Bring on cosy days, Kate Middleton's knee high boots and olive green coat have got us reaching for these autumn style staples

The Princess of Wales's knee high boots and olive green coat proved that cosy outfits can also be incredibly elegant.

As we sadly pack away our sandals and espadrilles until next year we can draw comfort from the fact that we get to wear all our boots again this season. Knee high boots in particular are a staple item in many people’s autumn capsule wardrobes. Flat designs are the perfect practical choice for keeping you warm and comfy day-to-day, whilst heeled knee highs can instantly elevate a look to chic new heights. We’ve seen the Princess of Wales wearing both types over the years, though if we had to predict her favourite, it surely has to be a heeled knee high boot. She has always loved wearing them for royal engagements and in 2012 Kate styled black knee high boots with a fabulous olive green coat and snake-print belt.

She and Prince William attended the Football Association’s National Football Centre in October 2012 and her outfit was the epitome of elegance. Her black knee high boots were crafted from suede, which always adds lovely texture into an outfit, especially contrasted against the more structured material of a tailored coat.

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The Princess of Wales’s knee high boots were the Aquatalia Rhumba boots which have a subtle half zip, as well as a discreet platform. These have long been a firm favourite in her boot collection and we can certainly see why as they have all the qualities we look for in the best black boots. They’re so timeless with their design, without any adornments or noticeable hardware which increases their wearability.

The heel isn’t outrageously high but it does give additional height and strikes a great balance between a block heel and a stiletto. The slightly rounded toe also makes them a little more casual, which allows them to work effortlessly as both a day and evening shoe option. The streamlined silhouette is very leg-elongating and Kate accentuated this by wearing them with matching black tights.

Over the top, the Princess of Wales went for a gorgeous olive green coat from Reiss. It’s one of the best British clothing brands out there and this coat had an unusual asymmetric design that meant the collar draped beautifully over itself. For chilly days there’s nothing we love more than a coat that does up as high as possible and this high-neck coat fell to just above her knees.

The earthy green tone is still stunning for autumn and is neutral enough to work with so many other shades. On this occasion, it contrasted wonderfully against her black boots and tights and Kate's choice to stick to this more minimal colour palette added a sophisticated feel to her outfit. 

She accentuated her waist with a chunky black belt which had a snake print texture and statement silver button. This was a clever style move from Her Royal Highness as it once again incorporated texture, but in a very pared-back way. It might have been worn 12 years ago, but this outfit is just the kind of look we’d still expect to see from the Princess of Wales now. 

This shows just how classic her seasonal style staples of knee high boots and a neutral coat really are. Olive green is also particularly popular this autumn, so we have a feeling many of us might be tempted to emulate the feel of Kate’s 2012 outfit over the coming months.