No matter how far you get from the world of academia, September always feels like the start of a new school year. Today, even the Princess of Wales appeared swept up in the mood: she wore a neat tartan Alessandra Rich dress to make an unscheduled appearance alongside Prince William in Sunningdale, for a visit to the local Women’s Institute branch to mark the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
Despite having adopted a slightly more casual wardrobe this year, the Princess of Wales’s midi-dress – with its girlish puff sleeves, prim collar, and peplum effect waist – was on the smarter side, offering a polished take on uniform dressing that’s entirely aligned with her style ethos: quality, timeless staples and classic silhouettes.
Alessandra Rich’s polka dots have long been in a fixture in the Princess’s wardrobe – she’s worn the designer’s modern teadresses to both Wimbledon and Royal Ascot, as well as in royal family portraits. And when she’s in Balmoral mode – think skinny jeans, Barbour jackets, and the odd divisive baker boy hat – Kate enjoys introducing a splash of tartan.
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Consider Kate’s timeless silhouette a modern take on back-to-school dressing. Your nostalgic nods to school uniform (adult women coopted Mary Jane flats and Pointelle socks from the playground a while ago now) won’t veer into costume territory if you, like the Princess, keep things classic.