Queen Mary's comfy Chelsea boots and caramel coat are two wardrobe staples that make getting dressed in winter that bit easier
These items are perfect for pairing with a huge range of outfits and we all need some reliable basics in our collection
Winter outfits are all about layering and with so many different items being styled together, it helps if you have staples you know will work with everything. This is particularly important with coats and boots as they're often more expensive and are also the first thing most people see when we're out and about in the cold.
The Queen of Denmark is particularly used to dressing for this weather and although she loves knee-highs, her suede Chelsea boots are even more versatile for everyday. She just wore them with a caramel-toned coat as she met up with Inger Andersen, the UN's Director-General for the Environment Programme for a walk and briefing on the UN's new climate reports.
Queen Mary's outfit was cosy and chic, centred around the boots and coat - both of which she's owned for years.
Shop Queen Mary's Style
These M&S Chelsea boots are designed with two tabs to make the pull-on design even simpler. The block heel is sturdy and comfortable for everyday wear and the sleek shape works beautifully under trousers or jeans. You could also slip them on with tights and dresses for an evening out look.
If you're on the look out for a pair of investment boots to last you for years, then these gorgeous ones are worth considering. They're crafted from rich peat oiled suede and the treatment increases durability and weather resistance. The tread sole offers great grip in the colder months and the boots have satin-finish elasticated gussets.
Boasting a rubberised flat sole, these black ankle boots are made from smooth leather with topstitching. The elasticated gussets on the sides make them so easy to pull on and off and the rounded toe is incredibly classic.
The design of this M&S coat is so timeless and simple, making it a versatile option to layer over different outfits. It's longline and fastens at the front with two buttons, keeping everything very minimal and neat.
You can't really go wrong with a neutral jumper and this one is affordable and features a traditional cable knit texture. It's got a crew-neckline and a streamlined silhouette which makes it easy to wear under jackets and coats. The ribbed trims add a touch more detail.
This fitted coat made from a snuggly wool-blend material and has a single-breasted cut, with a collared neckline and long sleeves. Shoulder pads bring extra structure and the front patch pocket is a handy addition. Throw on with your favourite winter outfits and this will elevate them.
Just as the British royals champion British clothing brands, Australian-born Mary wears a lot of Australian designers and these shoes were by RM Williams. Although the elasticated gussets on the sides of Chelsea boots already make them great for pulling on and off in a hurry, the Queen's pair had pull tabs on the front and back to help too.
The rounded toe was classic and the neutral tone added to the wearability. Black boots can be mixed and matched with so many outfits and going for suede rather than leather softens the colour a little.
This makes black suede boots less stark against light denim for example, though if you wear a lot of paler colours then you could also go for tan or chocolate brown which is 2026's must-have colour trend. Chelsea boots like Mary's are the perfect everyday shoes for winter, as they're quick to get on, comfortable and the design is slightly more elevated than a plain pair of ankle boots.
The Queen wore them with wide-leg jeans, a cream Ralph Lauren cable knit cashmere jumper and her By Malene Birger Torun coat. She left this unbuttoned for a more relaxed feel and it fell to just below her knees. You can't really go wrong with a camel coat and they look amazing with everything from bright shades to an all-black outfit.
Going for a longline, tailored design like Mary's is a clever move if you want a coat that instantly elevates whatever you've got underneath it. Structured coats tend to feel more formal and so they work well with smarter pieces like jumper dresses or trousers, but also complement jeans and jumpers.
This makes them a very useful item to have in your collection - just like flat Chelsea boots. Queen Mary of Denmark has worn both in various ways over the years, including whipping out these Chelsea boots for an official visit to Greenland in 2024.
This won't be the last time we see the pairing for sure and she also took the Chelsea boots with her to Turkey a few days later for her visit in connection with the United Nations climate conference COP31.
