, and generally she’s glowing. The row of buttons is utterly superfluous and hilarious.
I don’t like the dress but the color is nice on her and I love when they wear things from ethical brands.
Did Kate do something to her face? She looks different around her eyes.
Unless the photos are photoshopped it looks like she’s back on the Botox.
Color: Amazing, works fantastic, adore the shoes!! (me want)
Hem length: finally right!
As always, her flat figure (front and sides) irks me but hey, nice clothes and her warmer hair color is really looking great lately!
She has always had tiny boobs and boyish hips. This irks you? Haha.
She has starved herself. She had hips before her anorexic royal years.
But how do you know she starved herself? That really irks me when people assume skinny people must’ve starved themselves
Kate has always had a boyish, athletic figure. Stop it. She may choose not to consume more fat or carbs than most of us but being a health food and exercise addict doesn’t mean you have an ED. If you’ve ever seen her deadlift a heavy toddler from a bent knees squat, in stilettoes you would know she doesn’t starve herself.
Look at all of the photos of her from before the engagement was announced. She had a really great athletic shape. Her face was also fuller and fresh looking. One of the reasons her skin looks so saggy and wrinkly in some shots is because she is too thin for her frame. She went on a crazy diet for the wedding and has never gained the weight back except during her pregnancies.
Monicack, if you ever spend time among competitive bodybuilders, powerlifters, and fitness and figure athletes, you will see all sorts of disordered eating. Being able to lift weight does not make you healthy.
How does someone’s figure irk you? It’s her body. Now, her posture, THAT irks me because it’s something she can control.
It is her body. But I dislike it. Whats wrong with that?? I have eyes…
Every time I see her its “where is her waist!?” and I find it unattractive. I’m not trying to impose anythign upon her or anyone else- its like saying I like the color (or not) of the dress. I dislike her proportions, all the same.
Its me expressing my taste, nothing more nothing less.
I was GONNA also say, her posture needs improving…. LOL
Not really the same, teehee. She can change a dress or a color. She can’t change her body.
I’m not telling her to change anything. I didn’t even say, ‘women without hips are ugly’ nor ‘shes a hunchback’ nor anything else of the sort.
I. Dislike. Her Figure.
See the “I” in that? I didn’t say “Kate should change her figure”.
And if you dislike me for thinking this way then I’m pleased cos I’m not here to appease and self-appointed PC police officers.
You got a problem with me expressing this then I got a problem with you.
@teehee. You’re not alone. She is extremely thin. And I guess it is not politically correct to say on here but the honest truth is that in a lot of her pictures she looks unwell to me. I’ve seen lovely pictures of her post baby and even last summer when she looks very well. Glowing cheeks, good proportions. But to me she looks like she is underfed. That is just how I see it.
I don’t normally comment on these posts but I have to say: none of us know how or why people weigh what they do. That is between a person and their GP. I would hate to see comments such as these about Chrissy Metz or Tess Holliday, and I hate to see them here about Kate.
My only comment was: I find it unattractive. Thats all– I can find men attractive and unattractive, but I can also find women attractive and unattractive. Her figure is not pleasing to my eye.
That is all…. no assumptions or anything else…
Kate really should relax her facial expressions. (I know its just a random group of pictures.)
Why?
Should she walk around with no expression on her face? Come on. She’s only smiling, which is something that most of us do
It’s not natural to smile like Kate does all the time.
And yet only one of the photos is an over the top smile. People need to chill.
Kate fakes her smiles because she ain’t interested in doing royal work.
That is something for which you can legitimately criticise her.
I was just about to ask if we should be able to see ALL HER TEETH when she greets a crowd?? I understand what you were saying, is she just relaxes one tiny bit it wouldn’t seem maniacal.
her teefs are giant, I’m pretty positive those aren’t the ones she was born with
@hunter, LOL! Those are very expensive veneers.
Of the many criticisms of Kate, the one that irks me most is her “maniacal smile”. I don’t think she’s faking a smile, and to criticize a SMILE scrutinized out of context while she’s approaching people or situations, it’s just too harsh.
That second photo — the smile is so forced – her jaw must be killing her from clenching her teeth that way.
I loooveeee this look and (dare I say) the buttons keep it from looking too boring. I was recently looking at some photos of my mom from the early 80s and I fell in love with this silhouette and length. There is something very classy yet sophisticated about it. Keri Packman’s wardrobe in The Americans is influencing this comeback too, I think.
Kate has hits and misses. This is a hit.
I feel like she had to add the buttons or else the dress would look like 20 other dresses that she already owns.
But besides that – I actually like this color, although I think the shoes don’t quite match it (she would have been better to go with a completely different color for the shoes IMO). And this is a nice length on her. As her work uniforms go, I like this a lot better than her numerous coat dresses or those Emilia Wickstead pleated things she wears all the time.
She looks great!
I agree. The color looks good on her and the dress is appropriate for the event. Most importantly, lately she seems more at ease at these events and I think that makes her more attractive.
How much better would that dress be if the buttons continued up the bodice and it had an interesting neckline!? She always looks like she’s cosplaying a 1980s wife of a mid-level executive.
I really don’t like this color on her. That’s all I can focus on. Like, the buttons don’t even bother me as much as the color does. I guess since it’s not blue? And it’s not bright? ?? Like we can give her an A for effort?
I think that’s what’s bothering me about this look too. The dress is fine and she looks nice, but the color is kind of blah on her.
For what is worth, I saw on Twitter that blue has not been her most worn colour for the last 2 years
The color and style look good on her, and I’m not a belt fan, but this one is basic enough not to overwhelm the dress. I sure wish we could all “work ” at “jobs” like the duchesses do
I think the buttons make it more interesting to look at.
My personal theory on the buttons is that William likes unbuttoning them, so it’s a flirt! Or maybe she’s just trolling CB. Or maybe, she just likes buttons! Tres scandale!
Why do all her belts and waist lines rise up in the front?
That’s the bespoke part of her outfits. She’s always trying to create the illusion of longer legs so she raises the waists on everything. When the belt isn’t originally part of the outfit it doesn’t sit properly.
I just find her style so matronly…or, other times, bizarrely juvenile. Why do so many people think she is some kind of fashion icon? Baffling.
Yes, Kate’s style alternates between 1940’s school marm to 1980’s high schooler to camping mom in Australian outback.
That shade of green matches the carpet my parents had in the 70’s. It looks much better on her than our living room. She looks lovely.
We had that shade of carpeting as well, plus it was shag! 😂
I love it! I feel like she sometimes goes for skirts that are maybe a little too short and look a little “young” on her. I think the cut and color look very flattering and professional.
Kate has worn this brand as far as in 2011, so this is not something new. In fact, the creator of this brand ismarried to Kate’s ex boyfriend.
I like this, and having seen the original dress, there are not many differences. Basically the sleeves.
Is this a pre-war dress?
LOL, THAT’S IT. I couldn’t put my finger on it.
Meh.
Kate will never be a fashion icon but she has a particular style that she obviously feels comfortable in. I like this dress, buttons and all. I thought she looked good today.
I don’t care for this dress, mostly because everything is so monochrome. Kate, you’re boring.
She should have worn chocolate brown accessories with this. Too much green. The black belt ruins it.
No, that’s green, too. She’s worn the green belt, bag, and shoes several times recently.
Boring.
No coat?!? Kate must be freezing. I suddenly feel like my mother.
I think this dress is nice/classic and it’s the kind of thing she’ll rewear and hopefully get a decent amount of use out of without it looking dated. That said, a skinnier belt and some contrasting color really would have helped! I would love someone to introduce her to silk scarves—there are a number of ways to wear them and still have it feel “young.” I actually like the green, too. (Green is the new blue for her, I guess?)
HER POSTURE 🤦♀️
Thank you. Was about to post the exact same thing.
Indeed and as she is well known to do yoga her posture should be very good.
When I get nervous, my shoulders tense up and I have the worst posture, when normally I have nice posture. Not sure if that’s what’s happening here, but just a thought.
Exactly, poor posture ruins any look.
Are her wiglets back? It looks like they’re back.
It doesn’t look like it to me? Her part goes pretty far back in some of these photos, and it seems pretty consistent with what we’ve seen since she’s been back from maternity leave. She might have a few extensions for fullness but this seems pretty natural overall?
ditto @Lexa – I don’t think the wiglets are back, I think her hair looks bouncier when its shorter like it is here.
Nice proportion and I have to admit, I even like the buttons. She looks great.
This outfit is fine, nothing exciting but appropriate for the outing. The belt looks like it was added on as an afterthought and does not go with the dress. That’s the only thing I’d get rid of. Not jazzed by her clutch either but given that this outing is related to mental health, I appreciate her wearing something relatively boring.
Well….I like it. I am just happy she has moved on from the constant Bennett nude heels.
Haha, I noticed that too. Die nude pumps, die!
Gorgeous! Flattering color, fantastic fit, and weather appropriate. Another win for Kate.
Modernised version of the buttoned-up matronely style of Doris Day’s movie characters.
Except that Kate lacks Day’s vibrancy and smile and charm and posture and grace(ful movements) and figure and style and elegance.
https://betweennapsontheporch.net/doris-day-movie-fashion-style-pillow-talk-and-lover-come-back/
While I agree with the overall premise, this dress is less 60s era & more 80s/30s.
What’s the deal with her maniacal smiles? Is it a nervous tic?
I actually don’t mind the buttons this time. Makes the dress somewhat interesting. I hate the belt, though. Doesn’t seem to match with the dress. And if she was going with that belt, I would have paired it with black shoes and purse.
I can’t with her WWII cos-play outfits….
Exactly! What is she playing at?
All I can think of is how cold it is in London today and she’s not even wearing a coat! I hope that dress has thermal properties!
She really likes to match doesn’t she?
She’s straight up trolling us with these buttons now.
I think she looks great! She looks professional relaxed and engaged.
I think she’s comfortable with her style. She’s not a fashion icon but then I do t think Meghan is either. They both have hits and misses. But on the whole I prefer Kate’s choices.
I wish people would stop picking her apart in terms of her every little Hong.. her smile?!
She looks appropriate and not OTT. She also seems relaxed which is nice!
The color of her outfit is nice, the dress a safe choice. The belt is awful.
What I like best is her hair and how relaxed and at ease she looks overall.
What I like least is her hair. I wish she would go for a shorter straighter look – it’s heavy looking and dated.
I like it, it suits her. Seems she might be trying to ween off the buttons addiction by just added a low key row down the side. He he.
Also, I want that belt…
The belt needs to go. If she really wanted one, she should have opted for a thinner dark brown one, instead of this strange, shiney green one.
Otherwise, she looks fine. This is her m.o., she’s not flashing anyone, looks professional, so it’s all good.
I do like her better when she has just a bit of a fuller face, but I can’t imagine the pressure both her and M have to deal with being women in the spotlight. I don’t think she’s unhealthy per say, she has access to the best medical & nutritional help available. But since we don’t know if she has any other issues like anxiety or eating disorders, I’d say maybe let it rest.
As for her smile, I don’t man, that’s just her smile? Like I have a RBF, I can’t help it. Ppl often tell me that their initial impression of me doesn’t match my personality as I look very standoffish 99% of the time. *shrugs*
Meh. SSDD.
Cute dress without the parade of buttons and that belt!
Every outfit she wears is a snooze. How many pairs of simple suede pumps does one person own? Shoes, girl, go for it.
Ok but did anyone else directly think of Bridget Jones’s disastrous Lewisham fire hall report?!!
Just me 😂
Meh. It’s ok. She likes the school marm look and that’s her thing.