Brown jeans have never looked as sporty yet sophisticated as they do on Kate Middleton. The Princess of Wales, no stranger to the UK’s rainy weather and rural terrain, stepped out late last month in a look that’s lesson in how functionality can be transformed into elegance.
The misty setting looked like something out of an English period piece, though in reality, the event was rooted in a very 21st century pursuit. Kate Middleton joined Mind Over Mountains, a charity offering professional mental health support through “therapeutic outdoor experiences,” for a well-being walk on January 27.
Keeping in mind the elements, Kate paired an olive green jacket with hiking boots. The key detail, however, was her brown skinny jeans. The earthy tone (as opposed to stark black) results in a look that is traditional, simple, elegant, and most importantly, comfortable—all the tenants of the quiet luxury style that she embodies. Weather, footwear, or terrain never dictate her choices. They serve as jumping off points.
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The key is in the balance: the military green of the Barbour jacket, the vintage touch of the newsboy cap, the wool scarf that breaks the rigidity with a cozy texture. Each element seems selected with a narrative purpose. It’s not an improvised look, it’s a story told in layers.
While most associate winter with muted cool tones, Middleton uses warm browns to create depth, greens to give structure, and the mix of materials (waxed cotton, wool, denim) to add texture.
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