With spring arriving, take your cues from these Royal ladies to inject a bit of high-class style into your transitional wardrobe — without paying royal prices.
Words: Amy Mica Marsden. Images: Shutterstock, various brands
Put-together, classy, timeless. Whatever words come to mind when thinking of Royal style, there’s no doubt that spring is the perfect time to start updating your wardrobe with a few staple but versatile pieces.
When it comes to emulating royal style for spring, personal stylist Hellana Mardasian says, ‘Royal spring dressing is all about marrying tradition with a touch of modernity. Soft pastels, light shades, tailored silhouettes, and subtle prints dominate, creating outfits that feel polished yet effortless.
‘Accessories (from headbands to belts) are carefully chosen to add personality without overpowering a look, while florals and feminine details keep the season fresh and approachable.’
So what staple pieces should you add to your wardrobe to add a touch of royal style for spring? Here are some ideas.
The transitional coat
In recent fashion weeks, especially in Milan, we saw a whole host of outerwear and transitional coats on the runway — from models in two(!) layered double-breasted coats at Missoni, long elegant wool coats at Max Mara, to luxurious-looking bombers, trenches and pea-coats at Tod’s. And almost all of them had one thing in common: block colour.
This matches with the Princess’ style well, with fashion designer Jelena Kulic noting that ‘Catherine, Princess of Wales, has developed a very recognisable visual language built on balance, structure and polish. She frequently returns to sharply tailored coats, defined waists, and midi length silhouettes, often in monochromatic or carefully coordinated tones.’
When it comes to outerwear, Hellana recommends investing in ‘versatile tailoring; a great jacket can be styled with dresses, skirts, or even jeans.’
Stay on trend for the season with something in a rich brown (espresso, dark chocolate, or caramel), or go bold like Princess Catherine, above, in bright red.
Reiss Red Lucia Wool-Blend Double-Breasted Blindseam Coat
Available in camel or red, this long, classic felt coat from Reiss ticks all the boxes. The belt-tie can be used to cinch your waist for a flattering silhouette, or can give off a more casual, effortless look when left untied (very useful if the spring sun is making an appearance).
Zara Soft Shoulder Pad Coat
This soft coat uses subtle tailoring, like double-welt front pockets and padded shoulders, to add a touch of extra style and a look of luxury, but on a small budget. It’s available in several timeless shades, but this dark chocolate brown gives a sense of richness and pairs well with almost anything.
The clean white stripe
‘Queen Camilla approaches dressing from a place of ease and continuity,’ says Jelena. ‘Her preference for longer lines, draped cuts, and layered fabrics creates a silhouette that feels relaxed but still dignified.’
This look from Queen Camilla does just that, combining two classic staples for when the weather begins to warm up — crisp whites and thin stripes. Keeping stripes vertical can be very flattering, and if you’re hoping to make your wardrobe last a long time, white seldom goes out of style.
Jelena adds, ‘If your style leans softer, taking inspiration from Camilla might mean choosing a longer, fluid dress in a muted tone, and allowing fabric and movement to define the look rather than sharp cuts.’
If you’re looking for an on-trend way to wear it, we’re seeing whites crop up at the moment in floaty styles, lace, and with classic shirt dresses.
H&M Belted shirt dress
Shirt dresses are making a return this spring, and this cream style with vertical stripes is perfect for spring. Wear it under a coat and with boots on cold days, or sandals and a sun hat when the sun makes an appearance!
Next Red/White Stripe Square Neck Cami Midi Dress
The relaxed fit of this cami dress gives any outfit a sense of laid-back chic and promises to be airy and comfortable when the weather starts to heat up. Pair this one with loafers to complete the effortless look.
The low-key blazer
When it comes to the Duchess of Edinburgh’s usual style, Jelena says ‘nothing feels excessive, yet everything feels intentional. She often incorporates gentle patterns or texture in a way that adds interest without ever overwhelming the silhouette.’
If you’re looking for something that can be dressed up and dressed down in equal measure, a blazer like the one above will do all that and more. Button it up over a shirt or dress and it’s perfect for work, meetings, or high-end lunch or dinner dates. But it also works equally well unbuttoned over jeans and a nice top!
Joules Canterly Brown Herringbone Tweed Blazer
The extra details on this blazer make it a great pick if you’re looking to add real interest to an outfit, just like the Duchess — I love the gold buttons and the various pockets. The material is hard-wearing, and the warm brown hue is sure to complement most complexions.
M&S Relaxed Tailored Single-Breasted Blazer
For a more relaxed style (and if you’re looking to avoid tweed), this simple single-breasted blazer from M&S is the perfect accompaniment to a wide-leg trouser or barrel jean, especially when paired with heels or even ballet flats.
The timeless pant suit
She may not be British royalty, but Queen Letizia of Spain is undoubtedly a style icon.
‘Queen Letizia offers a slightly more directional take on royal dressing,’ says Jelena. ‘She is drawn to clean, precise tailoring, with sharp shoulders, streamlined dresses, and silhouettes that feel almost architectural.
‘If you are drawn to Letizia’s aesthetic, a sharply cut dress or suit with clean lines, perhaps in a strong colour or with a slightly unexpected detail, can bring a modern edge.’
This block tomato-coloured pantsuit (above) is right on trend for spring this year, and the fit is extremely flattering. Keeping the hair simple prevents this look from becoming overcomplicated or looking too effortful.
Whistles Red Boyfriend Crepe Blazer
This blazer looks effortlessly chic, with a boyfriend cut and a single breast. It lets the bold colour speak for itself!
Whistles Red Harper Crepe Wide Leg Trouser
The wide leg on these matching trousers will flatter almost any shape, and the hue is the perfect shade of vibrant red to give any wardrobe a lift.
If you’re on a budget, there’s good news: Jelena also states that even making a few small changes can elevate your existing wardrobe to royal status.
‘Subtle swaps can keep a wardrobe feeling current,’ she tells us. ‘Replacing a classic pump with a softer, more contemporary shape, or introducing a structured bag into an otherwise relaxed outfit, can shift the entire impression.
‘Perhaps most importantly, this kind of style is never just about clothing. It is reflected in presence, in how you move, how you engage with others, and how comfortable you are in what you are wearing. That is ultimately what makes it complete.’
Meawhile, Hellana’s final advice is to ‘finish every outfit with accessories; they’re the easiest way to add personality, colour, or pattern, making each look feel polished and intentional.
‘With these tips, you can capture that effortless, royal-approved spring style in your own wardrobe.’
Hellana Mardasian is a personal stylist, formerly at Harrods, now working privately with women to help them look and feel their best. Find her at styledbyhellana.com, or on Instagram @styledbyhellana.
Jelena Kulic is a fashion designer who recently debuted at Paris Fashion Week. Find her at on Instagram @Anellejbyjelenakulic
