The Princess of Wales has just worn a new contender for "most iconic green dress" in her collection as she stepped out in a floor-length velvet gown at this year’s Royal Variety Performance. She and Prince William haven’t attended since 2023 and no-one will be forgetting this appearance - or outfit - in a hurry.
Although Catherine typically favours British clothing brands, this stunning maxi dress was by German designer, Talbot Runhof, and was very similar to their current season Bobonne 2 design. Not quite bardot, the neckline of the gown was still slightly shoulder-bearing.
The ruching accentuated the luxurious softness of the velvet and I’d struggle to think of a more wintery fabric. Velvet has a subtle sheen that makes it an understated alternative to sequins for party season and although it can be styled more casually, that wasn’t on Kate’s agenda.
Shop Velvet Dresses
Currently reduced ahead of Black Friday, this gorgeous green midi dress is a more low-key option if you want to recreate the Princess of Wales's Royal Variety Performance look. It also comes in poppy red and black and it's made from velvet jersey. The waist is panelled for a touch of definition.
Falling to an elegant maxi length, this soft velour dress has pleats on one shoulder and the opposite side of the waist to create a flowy, draped effect. The turtleneck balances out the sleeveless silhouette and you could wear this with knee high boots to make it more casual, or with heels for an evening event.
You can currently save yourself 10% off the price of this stunning velvet shirt dress by using the code C7R7 at Boden. The Kate design comes in three colours and this 'dark cherry' one is something a little different to festive red or green. It's also available in three lengths and the belt is detachable.
Shop Velvet Accessories
These pointed-toe heels are made from velvet-effect fabric that gives them a soft sheen and they have bow detailing on the front. The slingback strap has an adjustable buckle to help keep them secure on your feet.
This affordable velvet clutch bag will become your trusty accessory at festive gatherings this season. It comes with a handy, dainty chain strap and is big enough to fit your essentials, with a pocket inside to help you organise them.
If you're looking to splash out on some festive accessories that'll last you years to come, these Rosaleen velvet shoes are worth checking out. The Mary Jane style is timeless and means they're secure on your feet thanks to the straps and buckles.
She went all-out, accessorising with the Greville Chandelier Earrings and the Diamond Quatrefoil Bracelet, both of which once belonged to Queen Elizabeth. The Princess of Wales could’ve matched her jewellery to her dress, but going for neutral diamonds allowed the green to really make a statement.
Velvet looks particularly magnificent in jewel tones like emerald green, ruby red and sapphire blue. The richness of these shades complements the material and regardless of this year’s autumn/winter fashion colour trends, dark green is always popular in the lead up to Christmas.
This is very appropriate given that the Royal Variety Performance is typically broadcast in December after being filmed weeks earlier. Catherine matched her Manolo Blahnik shoes to her dress, opting for green velvet pumps, and contrasting with a silver Jenny Packham clutch bag.
Accessories are a lovely way to add a touch of velvet into an outfit without going all-out with your clothing as she did. However, I personally think this fabric works well and is remarkably versatile when you’re considering winter outfit ideas.
A pair of classic velvet trousers or a blazer feel smart and put-together and you can make them more relaxed depending on your choice of tops. Meanwhile, velvet frocks are a failsafe for parties or date night outfits, worn with either heeled or flat boots.
Black velvet staples are the easiest to style and feel more low-key, closely followed by jewel tones like the Princess’s outfit. You can wear them all season long as they don’t specifically scream Christmas.
Velvet suits are a popular choice for other members of the Royal Family this time of year, though we don’t see Catherine in this fabric as regularly.
This makes the Princess’s choice of gown for the Royal Variety Performance stand out even more. She left her brunette hair down for the occasion and wore it in loose waves that flowed down her back. This was quite a contrast from the last time she attended, when Catherine left her hair straight and swishy, with curtain bangs framing her face.
The air date for this year’s show has yet to be announced, though when it airs we will all get to see more glimpses of the Princess of Wales’s beautiful velvet outfit.
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