Kate Middleton's cosy charcoal coat has me manifesting cold weather - this elegant winter staple is so easy to style
Her Jigsaw coat is a little more relaxed than her go-to tailored styles but it's still got all the elevated details we love
I never thought I'd be wanting it to get cold but now we're in October I'm longing to incorporate more coats and jackets into my autumn outfit ideas. Outerwear is a staple in anyone's wardrobe and as well as being practical, they can also add elegance.
The Princess of Wales's coat collection ticks that box and she seized the opportunity to wear a gorgeous grey one in Sussex on 30th September. This Maxi City Coat by British clothing brand Jigsaw is back this season in khaki and navy, and is made from wool.
Just like linen and cotton in summer, wool is a very breathable material and it's perfect for keeping you warm without overheating. Kate usually wears crisp, tailored designs but this piece is a little more relaxed and it balanced her smart outfit underneath.
Shop Kate's Coat
The Princess of Wales's coat is a luxurious investment piece for your wardrobe that can be brought back season after season. The grey colourway is out of stock but the khaki green is also beautiful and it comes in navy too. Crafted from pure wool, it's breathable and super warm.
Handmade and woven with wool for cosiness, this coat is deliberately oversized and this makes it particularly great for layering over chunky knits. The notched lapel collar adds smartness and there are dropped shoulder seams. Two side pockets are practical and there's a back vent.
Also available in olive green, this charcoal coat is an affordable option if you love the colour and aesthetic of Kate's outerwear. It's double-breasted, with peak lapel collars and military-style buttons on the front. The mock flap pockets are neat and it's longline.
Complete The Look
Whether you prefer the neck ties left loose or tied in a bow like the Princess's, this Reiss blouse is a stunning piece. It's made from matte silk and features stud cuffs and a concealed button-up front to give it a seamless finish. Tuck into trousers or dress down with jeans.
Affordable and classic, this collared grey-taupe shirt is a versatile item to pair with everything from jeans to skirts. It also comes in a range of other colours and has a slight sheen to it. The cuffs are buttoned and the hemline is rounded.
Currently on sale, this bag comes in several hues including this on-trend berry tone. It's got a structured shape with a detachable crossbody strap as well as double grab handles so you can easily switch up how you're carrying it.
The deep charcoal colour would go with pretty much any other shade and it's a softer alternative to a black coat. Chocolate brown has a similar feel and is still an autumn/winter fashion colour trend for this year if you prefer warmer undertones.
The future Queen has been loving grey a lot more in recent years and her Reiss silk blouse and Ralph Lauren trousers were very on-theme. Her trousers almost exactly matched the coat whilst the shirt was a softer, silvery hue. Everything about this ensemble was cohesive and although Kate's outerwear had formal details like the notched lapels and flap pockets it wasn't fitted.
She also chose to wear it unbuttoned and this gave it a more low-key edge. A coat with this kind of silhouette is so versatile as it's smart enough to go with tailoring and dresses and can also be paired with jeans and jumpers.
Although the Princess of Wales's signature style tends to be more elevated, for certain engagements she often adjusts this to avoid looking too corporate or unapproachable. Kate was in Sussex to visit the volunteer-led West Sussex Minibus service and spent time with the volunteers and attendees at their weekly lunch club at Pulborough Village Hall before travelling in the minibus herself.
She learnt more about how small everyday gestures can help build more connected communities and her outfit for the day was the perfect mix of chic and understated. The Princess will have thought about it carefully and royal author Ingrid Seward believes Kate's coats "are her armour, her shorthand, her fashion weapon".
Writing in Catherine & Diana she said the royal wears, "Crisp military lines for solemnity, sweeping capes for ceremony, mannish double-breasted cuts for brisk walkabouts in unforgiving weather."
The Princess of Wales wasn't battling "unforgiving" conditions in Sussex but it has started to get colder and since a coat dominates autumn/winter outfits it makes sense to have one in a neutral colour like hers that you can get plenty of use out of.
Kate was first seen wearing her Jigsaw coat last autumn when she and Prince William visited Southport and she'll likely style it again over the coming months.
