Kate Middleton and Queen Mary's cosy coats were a masterclass in styling sophisticated winter wear

When two of our favourite royals, Kate Middleton and Queen Mary, met back in 2022, we knew we were going to get a pair of stunning outfits out of the engagement - and the beautiful winter coats the royals opted to wear did not disappoint.

A flattering and warm coat is a must-have in any winter capsule wardrobe. The practical staple needs to be versatile, pairing with casual outfits of jeans and knitwear, while also working just as well for more formal occasions so we can get our moneys worth out of the piece and wear it time and time again across the cold season.

And we've found the perfect winter coat inspiration in Kate Middleton and Queen Mary, who are two royals we've long turned to for outfit inspiration. The two royals met in 2022 to talk about Kate's work with The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood in Copenhagen, and both of them opted to wear some of the most sophisticated winter coats we've ever seen.

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Kate's tailored coat boasts beautiful and striking black collar accents which break up its grey cashmere and wool makeup. The black lapels and cuffs take inspiration from the crisp and structured uniforms of 18th century navy officers, hence designer Catherine Walker calling it The Marine Coat.

She highlighted these black accents through her accessories too, creating a muted grey and black colour palette that proves simple styling is far from boring and will always look impossibly chic.

With practical and cosy black leather gloves keeping her hands warm in the cool winter weather, she finished off her outfit with a pair of black point-toe court shoes and a timeless designer handbag by Mulberry, which we've fallen in love with, called the Small Amberley Crossbody bag.

Queen Mary opted for a well-loved vintage coat that she's been spotted wearing regularly throughout winter since all the way back in 2005 - something we're sure Kate, who is an avid re-wearer of her clothes, appreciated during her visit.

The royal's now discontinued Sequin Tweed Coat by Carolina Herrera is made from a gorgeous textured tweed fabric, with the raw edged hem boasting a scattering of black sequins to create a fun and playful monochrome look.

Mary leaned into this monochrome feature with the rest of her look, pairing the coat with a sleek form-hugging midi dress with a turtle neck neckline, a thick pair of opaque tights, some black leather court heels and even a matching black scarf.

While both royals styled their tailored winter coats in more formal ways, showing off how ideal the styles are for wearing to formal events, the coats are just as easily dressed down too. Throw either over a pair of wide leg jeans and an oversized knit to create a casual outfit and finish off the look with some chunky suede boots or a pair of white trainers. Pull your hair back into a ponytail to further lean into the more laid-back feel, or pull on a cosy winter hat.