Duchess Sophie styles favourite leather dress with sultry yet cosy knee high boots for the perfect edgy winter outfit

The Duchess of Edinburgh just brought back her go-to leather dress and her floral blouse and boots were the perfect accompaniments

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, wearing a leather dress over a floral shirt, visits the Fight for Sight Laboratory at University College on November 18, 2024
(Image credit: Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)

Duchess Sophie re-styled her favourite leather dress with sultry yet cosy knee high boots to create the perfect edgy winter outfit.

No matter what you have in your winter capsule wardrobe, plunging temperatures call for layering - and introducing different textures into a cosy look is a fabulous way to make your outfits that bit more interesting and chic. The Royal Family are big fans of this approach and Duchess Sophie’s leather dress is a prime example of how one statement piece can be styled in so many different ways to achieve a warm and elegant look. She’s previously worn her leather dress over knitwear but on 18th November the Duchess of Edinburgh brought back her Loewe leather dress with a pair of tan suede knee high boots and a floral blouse.

Duchess Sophie had a busy day of engagements which included visiting the Feel Good Inside and Out Project at Cranford College and the Fight For Sight Laboratory at University College in her role as Global Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. Stepping out into the chilly weather, her leather dress was perfect, with its midi length and crew neckline.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh visits the Fight for Sight Laboratory at University College on November 18, 2024

(Image credit: Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)

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It was sleeveless which makes it perfect for layering a jumper, T-shirt or blouse seamlessly underneath and it had a timeless A-line shape. Aside from a matching leather waist belt which featured a subtle Loewe logo, Duchess Sophie’s leather dress was unadorned and plain. This helped to balance out the edginess of the leather and made it more versatile.

In the past the Duchess of Edinburgh has worn this dress with a burgundy crew neck jumper for a visit to the Brainwave charity and with a black long sleeved top when she met the St George’s Society of New York. On this occasion, she instead opted for a £175 ME+EM blouse that is made from a breathable silk and cotton blend and has a hand-painted floral print.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh visits the Feel Good Inside and Out Project at Cranford College on November 18, 2024

(Image credit: Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)

The tones are gorgeous for this time of year, with a chocolate brown base colour and pops of orange, pale pink and white with the flowers. Duchess Sophie’s blouse was made even more beautiful thanks to its billowing sleeves with smocked cuffs and the frilled standing collar.

This collar rose to just above the neckline of her leather dress and the contrast between the feminine, floaty blouse and the more structured dress was incredibly eye-catching. Even if you’re not sure about adding a leather dress to your own wardrobe, a leather skirt or leather trousers can also be styled with a more billowing, patterned shirt or top to achieve a similar feel.

If you approach your leather or faux leather clothing pieces like you would any black skirt, pair of trousers or dress then they become so easy to wear, as the neutral colour works with so many other hues. The senior royal proved this when she wore tan knee high boots to finish off her look instead of wearing black boots to match her dress.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh visits the Feel Good Inside and Out Project at Cranford College on November 18, 2024

(Image credit: Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)

Like Duchess Sophie’s leather dress we’ve seen these sultry yet cosy boots from Gianvito Rossi before when she wore them to the Together at Christmas carol concert in 2023. They are made from tan-toned suede and have a block heel, slouchy shape and pointed toe. Adding in another, lighter shade brightened up her outfit and gave it a more daytime feel.

To dress an outfit like this up for the evening, the Duchess of Edinburgh could have worn the dress either on its own or with a silky or satin top to up the glamour factor. For her day visiting the Feel Good Inside and Out Project and the Fight For Sight Laboratory, her outfit was sophisticated yet warm. During her engagements throughout the day, the royal took part in crafting activities, helped with some cooking and got involved in the laboratory.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!