From Kate’s Sunnies to Camilla’s Shoes | Anglophile Accessories We Adore
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When we originally set out to bring you our favorite Anglophile Style, we never dreamed we’d find so much goodness that it would take up two entire posts to really do it justice. (I say “we,” because my two 20-something assistants have gotten very into this post!) The bottom line: it seems like there’s an unofficial rule in fashion at the moment: If Kate Middleton wore it, then it’s definitely in style. We’re all in on that!
In yesterday’s Anglophile Style post, we took a good look at the British clothing styles that are trending right now, due in large part to the popularity of shows like The Crown and The Queen’s Gambit. Today, I’m sharing all of the accessories that make British royal style so special. From the Queen’s ever-present pocketbooks to Meghan’s beret and Kate’s favorite headband, I’ve got it all!
Anglophile Accessories: Shoes & Boots
British footwear almost deserves its own stand-alone post! When it comes to shoes and boots, the royals have it down!
Anglophile Accessories: Shoes
Remember when Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge first came on the scene? Her L.K.Bennett nude platform pumps became the must-have shoe of the moment and sold out everywhere! They’re fully restocked, but if you’d prefer a more midlife-friendly dupe, try THESE from Naturalizer.
Kate’s other casual look is the classic ballet flat. She wears these to run to the grocery store, run the children to school, and doing other everyday tasks. Her favorite brand is French Sole. They typically run $200+. We found some at Zappo’s, so at least they’re available with free shipping/returns!
To copy her style in a budget and midlife-foot-friendly alternative, try the Felicia ballet flat by Sam Edelman. This brand is one of my favorites for feet over 50! Made with buttery soft leather, cushy insoles, and flexible soles, the Felicia ballet flat is one you’ll want to own in multiple colors. I own about five pairs, and my daughter-in-law who teaches 2nd grade swears by them too. (I buy her a pair for Christmas every year!)
When it comes to the senior royals, a favorite brand is Sole Bliss. In the photos above, the Duchess of Cornwall is wearing the Kitty. (Other famous fans include the Queen, Helen Mirren, Viola Davis, and Rebel Wilson!)
Sole Bliss shoes are designed in Britain and handcrafted in Italy. They’re made with comfortable, cushioned soles, wider widths, and deeper toe boxes to accommodate wide feet and foot issues like bunions, plantar fasciitis, and arthritic joints. Click HERE to learn more about how Sole Bliss crafts their shoes and to check out all of the stylish Sole Bliss designs.
They’re a new favorite of mine as well! As a former ballerina, I definitely have foot issues! It can be challenging to find shoes that are stylish, comfortable, and that I really want to wear. Sole Bliss has been a great solution! The adorable Sole Bliss sneakers I’m wearing in the photo above come in multiple colors and designs they have a cushiony, contoured footbed, and a hidden stretch panel to alleviate pressure from bunions and painful joints. They also have a seamless leather lining to prevent rubbing, and a metallic zipper that lets you slip them on and off with ease.
Right now, you can take 15% off your entire purchase at Sole Bliss with the promo code ENB15!
Anglophile Accessories: Boots
The riding boot is a classic both in the UK and the US. It simply never goes out of style! Meghan wears the Kamik Sienna 2 boot, and of course, you’ll see Hunter rain boots (aka “Wellingtons” or “Wellies”) on all of the royals (including the Queen) when they’re enjoying the outdoors.
Wellies were named for Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington, who was one of Britain’s leading military and political figures in the 1800s. Apparently, his go-to boots were a pair of Hessian boots he was gifted by a group of German soldiers who served as auxiliaries to the British Army. They were later reimagined as vulcanized rubber boots by British industrialist Hiram Hutchinson, and they’re now a staple of every Brit’s wardrobe!
I love Hunter boots, but my favorite wellies are made by Joules! They’re a British clothing company that sells colorful clothing and home goods inspired by British country life. And yes, they’re probably best known for their fun rain boots!
Chelsea boots are trending big-time here in the US, and you can spy them on The Crown as well! Named for Chelsea Street in London, these short boots became popular in the UK in the 1950s and 60s when they were seen on everyone from the Beatles and Rolling Stones to British supermodel Jean Shrimpton!
I have a pair of Hunter Chelsea rain boots that I break out every time it even sprinkles a tiny bit here in Dallas!
Floral Camo Rain Coat | Khaki Crewneck Long Sleeve Tee | Ankle Jeans | Hunter Chelsea Rain Boots
Anglophile Accessories: Hats
As you can imagine, when it comes to accessories, royal style follows the Queen’s lead. From her favored pale pink nail polish to the preferred pearl jewelry, we’re sharing the styles you’ve seen lately on all the royals.
Hat’s are a thing in Great Britain!
Men’s Hats
The men in Britain wear what we in the US call the “newsboy” cap (aka “flat cap“). While typically associated with the working classes, it’s also worn by the upper class on casual outings. This masculine hat looks good on everyone. We saw it on The Crown whenever there was hunting or traipsing in the Scottish Highlands!
Women’s Hats
Apparently, the queen insists that hats are worn to weddings and other formal events. (Her favorite milliner is Rachel Trevor-Morgan.) The fascinator is often the hat of choice for the younger royals. Rather than an actual hat, it’s more of a glorified headband — often decorated with flowers or feathers. This hat/headband mashup is, well, fascinating, to us in the west! ????
As I researched this post, I was surprised to find that there are dozens to choose from right on Amazon! (Most under $20!) If my last two posts have you ready to host your own tea ☕ party, I suggest you make the fascinator mandatory attire for your guests! Want a more casual vibe? Try the black knotted headband Kate is so fond of wearing!
When it comes to less formal outings, we’ve recently seen the fedora gaining in popularity for the royal ladies. In fact, about a month ago, Kate wore one to church on her 38th birthday! (And we in the US think we’re so fancy-schmancy donning birthday tiaras ????. Puh-leeze!????)
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, was often seen in a black beret or a poufy ecru beret at royal events. It’s a chic look that most women can pull off. Kate is fond of them too, usually opting for a black one. For casual outings in very cold weather, both Duchesses have been known to don a pom beanie!
Anglophile Accessories: Handbags
If you’re a royal watcher, you know the Queen is rarely spotted without her handbag. She reportedly owns more than 200 Launer bags! Princess Diana loved quilted handbags, while practical mom Kate can often be seen in crossbody bags. Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, is said to have an impressive handbag collection, with her favorites coming from luxury brand DeMellier.
For formal occasions, all of the Duchesses tend to go with clutches. The reason? Royal protocol! Royal family members are instructed to hold onto a clutch in order to avoid having to shake hands with multiple members of the adoring public. #cantclutchthis (Sorry, I couldn’t resist! ????)
Anglophile Accessories: Scarves & Sunnies
The Queen can often be spotted covering her hair on blustery British days with a Hermes silk scarf. (Lookalike HERE.) The younger Duchesses sometimes wear neck-tie scarves, and this past December, Kate was spotted multiple times in tartan scarves similar to these.
When it comes to sunglasses, Meghan favors Finlay sunglasses, while Kate prefers Ray-Ban. The Queen wears Silhouette Eyewear, favoring transitional lenses, which means she doesn’t need to worry about changing her glasses when the sun comes out. All of the men are big fans of classic Ray-Ban sunglasses as well.
Anglophile Accessories: Jewelry
Classic pearls have been the timeless choice of royals down through the years. The queen is rarely seen without the three-strand pearl necklace her father, King George VI gave her before he died. Is it any surprise that pearls are trending here in the states as well? We found some beautiful replicas of earrings Kate has worn.
Prince William famously gave Kate an engagement ring that once belonged to his mother, Princess Diana. The ring is a 12-carat oval sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds. We found a gorgeous sterling silver replica HERE.
Meghan’s engagement ring was designed by Harry and featured a central conflict-free diamond sourced from Botswana, flanked by two smaller diamonds that belonged to Princess Diana (replica HERE).
Nail Polish (aka “Nail Varnish”)
The polish with the royal seal of approval goes to Essie’s “Ballet Slippers,” which the Queen favors. As the story goes, back in 1989 her hairdresser at the time wrote to the brand’s founder Essie Weingarten requesting a bottle of the sheer, pale pink polish as it was “the only color Her Majesty would wear.” Fast forward 28 years later and it’s a favorite of her granddaughters-in-law as well!
Hasn’t it been fun to take a look at the impact Anglophile style and Anglophile accessories are having on the American fashion scene? Your response to this mini-series has been so wonderful, and that thrills my heart! Let me know in the comments if you’d like to continue the series with posts on how to dress like Diana, Kate, Meghan, Camilla, and even the Queen!
