Whilst checking my daily Instagram feed before getting out of bed this morning, I saw the news that the Royal Couple is expecting their second child which made me drop my phone onto my face. Yes, Kate Middleton is currently carrying the 5th in line to the British Throne, making that fetus already more successful on the food chain than most of us. Being the die hard Kate Middleton fan that I am, I simply had to incorporate the Duchess in some way, so what better way than one of the Royal Wife’s go-to designers!
Jenny Packham is an English designer whose garments have been seen on THE Kate Middleton more than once. She has a very romantic, and ladylike esthetic; think “Downton Abbey” like garments. I must admit though, it is a very different look than last week’s Zuhair Murad edition, which featured more sleek lines and sharp edges. I may be saying the exact opposite this week, but hey, like they say, one man’s Zuhair Murad is another man’s Jenny Packham. That’s the great thing about fashion; so many styles are on trend all at once, meaning we can pick and choose what we like and discard what we don’t. So that being said, let’s start the third installment (!!!) of Every Day Haute.
1. EMPIRE WAIST
A trend I think should be incorporated more, since this is the best way to camouflage the unavoidable post-spaghetti bloat. A very timeless classic that brings me back to Kiera Knightley in “Pride and Prejudice” as well as Michelle Dockery on “Downton Abbey.”
How you can rock it: I find that this trend is often only seen as acceptable in long gowns, but I say we change that! This is a perfect waistline for a summer dress, or even an elegant cocktail frock.
2. HIGH NECKLINE
Two weeks ago I encouraged the deep V-neck, now I’m preaching about high necklines, I am so very sorry for the confusion. If you like the fairy tale-sexy feel that Elie Saab gives off, then ignore this trend. If you’d like the timeless, ladylike look of Jenny Packham, then look no further!
How you can rock it: Cover up, buttercup! Rock a higher neckline on your next dinner date. If you love your legs, the nice thing about a higher neckline is that you may be able to get away with a shorter skirt depending on the occasion.
3. OFF THE SHOULDER
High neckline not your style? No problem! Another way to incorporate the Packham look is a soft off the shoulder draping of the sleeves. It’s seen as more of an accessory on the left and right (since the garment has actual sleeves as well), or to be the actual “sleeve” in the middle.
How you can rock it: Try an off the shoulder drape next time you wear a cocktail dress (would be perfect for a summer wedding). For a more casual look, try a looser fitting shirt that will slide off a shoulder lazily. Be careful how far it slides though…
4. SHEER SLEEVE
The Duchess of Cambridge is often encouraged not to wear sleeveless dresses, which is why Packham’s sheer sleeve does the trick for the Royal Wife. If Kate can wear it, then why can’t you?
How you can rock it: There are lots of blouses out for fall that contain this trend. There are also dresses similar to the one in the middle in everyday stores! Still too expensive? Look through consignment stores, since this trend has been around awhile!
5. WINTER WHITES
Who said no white after Labor Day! Awaken your inner rebel and wear white this winter, see who cares! I will admit, this collection does seem quite wedding dress like, but there are easy ways to incorporate white in your winter/fall wardrobe without walking down the aisle.
How you can rock it: I like to think that the “no white after Labor Day” only truly applies itself to pants. A winter white to me is something with a little bit of glitter or some grey undertones. Think a Winter Wonderland forest and you’ve got the right idea!
Well, Lorde had it right when singing that we will indeed, never be royal (sigh). But, with a few updates and trends, people will be confusing you for Her Royal Highness in no time!
Written by: Jamie Hoholuk
(All photos belong to their rightful owners)