Duchess Sophie's sweater vest and Burberry bag combination is on-trend 24 years later
This snapshot of Duchess Sophie wearing a sweater vest in the year 2000 proves trends always come back around
A series of photographs of Sophie the Duchess of Edinburgh taken back in 2000 show her wearing an outfit consisting of a cosy white sweater vest and a timeless Burberry handbag - and it's a look that wouldn't look out of place in 2024.
When it comes to building a capsule wardrobe, it can sometimes feel hard to distinguish between fashion fads that will soon go out of style rotation and pieces that will stand the test of time. But these old school snaps of Duchess Sophie appear to prove the theory that trends always come back eventually - with her year 2000 styling of a sleeveless, high-neck knit with a Burberry handbag not looking worlds away from something we'd wear this year.
Sweater vests have made it back in a big way in recent times (Meghan Markle styled a messy bun with a super chic black one recently) and they're set to be one of the key spring/summer 2024 fashion trends. So when we found these pictures of Duchess Sophie wearing the creamy sweater vest of dreams, we started taking notes on the rest of her look from 24 years ago.
Duchess Sophie was known as the Countess of Wessex at the time, having tied the knot with Prince Edward a year earlier in June 1999. The photographs, taken at The Royal Windsor Horse Show, show the married couple enjoying the May sunshine, with Sophie sporting a pair of chic oval-shaped sunglasses.
With her blonde hair cut into a Princess Diana-esque cropped style, Sophie teamed her crisp white sweater vest with a pair of tailored camel trousers - perfectly complimenting the tones with her Burberry tote bag in the British label's distinctive House Check. When it comes to designer bags worth investing in, Burberrys are classics if you prefer to step away from quiet luxury and opt for a bolder statement - and we're sure Duchess Sophie still has this one in amongst her handbag collection.
Keeping it practical, Sophie opted for a pair of caramel coloured lace up brogues - and went simple with her jewellery too, choosing a golden, singular pendant necklace and subtle stud earrings.
Steal Duchess Sophie's Year 2000 Style
RRP: £15.99 (Was £32.99) | This ribbed Mango high-neck vest is perfect for styling in spring and is on sale now. With cosy wool blend and a flattering fit, it'll be a wardrobe essential during the in-between seasons.
RRP: £1,290 | A timeless classic featuring the unmistakable Burberry check, it's little wonder these have been a beloved go-to for designer bag fans for decades.
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.
Caitlin is News Editor for woman&home, covering all things royal, celeb, fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Caitlin started on local papers and titles such as Cosmopolitan, Now, Reveal and Take a Break while studying for her Multimedia Journalism degree. She also worked in Fashion PR as a Press Assistant for Arcadia's Topshop before becoming a part of the Now team. Caitlin went on to add the likes of Woman, GoodtoKnow, WhatToWatch and woman&home to her writing repertoire before moving on to her current role.
-
Kate Middleton's Zara boucle blazer is the affordable and chic solution to our need for a timeless autumn jacket
The Princess of Wales has the Zara Textured Blazer in multiple gorgeous designs
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Pour Moi Definitions Multiway Strapless Bra Review: "A supportive bra that will keep your boobs in place"
If you are looking for a bra to wear with bandeau, halterneck or asymmetric tops, this is the perfect solution, even if you have big boobs
By Julie Player Published
-
Duchess Sophie's Puma trainers are the lowest price we've seen - such a bargain for a cool royal-approved shoe staple
Duchess Sophie's Puma trainers are a huge bargain right now and they add a elevated yet relaxed feel to an outfit with minimal fuss
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie is the picture of bold elegance in dark florals with candy pink nails
The Duchess of Edinburgh's sophisticated outfit proved that florals and shades of pink work just as well in autumn as they do in summer
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie's terracotta pink jumper and T-shirt hybrid is the style solution we need in the current weather - it’s the perfect outfit base
Duchess Sophie's knitted top is the perfect staple to build a outfit around and the earthy pink shade is a brilliant alternative to jewel tones
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie's head-to-toe tweed power suit proves it's easier than you think to be both polished and cosy this season
The Duchess of Edinburgh's power suit was the perfect blend of warmth and style for autumnal engagements and we're copying this look
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie just wore a fabulous burgundy blouse and matching heels - her take on this season’s must-have colour is so timeless
The Duchess of Edinburgh has embraced burgundy and we're taking inspiration from her about styling this on-trend shade so elegantly
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie missed out on title not held by royal for over 100 years after Queen Elizabeth 'granted' an unusual request
Duchess Sophie reportedly almost received a very different title to Countess of Wessex when she married Prince Edward in June 1999
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie’s emerald green wide-leg trousers and longline grey coat outfit was a masterclass in styling jewel tones and neutrals for autumn
The Duchess of Edinburgh isn't afraid to blend brighter shades and neutrals and did it in style at the zoo in 2022 with this gorgeous outfit
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie’s khaki trench coat dress is the perfect autumn layering piece - if you haven’t embraced muted greens yet you soon will
The Duchess of Edinburgh's sleeveless green trench coat dress was a gorgeous 2023 look that would work beautifully for autumn too
By Emma Shacklock Published