Kate Middleton embraces autumn's heritage trend in the statement tartan midi skirt that's so easy to recreate
Tartan is the trend to try this season
The Prince and Princess of Wales visited Belfast on Friday, and while Kate's outfit was made up of a few royal repeats, she did treat her fans to a statement new addition to her wardrobe.
She made the Emilia Wickstead Kensie Tartan Skirt the focus of her outfit, pairing it with the Knatchbull Cascade Ruffle Blouse, a pair of Cartier Trinity Earrings and a tailored Catherine Walker coat.
With the new series of The Celebrity Traitors well underway, we're embracing all things Highland-inspired at the moment, and this flattering midi skirt fits the bill perfectly. In fact, swap the Gianvito Rossi heels for chunky boots, and it's actually a very Claudia Winkleman-coded look. The pleats moved beautifully when Kate walked, plus it feels like exactly the kind of piece the late Queen Elizabeth II would have worn, only styled in a modern way.
Shop the look
British clothing brand Boden tends to do tartan very well, and this slip skirt is a great option if you prefer a skirt without pleats. The length of this lends itself well to wearing with knee-high boots, plus you can currently save 15% with the code 9Q3A.
This option is from Louise Thompson's hugely popular edit for Nobody's Child, so it's available in both regular and petite lengths. One reviewer wrote: "Absolutely love it. Unlike many long pleated skirts the fabric weight is comfortable... with a lovely swirl. Perfect!"
Printed midi skirts are so easy to wear in the autumn months, whether it's with your best white trainers on warmer days or with chunky knits and boots when it's really chilly. This M&S option is a great way to try the trend without splashing the cash.
If Kate's £565 blouse is a bit more than you were hoping to spend, this ruffle-front option is still pure silk, but costs a lot less. It's available in sizes XS to XL and is a really handy piece to pair with everything from jeans to printed midi skirts.
Kate's Cartier earrings feature rose, yellow and white gold hoops entwined together. This is a simpler way to get the look, and I personally love mixing metals, so they're a very chic option to complete any outfit.
Kate's exact Mulberry bag has a top handle, but this is the closest version you can buy. The gold hardware and rich green colour are beautiful, and the optional crossbody strap keeps it a practical piece.
What exactly is the heritage trend I hear you ask? Think reassuringly timeless items like cosy knits, checks, tweed, tailoring and autumnal colours. Focus on one key piece like Kate's skirt, and you can afford to keep the rest of your look simple. Easy, right?
For anyone who hasn't worn much tartan before, trying the print in earthier shades of green and brown or darker neutrals like navy can be a more subtle way to work the print into your autumn outfit ideas than striking shades of red.
In fact, Kate already owns a red tartan skirt by Emilia Wickstead, which she's worn on several high-profile engagements. Adding this similar but fresh skirt works to ensure her wardrobe is cohesive and familiar. It also proves that tartan is a trend that will come back year after year, so buying a similar style now is a sound investment.
A midi skirt is an easy swap for your favourite jeans this season. They're also a bit more flexible styling-wise than dresses, and the longer length will help elongate your frame. Pair yours with a shirt or light knit and ballet flats when the sun is shining, switching to your best cashmere jumper and boots when winter really kicks in.
