Fashion Expert Shares How to Master Princess Kate and Queen Elizabeth’s Country Chic “Balmoral Look” This Fall
Our take
The enduring allure of the “Balmoral look,” as championed by Princess Kate and Queen Elizabeth, speaks to a deeper yearning for timelessness and understated elegance in a fashion landscape often dominated by fleeting trends. Tom Birbeck’s recent insights from House of Bruar offer a practical guide to achieving this aesthetic, but the trend’s resurgence signifies something more than just a seasonal shift. It’s a reaction, perhaps, against the maximalism and performative dressing that has characterized recent years, mirroring a broader cultural desire for authenticity and quiet confidence. The emphasis on practical, durable pieces – tweed, cable knits, well-made outerwear – feels particularly relevant as we navigate a world increasingly conscious of sustainability and mindful consumption. Consider, for instance, the quiet appeal of Hailey Bieber's Hailey Bieber's Under-$200 Flip-Flops Are a Cross Between Wedges and Kitten Heels, a testament to the power of simple, well-executed design. This move towards grounded style parallels the broader shift we’re seeing towards a more considered approach to personal presentation, one that prioritizes quality and longevity over chasing the latest viral sensation.
The Balmoral look isn’t simply about clothing; it's a carefully cultivated atmosphere. It evokes a sense of heritage, connection to nature, and a life lived with intention – qualities that resonate deeply in an era of digital overload and constant stimulation. The royals' adoption of this style is strategic, too, reinforcing their image as grounded and relatable despite their elevated status. While the historical context is rich – drawing on centuries of Scottish tradition and practicality – the modern interpretation, particularly as styled by Kate Middleton, adds a layer of contemporary sophistication. This isn’t a costume; it's an evolved expression of personal style, one that acknowledges history while remaining firmly rooted in the present. Interestingly, the article also touches on the complexities of cultural representation within fashion, a subject that continues to spark important conversations, as evidenced by the research into Studying how people from mixed or multiple cultures feel about wedding attire & would love your input. Understanding the nuances of cultural appropriation and appreciation is paramount when embracing any heritage-inspired aesthetic.
This trend also highlights the enduring power of royal influence on fashion. While celebrity endorsements still hold weight, the royals possess a unique and arguably more profound impact, shaping perceptions of elegance and sophistication across generations. Their choices are not driven by commercial interests but by a sense of duty and tradition, imbuing their style with an aura of authenticity that is difficult to replicate. The recent exploration of Prince Philip's opinions on royal family dynamics, as detailed in Prince Philip "Had Reservations" About One Member of Queen Elizabeth's Family For Having an "Emotional Hold" Over Prince Charles, further underscores the complex layers of history and personal narratives that underpin the royal image, and by extension, their fashion choices. The subtle messaging communicated through their wardrobes contributes to a carefully constructed narrative of stability, tradition, and understated grace.
Ultimately, the resurgence of the Balmoral look isn’t just about embracing a specific aesthetic; it’s about embracing a philosophy of style – one that prioritizes quality, heritage, and a quiet confidence. It’s a rejection of fleeting trends in favor of enduring elegance, a celebration of nature and tradition, and a reflection of a broader cultural shift towards authenticity and mindful consumption. As we move forward, it will be interesting to observe how this aesthetic evolves beyond its royal associations, and whether its core principles of timelessness and understated luxury continue to resonate with a wider audience seeking a more grounded and intentional approach to fashion. Will we see a broader adoption of sustainable fabrics and ethically sourced materials within this style, further solidifying its appeal to a conscious consumer base?
It might be pushing 90 degrees right now, but my mind is firmly on fall fashion, and for the royals, they’ve already started digging into their autumn wardrobes at Balmoral. The weather in Scotland is notoriously rainy and chilly, even in August, and it wouldn’t be unusual for temperatures to be in the fifties. But even if it's still steamy here on the East Coast, it’s never too early to start dreaming about cozy sweaters, riding boots and tweed blazers.
The royals have been escaping to the Scottish highlands for some R&R ever since Prince Albert purchased Balmoral Castle for Queen Victoria in 1852, and there’s something about Scotland that makes you want to fill your entire closet with tartan (or is that just me?). But achieving the perfect Balmoral outfit doesn't just mean covering yourself in plaid, according to Tom Birbeck, director at Scottish heritage brand House of Bruar.
“Mastering the Balmoral look is all about combining classic country elegance with subtle hints of Scottish heritage,” Birbeck tells Marie Claire.
Birbeck continues that Balmoral style “relies heavily on traditional fabrics like tweed and tartan, durable outdoor layers, and a rustic aesthetic made famous by the British Royal Family's Highland retreats."
For the royals, that means not just leaning into countryside style, but thinking carefully about functionality. “The quintessential Balmoral outfit includes a reliable waxed or quilted jacket, which is vital for the unpredictable weather,” Birbeck advises, adding that “cable-knit or cashmere sweaters in neutral tones” are ideal for layering underneath.
“You can also incorporate high-quality tweed jackets or capes, and try adding subtle touches of tartan through scarves or skirts,” he shares.
While our glimpses of Princess Kate at Balmoral have been limited to photos of her driving to church, Queen Elizabeth’s Scottish style has been highly documented over the years. Think quilted jackets, her famous silk headscarves, tweed skirts and plenty of tartan.
While Princess Kate, Queen Camilla and Princess Anne have already packed up their jackets and boots for Balmoral, we (unfortunately) still have plenty of time here on the East Coast to get our autumn pieces ready.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t dream up your own Balmoral-inspired outfits with some my favorite pieces below, including Kate's exact Seeland jacket, Le Chameau wellies and With Underneath cardigan.
Get the Balmoral Look
Read on the original site
Open the publisher's page for the full experience