We'll never ditch white summer suits, but Duchess Sophie's blush pink tailoring is the alternative to try - and it's Kate Middleton-esque

When you think of summer tailoring you might imagine breezy linen blazers and flowy trousers, but there’s a new go-to shade in town.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh takes part in the 'Pol Roger Meet of The British Driving Society' carriage driving parade on day 4 of The Royal Windsor Horse Show
(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

The Duchess of Edinburgh might have been reaching for powder blue pieces a lot but I don’t believe pink will be replaced as her favourite shade to wear.

Duchess Sophie stepped out in a particularly fabulous pink outfit in Liverpool on 19th May when she visited the Royal School for the Blind. Women’s trouser suits are a smart alternative to dresses and she wore one from Theory in a blush shade.

The co-ord was such a delicate tone of pink and this made it feel quite understated. If you’re not confident with styling pink, opting for a paler or more muted hue like that of Duchess Sophie’s suit can help to make it less intimidating.

Warm neutrals like tan, brown, cream and ecru complement these kinds of pinks and the Duchess of Edinburgh kept to this colour palette with the rest of her outfit in Liverpool. She tucked an ivory floral shirt into her trousers and went for matching accessories.

Her belt was a Mulberry Logo Plate belt in white leather and her Jimmy Choo kitten heels were a similar colour. I love how these pieces subtly contrasted against the pink and the suit balanced the feminine colour with crisp design.

Duchess Sophie’s blazer was single breasted and structured to perfection. Her trousers were straight-leg and had a sharp crease down the front for added definition.

Catherine, Princess of Wales visits The Foundling Museum on May 25, 2023 in London

(Image credit: Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty)

Both the shape and colour of this set reminded me instantly of the Princess of Wales’s blossom pink Alexander McQueen co-ord. Like her aunt-in-law, Kate tends to pair her suit with white accessories and staples.

Hers is a slightly brighter shade of pink, but the same styling principles apply to both. When you’re investing in a suit you want to get a lot of wear out of it and although they make great formal and smart-casual outfits, they’re not limited to this.

Blazers can be thrown over day frocks or worn with jeans and white trainers and sporty footwear also works with tailored trousers. Their casualness dresses down a suit, but Duchess Sophie went for something more polished for her visit.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh attends a concert to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day at Horse Guards Parade on May 08, 2025

(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

She was there in her role as Patron of the Royal School for the Blind Charity and got to spend an afternoon with members of staff and students. She learnt more about how they’re helping to re-frame people’s perceptions of visual impairment.

Her suit was clearly comfortable as well as looking stunning as she threw herself into several fun activities like table cricket. She also wrote in braille and heard how the charity is supporting the next generation of teachers and carers.

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. She specialises in the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!