Kate Middleton's chunky boots, burnt-red knit and jeans are the epitome of cosy elegance and they're on my autumn wardrobe check-list
The Princess of Wales relies on this fashion formula every year, but I particularly love the colour combination in this 2019 look
Bold tailoring has become a signature style for the Princess of Wales but when she wants a more casual autumn look there's a trio she always comes back to. Chunky boots, skinny jeans and a thick jumper are Kate's go-tos in cooler weather and I can't help admiring one of these outfits from January 2019.
The future Queen visited King Henry's Walk Garden in London wearing her beloved See by Chloe combat boots in chocolate brown suede. Military styles are a big autumn/winter fashion trend for 2026 and though we're seeing this come through with jackets, combat boots tick that box too.
I have a pair from Dune in my collection and the cleated sole offers extra grip that is very helpful in cold, rainy weather. Mine are leather for extra durability though suede boots like the Princess's are a softer and more relaxed option.
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Knitted from soft pure wool, this burnt-red jumper screams autumn cosiness. It's designed to have a relaxed fit and has a rounded neckline, long raglan sleeves and ribbed trims. The subtle side splits make this simple to half-tuck into jeans and trousers.
These trousers are a neutral alternative to traditional blue denim skinny jeans. They're also available in black and navy blue, though the thyme green shade is particularly autumnal. The mid-rise waist has handy belt loops and there are five pockets.
Made from chocolate brown suede, these lace up boots are a lovely (and on-sale) option if you love the look of Kate's footwear. They've got a rounded toe and are elasticated at the ankle. The heel is very small for comfortable everyday wear and the cleated sole is practical for autumn weather.
Crafted from Air-Yarn, this jumper is designed to be lightweight and soft, but warm too. The classic crew neckline, cuffs and hem are ribbed for a neat touch of detail. If you want to add some autumn colour to your wardrobe but prefer things on the muted side then this chestnut tone is a more wearable alternative to pure red or orange.
Holland Cooper is one of the Princess of Wales's go-to brands and the Jodhpur Jeans capture a countryside chic feel whilst still being very wearable for everyday. They come in regular, petite and tall versions and are high-waisted. The fabric is mid-weight and stretchy for comfort.
You can also get these affordable lace up boots in black and in half sizes. There's a pull tab at the back which makes them easy to slip on and off, as well as laces running up the front. Pair with jeans like Kate's or throw on with tights and a cosy jumper dress.
She styled hers with another wardrobe favourite - skinny jeans. Kate tucked the hems seamlessly into the top of her ankle boots and this is something you can only really achieve with streamlined silhouettes. I personally prefer looser, more comfortable jeans like wide or straight-leg styles and these can work as an alternative too.
They're flowy enough to completely drape over the top of your footwear without bunching up. The Princess of Wales likes her ensembles to feel polished and neat, so even though she has worn chunky boots with flares before, she picks skinny jeans more often.
Tucking them into the boots is also a clever way to create a leg-elongating effect and choosing a longline jumper and jacket adds to this and helps to balance out proportions. For her visit to King Henry's Walk Garden, Kate opted for a J.Crew mock-neck sweater with ribbed trims.
You could just see the neckline and sleeves peeping out from underneath her Dubarry of Ireland Bracken Tweed Jacket. The burnt-red tone couldn't have been more autumnal and it's one of the reasons I particularly like this version of her outfit formula.
If you tend to keep your outfits neutral then going for a slightly more colourful jumper is an easy way to add a seasonal twist. The texture of knitwear helps to soften a bold hue like red and it's only a small part of your overall outfit.
The Princess's khaki-brown jeans, brown boots and green jacket all mellowed things out and also allowed the burnt red to pop. Chocolate tones are an autumn/winter fashion colour trend and they complement the warmth in dark red particularly well.
Her tweed jacket finished off her outfit beautifully and the countryside design tied in with the chunkiness of the boots. I'm sure many of us have slightly more casual day-to-day styles and jeans, chunky boots and a thick knit would also work with a timeless puffer jacket instead.
The Princess of Wales showcased this combination when she took part in a land yachting session in St Andrews in 2021 and you could also go for a structured blazer or trench to bring an elevated edge.
