This workwear look is a shoe-in for spring.
Kate Middleton made a surprise appearance at a baby bank in Windsor today, and although her outfit was a repeat, she made a surprising switch-up from her usual footwear routine.
The Princess of Wales, 41, typically wears pumps for her public engagements, but on Monday, she sported a pair of pointy-toed Boden ballet flats ($190) instead.
Finished with an elegant square buckle, the under-$200 style is now sold out in the royal’s black suede, but royal fashion fans can still pick up a pair in coral or olive.
Middleton paired the comfy flats with the beige Reiss blazer ($545) she’s worn on several occasions, adding a solid white top, black L.K.Bennett trousers ($117, originally $195) and the same Daniela Draper citrine necklace ($1,100) she donned for a visit to Birmingham last week.
Boden Pointed Ballet Flats ($190)
She brought back the pair of gold Sézane hoops she wore on a 2021 museum visit, adding a classic black belt and going purse-free for her visit.
This isn’t the first time Middleton has sported Boden; over the years, she’s rocked everything from a brown leather belt to a pretty pink blouse from the affordable British retailer.
During today’s engagement, the Princess of Wales met volunteers and helped sort donations at the facility, which provides families in need with clothing, diapers, strollers, toys and other essentials.
Royal watchers seemed to love the shoe switch, calling it a relatable look for professional women.
“Yes to flats, hopefully Kate wears them a bit more so we can normalise professional shoe options being comfy /not heels,” one fan commented on the Royal Fashion Police Instagram account.
Another follower agreed, adding, “Normalize wearing flats for women [clapping emoji]! Why should only men have the privilege of comfortable footwear at work? Nothing against heels but many times they seem to be the only accepted option for women…”
Shoes aside, the Princess of Wales has plenty of other fashion decisions to make in the next week.
With King Charles III’s coronation fast approaching, royal fans have been speculating for weeks about what the royal will wear — or in the case of tiaras, not wear — on May 6.
While many royal experts are expecting the princess will go tiara-free for the historic event, there’s still some possibility for serious bling when King Charles and Queen Camilla host a glittering party at Buckingham Palace next Friday.
Perhaps she’ll bring some sparkly flats for the occasion.
