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. 

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. 

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. 

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