Duchess Sophie's vanilla-toned knitted dress and chocolate knee-highs are a deliciously cosy combination for winter
A warm jumper dress and boots is a timeless outfit for evenings out or times when jeans just won't do
It's so easy to keep wearing our warmest wool jumpers and comfy jeans throughout the winter but there are times when you want to look and feel a bit more put-together. As we edge closer to Christmas these moments will arise more and more often, so having a failsafe elegant outfit is so helpful.
The royals are experts at keeping warm whilst looking chic and I love what the Duchess of Edinburgh wears to the Princess of Wales's Together at Christmas concert, particularly her 2022 look. Sophie stepped out in a long cream coat by Max Mara with a midi jumper dress and knee-high boots.
This combination is such a classic, as you're essentially just wearing a long jumper and yet the frock and footwear together are so leg-elongating and feminine.
Shop Duchess Sophie's Cosy Style
If you're looking for a smart coat to complete your evening looks throughout the winter months then this is a gorgeous option. It's double-breasted and has a structured design with peaked lapels and a chest pocket. There's a lining and buttoned cuffs as well as a rear vent.
Crafted from a soft viscose-rich blend that drapes beautifully, this knitted dress is a throw-on-and-go outfit with a pair of comfy boots. There are seams around the waist and the flared midi-length skirt creates a defined, feminine shape.
These Next knee-high boots are available in half sizes and in black as well as this tan brown tone. They've got almond-shaped toes, chunky block heels and are made from leather. The brand's Forever Comfort® inner lining adds cushioning too.
Made from a wool-blend material, this straight-cut coat is currently on sale and is utterly timeless. The notched lapel collar adds a polished feel and there are two handy side pockets. It's double-breasted and would look lovely with jeans and a jumper as well as with smarter pieces.
Knitted dresses like this one are an easy and chic option when you want to keep toasty but feel elegant. The design features a rounded neckline, long sleeves and ribbed detailing all over. The column shape creates a streamlined silhouette and there are pearlescent buttons running down the front.
Made from soft suede, these knee-high boots have a wide block heel, rounded toe and decorative stitching. The colour is easy to incorporate into a range of different outfits and the height means they'd work particularly well with midi dresses and skirts.
The Duchess's dress was by British clothing brand, Reiss, and had a roll-neckline for extra warmth. She added a leather belt and this trick is particularly great when you've got a chunky or oversized knitted dress as it adds definition to your waist.
Although many of her fellow royals tend to wear classic festive colours like red or green to Kate's carol service, Sophie went for head-to-toe neutrals in 2022 and her frock was a vanilla-beige shade.
Because a dress like this is the main base of a winter outfit, if it's muted then it makes styling easier and you can mix and match different accessories easily. Her boots were crafted from chocolate leather and brown is a must-have colour trend for the season, so I expect to see the Duchess of Edinburgh re-wearing these a lot this year too.
She is a pro at walking in stiletto heels but if you're less of a fan then I'd recommend sticking to either block heeled knee-highs or flat ones. No matter what, you'll still have that long, flowing shape and coverage offering plenty of warmth.
With a jumper dress draped over the top you're onto a winner and Duchess Sophie showed that mixing and matching different neutrals together can be just as striking as wearing bright colours.
The rich brown boots against the creamy dress and even paler white coat all complemented each other beautifully and if she'd gone for black knee-highs instead the contrast might've looked a little too stark.
The senior royal finished off her festive style with an animal print clutch bag and some pearl drop earrings for a touch more glamour. It was a simple outfit and one that you could wear on repeat year after year thanks to its timelessness.
The stars of the show might not immediately look like the dress and boots but they're the pieces Sophie built her look around. She wore this combination to a royal carol service and it would be perfect for so many other occasions too, from date nights, to relaxed parties and Sunday roasts with friends throughout the colder months.
