It's officially 'espadrille season' for Duchess Sophie as she steps out in dapper white blazer and timeless top handle bag
The Duchess of Edinburgh just wore the most sophisticated monochrome outfit and her accessories were the stars of the show


It’s officially “espadrille season” for Duchess Sophie as she stepped out in a dapper white blazer and timeless top handle bag.
When the warmer weather arrives we can’t help reaching for our best white trainers and favourite sandals but for a dressed-up look without the discomfort of stiletto heels it doesn’t come much more classic than espadrille wedges. They have more of a supportive heel that’s great for walking outside on different surfaces and it’s no surprise that the royals are big fans - including Duchess Sophie. Known for her sultry knee high boots in the winter, when summer comes around it’s time for her to bring back her espadrilles and she did just that on 15th May.
The Duchess of Edinburgh visited The Seashell Trust and attended a concert at Bridgewater Hall and for this sunny visit she went for a dapper white blazer and some stand-out accessories. Her espadrille wedges differed from Kate Middleton’s espadrilles by having a practical ankle strap rather than a tie-up detail.
Shop Espadrille Wedges Like Duchess Sophie's
They might have a tie up detail but otherwise these beautiful espadrille wedges are very similar to Duchess Sophie's. You can also buy them in a raspberry pink and a navy blue and they're crafted from soft suede with a classic jute sole.
Shop Top Handle Bags
Perfect for carrying all your essentials in the most stylish way, this top handle bag is currently reduced by 47% and it's well worth adding to your collection. The meringue shade is a lovely wearable option and the crossbody strap means you can wear this hands-free if you want to.
This ensured that her shoes remained secure on her feet throughout her day of engagements and she once again supported one of the best British clothing brands with her choice of Penelope Chilvers wedges. The rounded toe and strap were both a stunning - not to mention very neutral - white colour that subtly contrasted with the natural hue of the espadrille jute.
Espadrille wedges are a great day-to-night shoe to have in your summer capsule wardrobe and a royal fan declared on social media that it was “officially espadrille season” for Duchess Sophie, joking there would be “no shoes till November”. Although you can dress them down with a pair of jeans and a simple t-shirt, Duchess Sophie took a more formal fashion route with her fabulous white blazer from Altuzarra.
Tailored to perfection, the Indiana blazer was double-breasted with beautiful creamy white buttons down the front. It’s a signature style from the brand and is crafted from crease-resistant fabric with two front pockets and notched lapels. This jacket gave the Duchess of Edinburgh’s outfit a professional feel which worked with her Roland Mouret wide-leg trousers.
The black and white pattern drew the eye without being overwhelming and the fabric and tassel hems added softness and texture. The senior royal completed her look with a top handle bag from Valextra that we can’t help wishing was part of our accessory collection. Big enough for all the essentials, the strap is handily detectable and means you can effortlessly switch between wearing it as a crossbody or shoulder bag.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
It has a gold-tone clasp that elevates it even more and whilst Duchess Sophie’s is a soft ivory-white, it comes in a huge range of neutral, bright and pastel colours. Carrying it by the top handle, the Duchess looked incredibly professional and keeping to a monochrome colour palette is an effortless way to make an outfit look instantly put-together.
The Duchess of Edinburgh was in Greater Manchester to visit The Seashell Trust who provide support services to give children and young adults who have complex needs and additional communication challenges a secure and happy environment. During her visit Duchess Sophie listened to a music class, met members of staff, students and guests and rode an adaptive tricycle. Later on in the day she also went on to attend a concert held at Bridgewater Hall in her role as Patron of the Hallé Concerts.
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!
-
I tested out the cooling sheets that were on Dragon's Den and actually got too cold at night
Ethical Bedding's Eucalyptus Silk Sheets are the perfect option for hot sleepers. I haven't had a cooler night's sleep than on these sheets.
By Laura Honey
-
Everyone in New York is wearing a trending colourway that will elevate your everyday wardrobe, including Naomi Watts
Spotted head to toe in a rich, warm tan at the Ralph Lauren show, Watts shows us exactly why we should be investing in these classic hues
By Molly Smith
-
Forget-me-not blue is the pastel Duchess Sophie always comes back to - it might've overtaken pistachio as our favourite this season
The royals love wearing a range of colours for engagements and visits, but there are a few hues that each of them gravitate towards the most.
By Emma Shacklock
-
Don't let white jeans daunt you - Duchess Sophie's recent outfit shows they're just as versatile as blue denim
Blue jeans are a wardrobe must-have for so many of us but white denim has a reputation for being a lot more challenging to style.
By Emma Shacklock
-
Duchess Sophie’s added a dainty Missoma bracelet to her jewellery box and we're buying the exact same
Duchess Sophie wore one bracelet on repeat during her visit to Nepal and this stunning Missoma design is in our basket.
By Emma Shacklock
-
Kate Middleton and Duchess Sophie prove that buying items you love in multiple colours can really pay off
They've shown that having your favourite pieces in several shades can be so handy if they're true to your signature style
By Emma Shacklock
-
Duchess Sophie means business in powder blue power suit and reminds us tailoring can be fun as well as sophisticated
If you always thought tailoring was a little too corporate you might re-consider after seeing Duchess Sophie's fabulous pastel co-ord
By Emma Shacklock
-
Snake print wedges with lemon-drop-yellow? Duchess Sophie just showed us how it's done
The Duchess of Edinburgh has brought back one of her favourite dresses for the first time in 2025 and styled it with snake print shoes
By Emma Shacklock
-
Duchess Sophie's soothing sage walls and cream cabinets in Bagshot Park kitchen create a sense of calm cosiness
The Duchess of Edinburgh's royal kitchen is a calming space with soft green and cream tones and she once shared a glimpse of it
By Emma Shacklock
-
Duchess Sophie brings royal style to New York with chocolate brown blazer and pink satin shirt
The Duchess of Edinburgh was the epitome of smart sophistication in New York in her tailored blazer and contrasting shirt
By Emma Shacklock