Carole Middleton's white cargo trousers are a comfy jeans alternative for autumn - and they’re perfect with practical jackets
Utilitarian trousers can be paired with everything from knitwear to hiking gear and Carole wore hers for a trip to Wales
Carole Middleton is known for her elegant midi dresses and espadrilles at events like Ascot and Wimbledon but she's just as chic when she goes for more casual outfits. In June, she was there when the Princess of Wales completed the National Three Peaks Challenge and dressed practically in cargo trousers and a water-resistant jacket.
If you want an alternative to jeans for unpredictable weather then something utilitarian like these is a very comfortable option. Carole's trousers were by J.Crew and had a straight-leg silhouette, with a high-rise waist and handy pockets on the side.
They were a soft white tone and although cargo trousers can feel quite casual, monochrome hues are easier to elevate with a smart top and boots. These shades are just more understated, though chocolate brown and khaki green cargos are also incredibly popular.
Shop Carole's Style
Carole Middleton's exact cargo trousers are out of stock at J.Crew but these make a chic alternative. Currently on sale, they come in ivory and in navy, and are inspired by classic workwear. They're made from cotton canvas with a high-rise waist and tapered leg. The knee panels and painter's loop give the design extra utilitarian flair.
These white trousers are mid-rise and have a tapered leg. They come in regular and petite versions and are designed to be ankle-grazer length. The side and patch pockets are practical and the belt loops mean you can accessorise them easily. Style with knitwear and boots for autumn.
Affordable and available in multiple different shades, these cargo trousers are a comfy staple you can pair with everything from T-shirts to knitwear. They're crafted from a cotton blend material which has plenty of stretch and the waistband is elasticated too. Pockets tick a key box for the cargo trend and the legs are tapered.
This gorgeous green quilted jacket is lightweight, water-resistant and has a ribbed waist. The On The Move Jacket is part of Sweaty Betty's HeatProtect collection and has a mid-rating for thermal protection. Two side slip pockets are handy and the double ended zip makes this a breeze to layer with.
Made with a seam-sealed construction and a soft mesh lining, this jacket is waterproof and breathable - a perfect combination for autumn weather. An adjustable storm hood and hem offers extra coverage and you can pack it easily. It comes in a few other colours, from pastels to versatile neutrals.
This M&S jacket has a neat collared neckline and a practical button-up front. It's lightly padded and partially lined, with two welt pockets at the waist. Throw on with everything from jeans to jumper dresses as the colder weather draws in.
The more neutral the colour, the less you have to worry about potential colour clashes and even though white trousers might sound too summery for the season, they go with everything. The Princess of Wales's mum used hers as a timeless outfit base and paired them with an olive green jacket from Swedish outdoor brand Fjällräven.
The future Queen also wore one of their jackets for her hike and Carole's was water and wind resistant, with a zip-up front and hood. Blending practicality and style is the key to creating wearable autumn outfit ideas and Carole proved that you can dress for rainy weather in a sophisticated way.
With waterproof or resistant jackets, I'd advise going for very simple designs rather than bold colours that immediately scream "practicality".
That way you can mix and match them in with everyday looks as well as those for walking or hiking like Carole and Kate. If you've got a boxy shaped jacket, consider wearing more streamlined trousers with them to balance out your frame and proportions.
Carole Middleton's straight-leg trousers are a great mid-point between wide-leg and streamlined cuts and so they're easy to pair with different coats. The soft contrast between the olive green and white tones brought dimension to her ensemble in Wales and she added a baker boy hat and CMT Rigel Low hiking shoes.
We got a glimpse of her full outfit in the second picture in a post shared by her son James to mark Kate's achievement.
It makes sense that Carole wanted clothing that kept her warm and comfy outside, though you could swap walking shoes for simple white trainers instead. Meanwhile, to take cargo trousers from day to night, add a pair of heeled leather boots, a sleek jumper and your favourite bag.
They're a fashion-forward alternative to denim and you can wear them for everything from autumn strolls to Sunday Roasts with friends. Like the rest of her family, Carole Middleton is a big fan of getting out in the fresh air so she'll probably be re-wearing this style formula for hikes or walks over the next few months.
