No matter how far you get from the world of academia, September always feels like the start of a new school year. Today, even the Princess of Wales appeared swept up in the mood: she wore a neat tartan Alessandra Rich dress to make an unscheduled appearance alongside Prince William in Sunningdale, for a visit to the local Women’s Institute branch to mark the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
Despite having adopted a slightly more casual wardrobe this year, the Princess of Wales’s midi-dress—with its girlish puff sleeves, prim collar, and peplum effect waist—was on the smarter side, offering a polished take on uniform dressing that’s entirely aligned with her style ethos: quality, timeless staples and classic silhouettes.
Alessandra Rich’s polka dots have long been a fixture in the Princess’s wardrobe—she’s worn the designer’s modern teadresses to both Wimbledon and Royal Ascot, as well as in royal family portraits. And when she’s in Balmoral mode—think skinny jeans, Barbour jackets, and the odd divisive baker boy hat—Kate enjoys introducing a splash of tartan.
Consider Kate’s timeless silhouette a modern take on back-to-school dressing. Your nostalgic nods to school uniform (adult women co-opted Mary Jane flats and Pointelle socks from the playground a while ago now) won’t veer into costume territory if you, like the Princess, keep things classic.