When the Prince and Princess of Wales arrived in Boston in December 2022, the spotlight may have been on the Earthshot Prize – but the Kate she wore was an equally unmissable moment. The 43-year-old royal stepped out in a sumptuous chocolate-brown Alexander McQueen design.
A Boston police officer who met Kate and William during their visit shared a previously unseen photograph from their trip to his Instagram this week, and the snap has reignited interest in the chic design. One person said on X: « I didn’t mind the brown/orange colour combo when we saw it in Boston, but I’m loving it now, three years later, in this unseen photo. » Another said: « She really could be a model, I love this coat! »
Its tailoring was razor-sharp yet softened by the fluid sweep of the hem, creating an image of modern polish. Layered over a vibrant orange knit, the colour pairing felt daring yet sophisticated, and it’s perfect for autumn.
The long, double-breasted coat is sharply tailored with structured shoulders, clean lines, and a fitted waist before falling into a fluid hemline.
While the cut gave the look an air of strength, it still carried Kate’s signature elegance, proving once again why McQueen remains her go-to design house.
What gave the ensemble real impact was Kate’s confident use of colour. Beneath the coat, she paired a vivid orange dress that left a lasting impression.
The Princess ensured it was just visible at the hem, and carefully coordinated her accessories in tonal brown.
She styled the outfit with bespoke Gianvito Rossi suede boots, matching gloves, and a soft scarf, transforming the look into a refined exercise in tonal layering.
The orange-and-brown palette is an inspired mix, nodding to 1970s chic while still feeling contemporary and directional.
It’s a combination that slots seamlessly into winter wardrobes, breaking away from the monotony of black while remaining effortlessly wearable.
Think of it as the modern update to neutrals: rich, earthy hues lifted with a burst of warmth.
Kate’s Boston look now feels even more prescient, with chocolate-brown coats tipped to dominate the high street this season.
Longline tailoring, tonal styling, and retro-infused colourways are all codes the fashion set is embracing – and Kate wore them with confidence before the rest of us caught on.
