While summer is for bright colours and soft pastels, Kate Middleton stepped out in an elegant black and white look for a royal engagement.
Kate is known for her love of statement colours like green, blue and pink, as well as favouring ethereal dresses in shades of pale pink and yellow. However, her most recent appearance saw her dip into a regular source of inspiration for her - the retro silhouettes of the 40s and 80s.
The Princess of Wales took part in a series of events for the Order of the Garter in Windsor, which included a procession and a service at St. George's Chapel. She attended alongside King Charles III and Queen Camila, as well as her husband Prince William and other members of the royal family.
Kate chose a dress by a favourite designer of hers, Alessandra Rich, for the occasion, stepping out in a custom black and white polka dot midi-length dress. The Turtleneck Polka Dot Midi Dress - originally created in a soft pink shade - features high neck, padded shoulders, plating and a ruched waistline.
The turtleneck and slightly balloon sleeves gave the look an 80's feel, while the fitted silhouette harked back to the 40's.
She accessorised with a custom hat by Irish milliner Philip Treacy, who frequently creates pieces for the royals. It featured a sleek black woven headpiece accented with black and white flowers, in a polka dot design to match the dress.
She ramped up the vintage glamour with black and white shoes by Jennifer Chamandi, the Vittorio 105 in Nappa Leather. She finished her look with a cream clutch bag by Scottish brand Strathberry, which featured an elegant gold hardwear detail on the front.
She added some sparkle with the Collingwood Earrings and the Nigel Milne triple-strand pearl bracelet, two pieces of jewellery that belonged to Princess Diana.
Her hair was styled into a neat up-do, while her makeup was subtly bronzed and glowy, perfect for summer.
