Comfortable, elegant and cosy - Kate Middleton's knitted skirt and jumper is a combination I'm shopping ready for cool autumn days
Summer isn't over yet but these autumn wardrobe staples from Sézane are back - and in the sale - ahead of the seasonal shift
Summer isn't over yet but if - like me - you're already starting to think about autumn outfit ideas then it doesn't come much more chic than the Princess of Wales's knitted co-ord. She wore this cream, ribbed set for a visit to Nottingham Trent University in 2023 and although it quickly sold out, it's been brought back ahead of the new season.
Not only that, but it's also included in Sézane's archive sale in the same light oatmeal shade. Knitted skirts and light knits are a perfect duo for milder days when it's cool but not freezing cold. Kate didn't need a coat or jacket with this co-ord in early October and yet you know that they'll work under thicker layers when the time comes.
Shop Kate's Cosy Outfit
The Princess of Wales's jumper looks fabulous with the matching knitted skirt, but you could also pair it with jeans or tailored trousers too. It's got ribbed detailing, a round neckline and neat buttons on the cuffs. The material is a cotton and wool blend.
Crafted from wool and cotton, this ribbed midi-length skirt looks so elegant with the matching jumper, but you could make it more casual with a Tee or plain knit. The waist band is elasticated for comfort and it comes in a variety of different shades. The Princess of Wales owns the 'natural' hue which is very versatile.
Available in a huge range of different colours, this top handle bag is made in Italy from hammered leather. It not only has a top handle strap, but an adjustable crossbody strap too so you can switch up how you wear it. It's spacious enough for your essentials and dainty enough for events or evenings out.
Made from fabric featuring a hint of wool, this affordable jumper has a classic round neckline, long sleeves and a straight cut. There's ribbing around the neck, cuffs and hem and you can get this in a few other colours too. Pair with a cream ribbed skirt for a Kate-esque look.
Although it isn't designed as part of a matching set with the H&M jumper, this would pair well with so many cream knits as it's very minimalist. The waistband is comfy and elasticated, whilst the streamlined shape skims your silhouette. Pair with trainers or loafers right now or knee-high boots in cooler weather.
This top handle bag comes with a detachable shoulder strap so you can carry it crossbody if you want to. It's sleek and structured, with gold-toned hardware for a touch of glamour. You can also get it in a deep chocolate brown tone and these neutrals are a softer alternative to a black handbag.
Styled together, the Princess's top and skirt resembled a streamlined jumper dress - but with twice the versatility. Separates can be mixed and matched with a bigger range of pieces than a frock and the more neutral the colour, the easier this becomes.
The future Queen chose the Sézane set in the "natural", which is a light beige. It would complement a massive range of other shades, from chocolate brown to burnt orange or deep red. The jumper was slightly cropped and neatly met the top of the skirt for a seamless, polished finish.
For a more casual look, go for a longline or oversized jumper instead, but I'd recommend sticking to a sleeker skirt with it and balance it out rather than a flared design.
Kate's skirt fell to just below the knee and was a subtle A-line shape, with a comfortable elasticated waist. The ribbed detailing running all over both pieces - and the buttons on the sleeve cuffs - finished them off so elegantly.
She kept the rest of her ensemble simple, pairing the autumnal co-ord with tan Gianvito Rossi heels and a Tusting Mini Holly Bag in taupe. Top handle bags and court shoes are incredibly timeless and they're styles the royals rely on when they want to elevate an outfit.
I'd personally make things a bit more casual and go for white trainers or brown loafers right now, before switching to boots in autumn/winter. Knee-high boots look stunning with longer skirts draped over the top and they create a lovely, leg-elongating effect because both pieces flow into one another.
Knitted skirts like the Princess of Wales's are particularly useful because they aren't as smart as crepe or tailored options and often have a good amount of stretch to them. This makes them an easy piece to throw on with a jumper when you want to feel comfy and still look put-together.
Kate's signature style is smart-casual so her Sézane co-ord fitted this perfectly and she finished off her outfit with pearl drop earrings. The Princess was visiting Nottingham Trent University to learn more about their mental health support system as part of her and Prince William's engagements marking World Mental Health Day.
We've only ever seen her in this knitted set publicly then, but since Kate loves re-wearing items, this could just mean she prefers keeping it for off-duty days.
