Kate Middleton Just Snubbed This Fashion Rule in the Colour Combo I’ve Always Found Chic

I’m with Catherine, Princess of Wales—some styling rules are simply made to be broken, and the outdated commandment that black and navy should never be worn together is certainly one of them. Today, Kate proved no such rule should exist, stepping out in a long-line coat in a sumptuous shade of royal blue that she carefully layered over a dark black dress.

Keeping to this sophisticated palette, she paired the coat with a tonal blue fascinator and slipped into supple navy suede boots. However, it was her subtle rule-breaking additions that elevated the outfit further, as carefully placed touches of black were woven into her outfit, via her elegant dress and gloves. In one move, Kate demonstrated how this deep, moody mix can bring depth and dimension to a winter ensemble.

While traditional fashion “rule books” have long deemed the pairing too heavy, I’ve always believed these equally rich tones create a kind of understated decadence—sophisticated and sleek, but never fussy. And although Kate opted for restrained pops of black, the combination is equally impactful when the two shades share the spotlight more evenly.