Kate Middleton made poppy red and comfy ballet flats look so chic for autumn - and now this gorgeous tone is trending for 2026
The Princess of Wales is an expert at styling statement shades like this and her outfit from 2023 is giving us so much inspiration
We're used to autumn/winter fashion colour trends featuring rich browns and burnt oranges but this year there's another huge contender in the mix - poppy red. This is good news for the Princess of Wales, as this fiery tone is one of her go-tos for outfits.
That in turn is great news for those of us who maybe aren't as confident styling bright colours, as she's already shown us plenty of ways to do it. I particularly loved Kate's boucle blazer and ballet flats from September 2023 and even though the rest of her outfit was quite formal, we can easily take some tips from this look.
The future Queen attended a Portage Session for her Shaping Us campaign and the blazer was a Zara double-breasted design.
Shop Flats Like Kate's
These timeless flats are an investment for your wardrobe but they're so versatile that you can style them over and over again. They're crafted from soft, full-grain leather and have a pointed toe like Kate's shoes. At the back there's an LRL brass-finished logo for a hint of glamour without being too much.
The M&S suede ballet pumps are selling fast and it's not hard to see why - they're affordable and elegant for this transitional period between summer and autumn. They also come in other shades and in leather. The square toe is a contemporary detail and not quite as structural as a full point.
Slip-on shoes are a time-saver and when they look this sleek and elegant, they're also an asset to your style. This pair features a pointed toe and they're made from leather with leather insoles too. The beauty of the design lies in its simplicity and this makes the shoes so easy to wear.
Shop Poppy Red
You can currently bag yourself a discount on this vibrant jumper by using the code 3V6V. It's got a bow at the neckline and this, combined with the scarlet tone, feels very Kate-esque to me. The wool blend material is cosy and there's also a hint of cashmere.
The boucle finish of this cotton-rich knitted top adds instant texture to an outfit and it's designed to have a streamlined fit. This makes it a great wardrobe basic to tuck into your favourite jeans and trousers. The crew-neckline, sleeves and hem are all ribbed and there are several other shades available.
Tailoring is a simple way to elevate your autumnal ensembles and this one is made from a soft handle fabric and has a subtle crinkle texture. There's a notched lapel collar and the covered buttons add polish. The fit is relaxed so it can be layered over casual pieces like jeans without looking too formal.
Tailoring and bright colours might sound like a very bold combination, but a jacket like Kate's is also the focal point of an outfit. The rest of her clothing was entirely neutral and this kept everything in balance. She opted for a beige knitted top, plain black cigarette trousers and then black shoes from Boden.
The Princess regularly steps out in pieces by this British clothing brand, though she rarely wears flats. This is maybe why this particular look stands out to me so much and the pumps had pointed toes and a buckle decoration on the front. Pointed toe footwear creates a lovely leg-elongating effect and you can get a subtler form of this from almond-toed shoes too.
Square-toe flats are another great option and they feel a bit more contemporary and fashion-forward compared to rounded designs. No matter which shape suits you best, a pair of classic black flats like Kate's are so handy for autumn outfit ideas.
When it's mild like it is now, it's not quite the season for boots. However, trainers can be a bit too casual and ballet pumps or loafers are comfy yet elevated. The Princess of Wales wore hers with crisp trousers, though you could recreate a similar look with blue or black jeans and a red blazer would then finish things off with a pop of colour.
Alternatively, go for a poppy-red jumper, cardigan or shirt and this still brings in the trending shade but in a more relaxed way. The important thing is to stick to classic shapes and keep the rest of your outfit quite minimal.
This will help ensure that the bright red isn't overpowering everything else. We've often seen Kate do this when she wears scarlet to engagements like the Portage Session. There are occasions when she goes all-out in head-to-toe red, though she tends to do this more for ultra formal events such as the Commonwealth Day service or welcoming dignitaries for a State Visit.
Otherwise, this formula of picking one main red item is her go-to and she likes the contrast of red and black together. Black makes the poppy tone stand out and her black ballet flats are the kind of style that could be re-worn time and time again, compared to red accessories.
