Doubles Duchesses at Wimbledon

What. A. Day. A GIRL’S DAY. How lucky are we to see the sisters-in-law out together at Wimbledon? And this means we have two great looks to admire. Let’s pretend that this post is about you and your bestie going out for Sunday brunch. I wonder if the Duchesses had brunch before Wimbledon. Probably.

What makes these looks royal

  • Being a more casual event, this looks have a little more pizzazz than the typical demure looks we see
  • Kate’s look has two fun details: the dot pattern (doesn’t it remind you of little tennis balls!) and the draping details
  • Meghan is serving us some classic Americana in blue striped button down and wide-legged white trousers

Picks for a princess

Unfortunately we can’t buy Kate’s bespoke Jenny Peckham, but we can cruise the website to see some serious fashion. Here are some luxe alternatives: the Zac Posen dress has a fun pattern on a white background, a similar knee length, and subtle draping details. The Chiara Boni white dress has more stand-out draping. Did you know that Kate is the royal patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club? This post is now ‘How to Dress like a Royal Patron.” I think that is a little extra fancy.

Feather-Print Cap-Sleeve Dress
Zac Posen Feather-Print Cap-Sleeve Dress; $1,290
Kloty Asymmetric Ruffle Cocktail Dress
Chiara Boni; $695

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Going like hotcakes on the Ralph Lauren website! Ouch those prices hurt me a little bit, but talk about a look with impact! I don’t think Meghan is a royal patron yet, but I’m sure her time will come. As will mine, and yours.

Striped Cotton Shirt
Ralph Lauren Striped Cotton Shirt; $590
Charmain Silk Wide-Leg Pant
Ralph Lauren Charmain Silk Wide-Leg Pant; $1,690

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picks for a Peasant

Great, summery peasant picks! I could wear any of these being patron of my backyard pool.

Tonal Dot Dress
Betsey Johnson Tonal Dot Dress; $138
Dottie Ruffle Midi Dress by Lost + Wander | LIT Boutique
Lost + Wander Dottie Ruffle Midi Dress; $120
White & Black Dotted Organza Georgia Swing Dress
Unique Vintage 1950s Style White & Black Dotted Organza Georgia Swing Dress; $110

 

And now for Meghan’s separates. I have to say, this is an extremely accessible look! You can find a blue striped button down basically anywhere (here are just two). And those pants are so similar from Kohl’s- I’m floored!

Classic Relaxed Striped Tunic for Women
Old Navy Classic Relaxed Striped Tunic for Women; $19.97
Subtle Striped Button-Back Shirt
Chico’s Subtle Striped Button-Back Shirt; $85.50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Belted Crepe Wide-Leg Pants
Macy’s Belted Crepe Wide-Leg Pants; $34.30
Women's Jennifer Lopez Midrise Wide-Leg Satin Dress Pants
Kohl’s Midrise Wide-Leg Satin Dress Pants; $21.99

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you the Kate or the Meghan for your BFF brunch? I’d say I’m the Kate in the Lost + Wander dress. I don’t usually lean towards separates but I may take a trip to Old Navy and Kohl’s and give this look a shot, because why not! And if I’m being a patron of the backyard pool after brunch I probably need a wardrobe change anyway.

Meghan at the Commonwealth Youth Forum

Duchess Meghan was a ray of sunshine in a yellow midi dress by Brandon Maxwell at the Commonwealth Youth Forum. Kensington Palace reminds us that 60% of the Commonwealth’s population is aged under 30. That number is around 40% for the US. Young people need to use their voice- check your voter registration, buy a yellow dress, and get ready to vote in November. I bet Meghan would also tell you to vote.

What makes this look royal

  • The color is the sole “wow” accent for the dress
  • Clean lines
  • Midi length

Picks for a princess

It is not shocking that in the week after Meghan wore this dress, it sold out across the internet. You can add it to your wish list here, but I have no idea what your odds are for it making a return. This Oscar de la Renta dress is the backup (and still fabulous) pick for a princess.

Sleeveless Crepe Sheath Dress
Oscar de la Renta Sleeveless Crepe Sheath Dress; $1,890

Picks for a peasant

This dress is SO fun and SO affordable. Treat yourself to it now, hang it in your closet, and put a note on it that says “wear on voting day and not before.” Then what a great day of democracy and style you will have!

GABRIELLE UNION COLLECTION - YELLOW HALTER SWEATER DRESS
NY & Co Gabrielle Union Collection Yellow Dress; $55.96

This dress is also a phenomenal choice- and again at a lovely price point. As an added bonus it is made by Everlane, which is an ethically run company that champions transparency and quality. It’s also an American company based in California. It’s simple, clean lines and vibrant colors are reminiscent of Meghan’s look, and as an added bonus: POCKETS.

Everlane
Everlane Clean Cotton Twist-Back Dress; $75

This one is only a match on two fronts- the length and the color. But it is so darn pretty I couldn’t leave it out. What a great choice for any summer event- YOU can be the ray of sunshine at the party!

Antonio Melani Heinrich Lace Midi Dress
Antonio Melani @ Dillard’s; $169

Tell me which is your favorite! This one is a toughy- I am torn between the Everlane and the lace dress at Dillard’s. If I find two elections to vote in, does that mean I can get both?

Meghan in Ireland II

A beautiful dress to wear in a beautiful country! Travel to Ireland and you will not be disappointed. Do it wearing a sleek and simple Emilia Wickstead black, square neck, midi dress and you will not disappoint Ireland!

What makes this look royal

  • A solid neutral color
  • Below-the-knee-length
  • Flattering fit and flare sillouhette
  • Are you sensing patterns yet?

Picks for a princess

Talk about not disappointing, this dress is love. The square neck is perfect with the thick straps and fluted midi skirt really makes this dress a class act. Setting the standards high, Duchess Meghan!

Max Mara at Net-A-Porter
Max Mara Fluted wool-blend midi dress; $1,150

 Picks for a peasant

This great little black dress from Banana Republic. The similar neckline and straps mimic the feeling of the dress- just add a belt! Visiting Ireland tip: add a black leather jacket. I swear every woman I saw on Friday night in Dublin was rocking a black leather jacket.

Banana Republic
Banana Republic Square-Neck Bi-Stretch Sheath Dress; $108.99

This ModCloth A-line dress also has a square neckline and thick straps, and is more true to the fit and flare silhouette worn by the Duchess. A few more inches in length would make it spot-on, but its a great pick nonetheless! Wear your black leather jacket for a night out, or put on flats and go tour Blarney Castle. And forget kissing a stone- Blarney Castle has 60 acres of gardens to explore so gear up to spend some serious walking time!

ModCloth
ModCloth Square Neck Sleeveless A-Line Dress in Black; $24.99

What’s fun about this dress style is you can go into so many stores (in person or online) and look for a coverall/overall/apron/pinafore dress. Any of these styles are likely to have a square neckline and thicker straps. Instead of the typical white shirt you might usually seen worn under these, put on a black bandeau bralette and you will stun (and stay cool!) all summer long. This is perhaps not a royal look, but we’ll let it slide because you will look so darn cute rocking it.

PrettyLittleThing
Martine Black Denim Pinafore Dress; $38
Layering Knit Bandeau
Forever21 Knit Bandeau; $4.90
Pinafore Midi Dress
Forever21 Pinafore Midi Dress; $24.90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whats your favorite pick? I have to say that Max Mara dress rocks my world. My backup pick is the black overalls dress with black bralette for the pure VERSATILITY of it. There are an infinite host of places to dress up or down any of these royally-inspired little black dresses.

Peasant Tips 101

Princess taste but a peasant budget? Me too! Here are some tips to stretch your dollar and still get the royal look:

Thrift

Thrifting is so fun! Go to your local thrift stores. You never know what you will find- I have scored phenomenal designer dresses with the tags still on, and at my favorite thrift spot all dresses are $7. It cannot be beat.

Remember that thrift stores sell only what local people bring in. Depending on where you live, it may be worth it to try a thrift store in a “fancier” town nearby or your closest big city.

If you are looking for something specific it is very unlikely you will find it in a thrift store, especially if you are seeking a certain designer. Using an online thrift store like ThredUp allows you to search a nation-wide inventory AND specify a designer. GO TRY IT- Dior, Halston Heritage, Zac Posen, Roland Mouret…it is all there!

Discount Stores

Take some time to flip the racks at T.J. Maxx, Marshall’s, Ross, Burlington Coat Factory, etc. These types of stores usually get their inventory when designers make too much, other stores buy to much, stores cancel orders, and other such retail mishaps. Shopping at discount stores is kind of thrifting-plus. The clothes are new, but inventory changes constantly and they will not necessarily have items in multiple sizes. Take the time to dig around and you can find some seriously good buys.

Sales

Most things go on sale eventually. Start shopping in the sale section first. If you are dressing like a royal, it won’t matter if the styles are not the most current, because you will be picking out timeless, classic pieces- not trendy items with lots of frills and details.

If you’re very lucky (or check your favorite sites often) you will get lucky and find half off of clearance sales. Nothing better than a sale on top of a sale!

Buy out of season

In stores ‘summer’ ends with the 4th of July. There are still at a minimum two months of summer left as of early July. The clothes you will be wearing now will often be considered ‘last season’ by retailers. Take advantage of this. Sometimes you may get really lucky and find the perfect double-breasted, fit-and-flare winter jacket in July on clearance, and I say go for it! Duchess Kate re-wears her winter coats year to year and we all should to.

Most importantly, remember our How to Dress like a Royal principles

  • Always buy clothes that fit properly
  • Focus on solid colors and neutrals
  • Pick an item with ONE detail (an asymmetrical drape, a belt, a bold color….but NOT all of these at the same time)
  • Pick pieces that are knee- or midi-length
  • Timeless silhouettes: a fit-and-flare or sheath dress never goes out of style

Meghan at the Royal Air Force Centenary

The royal family attended the hundredth anniversary service for the Royal Air Force, and Meghan turned the fashion dial up to max in a long sleeved, navy, fit-and-flare dress by Dior. I do not seem to attend many centenaries or Royal Air Force events, but I do go to the airport. And maybe at the airport I want to feel like our modern day Audrey Hepburn, which turns out to be Duchess Meghan. I will save the fascinator for after I debark the plane, however.

 

What makes this look royal

  • The fit and cut of the dress is everything- no embellishments
  • Except that FASCINATOR

Picks for a princess

This long sleeved black dress by Rani Arabella features a bateau neckline, long sleeves, and a flared skirt. It is simple, classy, and beautiful, but it also costs several times more than my flight.

Knit Dress w/Lace Long Sleeves, Black
Rani Arabella via Bergdorf Goodman; $1,345

 

Picks for a peasant

A pricey peasant-pick, maybe more for a lady-in-waiting, but a stunning alternative to the look we seek to emulate. This dress is fully princess perfect with the bateau neckline, long sleeves, fit-and-flare, and midi length. So flattering I can hardly stand it!

Three Quarter Sleeved Black Lace Fit and Flare Midi Dress
Robe Plus black lace dress; $279.99

 

This pick from Asos is a navy, midi dress with a bardot neckline (I think I see a neckline lesson coming in our future). At this price, this dress is a steal- pick it up to wear to weddings this year.

True Violet bardot midi skater dress
True Violet bardot midi skater dress; on sale for $72 @ Asos

 

This Free People dress is a more casual take on the look. A look I might actually sport at the airport. Longer dresses are great for travel days because no one actually wants to touch any surfaces on an airplane. This dress could easily be dressed up or down to add versatility to your wardrobe.

Anywhere Midi Dress
Free People Midi Dress; on sale for $49.95

 

Fascinators

Fascinators are actually quite easy to find and inexpensive! Remember to match your fascinator color to your dress color. No navy dress with a black fascinator. Another great place to find a fascinator is Etsy. If you are having trouble finding a fascinator for a certain look, Etsy sellers are often willing to work with you to customize pieces as well. Etsy is about craftsmanship and the sellers love creating their items.

Scala Crinoline Mesh Fascinator Headband
Village Hat Shop; $80
FeiYu Crafts Cocktail Feather Mesh Net Sinamay Fascinator Hat with Clip
Amazon.com Fascinator; $14.99

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to dress like a royal: Keep it simple. Understated. Maybe the dress that looks a little boring on the hanger looks GREAT on you. Everything except your hat. Feel free to go CRAZY with that fascinator pick.

Comment with your favorite Duchess-inspired look from this post. I’m choosing the navy Asos dress and am heading over to Etsy to find my fascinator. September weddings here I come!

Meghan in Ireland

As the Duke and Duchess tour Ireland, Meghan was seen in this taupe draped dress. What will you wear when you ring a peace bell? I like to think of every bell as a peace bell. Even the one I ring every night to call my family to dinner (I might, you don’t know).

 

What makes this look royal

  • The neutral solid color
  • The below-the-knee length
  • The front drape (only one detail!)

Picks for a princess

For the true princess look, go right to the source with a Roland Mouret. Even though Meghan’s exact dress isn’t listed, the silhouette and draping will not disappoint. I would wear every dress that Roland Mouret makes if I had a princess budget. Just every day no matter what I was doing, you would see one. How classy would I look picking tomatoes from the garden? 

Barwick Dress
Roland Mouret Barwick Dress; £1,350

Picks for a peasant

Since we do not all have the princess budget, here are some picks that will capture aspects of the look:

To emulate the taupe-green color, below-the-knee length, and a draping detail, try this sleeveless dress from BCBGeneration

BCBGeneration; $78

If it’s the front drape detail that you seek, try this checked dress from Marks & Spencer

Cotton Rich Checked Cap Sleeve Skater Dress
Marks & Spencer; $81

And for a close overall feel (getting close to a princess budget $$), try this Halston Heritage one shoulder dress is sage with front draping detail

Halston One Shoulder Embellished Drape Dress
Halston Heritage; $325

Which dress are you choosing for when you ring your peace bell? I’m going with the BCBGeneration design for this one. A rare treat when the lowest price wins the day! How to dress like a royal: When being inspired by a look it doesn’t have to be an exact match. Pick a couple elements and find a piece that evokes the feel of the garment. Buy a dress and ring a bell in it- look great doing it!