With a wardrobe filled with glamorous gowns, designer skirts and pricey pantsuits, Princess Kate Middleton needs her daily royal uniform to be less fuss, more function. The busy mom must have a closet full of simple sweaters to pair with tailored trousers, pleated midi skirts as well as structured coats and shapely suit jackets.
Not one for busy printed sweaters with graphic designs or loud patterns — Kate sticks to her layering MVP — the turtleneck. In rugged yarn or cozy cashmere, this versatile piece is a way to add contemporary charm to any seasonal outfit while still looking classic and chic.
- Red Alert
Proving she’s a walking monochrome masterclass, the princess was all smiles in a slim fit cashmere turtleneck by Polo Ralph Lauren in October 2021. The royal beauty donned lipstick red separates with budget-friendly ASOS earrings for attending an Action on Addiction campaign event in October 2021.
2. Casual Cub
For a down-to-earth visit to a Cub Scout meeting near her home in Norfolk, the then duchess was snapped in an Iris and Ink ‘Grace’ light grey sweater in a mid-weight cashmere. She paired the winter-friendly top with skinny Zara trousers in khaki as well as Really Wild chocolate suede riding boots. The December 2016 engagement was the perfect time for the outdoor enthusiast to play parachute, decorate cupcakes and practice camping skills with the local cub troop.
3. Burgundy Baroness
Yes, she’s got more monikers than King Charles has top hats — in fact, Baroness Carrickfergus is one of Kate’s royally gifted titles but we’re not sure she uses it at the local coffee house (though it would be fun to mess with barista offering up a new title each day — grande caramel mocha for Countess of Strathearn one day followed by a tall espresso with oatmilk for the Duchess of Rothesay the next). At any rate, Baroness Kate rocked a 100 percent cashmere bordeaux jumper from Kitlane to visit Cornwall where she once again showed off her royal roster of alternative names as she currently holds the courtesy title the Duchess of Cornwall.
4. Camel Crusader
While not a typical pullover, Kate’s look still commanded attention and had that princess powerhouse vibe when she stepped out in a turtleneck sweater dress from Gabriela Hearst in November 2022 for Community Impact Day in Scarborough. The princess was glowing in the fall friendly ‘Betti’ dress with a slim fit, long sleeves and an A-line skirt.
5. Hello Her Royal Highness
Celebrating joining the Crown Club, Kate was busy learning the royal ropes alongside her husband Prince William when she opted for an olive green turtleneck jumper dress for a visit to homeless charity Centrepoint in London in December 2011. The newlyweds spent time cooking and chatting at the UK’s leading homelessness center where Prince William is patron (Princess Diana also served as patron of the charity before her passing).
6. No Nonsense Navy
In a Ralph Lauren Collection Cashmere Turtleneck, the Princess of Wales displayed a megawatt smile and chic round ceramic earrings in February 2023. Kate was visiting Oxford Nursing Home when she pushed professional polish into new territory with a color combo of deep blue and soft camel.
7. Climbing Catherine
On a rock climbing adventure in April 2023 in Wales, the princess conveyed the key to sharp winter dressing: roll neck jumpers. Clad in Holland Cooper’s ‘Astoria’ fern green cable knit sweater — the Berkshire born 41-year-old was sporty but sophisticated in the alpaca yarn pullover.
8. Vest in Show
In a ribbed roll neck sweater for a trek to Scotland, the then Duchess of Cambridge looked wilderness certified and fashionably verified in her Ganni quilted tech vest and soft Scottish made Really Wild turtleneck top in black.
9. Pumpkin Spice
While she’s often credited with her clever theme and diplomatic dressing few have noticed Kate’s penchant for holiday motif minded outfits. In January 2023, the princess was giving a shutout to the season with her fall-feels ensemble comprised of a Gabriela Hearst ‘Peppe’ cashmere and silk sweater in an orange saffron color called ‘spice.’
10. Snowy Season
In late February 2023, Kate ditched any residual holiday happy ensembles (goodbye red sequin Needle & Thread by the tree, so long Miu Miu pearl embellished caroling sweater) in favor of a crisp and clean winter white turtleneck which she deftly paired with a Zara houndstooth tweed midi skirt and Gianvito Rossi black suede slouchy knee-high boots.
11. Head of the Class
In a knit Hobbs sweater, the monarch-raising momager was ready for business in a sleek and streamlined roll neck top in a punchy pink color for a visit to Nower High School in November 2021. Clad in her business best, Kate stopped to visit students in in London to give them a proper lesson in Royal Dressing 101.
12. Back to Basics
Over the years, the Princess of Wales has worn a number of unidentified black turtlenecks (or perhaps even black bodysuits) — the understated layering piece is a must for Kate’s closet of royal-ready basics. She’s paired the long sleeve tops with tweed mini skirts and tights, skinny jeans as well as an olive green Sportmax coat and blue sapphire Christopher Kane wool topper with a matching belt. True to form, she’s also worn her beloved black turtleneck with a red Philosophy di Lorenzo double-breasted blazer.
