Kate Middleton recently visited Castle Hill Academy in New Addington, Croydon, South London, to mark Children’s Mental Health Week 2026. For the occasion, she embraced a color combination that has been trending since last fall.
The Princess of Wales stepped out in a polished mix of brown and blue, and I admired how chic it looked, even though the individual pieces were rather simple.
Kate Middleton opts for practical elegance in brown tailoring, finishing her Children’s Mental Health Week visit with polished penny loafers ideal for a hands-on school engagement on February 12, 2026, in Croydon, England (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)
Let’s take a closer look at what she wore.
The Princess of Wales Masters the Brown and Blue Trend in Petar Petrov
Kate Middleton stepped out in a brown-and-blue combo that looked polished but still totally wearable. I like it when she wears tailoring like this because it always looks effortless on her.
She wore a $150 sky blue “The Boyfriend” shirt from With Nothing Underneath, made from crisp poplin with white buttons. The rolled cuffs peeked out from under her brown wool-blend Petar Petrov blazer, adding a bit of contrast.
The blazer, priced at $1,660, featured beautiful tailoring with a slightly relaxed fit, structured padded shoulders, and a darted waist that softly shaped her silhouette. It had a single front button, but Kate left it open, which made the outfit appear more approachable and less formal.
Paired with the $465 cocoa Joseph “Coleman” gabardine stretch trousers, the ensemble looked cohesive. The slim-cut pants elongated her frame, while a brown belt with a gold-tone buckle tied everything together seamlessly.
Kate Middleton embraces the blue-and-brown trend, wearing a brown wool-blend Petar Petrov blazer, a sky blue With Nothing Underneath shirt, and cocoa Joseph gabardine stretch trousers (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)
Sparkling in Sapphires: Kate’s $15,000 Garrard Ring and Kiki McDonough Topaz
As always, her jewelry elevated the look. Kate wore Kiki McDonough blue topaz pear-drop earrings that perfectly matched her shirt. She added several statement rings, including the $4,805 G.Collins & Sons sapphire and diamond full eternity ring, the $2,500 Annoushka Eclipse Eternity ring, the $15,000 Garrard platinum sapphire ring, and her Wartski Welsh gold wedding ring. An Auree Bali garnet birthstone necklace completed her accessories.
She kept her makeup in soft, neutral tones that complemented her outfit’s earthy shades. Her long hair was styled in loose, flowing waves that framed her face.
Kate Middleton keeps her makeup in a neutral palette with a hint of pink lipstick and styles her look with Kiki McDonough blue topaz pear-drop earrings, G.Collins & Sons ring, an Annoushka ring, and a Garrard ring (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)
Practical Elegance: Kate Middleton Swaps Heels for $190 Boden ‘Nya’ Penny Loafers
Kate completed her look with the reddish-brown Boden “Nya” penny loafers. Practical yet chic, they complemented Kate’s tailored outfit. Their rich reddish-brown tone blended seamlessly with her blazer and trousers, creating a cohesive look.
The classic penny loafer style added a relaxed, collegiate touch to the sharp tailoring, while the croc-embossed leather added a refined, textured finish.
These shoes kept the overall outfit comfy, especially for a daytime visit, while still looking polished enough for a royal engagement. Instead of opting for heels, which would have made the look feel more formal, the loafers struck a nice balance between smart and effortless.
Kate Middleton pairs her brown-and-blue suit with reddish-brown Boden “Nya” penny loafers with a croc-embossed finish (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)
As a long-time fan of the British clothing retailer founded by Johnnie Boden in 1991, the Princess often returns to the brand for its reliable classics. We’ve also featured Kate Middleton in a cashmere knitted Boden top paired with rugged See by Chloé brown lace-up ankle boots during her more active royal engagements.
The Royal Guide to Styling Penny Loafers for a Polished, Effortless Aesthetic
By finishing her look with classic penny loafers, Kate Middleton once again highlighted the enduring appeal of well-made flats that balance comfort with quiet sophistication.
Long favored for daytime engagements and off-duty style alike, loafers continue to prove their versatility—bridging tailored dressing and everyday wear effortlessly. From royal outings to celebrity street style, this timeless shoe remains a smart, stylish choice across seasons and occasions.
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