The Princess of Wales and her mum Carole have very similar signature styles, favouring timeless silhouettes and smart-casual outfits. However, the Middleton matriarch’s outfit for the 2025 Together at Christmas carol service took things to another level. As soon as I saw her arriving at Westminster Abbey, I was struck by how Catherine-esque her tartan coat and accessories were.
Carole braved the rain in a full-length tartan coat by House of Bruar and longer outerwear is one of the most practical winter coat trends right now. This design is an investment piece, but it’s crafted from 100% pure wool for a warm yet breathable finish.
Wool coats are a staple in many people’s winter capsule wardrobes and Carole and Catherine both have quite a collection of them. The one Carole wore to Together at Christmas has a Black Watch tartan pattern, with deep blue and festive forest green.
Shop Carole's Outfit
Carole Middleton's exact coat is still available and although it's definitely an investment piece, it's one of those items that is utterly timeless. It's crafted from 100% pure new wool and has a deep blue and green Black Watch tartan pattern, with gold-toned buttons. The coat is single-breasted and full length too.
The Natasha clutch is a Catherine-approved classic and she owns it in multiple colours, including the same teal blue-green that Carole took to the service. This Greenery colour is similar and equally gorgeous for Christmas. The bag is made from suede and comes with a detachable leather and metal chain strap.
Like the Natasha clutch, Carole's Josie heels are also owned by the Princess of Wales and they work so well for evening events. They give some added elevation, but the chunky block heel means they're still quite sturdy. There are so many colours to choose from and they have padded insoles for comfort.
Shop More Tartan Staples
If you love the blue and green combination of Carole's coat, this blazer is a more affordable way to recreate her look this winter. It's single-breasted, with notched lapels and front flap pockets. Pair with a jumper dress and knee-highs or throw on with jeans and a chunky jumper for a more relaxed outfit.
Available in petite, regular and long lengths, this kilt skirt is made from a warm wool blend material. It comes in several different colours and finishes, but the navy and red checked version feels especially traditional. It falls just above the knee and has a straight silhouette. Use the code RHDT to get 10% off.
Checked patterns can be subtle and this neutral pair of trousers proves this beyond doubt. They're wide-leg and high-waisted, with two handy side pockets and belt loops so you can accessorise them. The dart details give them an extra crisp, smart feel.
Her daughter owns a very similar design from Holland Cooper and tartan or checked pieces are perfect for not only the festive season, but winter more generally. They bring a traditional edge to any outfit and introduce some dimension thanks to the pattern.
Even if you’re not usually a fan of wearing a lot of prints, tartan is worth considering as it’s simpler to style than many designs. Choosing a more muted colourway also helps to make them versatile and Carole’s pick of dark navy and forest green would complement neutrals like black, white or camel, as well as other blue and green hues.
The Princess of Wales’s mum went for a teal Natasha clutch from Emmy London and navy suede Josie heels from this British brand too. Included in Catherine’s best handbags are the Natasha clutches in various colours and she owns both the Lake Blue one Carole wore, and the same blue Josie heels.
They’re firm family favourites and the beauty of the Natasha clutch lies in the craftsmanship and how simple the design is. A plain flapover clutch is the perfect finishing touch for Christmas party or date night outfits, as they look smart and are minimal, allowing your clothing to be the star of the show.
Although Carole is a pro when it comes to wearing delicate stiletto heels, when you want something a little more comfortable, block heels are the way to go. Her Josie shoes had the classic shape of court shoes with extra sturdiness.
Going for blue and green accessories created a sense of cohesion with her tartan coat and this is usually how the Princess of Wales likes to style her Holland Cooper coat too. Underneath the coat, Carole Middleton was wearing a blue dress that fell to just above knee length and had a crew neckline.
This was only slightly visible underneath her coat which really was the main focus of her outfit. She finished her look off with pearl drop earrings and several shimmering necklaces, and whether intentionally or not, the deep green in her tartan coat echoed Catherine’s own coat.
The future Queen re-wore her bespoke bottle-green Catherine Walker coat and underneath she had on a Miu Miu pleated tartan midi skirt. Mother and daughter both championing this traditional and elegant style has given me plenty of style inspiration for the rest of the season.
