Autumn is always a slightly tricky time of year when it comes to what to wear for the weather, but you can't go far wrong with layering. A blazer is a great example of a hard-working piece which comes into its own in Autumn, standing in either as a light jacket or sandwich layer under a more heavy duty coat. It's also the easiest way to smarten up even the most casual of outfits, from jeans to joggers.

And, as the Princess of Wales has proven, houndstooth is a timeless style you can always rely on. The blazer Kate most recently wore was for a visit to Southend last month, pairing it with slim-fit trousers and brogues.

britains catherine, princess of wales reacts during a visit to the forward trust in southend on sea, eastern england on september 24, 2026, to mark addiction awareness week. (photo by chris jackson / pool / afp via getty images)
Chris Jackson
southend, england september 24: catherine, princess of wales during a visit to the forward trust to mark addiction awareness week on september 24, 2026 in southend, england. the forward trust supports people as they recover from addiction with the aim of helping them rebuild their lives. the princess of wales has been a patron of the charity since 2021. (photo by chris jackson/getty images)
Chris Jackson

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh even wore the print (in the form of a Gabriela Hearst co-ordinating jacket and midi skirt) just this week (Monday 26 October), during a visit to Finland.

helsinki mayor daniel sazonov (2ndr) gestures next to britains prince edward, duke of edinburgh, and sophie, duchess of edinburgh (l), around helsinki city hall, accompanied by his wife anita westerholm (r), in helsinki, finland, on october 26, 2026. the duke and duchess of edinburgh are on an official visit to finland from october 26 to 28. (photo by mikko stig / lehtikuva / afp via getty images) / finland out
MIKKO STIG

While the Princess of Wales' blazer is by Max Mara (and costs over £1000), we've found a strikingly similar double-breasted blazer in houndstooth print at Nobody's Child, which is currently on sale for 50% off. The blazer puts a modern twist on the classic pattern by adding subtle polka dots, and is reduced from £149 to £75:

Nobody's Child Beige Houndstooth Polka Dot Double Breasted Blazer

Beige Houndstooth Polka Dot Double Breasted Blazer

Nobody's Child Beige Houndstooth Polka Dot Double Breasted Blazer

Now 50% Off

The Princess of Wales often turns to a blazer in some form of check print for official engagements. For instance, during a visit to Sudbury in September last year.

sudbury, united kingdom september 11: (embargoed for publication in uk newspapers until 24 hours after create date and time) catherine, princess of wales arrives for a visit to sudbury silk mills on september 11, 2025 in sudbury, england. the princess of wales is visiting mills in sudbury and cuxton today as she celebrates british creativity and craftsmanship. (photo by max mumby/indigo/getty images)
Max Mumby/Indigo
Kate in September 2025.

One of the check patterns Kate often turns to is the Prince of Wales check (also known as 'glen plaid') which gives a nod to the title she shares with her husband, Prince William.