Kate Middleton Just Surprised Us in This Very Un-Royal Shorts-and-Trainers Look

Whether meeting diplomats or simply enjoying time with her family, Kate Middleton always strikes the perfect balance between elegance and ease. While attending the Sail Grand Prix in Plymouth this weekend, the Duchess of Cambridge paired a nautical Breton top with tailored shorts and completed the look with a pair of white Superga trainers—a sneaker style she turns to again and again for low-key outings.
The gold buttons add to the nautical feel of Kate's look.
Sure, Kate's been known to sport a great dress, and understandably, we're often inspired by these stylish choices, but her recent penchant for shorts is a new aesthetic for the duchess—one you could say feels comparatively "un-royal” when you consider her usual penchant for coat frocks. Regardless, Kate usually wears easy-to-replicate items that can be combined in various ways to create endless outfits. Take her latest look; the striped top is a wardrobe staple that often appears in our own capsule wardrobes and has a cool French-girl feel. The tailored shorts are the simplest way to keep cool and still look put together whilst summer days continue. For work, a sleek pair of mules will take these from day to office wear, but for downtime or running errands, a simple pair of trainers is the perfect finishing touch.
Kate knows how to style a truly timeless look.
What makes this outfit so striking is the harmony between classic and on-trend. These tailored shorts might seem preppy in nature, but the fashion set has taken them on in recent years, giving them a modern feel. Trainers are a must in any wardrobe and can be styled with shorts, dresses, jeans, skirts—basically everything.
Scroll on for our edit of the best shorts and trainers to re-create Kate's classic look.
Shop Shorts and Trainers Just Like Kate’s
We think this New Balance pair will sell out quick, so get them while you can.
A crisp white pair of shorts can be worn plenty of ways.
Complete the look with the matching blazer.
The supple leather and retro panel have these high on my wish list.
Up next, 9 Brunch Outfits Worth Instagramming Over Your Avo on Toast
Florrie embarked on her fashion journey whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content. Over eight years of fashion industry experience, Florrie has honed her skills from styling e-commerce photoshoots to personal shopping. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer. Now, as the Shopping Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them.
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