As many of us contemplate a possible return to the office later this summer, the prospect of putting together a 'working from office' wardrobe is pretty daunting. Because after a year spent at home - curled up on the sofa, laptop balanced on your knee, wearing sweatpants, it's difficult to think about power dresses and stilettos. Kate Middleton, however, does have a rather tempting solution to looking office-smart without wearing a full suit.
For outfit number one on her week-long visit to Scotland, Middleton wore a cobalt-coloured blazer with a pleated midi skirt (instead of a matching pencil or pair of trousers) to visit the centre of Turning Point Scotland, Coatbridge, in a typical nod to the literal style of dressing she has perfected over the years of public service. The blazer was a double-breasted style from Zara, which she actually wore earlier this month on a video call, while the skirt was from Hope. The exact jacket is no longer available - although Zara has a wealth of blue tailoring that would be ripe for the office return - but the skirt can be pre-ordered on the brand's website for £95.
SHOP: Kate Middleton's Bright Blue Suit
1 of 2Zara, Oversized Double-Breasted Blazer, £59.99
2 of 2Hope, The Contrast Hem Pleated Skirt In Cobalt, £95
The Duchess opted for caramel-coloured accessories - a pair of suede pumps from Gianvito Rossi, and Metier's Roma bag - as well as a double-stranded necklace that she also wore last week from Spells of Love.
SEE: All The Times Kate Middleton Practised Literal Dressing
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This Catherine Walker coat, complete with a bow at the neck, couldn't have been more festive for last year's carol concert at Westminster Abbey.
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For last year's visit to Scotland, Kate packed some modern tartan in the form of this trench from Holland & Cooper.
3 of 18Kate Middleton wearing an emerald green jacket from Zara
The emerald green jacket (a double-breasted number from Zara) was an easy spot for St Patrick's Day, but how many eagle-eyed followers noticed that she was also wearing a necklace with a teeny shamrock pendant from Daniella Draper?
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To celebrate Burns Night, and bring a traditional feast of haggis, neeps and tatties to workers at NHS Tayside, Kate Middleton appeared via video wearing a tartan dress from Emilia Wickstead.
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In honour of what would've been the start of finals weekend at Wimbledon, Kate surprised a group of young tennis players with a video call with Andy Murray. For the call, Kate wore the HVN's Tennis Long Maria Dress{
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Earlier this year, the Cambridges and their three young children joined the rest of the nation in the weekly Clap For Our Carers outside their home in Norfolk. Kate, William, George, Charlotte and Louis all wore outfits in tones of blue in honour of the NHS.
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For her very first in-person event following lockdown, Kate Middleton visited the Fakenham Garden Centre, arriving in a simple outfit that looked perfect for a day of weeding and planting.
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In December 2019, Kate joined families and children who are supported by the charity Family Action at Peterley Manor Farm in a very festive red puffer jacket and green jumper combo.
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Kate loves a floral print and won't let a visit to a garden centre or flower show go unmarked, from the 'Back to Nature' festival at RHS Garden Wisley (left) to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show (middle) to the White Garden at Kensington Palace (right).
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While on a royal tour of Ireland with Prince William in 2019, Kate made sure to pay tribute to the colour most associated with the country: green. Our favourite? The stunning Vampire's Wife dress she wore in Dublin.
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Speaking of green...Kate almost always attends a St Patrick's Day parade each year and she always, always wears green to celebrate.
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While on a royal tour of Poland in 2017, Kate paid homage to the country with her wardrobe twice. First, she wore a white dress with red accessories to honour the Polish flag. Then, she wore a dress by Polish designer Gosia Baczynska.
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Over the years, while attending events involving sailing or boating, Kate has capitalised on the nautical theme wearing white-and-navy stripes with golden accessories.
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The royals love Wimbledon and Kate is no exception. Having attended many, many times over the years, you can bet Kate will show off her tennis whites at the tournament at least once every year.
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In 2017, the Cambridges and their children arrived on the royal tour of Germany wearing different shades of cornflower blue, the colour of the country's national flower.
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Kate and William went on a royal tour to Pakistan in late 2019 and this is where Kate's passion for diplomatic dressing shone the brightest. Wearing outfits designed by Pakistani designers and wearing traditional Pakistani-style dresses, Kate certainly made a mark on this tour.
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Kate also showed her love for diplomatic dressing while on a royal tour of India and Bhutan, wearing dresses by local designers that featured traditional motifs.
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While in Canada with Prince William, Kate went to the rodeo, where she dressed for the occasion with a white cowboy hat. Later in the trip, she wore a red hat featuring maple leaves that look very similar to the Canadian flag.