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If I had to guess what the Duchess of Edinburgh’s favourite season to dress for is, it would have to be summer. From her love of floral frocks to her affinity for pastel pink and espadrilles, this time of year suits Sophie’s signature style to a tee.
She has so many gorgeous occasionwear looks but if I had to pick my favourite summer outfit she’s worn it has to be her Wild Bloom midi dress from British clothing brand ME+EM and her crochet bag. This combination is more understated and she wore it to the Hampton Court Garden Festival last June with white wedges.
The baby blue dress had a high round neckline with a subtle keyhole detail and short puffed sleeves. The bodice was fitted and the skirt was A-line, creating a form-skimming silhouette.
For Royal Ascot and other big events the Duchess of Edinburgh tends to go for more voluminous floral dresses and I love that this one was streamlined. It still felt elegant but in a slightly more relaxed way. This is why I think a floral dress like Sophie’s would be such a useful piece for a summer capsule wardrobe, as it can be made smarter with heels for a summer wedding as well as being styled more casually.
Running all over the frock was delicate orange and pink floral detailing and the final effect was like an illustration. These kinds of intricate patterns add a sophisticated edge compared to ditsy florals which can sometimes be a bit twee, or splashy florals which are more abstract.
Another reason this is my favourite Sophie summer outfit is because of how she brought some fun into it with her bag. She could have gone for a matching blue clutch or a neutral top handle bag but instead she opted for a tan and blue bucket bag.
The Capri design by Sophie Habsburg also features a distinctive gold circular handle and the mix of the raffia and floral crochet materials works perfectly for summer. Worn with her timeless dress, it brought a beachy, playful element.
The blue tied in with the piping on the waistband of her frock and Sophie has worn this crochet bag countless times over the years, including to Peter and Harriet Phillips’ wedding in early June. It’s her go-to for this time of year and it’s amazing how textured accessories like this can change how an outfit feels and make them more low-key.
She finished off her Garden Festival look with white espadrille wedges and the jute sole coordinated with the raffia sections of her handbag. A pairing like this can be styled with so many different looks and there’ll be a natural sense of cohesion.
Although Duchess Sophie’s collection of wedges includes pairs that tie up around your ankles she generally prefers straps which mean she doesn’t have to worry about them coming undone. Flat espadrilles, sandals or even white trainers would also work with this kind of outfit depending on the occasion and how much walking you’re doing.
Sophie was out for hours, viewing The Community Brain ‘Willow Woman’ Fashion Garden and a fashion show by Kingston University’s graduate students. But she still found time to enjoy an ice cream in the sunshine in this stunning summer look!