Want a fool-proof summer outfit? Harriet Phillips has inspired us to go back to basics with her white midi and practical crossbody bag
This 2025 polo look wasn't overcomplicated and the simplicity is what makes it so chic and versatile
There are times for leisurely getting ready and others that call for a throw-on outfit that delivers instant elegance. The easiest summer uniform is a dress and comfortable sandals but after weeks of heatwaves, I feel like I need some inspiration.
Sometimes taking things back to basics is more striking than going bold and Princess Anne's daughter-in-law Harriet is great at this. Her signature style is unfussy and for last year's Royal Charity Polo Cup she wore a plain shirt dress with wedges and a crossbody bag.
A white or off-white dress isn't the most exciting piece you can have in a summer capsule wardrobe but it's one of the most versatile. Harriet's one was by St Clair and it had a frilled neckline, a tie belt to accentuate the waist and a midi-length skirt.
Recreate Harriet's Polo Outfit
Crafted from soft double gauze cotton, this white midi dress also has a shirred bodice for added shaping and comfort. There's a V-neck to echo the V-neckline and there are handy pockets too. Using the code FRESH20 you can get 20% off and this particular design comes in a range of other colours and patterns.
Broderie Anglaise detailing adds a summery finish and extra dimension to this otherwise very classic frock. It's got a pointed collar and button-through front to give you the quintessential shirt dress shape and it's finished with a tie belt. You can loosen it for casual day-to-day wear or cinch it in to make it more formal.
This breathable dress by RO&ZO has a notch-neck style, a structured waistband and elastication at the back. Short frilled sleeves are fluttery and give you a whisper of shoulder coverage without making you overheat. The drop-waist seam gives the midaxi skirt extra volume.
Complete the Look
Featuring a premium leather upper and an 8cm wedge heel, these espadrilles are a great option for summer events when you want elevation and more stability than you get with stiletto heels. The insole is cushioned and the tan shade will go with pretty much anything.
There are pockets and card slots inside this leather crossbody wallet, so you can neatly organise your daily essentials. It fastens with a zip and the strap is adjustable too. Light brass hardware brings some glamour and if you love the contrast in Harriet's outfit, why not try this with a minimal white dress?
The Le Specs UNREAL! rectangular sunglasses have a 90s-inspired look and are finished with black frames and smokey lenses. They've got gold hardware on each temple and the frames are designed to be lightweight, durable and impact resistant. As a bonus, the lenses are shatterproof and scratch resistant.
Delicate floral embroidery on the yoke was a feminine flourish and there's also scalloping on the neckline and hem. She undid a couple of buttons and shirt dresses can be made smarter or relaxed depending on how open or structured they're worn.
This is why they're a good option if you're in the market for a white dress for the end of summer, as not every design will be as easy to switch up. Harriet Phillips' frock was collarless, sleeveless and crafted from cotton.
Cotton and linen are breathable and look more low-key when you've got a pure white design. The tiered skirt and belt added some definition and although you could be tempted to go for vibrant accessories with something as classic as this, Harriet didn't go too "out there".
The NHS nurse stuck to the keep-it-simple theme and wore tan espadrilles and a woven burgundy bag by Anya Hindmarch. It was technically a wallet but it came with a long leather strap and she wore it crossbody.
I personally almost always wear crossbody handbags and I think that the royals are missing a trick by not reaching for them that often. The Princess of Wales, Duchess of Edinburgh and Queen Camilla generally carry either clutches or top handle styles.
These are more formal so I can see why they wear them, though crossbodies are just so practical. Harriet could enjoy her day at the polo completely hands-free and the woven bag was big enough to fit her essentials.
The dark red shade was a contrast against her pale dress and because it was quite muted, it still kept everything feeling minimal. As fashion formulas go, a white dress and crossbody bag is one of the most wearable and quick to put together. If you're not a fan of burgundy for the season, then go for a neutral accessory instead.
The beauty lies in the simplicity so you could even pick a matching white bag to emphasise this even more. Footwear can also be mixed and matched and espadrille wedges like Harriet's are lovely for special occasions. Espadrille flats, ballet pumps and sandals would work as alternatives and timeless designs will echo the elegance of your dress and bag.
