Knowing what to wear in the heat and still feel put-together isn’t easy and the Princess of Wales has an additional challenge. As a senior working royal, she typically wears longer hemlines and steers clear of strapless or low-neckline designs.
This means more coverage on a sunny day, but Kate does occasionally swap her midi dresses and co-ords for shorts. This is usually because she’s throwing herself into an activity-based engagement. However, in 2022 she wore a stunning pair of Holland Cooper linen blend shorts as part of her arrival outfit for a visit to Plymouth.
The Princess met with sailing teams from the UK and New Zealand and she did take part in some sailing herself. She swapped into a wetsuit when she took to the water, though her original pair were a soft white tone and would rival any denim shorts.
Shop White Tailored Shorts
Crafted from a breathable linen blend, these tailored shorts are impeccably designed and so timeless. They also come in black and have a mid-rise waist and practical side pockets. If you want to go for a full suit look then Mint Velvet also make a matching blazer and waistcoat.
These shorts are an affordable option and the slightly longer Bermuda length is great if you prefer a bit more leg coverage. They have darts at the front and come with a matching belt. Tuck in a T-shirt or cami and add a pair of flat sandals and you've got yourself a breezy outfit.
You can't go far wrong with simple white shorts like these and the tailored design and pleats make them feel polished. They are made from a woven fabric and have diagonal side pockets and a faux welt pocket at the back.
Holland Cooper still makes these £199 tailored shorts in a range of hues, including the white that the Princess of Wales has in her collection. The single knife pleats give them a crisp look that enhances their smartness.
They’re high-waisted and also feature the brand’s signature gold rivets for a glamorous edge. Every summer, no matter the denim trends, shorts always surge in popularity as we search for a staple to wear in the sunshine.
Denim shorts can look quite casual, thanks to the fabric and wash pattern. Many designs are also far shorter than I personally prefer to wear and some denims can be quite stiff.
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These electric blue shorts are made from breathable linen and also come in a white colourway. The shape is straight and they're mid-rise, with two pockets and a cotton lining. They fasten with a concealed button, hook and zip.
Pleats make shorts feel even more elegant and this pair has them giving extra shaping at the front. The material is a linen blend and there are several different hues to choose from. To get maximum wear out of your shorts, I'd recommend going for a pared-back shade like black or white.
Do stripes, but make it subtle with these cream and beige tailored shorts. The belt loops are a handy touch and they fasten with a simple zip. These would be so chic with a white T-shirt and trainers, as well as dressed up with the matching waistcoat and some wedges.
In contrast, white shorts like Kate’s feel quite sophisticated and are just as easy to style with different tops. If you pick a linen or cotton blend, there’s usually a bit more softness to them, too. Tailored options are also traditionally not so fitted on the legs which can be very flattering.
It’s worth considering adding some to your collection if you're not sure how to style shorts and usually avoid denim ones, but want something comfier and easier to dress up. For her visit to Plymouth, the future Queen wore hers with her go-to Superga trainers and a blue and white nautical striped knit.
As she was at the coast where it can often be cooler than inland, the long-sleeved jumper was a clever choice to balance out the reduced coverage on her legs. This was a quintessential smart-casual outfit pre-sailing, although with the addition of a blazer and some sleek ballet flats or wedges it would become more elevated.
I would wear white tailored shorts with a colourful cami top on a scorching day for a touch of brightness, and the beauty of them being so neutral is that they’d work with pretty much anything.
Since 2022 Kate hasn’t re-worn these shorts on a visit. Back then she wasn’t Princess of Wales yet and it’s possible that now she’s even more senior within the Royal Family we won’t see them again.
That doesn’t mean that she hasn’t kept the tailored shorts in her collection to wear when she’s at home at Adelaide Cottage or Anmer Hall, though.
