The Princess Braid

Kate Middleton often makes headlines for nothingburger fashion stories advanced by the British media because they’re constantly trying to pump her up so they can put Meghan Sussex down. She’ll step out in a new coat and they’ll be all like, Princess Kate inspires new trench coat trend but she’ll be in what the fashion girlies have been wearing for two years. And it’s not just that she’s not all that adventurous when it comes to style, it’s also that she’s probably not allowed to be, even if she were.

Today’s style moment, however, is legitimately newsworthy because it’s rare, to do with her hair. If you’ve been reading this site for a while, you’re probably familiar with how I feel about Kate’s hair taste – which is that it’s dated and boring. That was the case earlier in the day when she stepped out at Wakefield Trinity Stadium in a wool blazer over brown trousers with hair side parted and curled at the ends.

But then, an outfit change and a surprising hair change for an appearance at Wakefield rugby club…

Is that…

Kate Middleton in a braided pony… what?

I can’t recall ever seeing her in a braided pony pulled over one shoulder and if I have it’s been a while, even though I actually haven’t been paying that much attention to the British royals these days.

She also had it tucked under a cap at one point, so this was a weather-related decision, to deal with the rain and wind, but it looks really good, she should consider it more often.

Better a simple braided pony than an archaic updo. And she looks good when it’s just pulled back like this, no volume, no backcombing, no pouff, nothing fussy. It’s fresh and cute, it suits her, and I hope this wasn’t just a choice made out of necessity, that we might see it again just because it’s a nice changeup. Imagine, though, a simple braid being a changeup for her – but that’s how dull it’s become.

What else happened today…

The date of the final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has been announced. It’ll be interesting who his guests will be in the weeks leading up to the finale and how hard he goes when he clocks out. (Pajiba)

Kind of obsessed with Chase Sui Wonders and her outfit at Sundance. It is chaos in the best way. Also in general I just think a fur bonnet makes everyone pretty. She’s already pretty but she looks extra pretty in this. (Go Fug Yourself)

Charli xcx was also at Sundance. Her film, The Moment, will be released soon. As A.A. Dowd writes, she’s not brat anymore, she’s actress. (The Ringer)

Bella Hadid is a horse girl. We are about to enter the Year of the Fire Horse and she is single. I wonder what romantically unbridled will look like in her case. Last summer’s celebrity romances were so memorable, we need a sequel. (Celebitchy)

The people of Minneapolis are committed to resistance, despite the weather, despite the lies and the setbacks, because what is happening there is inhumane and undemocratic. Here’s a list of resources for those of you who want to help. (Autostraddle)