Kate Middleton’s auburn jumper and coordinating bronzy highlights was a nod to autumn we still want to replicate

The Princess never makes drastic changes to her hair and these subtle chestnut highlights worked so well with her knitwear in 2019

Catherine, Princess of Wales smiles as she departs after visiting the Scouts’ headquarters at Gilwell Park
(Image credit: Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty)

The Princess of Wales knows a thing or too about coordination when it comes to fashion. In 2019 this even extended to her hair as the future Queen stepped out for a visit to Gilwell Park wearing an auburn J Crew jumper and her hair had a distinct bronzey hue too.

This was the year before Kate became joint President of Scouts and she went to their HQ there to learn about their new pilot to bring Scouting to younger children. Dressing warmly for the March weather (which isn’t too different from autumn in the UK!), she paired her jumper with black skinny jeans and her See by Chloe combat boots.

The Princess’s knit was the main pop of colour in this outfit and it brought out some chestnut tones in her bouncy brunette waves too.

Catherine, Princess of Wales visits the Scouts’ headquarters at Gilwell Park

(Image credit: Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty)

Shop Similar Jumpers

Complete The Look

It’s a combination that I still love to this day and which could inspire plenty of different autumn outfit ideas, even if you’re not looking for a hair change. Over the years Kate has experimented only slightly with different hair lengths and highlights, most recently going for golden blonde highlights in September.

In 2019 the russet highlights were a little different for her and brought a lovely warmth to her tresses. The Princess of Wales’s jumper complemented this hair look perfectly and had a neat mock neck. This can often be a better option than a full roll neck as it’s less bulky and means you can wear necklaces and scarves with them more easily.

Catherine, Princess of Wales visits the Scouts’ headquarters at Gilwell Park to learn more about the organisation’s new pilot to bring Scouting to younger children

(Image credit: Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty)

Made from breathable wool, Kate’s jumper was a blend between orange, brown and red and evokes the colour of autumn leaves. These kinds of tones are a great alternative to neutrals without being too vibrant, or pastel like so many of the biggest autumn/winter fashion colour trends for 2025.

When you’re styling thicker jumpers like this J.Crew one you can half-tuck them in, but I think they work best draped over streamlined trousers or jeans. This is the Princess of Wales’s preference too and she wore plain black skinny jeans with her knitwear.

The fitted shape of these meant that she could tuck them into the top of her go-to See by Chloe brown boots. When she’s not styling knee high boots in the colder months Kate tends to go for chunky designs like these combat boots.

Catherine, Princess of Wales departs holding a bunch of flowers after visiting the Scouts’ headquarters at Gilwell Park

(Image credit: Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty)

They’re practical for outdoor engagements like her visit to Gilwell Park thanks to their grippy soles and are more fashion-forward than hiking shoes. The future Queen layered her Barbour Waxed Defence Jacket over the top of her rust-toned jumper and finished off her outfit with an official Scouts UK Scarf with blue, white and red stripes.

Over the years we’ve seen Kate wear this jumper with similar pieces to different engagements, including for a visit to the King Henry’s Walk Garden. On this occasion the Princess of Wales wore a Dubarry tweed jacket, her combat boots and smokey-grey skinny jeans.

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!

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.