Need an easy autumn staple? Kate Middleton just reminded us how versatile and elegant a white shirt can be
White shirts might not be the most exciting item but they go with so much and there are designs to suit every style
Late summer and early autumn outfit ideas often revolve around pieces that are easy to layer and the Princess of Wales's white shirt is an elegant example of this. She was pictured heading to Crathie Kirk during the royals' Balmoral holiday on 23rd August and wore a timeless, high-necked design from British clothing brand Holland Cooper.
The Audley blouse has a Victorian-inspired feel about it, with frilled cuffs and lace detailing. Kate is a fan of statement collars and traditional elements but even if these aren't for you, a white shirt is still hard to beat for versatility. There are so many variations to choose from and they're autumn's answer to a basic white T-shirt.
Shop Kate's Outfit
The Princess of Wales's exact blouse is currently on sale and it's got balloon sleeves ending in delicate flared cuffs. The lace trims bring a feminine, vintage feel and switch up the design from a traditional white shirt into something more ornate. Tuck into jeans for a smart-casual look.
Boden have made a few new changes to their best-selling Sienna shirt and this version is such a gorgeous wardrobe staple. It's crafted from crisp cotton and has a curved back hem and subtly ruffled collar. It also comes in other patterns and colours but the plain white is the easiest to style.
Affordable and classic, this pure cotton shirt has a neat, scalloped collar and long sleeves. It's enhanced with embroidered detailing and pintucks which give it a charming vintage-inspired edge. On cooler days, layer a knitted vest, jumper or cardigan over the top.
Complete The Look
This Reiss blazer has a double-breasted cut and is made from 100% wool with a traditional houndstooth check pattern. The material makes it cosy yet breathable and the jacket has peak lapels and lightly padded shoulders for structure. There are also subtly branded buttons at the front and cuffs.
Statement earrings are a fun way to switch up your outfits and this pair from M&S are very affordable and new-in for the season. They feature natural stone and come with a dust pouch to keep them in. The tassel design is striking and they're set on hoops.
Featuring a micro-houndstooth pattern, this jacket would make a great finishing touch to an autumnal outfit. It's double-breasted and has a notched lapel collar, two front welt pockets and buttoned cuffs. There's an inner lining and the neutral tones would work well against blue denim.
As she was sitting in a car on the way to church we didn't get a glimpse of everything the Princess wore with her Audley shirt, but she did pair it with a tweed jacket. It looked to be a blazer and the structured silhouette complemented the crisp white blouse perfectly.
Neutral, checked designs are a great way to add some dimension to an outfit without going too bold with it. The future Queen matched her hat to the rich brown tones and re-wore her Lock & Co pillbox hat she's owned for several years.
Perhaps as a nod to being off-duty and on holiday, Kate sported large, multi-drop earrings rather than the more minimal pairs she usually reaches for when she's working. They added some sparkle and glamour, though all together, this was a very simple, chic look and the white blouse was the useful basic at the heart of it.
At this time of year you can put shirts to good use as a base layer. They look great worn under knitted vests or jumpers when it's cooler, especially if you have a collared or high neckline that can poke out the top. This gives a polished effect and we've seen the Princess do this multiple times over the years.
In October 2023 she stepped out for a visit to the Vsi Razom Community Hub in a white shirt with statement cuffs, a dove-grey vest and matching wide-leg trousers. Structured, oversized shirts tend to give a more contemporary feel to an outfit whilst designs like Kate's with lace or frills are an ultra-feminine alternative.
For the most classic, preppy look, I'd recommend going for a fitted white shirt with a neat collar and minimal detailing. No matter which style you're drawn to, they all have a place in an autumn capsule wardrobe and can be made more relaxed with blue denim or dressed up with tailoring.
The Princess of Wales usually sticks to wearing skirts or dresses when she's attending church with the royals, so even though we didn't see it, she was probably wearing a midi skirt - perhaps even a tweed one to match her jacket.
I personally prefer jeans with white blouses and this is how I'll be getting the most use out of this seasonal staple. It's a throw-on-and-go combination that works best for everyday and strikes the perfect balance between being smart and casual.
