Pippa Middleton's leg-elongating fashion formula makes the most of autumn wardrobe staples

Pippa Middleton used to have a go-to styling combination to achieve a leg-elongating effect and it couldn't be easier to recreate

Composite of two pictures of Pippa Middleton walking through London in November 2011 wearing a short green coat, black jeans and black boots
(Image credit: Image 1: Photo by Alex Moss/FilmMagic via Getty // Image 2: Photo by Alex Moss/FilmMagic via Getty)

Pippa Middleton's leg-elongating fashion formula for autumn is so simple to recreate and it features two wardrobe staples.

Pippa Middleton is known for her impeccable sense of style every bit as much as her sister the Princess of Wales is, and when it comes to autumn/winter clothing she’s given us plenty of outfit inspiration over the years. If you haven’t yet put together your autumn capsule wardrobe, you might be tempted (just like we are) to add in some of Pippa’s leg-elongating staples - skinny jeans and heeled boots. Whilst straight leg jeans and wide leg jeans have become increasingly popular, the good old skinny jean is a style that Pippa and Kate both love. 

We were particularly taken by an outfit worn by Pippa back in November 2011, when she stepped out in South Kensington in a pair of black skinny jeans and black boots that rose just above her ankle. It might sound simple but as the basis of an outfit, styled with a cropped olive green duffle coat, it was autumnal style perfection. 

Pippa Middleton walks in South Kensington on November 15, 2011 wearing a green coat, black skinny jeans and black boots

(Image credit: Photo by Neil Mockford/FilmMagic via Getty)

Shop Pippa Middleton's Autumn Staples

Pippa’s jeans were streamlined and she accentuated this even more by tucking the hems into her boots. This created one continuous line and her choice to wear black jeans and boots together highlighted the seamless quality of this pairing.

If you’re particularly drawn to wearing pieces that have a leg-lengthening effect on your silhouette then Pippa’s fashion formula is a great way to achieve this. Caroline Parr, Digital Fashion Editor of Woman&Home, believes that this is a "savvy move" and suggests that you don’t necessarily have to stick to ankle boots like Pippa’s either, as knee high designs also work well.

"A blocky heeled boot and skinny jeans is the dream combination, as Pippa proves here. Matching your jeans and boots is a savvy style move if you're keen to elongate your legs, so whether you opt for ankle or knee length boots, sticking to sleek black will add height to your look without the need to put your feet through the pain of high heels," she says.

Composite of three pictures of Pippa Middleton wearing skinny jeans and boots in 2012, 2011 and 2012

(Image credit: Image 1: Photo by Alex Moss/FilmMagic via Getty // Image 2: Photo by SAV/FilmMagic via Getty // Image 3:Photo by Bauer-Griffin/GC Images via Getty)

Keeping to one key colour for your jeans and boots can help them appear even more leg-elongating on your frame and is especially impactful. However, this effect is also evident to a lesser degree when you incorporate different tones too. 

In the past Pippa Middleton regularly switched up her jean colours and was spotted out and about wearing everything from vibrant coral skinny jeans to mid-blue and dove grey jeans. On each of these occasions Pippa’s leg-elongating style pairing came into play as she wore them with black ankle or knee high boots. She favoured leather or suede and each of her boots tended to have a manageable heel which made them comfortable for the daytime as well as for evenings out.

Pippa Middleton is seen on October 03, 2012 in London, United Kingdom

(Image credit: Photo by TOE/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images via Getty)

In the autumn and winter months many of us swap our best white trainers for boots as we brave the colder, rainier conditions and styling your favourite pairs with skinny jeans is an easy outfit that looks put-together as well as being quite practical. 

Sadly, it’s been quite some time since we’ve seen a glimpse of Pippa out and about in autumn as most of her public appearances tend to come during the summer at events like Wimbledon. Out of the public eye, though, we can’t help feeling that jeans and boots are likely still a key part of her seasonal wardrobe just as they are in ours.

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!