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Duchess Sophie Channels Kate Middleton in an Iconic French Girl Top

Très chic

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kate middleton duchess sophie breton stripe universal
Max Mumby/Getty Images

Another day, another style win for Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh. For a visit to the Yellow Labrador Club at The York Club in Windsor, King Charles’s sister-in-law opted for a top with a French-inspired Breton stripe (similar here from Sézane, $100). But her shirt—and the way she wore it—instantly reminded us of another Breton stripe-loving royal: Kate Middleton.

duchess sophie breton stripe
Mark Cuthbert/Getty Images

It may not be as synonymous with Kate as it was when she first became a royal, but a Breton stripe (also known as la marinière, a nod to the French naval uniform of the mid-1800s) was once a staple in the Princess of Wales’s wardrobe. She’s worn it to royal engagements, to cheer on Team Great Britain at the Olympics, even just to chase after her kids at a polo match.

kate middleton breton stripe
Max Mumby/Getty Images

That’s why we were so thrilled to see Sophie step out wearing a similar top and in a camel stripe. She paired it elegantly with a beige wool-blend blazer, stylish trousers and a Gianvito Rossi ankle boot. All together, the look is not only professional, it’s timeless. But there’s more: A look like this is yet another reason we love to keep tabs on the royals—Sophie’s accessible ensemble is one we could easily see ourselves emulating. (And the pieces feel like they belong in a capsule wardrobe, whether it’s royally-inspired or not.)

duchess sophie yellow labrador club
Mark Cuthbert/Getty Images

The occasion itself was a significant one: Sophie was on hand to announce her brand-new royal patronage of the Yellow Labrador Club, a role once held by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II. The puppies were especially thrilled to greet her as the duchess enjoyed an afternoon of gundog demonstrations, tea and puppy cuddles, according to Hello.

As for Sophie’s top—which is actually a ruched-sleeve sweater from Frame—it is past season and has since sold out. But don’t fret, we found a few royal-worthy replicas that are near-exact matches, so you can easily recreate her look.

sezane colette mariniere
Sézane

It’s not an exact camel stripe, but the flecks of gold make this option feel extra regal.

pomander place tan stripe shirt
Tuckernuck

Between the color of stipe and the puff sleeve, this shirt feels the most similar to what Sophie wore.

mango woven cotton striped t shirt
Mango

A darker stripe, but just as chic.


rachel bowie christine han photography 100

Senior Director, Special Projects and Royals

  • Writes and produces family, fashion, wellness, relationships, money and royals content
  • Podcast co-host and published author with a book about the British Royal Family
  • Studied sociology at Wheaton College and received a masters degree in journalism from Emerson College