September proved a strong month for the Princess of Wales's wardrobe, with outfits ranging from full royal glamour to feminine tailoring, sharp separates and clever new-season colour. She has leaned into rich autumn tones, brought back old favourites and mixed them with fresh luxury purchases that put British fashion back in the spotlight.
After breaking down the looks on the royal podcast Royals Unscripted, hosted by Royal Editor Emily Ferguson alongside Carole Malone, two outfits stood out as the most easily translated into real wardrobes beyond the palace gates.
The Chocolate Trench
Princess Catherine stepped out in a new Burberry trench coat that could become the centrepiece of any cold-weather closet. At £2,090, it is a serious investment, but the little details make it stand out: a nipped-in waist, sharp shoulders, sweeping A-line shape, storm shield and flashes of Burberry check beneath the collar. Cut from shower-resistant cotton gabardine and available in sizes 02 to 14, it is built to last year after year.
She wore the rich brown trench as the standout layer, proving one piece can elevate a simple autumn look. For those not wanting to spend over £2k on a Mac, alternatives range from high-street finds at M&S to more elevated options from Karen Millen.
At £54.99, a New Look trench offers the closest bargain buy to Catherine's coat, with a dark-brown shade, double-breasted front and waist-cinching belt. The midi length and notched collar give a smart, expensive-looking feel, while side pockets and belted cuffs keep the finish classic. It is available in sizes UK 6 to 18 and also comes in beige.
The Check Blazer
Princess Catherine has put heritage checks back on the autumn agenda. Last week she stepped out in a sharply tailored grey checked Max Mara jacket, pairing it with a white top and slim black trousers. Her exact style is from a past season, but a remarkably similar Max Mara option is currently in the sale, reduced from £1,075 to £484 - a saving of £591.
It remains an investment buy, but considerably less than its original price. For those wanting a cheaper option, high-street alternatives start from £36.
At the more affordable end, H&M's checked blazer offers a similar feel without copying it stitch for stitch. It is single-breasted with a more relaxed shape, but the grey-and-black check, structured shoulders and smart lapels give the same polished autumn feel. Available in sizes XS to XXL, plus a dark pinstripe version, it is an easier way to bring royal-inspired tailoring into your wardrobe.
