The Princess Wales looked radiant at the Women’s Rugby (Image: Getty)
If you cast your mind back to the early 2000s, ruffles were everywhere – from party dresses to red-carpet gowns, they defined the era. The mantra was simple: the bigger, the better, with dramatic cascades of fabric dominating the silhouette.
Fast forward to 2025, and the trend has made a comeback, but this time with a sense of refinement and balance. The Princess of Wales showcased this modern take at the England Women’s Rugby match over the weekend, pairing her Knatchbull Cascade silk blouse with a sharp black Alexander McQueen blazer.
Royal fashion expert Samantha, from Royal Fashion Daily on Instagram, noted how Kate’s powerhouse look struck the perfect blend of femininity and structure.
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The commentator revealed: “Back in the Y2K era, ruffles were often over the top – layers upon layers, sometimes verging on costume. The 2025 take is far more considered.”
“Designers are using them sparingly, almost like punctuation rather than the whole sentence. A cuff detail, a structured shoulder, or a single soft trim against sharp tailoring – it’s about balance, not excess,” Samantha continued.
That balance is exactly what Princess Kate demonstrated when she stepped out in the Knatchbull Cascade Ruffle Silk Blouse, an ivory design retailing at £565.
Princess Kate wore a designer blazer by Alexander McQueen (Image: Getty)
She paired the romantic blouse with a sharply tailored Alexander McQueen blazer that retails for over £1,690, instantly modernising the look.
“Kate avoids the ‘fussy’ trap by grounding ruffles in structure,” shared Samantha. Before adding: “Pairing her blouse with a fitted blazer gave the look sharpness. It’s that tension between fluid and tailored that makes the blouse feel current instead of dated.”
For Kate, ruffles aren’t about drama but subtle detail. They add femininity without compromising on formality, making them a versatile choice for her busy calendar of engagements.
The Princess of Wales wore the same shirt with a green suit back in May earlier this year (Image: Getty)
“A ruffled blouse has that perfect mix of softness and edge,” the expert noted.
“It can feel whimsical, but also formal enough for the office or an engagement. That versatility is why they keep coming back; they adapt themselves to the mood of the decade without ever feeling completely out of place.”
The Princess of Wales, has long been admired for her ability to breathe new life into timeless staples, and her ruffle moment is a case in point.
Princess Kate wore a pussy bow purple blouse, featuring a dramatic statement (Image: Getty )
She continued: “Pairing her blouse with a fitted blazer gave the look sharpness. While the detail might once have felt old-fashioned, on Kate it becomes aspirational and contemporary. She’s hugely popular, and people genuinely like and trust her style. »
Samantha added: “When Kate wears something, it instantly feels aspirational but still achievable. That combination is why older details like ruffles suddenly feel relevant again. She has the rare ability to set the standard without ever shouting about it.”
And as Samantha pointed out, ruffles are no longer a passing fad: “They’re one of those details that never really disappear. They just evolve. Right now, the mood is about subtle flourishes, not excess – and Kate’s styling fits that shift perfectly.”
