Kate and Pippa Both Wore This Powerful Colour to the Same Event

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

As far as fashion-related royal protocols go, many of us are now acutely aware of the rule around wearing the same colour. It is important to not be dressed in the same hue as someone else more senior in the family. Meghan Markle explains in the Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan that this rule was the reason behind her ultra-neutral wardrobe in the early stages of her duties—it was rare that the Queen would be seen in tones such as beige or camel, so it was a safe palette for her to play with.

This is why it's incredibly interesting to see not one, not two but three members of the royal family wearing a very precise shade of burgundy at last night's Together at Christmas carol service in Westminster Abbey. Actually, let's make that four because Princess Charlotte of Wales also had a coat to match. The Princess of Wales led the burgundy brigade with an elegant mid-length coat-dress believed to be from Eponine London—in silhouette and finish, it was incredibly similar to a cobalt-blue style she wore to COP26 last year, according to Kate Middleton fashion oracle What Kate Wore. True to form, she opted for matching oxblood suede pumps (Gianvito Rossi, naturally), an Aspinal of London clutch and even a pair of burgundy gloves. Even her Accessorize earrings featured drop gems in dark ruby tones. 

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Not only was it interesting for Kate to opt for a red that was far away from a classic festive scarlet (and commit to it head to toe), but it was also unusual to see multiple family members in the same tone. Her sister, Pippa, chose a double-breasted merlot woolen coat from Karen Millen that featured a black waist belt and peplum. She combined it with brown leather boots and a mole-coloured clutch for a freer, more mix-'n'-match approach. Zara Phillips also followed suit with a burgundy overcoat paired with tights and black pumps, while Princess Charlotte looked adorable in an A-line coat that featured velvet pockets and collar. 

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

While this might not seem like the obvious hue to choose for a Christmas event, it is a very sophisticated option that works across the season and, as showcased, with multiple accessories in neutral tones. It is particularly suited to brunettes, and one could argue that the depth of a wine red is far richer than a brighter shade. In fact, some sources across the internet state that burgundy is quite a literal sign of wealth and power. So perhaps the next time you want to level up at a fancy event, burgundy may be the best option.

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

On Kate Middleton: Eponine London dress; Aspinal of London clutch; Gianvito Rossi shoes; Accessorize earrings

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Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits. Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.