Duchess Sophie's chocolate-brown jeans are the scrumptious alternative to blue denim I’m adding into my style rotation

She layered up in the rain on Day 1 of the Royal Windsor Horse Show but these jeans could easily be made more summery too

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh smiles as she attends day 1 of The Royal Windsor Horse Show 2026
(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

You can't go wrong with a pair of comfortable jeans and although spring/summer is the season of white jeans outfits, Duchess Sophie has made a strong case for brown tones instead. She braved the rain on Day 1 of the Royal Windsor Horse Show and brought three different jackets, all worn over a white shirt and wide-leg jeans.

This is a classic smart-casual outfit combination and her jeans look to be the GAP brown corduroy ones. They're sold out but they have a relaxed wide-leg silhouette and high-rise waist. Unlike a lot of corduroy trousers, these didn't have ribbed detailing which tends to add a wintery feel.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh attends day 1 of The Royal Windsor Horse Show 2026

(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Recreate Duchess Sophie's Outfit

It goes with so much and as it's softer than black or navy, you can easily pair brown jeans with light tones. The Duchess of Edinburgh's crisp white shirt was tucked into her jeans and she tied the two contrasting tones together even more with her mottled light brown blazer.

A full tonal outfit like this is always going to feel polished, as all the shades complement each other perfectly. Brown jeans also more closely resemble trousers and this makes them a little smarter than blue denim for those occasions where you want to be comfy yet elevated.

The Royal Windsor Horse Show is one of these events for Duchess Sophie, who is there to enjoy the show rather than undertaking a royal engagement. Her blazer was the heritage woven jacket by British clothing brand ME+EM and it had multiple pockets for a utility-inspired edge.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh rides in a golf buggy, driven by Simon Brooks-Ward, as she attends day 1 of The Royal Windsor Horse Show 2026

(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

A structured jacket like this helps to dress up denim and if you're wearing chocolate brown jeans like Sophie, I'd advise going for outerwear that is relatively neutral and not overly cool-toned. Cream, white and tan work well and with looser jeans, a fitted, cropped jacket is great for accentuating the waist and balancing proportions.

Streamlined jeans in turn look stunning with longline or oversized jackets. Given that she was dressing for sunshine one moment and rain the next, Sophie ditched her beloved espadrilles and wore tan suede boots to the show instead.

It's held in Home Park at Windsor Castle and block heels were a clever choice to avoid getting stuck in wet grass. As the weather got colder, Sophie added a white scarf, a padded jacket and a tan waterproof hooded coat. To give brown jeans more of a summery feel, style them with a T-shirt, Broderie Anglaise blouse or cami top and add your favourite white trainers.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh holds her coat and back as she attends day 1 of The Royal Windsor Horse Show 2026

(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

We tend not to see the Duchess dressing as casually as this when she's out in public, but who knows if she'll be wearing a similar look when the weather warms up again. Sophie certainly didn't let the May rain dampen her spirits at the horse show and was pictured beaming as she was driven in a golf cart by Simon Brooks-Ward who directs the RWHS.

Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward live at Bagshot Park which is less than half an hour's drive away from Windsor Castle, so it's not surprising that she often attends multiple days of the show and we could get plenty more outfit inspiration before it concludes.

Emma is a Royal Editor with nine years of experience in publishing. She specialises in writing about the British Royal Family, covering everything from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her extensive 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!

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