Duchess Sophie’s turquoise wide leg jumpsuit is the versatile dress alternative we all need in our wardrobes
The Duchess of Edinburgh proved in 2018 that a wide leg jumpsuit can be every bit as elegant as a dress and her colour choice was striking
![Composite of two pictures of Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh wearing a turquoise wide leg jumpsuit at Royal Ascot 2018](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rDErcAatSv6Ebsi9m4awSc-415-80.jpg)
Duchess Sophie wore a turquoise wide leg jumpsuit to Ascot in 2018 and it's the versatile dress alternative we all need in our wardrobes.
The summer months are filled with so many events and whilst dresses will always be a failsafe option in our wardrobe, the best jumpsuits rival them as occasionwear staples with their gorgeous silhouettes and beautiful colours. The Royal Family have proved this on several occasions over the years but if we had to pick our favourite royal jumpsuit, it might well be Duchess Sophie’s turquoise one from Royal Ascot 2018. She was the first royal to embrace Ascot’s change to the dress code after it allowed jumpsuits to be worn from 2017. We’re thankful that the Duchess of Edinburgh took the plunge in the way she did as her Emilia Wickstead jumpsuit with its palazzo-style wide leg design was show-stopping.
It had a classic crew neckline and short sleeves, with a fitted bodice that flared out into the dramatic pleated legs. Some fans might not have even realised at the time that Duchess Sophie was wearing a jumpsuit to Ascot as the silhouette made it appear almost like a full-length dress.
Shop Wide Leg Jumpsuits
This is an investment piece but it's so magnificent you're sure to get a lot of wear out of this jumpsuit for everything from weddings to family parties. It's made from 100% premium silk for a luxurious touch and has a wide leg cut and pretty round neckline.
This jumpsuit is a fabulous cobalt blue tone and is currently discounted in the summer sale, making it even more tempting to add this to your collection. The crew neckline is classic and we're particularly entranced by the tie-waist detail and the subtle gathering detail on the shoulder.
Shop Accessories Like Duchess Sophie's
A pair of classic black court shoes is a wardrobe must-have and these are affordable and so easy to style. They have a pointed toe and a stiletto heel, with M&S's Insolia® technology that helps to reduce pressure on the balls of your feet and make them more comfy to wear all day.
If you've been looking for a timeless black clutch that will add sophistication to every look then this is it. It's got a minimalist design with subtle branding, a gold-toned zip and a glamorous croc-effect shiny finish. Take with you to special events and for evenings out and it'll fit your on-the-go essentials.
Duchess Sophie's dainty jewellery at Ascot in 2018 might well have caught your eye and these graduated crystal drop earrings are an affordable way to emulate her look. They're made from 18k gold plated brass and can add a touch of sparkle to even the most simple of outfits.
The pleating added dimension and helped to make the jumpsuit legs seem even fuller and floaty. Wide leg trousers are a staple in many people’s summer capsule wardrobe as they’re so comfortable to wear and look effortlessly stylish, and a wide leg jumpsuit has a similar effect with the additional benefit of being an all-in-one look.
This makes jumpsuits a great, minimal-fuss item and on cooler summer days you can easily layer over the top with a denim jacket or linen shirt. Duchess Sophie isn’t afraid to step out in bold colours and her choice of a vibrant turquoise made this jumpsuit all the more special.
The shade brightened up an already sunshine-filled day and brought out the blue of her eyes in such a lovely way too. Running along the sleeves were contrasting black crossover details and the Duchess of Edinburgh matched her timeless court shoe heels and flapover clutch bag to this.
Keeping to a minimal colour palette of just turquoise and black was a stroke of styling genius as it allowed each of these key items to shine and ensured that the overall look wasn’t too overpowering.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
We also very much appreciate the Duchess's decision to coordinate her accessories and this gave her Ascot outfit a put-together, harmonious feel. As is only to be expected of Duchess Sophie, she added a fabulous statement hat that also tied in with the turquoise and black theme. A pair of drop earrings and gold bracelets were the perfect finishing touches to this outfit.
Although Royal Ascot has a very formal dress code, a wide leg jumpsuit like the Duchess of Edinburgh’s is something that would work just as well for special family gatherings, garden parties or in the place of one of your best wedding guest dresses.
Brighter colours are fun for summer and make a statement, though if you love Duchess Sophie’s wide leg jumpsuit but prefer neutral tones then a black, white or beige one would be equally stunning. The Duchess of Edinburgh clearly loved wearing her jumpsuit to Ascot instead of a dress as she followed up this look in 2019 with a navy Emilia Wickstead jumpsuit.
It had a similarly elegant wide leg silhouette with a v-neckline and elbow-length sleeves and she wore a matching navy pillbox hat on top of her sleek updo. This year she wore dresses to Ascot but we can't help hoping her jumpsuits make a triumphant return at an event sometime soon.
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!
-
Pippa Middleton paired a canary yellow coat and chocolate brown knee high boots with a stunning cossack hat – and we're captivated by her edgy chic look
This hat is topping our autumn/winter wishlist
By Kerrie Hughes Published
-
Dreamy destinations for epic hikes and enthralling views
These spellbinding spots are best explored on foot
By Lydia Swinscoe Published
-
Pippa Middleton’s skinny jeans and black knee high boots are a sleek alternative to wide-leg jeans and ankle boots
Pippa Middleton styled blue skinny jeans with black knee high boots tucked in back in 2012 and we love this chic autumnal combination
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Princess Charlotte has forged ‘touching’ bond with Duchess Sophie as the two royals 'enjoy summer shopping trips'
Princess Charlotte and her great-aunt Duchess Sophie have apparently been enjoying some quality time together this summer
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Pippa Middleton’s knee high boots are a timeless staple we should all have in our collection ready for colder days
Pippa Middleton is a big fan of knee high boots and her tan pair from 2011 is such a versatile footwear choice as autumn approaches
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie’s leather dress is the unexpected royal style choice that we’ve never forgotten - and we want it as part of our autumn layering rotation
Duchess Sophie's leather dress was styled with a burgundy jumper underneath in 2022 and it's a look we're still inspired by
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie’s edgy leather jacket and half-up half-down hairstyle deserve to make an autumn comeback
Duchess Sophie styled a collarless leather jacket with a half-up half-down hairstyle in 2017 and it's a winning autumn combination
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Pippa Middleton’s leopard print top, skinny jeans and gold ballet flats was a surprisingly wearable combination that has us excited for autumn
Pippa Middleton proved leopard print is more versatile than you think when she styled a shirt with blue jeans and gold shoes in 2011
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Meghan Markle is all about the accessories in Colombia - her chic sunhat and comfy block heels are on our end-of-summer wish-list
Meghan Markle's sunhat and block heel sandals took her already stunning outfit to new heights and they're such wardrobe staples
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Move over jeans, Pippa Middleton’s denim dress is still the perfect alternative to wear on these sunny late summer days
Pippa Middleton wore a sensational denim dress in 2011 and it's such a versatile look we can all recreate in this summer weather
By Emma Shacklock Published