With loads of Zoom appearances, many masked outings and plenty of social distancing –this year the royal family’s usual engagement calendar looked and felt a lot different than previous years. While Duchess Meghan found her fashion footing in her new home state of California, Duchess Kate experimented with colorful coats and brought back many of her sartorial standbys to Old Blighty.
Here is a 2020 Duchess Fashion Year in Review:
Meghan Went Big
They say go big or go home — Meghan Markle did both this year. From electrifying slim fit sheaths that showed off every curve and cranny — (don’t look now Queen Elizabeth) to bold cape dresses with major drama come gust of wind — the Duchess of Sussex brought out the big guns for her Grand Slam Glam Goodbye to the UK. Not only did the mom of one showcase her newfound ‘freedom fashion’ but she also created a stir with her modern makeup choices, sleek hairstyles and chic clutches.
Meghan Went California Gurl
Straying from the hallmarks of her royal wardrobe: bateau necklines, belted wrap coats and plenty of feathered fascinators and bespoke berets — the duchess began to show off her sunny SoCal style with an array of cool girl t-shirts, wide brim straw hats (perfect for beach going or lazy Sunday shopping trips to the farmers market) and a new assortment of trendy heels like ankle tie sandals and orange suede mules with bamboo buckles. It seems Meghan’s California Dream is to have a closet full of bohemian and breezy attire with a splash of Palisade Princess for good measure.
Kate Mastered the Mask
While not the most glamorous of outfit add-ons — the face mask has been a necessary part of pandemic life and no one has showed off how to incorporate a face covering into their fashion statements better than Duchess Kate. Wearing an assortment of Amaia Kids coverings throughout the year — the 38-year-old royal has taught the plebs a thing or two about masking up. From pretty floral print to vintage ‘liberty’ and ‘pepper’ patterns — Kate succeeded not only at looking flawless with half her face concealed but also managed to coordinate the color of her outfits to all her cotton coverings.
Kate Claims All the Coats
One must feel a little sorry for the Cambridge children as mum Kate likely has a monopoly on the coat rack at home (no pink puffers for poor Princess Charlotte and no plaid peacoats for little Prince Louis). From long military inspired maxi coats to waxed cotton jackets to checked wool midi coats to lightweight utility jackets — the duchess has never met a coat she doesn’t like. Kate is not one to break the royal rulebook so she’s long been a fan of modest and modern coats that work as outerwear and entire outfits. Keep Calm and Coat On.
