The Princess of Wales sparked a royal fan frenzy last weekend after she stepped out in a stunning purple outfit during the Wimbledon finals and according to a fashion expert, there was a secret meaning behind her style choice.
Princess Kate was the epitome of elegance as she donned a lilac midi dress by Safiyaa in what was her second public appearance since announcing she was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
She paired the bold garment with Camilla Elphick’s Lucia slingbacks in tan, a pair of gold hoop earrings by Pariah, Halcyon Day’s Hammered Torque Forget-Me-Not & Gold bangle and the same brand’s Salamander Torque Forget-Me-Not & Gold bangle.
Now a style specialist has claimed there may be two reasons behind Princess Kate’s choice of a dress for this year’s Wimbledon finals.
Megan Watkins, Head Stylist at fashion destination SilkFred, noted that by choosing purple, the future Queen made a sweet nod to two particular things.
She explained: “Stepping out in a purple dress from London designer, Safiyaa, Kate showed off her love for British brands, classic silhouettes and bold colours – a cue she may have taken from the late Queen Elizabeth.”
“Last year we saw Kate in a range of green outfits, a nod to classic Wimbledon shades and summer trends. However, this year she opted for a darker and more opulent purple hue, perhaps adhering to the official colours of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club which are purple and dark green.”
She added: “It is also worth noting that a purple ribbon can symbolise support for people living with cancer, a disease Kate is battling herself. Kate also wore the purple and dark green bow pin that she has worn to all Wimbledon engagements since she became Patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, a role she has performed since 2016.”
The expert said that by accessorising the outfit with nude heels and gold jewellery, the princess wanted the dress to be the main focal point of her appearance.
She said: “Often associated with royalty and nobility, the Princess of Wales again showed off how to look effortlessly elegant in the face of adversity.
For anyone looking to emulate Princess Kate’s look, Ms Watkins gave a handful of tips on how to incorporate purple into our wardrobe.
She revealed: “Purple is a bold colour, so let it take centre stage (or court) this summer. Take cues from Kate Middleton and pair your purple outfit with subtle hues such as nudes and whites. Metallics such as gold and silver will make purple pop, so make sure you add some simple jewellery to really elevate your purple look.
“Although not normally associated with summer, purple tones such as lavender, lilac and periwinkle are great choices for formal summer events such as weddings.
For more casual occasions, floral dresses with a touch of bold purple are a fantastic way to make a statement. Often associated with femininity, purple can also be used to pull off some of the biggest trends this summer such as masc/femme dressing. Opt for a masculine item such as a blazer or boxer shorts in a block or purple stripe to mix these two opposing aesthetics for the ultimate cool girl look this summer. It is also a great summer alternative to black for office dressing.”
She concluded: “If you’re looking to incorporate purple into your everyday wardrobe, I would suggest starting with some simple purple accessories, like strappy heels, a handbag or even a subtle pin as Princess Kate has done.
