Duchess Sophie’s outdoor boots, £39 earrings and camo are the epitome of practical elegance for military moment in Canada
Duchess Sophie's outdoor boots might be super practical but they're also incredibly stylish and there are many ways to recreate this look

Duchess Sophie’s outdoor boots, £39 earrings and camo were the epitome of practical elegance for a major military moment in Canada.
Taking a leaf out of Princess Anne’s practical styling book, the Duchess of Edinburgh has proved that functional items can also be incredibly elegant as she put together an effortlessly chic outdoor look in Canada. Duchess Sophie, formerly known as the Countess of Wessex, is currently on a solo visit to the Commonwealth country lasting until her daughter Lady Louise Windsor’s birthday on 8th November.
On her first day on 4th November she watched regiments compete for The Countess of Wessex cup and several snaps taken by Tim Rooke and Shutterstock were shared from the occasion.
A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)
A photo posted by on
For this autumnal outing the senior royal opted for a camo jacket with Duchess of Edinburgh embroidered on one pocket. She paired this with a pair of simple olive-green trousers and some seriously beautiful accessories, including an affordable pair of silver earrings and outdoor boots, that were still totally in-keeping with the engagement’s practical feel.
Duchess Sophie’s outdoor boots are understood to be desert combat boots from Meindl that have a similar feel to the Princess of Wales’ Berghaus boots. They were a warm chocolate brown with a gripping sole and lace-up design that couldn’t have been more classic. The brown tone worked perfectly with the earthy shade of her trousers and the darker hues in the Duchess of Edinburgh’s camo jacket and also with the jacket she changed into later on when visiting Iniskillin winery.
During the autumn and winter months, chunky soled boots are a great choice with their extra grip and whilst you might not want to exactly replicate Duchess Sophie’s, the best walking shoes are great for keeping your feet dry and supported and give a similar look. For an even more fashionable approach, there are also plenty of military style boots on the high-street that give a utilitarian edge to outfits.
The Duchess of Edinburgh chose to off-set her sturdy boots with a little glamour in the form of her £39 earrings. The Foresta Caracol Stud earrings by Palenque were previously worn by Duchess Sophie to Wimbledon 2021 as well and they have a beautiful, swirling shell-like design. Made with a hammered finish in silver, Duchess Sophie’s earrings are super affordable and in Canada she showcased how a stunning pair of simple studs can jazz up very practical looks.
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.
At Wimbledon in 2021 she wore them with a black and white polka floaty dot shirt dress, as silver earrings without any stones or statement adornments can truly work for any occasion, whether outdoors, day-to-day or more formal. The earrings also come in a £79.99 gold plated version and Palenque also do them in a drop version and in a mini and standard pendant size too. Duchess Sophie’s outdoor boots, earrings and camo were the perfect blend of sensible and stylish for her role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Lincoln and Welland Regiment.
They hosted The Countess of Wessex Cup competition as last year’s winners and Duchess Sophie even showcased her own skills (and put her practical outfit to the test) at the Winona Rifle Range. The competition was set up in 2012 and the Duchess’ military regiments compete in physically and mentally challenging military skills events which range from open water rescue to obstacle courses.
SHOP SIMILAR BOOTS
RRP: £115 | With a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® lining, these Berghaus boots will keep your feet cool and dry while the durable full-grain leather upper offers maximum comfort.
RRP: £89.99 |Coming in this beautiful dark brown shade, these leather walking boots have an IsoDry coating for ultimate weather protection. They also feature a breathable latex insole and are perfect for an avid hiker.
RRP: £150 | If you love the look of Duchess Sophie's outdoor boots but would prefer a more fashion-focused option these are lovely. The classic design, leather and chocolate shade make these a great wardrobe staple.
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. She specialises in 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 latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
Julia Roberts' powder blue Stella McCartney suit is elegance personified
Styled with pastel heels and a rich chocolate brown clutch, Julia's suit looked stunning
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
If you try one beauty product this week, make it a handy tool for facial fuzz
It can get tiring, pretending not to have a 'tache... so this week's Sunday Service shouts from the rooftops about shifting whiskers
By Fiona McKim Published
-
Ahead of the game as always, Duchess Sophie’s tan suede jacket has become the season’s must-have style
The suede jacket trend is huge right now and the Duchess of Edinburgh already has a stunning belted one in her collection
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward share the adorable secret to their happy 25-year marriage
The royal couple revealed the secret to their relationship and it echoes what Duchess Sophie said about her husband last year
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie's espadrilles and matching belt with pink blazer have us dreaming of sunny spring
Duchess Sophie's style in Nepal is inspiring our spring outfits already and her espadrilles and pale pink blazer are a chic combination
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Want florals that look less curtain and more cool? Duchess Sophie's latest dress is the best inspiration
Duchess Sophie's Etro dress is a masterclass in how to wear florals in a contemporary way and she wore it on Day 2 of her visit to Nepal
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie’s ruffle sleeved dress is inspiring us to abandon winter whites and embrace soft creams
The Duchess of Edinburgh re-wore one of her favourite dresses and it's got us keen to swap winter whites for warm creams
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Subtle and sophisticated, Duchess Sophie’s blush pink jumper is on our 2025 trend board
The Duchess of Edinburgh loves wearing pink and one of her favourite pastel shades couldn't be more on-trend for this spring/summer
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie took style notes from Kate Middleton and nailed wearing her go-to print
Duchess Sophie is on board with the Princess of Wales's favourite print and her flowing midi dress was a masterclass in styling polka dots
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie's faux fur Zara jacket was the ultimate high street addition to all-over glam
Duchess Sophie stepped out in a black faux fur jacket that proved outerwear can be every bit as glamorous as your evening dresses
By Emma Shacklock Published