Kate Middleton's dainty autumn necklace is the perfect piece for elevating cosy knitwear and jeans
Sometimes we just want our everyday outfits to feel more special and a necklace stands out beautifully against jumpers
Easy, everyday autumn outfit ideas tend to be what we wear the most but sometimes we just want to feel a bit more put-together. That doesn't mean you have to overcomplicate your style as simple pairings like a jumper and jeans can be elevated.
Adding some jewellery can work wonders and I still can't help but admire the way the Princess of Wales's dainty charm necklace looks with knitwear. She debuted this Alex Monroe Paleontology Nugget necklace in 2020 and wore it twice that November, both times with a knit and blazer.
I particularly love the way it looked against her pink jumper in a video she filmed to tease the announcement of the 5 Big Questions survey results. Compared to a lot of Kate's other pieces, this necklace is very dainty and understated, with a single gold chain and tiny charms spaced out along it.
Shop Kate's Necklace
Crafted from gold plated solid silver, the Princess of Wales's necklace is part of the brand's Natural History collection. It's got tiny nuggets all the way round which feature etchings of botanicals, animals and even Alex Monroe's iconic bumblebee. Wear with your favourite jumpers for a very royal look.
Stunning and simple, the coins on this necklace add a touch of detail to the otherwise very classic chain. It's crafted from 18ct gold vermeil and if you love your jewellery to all match then it also has a bracelet to match. The Siren collection from Monica Vinader is so versatile and easy to wear.
If you love the natural theme of Kate's necklace but want something a little simpler then this ammonite necklace is a gorgeous alternative. It's also made from gold plated solid silver and is part of the Natural History collection too. The delicacy of this piece makes it perfect as an everyday necklace.
Shop Jumpers Like Kate's
Finished with gorgeous gold-toned buttons on the cuffs, this long-sleeved jumper is a great layering piece. The fitted shape makes it easy to tuck into jeans, skirts or trousers and it has a ribbed texture. The crew-neckline is also perfect for laying a necklace over.
Currently on sale, this affordable knit is made from lambswool by artisan producers and is soft and warm to wear. It features a crew-neckline and you can get this timeless design in a range of different tones. This deep strawberry colour reminds me of Kate's 2020 jumper and would pair well with blue jeans.
We already know how this kind of crushed raspberry pink works with a gold-toned necklace thanks to the Princess of Wales. This jumper is crew-neck and is made from 100% cashmere for a breathable and soft finish. You can currently get 15% off it by using the code 9Q3A.
These are etched with different motifs, from botanicals to an ammonite and the Alex Monroe iconic bee design. This design is part of the brand's Natural History collection and it's made from gold plated solid silver, as are a lot of pieces in the Alex Monroe autumn jewellery collection.
The Princess layered it over her knitwear and the glint of the gold added some subtle sparkle without being too much. A necklace like this that sits below the neckline of a jumper is so chic and hers really stood out against the pastel pink behind it.
The bigger the colour contrast, the more it becomes the focus so if you really want your jewellery to steal the show I'd recommend going for a black or a white knit. The first time we ever saw the Princess of Wales with this necklace on was in a video thanking participants in her Hold Still community photography project and she styled it with a lightweight white knit and red blazer.
Once again the necklace sat beautifully over the top of her jumper and caught the light. Both of Kate's jumpers were plain block colours so having the sparkle and the individual charm details added some extra detail and a sense of sophistication.
If you're someone who tends to reach for roll-neck jumpers then you can still take a leaf out of the Princess's book but I'd advise going for a slightly longer necklace or a fitted sweater to ensure the jewellery sits nicely over the top. A dainty design will be easier to incorporate into different outfits day-to-night, as will necklaces without any stones or colours.
The Princess went for a plain gold Alex Monroe necklace and the same Paleontology Nugget design also comes in silver. Metallics go with everything and versatility is key when you're trying to find the perfect daily necklace. Even though Kate has a vast collection of jewellery it's often the simplest items like this that she reaches for most often for engagements.
She saves the jewel-encrusted pieces for big events or to send a sentimental message. The Princess of Wales also goes through months and years gravitating towards certain necklaces more than any others for public appearances. Although we haven't seen her Alex Monroe one for a while, that doesn't mean that she isn't wearing it at home to jazz up her jumpers.
