Duchess Sophie's zesty green midi dress proves that stepping outside your colour comfort zone doesn’t have to be daunting
Burnt orange, chocolate brown and burgundy are always chic for autumn but this is something a little more fun - and still wearable
The Duchess of Edinburgh has taken a break from cold weather outfits for her solo royal visit to Zambia but the zesty green tone of her dress on Day 1is perfect for autumn at home too. The ARoss Girl x Soler design has been in her collection for a little while and it makes a lovely change from autumn/winter fashion colour trends like brown, berry and tomato red.
As much as I love these neutrals for their versatility, sometimes it's nice to switch things up and nothing brightens up a grey day quite like a pop of colour. The idea of styling vibrant shades can be daunting, but Duchess Sophie took a few simple steps to make it easier as she attended the Orbis Eye Health Reception in Lusak.
Shop Zesty Green Favourites
This Boden knit is a slightly deeper shade of green compared to the Duchess of Edinburgh's dress but it's equally gorgeous for the season. The thick ribbed trims are a bold addition and I'd style it with chocolate tones and denim. It's crafted from merino wool which makes it cosy and breathable when you're layering it under coats and jackets.
This affordable jumper is made with a hint of wool for a cosy finish and has a streamlined silhouette and collared neckline. The contrast button placket is a chic detail and ribbed trims add polish. Tuck into your favourite jeans or trousers and throw on a pair of neutral boots for an easy everyday look.
With the elegance of a co-ord and the ease of a dress, this frock is cosy and stunning for autumn date nights and smarter occasions. It's also still available in ivory and would look so sophisticated paired with black or brown knee-high boots and a long coat. It's got a subtle ribbed texture and the batwing style sleeves are comfy and draped.
Staples To Wear With Green
A great pair of comfortable ankle boots can be re-worn season to season with so many different pieces and these ones are made from smooth leather. They have an angled block heel and a chisel toe for a Western-inspired style. Stitch detailing on the sides accentuates this and a pull tab at the back is so practical.
Available in five different lengths, these jeans are so comfortable and I recently bought the black colourway after owning two shades of blue for years. The neutral tone would work well with a vibrant green jumper or top and mellow it slightly. The jeans are high-waisted and the denim has a hint of stretch too.
Knee-high boots are a staple style for the Royal Family for autumn/winter and the tan shade of these Boden ones would look stunning against bold green. If you prefer deeper neutrals then the design also comes in black and dark brown. They've got a low block heel and are made from stretchy faux suede.
The dress had a graceful V-neckline and short puffed sleeves with subtle gathering to accentuate the feminine shape. The skirt flared out from the bodice and the contrasting purple belt accentuated the waist and added more structure to the flowing silhouette.
The Duchess's dress wasn't the exact shade of green on the Zambian flag, though it could've been a nod to it, and it was a brighter take on olive. The colour had a warm yellow-based undertone that works beautifully with other warm colours like brown, camel or even burnt orange - all of which are very classically autumnal.
As much as I love muted khaki or olive, Sophie's dress felt slightly more fun as an alternative and she made this zesty hue more wearable by keeping the rest of her outfit for the reception very minimal. It sounds simple but this is a trick the royals use so often.
They let the brighter tone stand out and don't overcomplicate things, usually going for black, camel or brown for the rest of their clothing and accessories. Sophie re-wore her Penelope Chilvers espadrille wedges in "putty" which is a very subtle beige.
Her jewellery was all yellow gold and she didn't carry a handbag or add a jacket with this frock. If she had needed an extra layer, I'd imagine she'd pick a beige blazer to tie in with her shoes. Another way the Duchess of Edinburgh made the dress colour more wearable was by going for a totally timeless silhouette.
When you're styling citrus green it's just easier if you're not also trying to balance a statement design too. I'm tempted to incorporate it into my own autumn outfit ideas but would probably pick a jumper or shirt instead. Tops are a smaller part of an overall outfit so they're less likely to dominate it, even if they're bright.
A cosy green jumper would look stunning with jeans and brown boots or trainers as an everyday outfit and is a different way to bring an autumnal feel. The Duchess of Edinburgh wanted to look more elevated and elegant for the reception and so went for her tried-and-tested midi and wedges pairing instead.
During the event she delivered a speech and met with delegates in her capacity as Patron of the charity Orbis UK and Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). The reception was co-hosted by IAPB and Orbis and highlighted important work being done globally to combat avoidable sight loss.
