Kate and houndstooth

Princess Kate stepped out today for a visit to Anna Freud Centre, a children’s mental health foundation. This is Emilia Wickstead, a dress she’s had for a while and has worn previously on other occasions. It’s a classic print and a classic cut, she’ll likely have it in her wardrobe for a long time.

Can’t say I love the shoe choice, though. And I get it – since she has repeated the dress, she probably wants to change it up with the accessories and not go with a black pump which is what she wore in 2022 in Boston when she first stepped out in this piece. These grey croc pumps though, for me, are not it. Like, a black mary jane would have been better. Or an oxford. Has she ever worn an oxford? Or a kiltie? Ralph Lauren has a beautiful kiltie pump right now, and it’s not stupidly priced either. It’s the perfect shoe for this look. I know Kate isn’t exactly adventurous when it comes to style, but an oxford or a kiltie is in no way avant-garde, LOL. 

I do love houndstooth though, one of the most popular winter prints. Houndstooth is tricky sometimes. Like if it’s too big it can look kinda goofy. And it also depends on the shape and length and cut of what you’re wearing in houndstooth. For example, not all cardigans should be houndstooth. A mid-length houndstooth cardigan, for example, in my opinion, worn over tight leather pants might as well be a sweatshirt that says “chardonnay all day”. 

Lately I’ve been trying on and wearing houndstooth on our show because, obviously, this is what’s been available to our stylist on her pulls, so I’m familiar with the current houndstooth market. 

If you’re looking for a dupe for Kate’s Emilia Wickstead that’s actually better, Norma Kamali has a really good fitted houndstooth dress in brown right now. It looks great with the turtleneck and you could give or take the belt, but this is a more reasonable price. Not cheap but less expensive than the $4000 that is the usual Wickstead price point. 

Here’s another Norma Kamali option that’s more my jam, wrapped and loose and flirty and half the price of the fitted one. 

A houndstooth coat is a pretty standard wardrobe staple, I have one in black and white but I would love one in brown – and this Sandro short trench is pretty special. The leather trim, the front flaps, and the small print are timeless. You’ll have it forever. 

But if you’re looking for a more affordable brown houndstooth trench – guess what? Gap coming through again! This Gap houndstooth coat has been sitting in my cart for a week and now it’s 60% off! The flipped up collar is super chic and practical and it’s so roomy you can throw it over anything. 

The reason it’s been sitting in my cart is because I’m debating between Gap and Coach. Coach’s houndstooth, however, comes in a puffer! This is so good, right?

Finally, as mentioned the other day, I’m a sweater girl, sweaters make up the majority of my rack at work right now and there are a few houndstooths. The splurge is this one by Perfect Moment and she is a dream, total all-star forever. The all-black neck and the boxy-ness of the cut, and the wide cuffs and hem… I love her so much. 

But let me put you onto a brand that doesn’t get enough love and it’s one of my favourites: OBEY. They make great sweaters and this patchwork cardigan is one of their best. Grandpa chic, I’m obsessed. 

And to end off with – a sweater you will keep forever, guaranteed. You know what I’ve been saying about Gap and how it’s the sh-t right now? Same goes for their sister brand, Banana Republic. I’ve been wearing so much BR lately because the inventory hasn’t been this outstanding in years. This is a houndstooth herringbone sweater I wore last week for an interview and bought for myself – it looks great from the front and the back, especially the back, with the flap across the shoulder. And… it’s 40% off right now. 

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