Is it just us, or does it feel increasingly impossible to know what to wear during the hot, hot, hot summer months? Well, if there's one person who's always well dressed whatever the weather, it's Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. We've been raking through her hot-weather style files to spot the tricks she relies on, and we think we've narrowed her strategy down to a four-piece rule.
As a busy working royal, The Duchess is expected to be on top form and complete engagements both in the UK and abroad year round, which can mean she's often working during hot conditions. To ensure she's comfortable and her outfits are up to royal standard, she relies on four summer staples:
Breezy midi dresses
The first is a staple in the wardrobes of almost all the senior women of the Royal Family. The Princess of Wales tends to wear slightly fitted or A-line dresses in plain colours, whereas Sophie and Queen Camilla opt for more relaxed fits and bold prints, which are ideal on hot summer days.
The key is choosing something airy, with room to move, and being made from natural fibres so the body is able to breathe. For example, last month the Duchess attended the Royal Welsh Show wearing a vibrant print midi dress by Lexy London, which was made from 100% cotton.
Shirt dresses are also a variation on the midi dress which are a popular choice for the Duchess. Being lightweight but usually with longer sleeves make them a more transitional choice to wear between seasons, as well as offering a slightly more 'put together' feel.
Espadrille sandals
For Sophie, the summer means only one thing - espadrilles. The royal regularly wears variations of the woven standals, often as a stacked wedge. The shoe is ideal for summer events as it presents height with a flat sole. They're suitable for wearing on grass and therefore much more practical and comfortable than a traditional high heel.
The roped detailing also adds a rustic, almost nautical feel which also contributes to the summer feel of the footwear. The Princess of Wales also wears the style on occasion, with Castaner being a royal brand of choice.
CASTANER Carina self-tie canvas wedge espadrilles
CASTANER Carina self-tie canvas wedge espadrilles
Sunglasses (worn on the head)
One of Sophie's signature summer looks is wearing a pair of sunglasses pushed onto her head, with her hair falling around them. Not only does this look effortlessly chic, but it's also a hand way to ensure she's always got her eyewear close to hand. On a bright day, she'll need to shield her eyes, but will want to remove the shades as she meets people so she can properly engage. At a busy summer event, this will mean a lot of taking on and off, so pushing them onto her hair offers the perfect solution.
Linen blazer
This summer, many of us have often been able to leave the house without any additional layers, but the British weather does run the risk of betraying us and keeping a light cover-up close to hand is always advisable. For Sophie, this comes in the form of a beige blazer, often in linen. The neutral tone is ideal as it means the jacket can be thrown over almost any outfit, delivering plenty of cost per wear. The blazer style also means adding an extra layer doesn't compromise the outfit if it's something a little more formal - as perhaps a jumper, hoodie or cardigan could.
Theory Staple Blazer in Textured Linen
Sophie has a couple in rotation that she relies on. One is a double-breasted linen blazer with pinstripes and statement buttons, and the other is single-breasted with a more relaxed, woven texture.
