Today’s Monday Memory takes us back almost seven years to October 10, 2017. Kate was pregnant with Louis and had been out of commission all of September with her HG morning sickness. This was her first engagement as she eased back into public duties. It was actually a much faster return than I anticipated, too, which made it a doubly exciting event.
Sporting the blue and black colors of her HeadsTogether initiative, Kate joined William and Harry to mark World Mental Health Day with a reception at Buckingham Palace. It’s so odd to see Harry in royal pictures. How quickly we adjust to the new reality.
For this event, the Princess chose Temperley's "Eclipse Lace Collar Dress," which the company described at the time as "a modern take on the lace dress underpinned by the season's Elizabethan influence." I did not realize this style was Elizabethan, but I was totally on board to brand it that way when I read Temperley’s description.
I loved everything about this dress when Kate debuted it, and I still love it today. I guess it is dated, because those high collars and ruffled sleeves really were “a look” that fashion has moved on from. I don’t know, though, could you get away with this today? Will this style come back?
Kate’s accessories were also classic favorites. She wore blue topaz earrings from Kiki McDonough, her black Gianvito Rossi pumps, and carried her Mulberry Bayswater clutch. I really miss seeing Kate wear more Kiki. This dress might technically be dated, but she can bring back these sparklers any time.
When I was pregnant last year, I thought a lot about my critiques of Kate’s pregnancy fashion over the years. I always thought (and I still think) that she really struggled with maternity wear. What I found out when I was pregnant, though, was that I also struggled with maternity wear. It’s hard! I have a lot more sympathy for Kate now. She had some real misses, but she also had some smash hits, and this was certainly a smash hit in my book.
We are still sick over here at my house, but I am gearing up to chat about Meghan’s fashion on Instagram this week. Drop in if you are interested!
I still like the dress and I think Kate could wear it again, should she wish, though it would lead to rumours about a new pregnancy. The dress is a beautiful colour, it suits her and is in her “wheelhouse”, whereas others (like me) would look like I was going out in my nightie 😂 Pregnancy dressing is hard, especially if you aren’t feeling well, and I found my shape changed more frequently that I expected. Finding work appropriate clothes that weren’t too twee was difficult (my baby is 25 now). I hope everyone in your house is fully recovered very soon 🌸
I love that dress! I think with a few adjustments she could wear it today.