Taking style tips from Meghan? How Kate swapped her usual clutch for the Duchess of Sussex’s favoured handbag for her latest engagement
- The Duchess of Cambridge stepped out carrying an Aspinal handbag yesterday
- Historically Kate would always opt to take a clutch bag with her to engagements
- Expert Claudia Valentin says she may have looked to Meghan for inspiration
- Claims that using a handbag is both more stylish and youthful than a clutch
Following her wedding in May Meghan reportedly looked to the Duchess of Cambridge when it came to adopting a new ‘royal style’.
However, it seems that Kate has also looked to her sister-in-law when it comes to style inspiration.
On Tuesday, Kate stepped out for her first official engagement with Prince William since her maternity leave.
While the 36-year-old showcased her typical style in the form of a recycled lavender dress by Emilia Wickstead, but added a new element to her look with her choice of bag.
The Duchess of Cambridge added a noticeably different accessory to her ensemble during her engagement at the Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit on Tuesday in the form of an Aspinal handbag (seen here)
On the whole Kate tends to carry a clutch bag as seen the last time she wore the same lavender Emilia Wickstead dress in Hamburg last July
Rather than carrying a clutch as she is wont to do during public appearances the mother-of-three carried a handbag.
Complete with a handle and metal clasp the statement £695 Aspinal of London handbag was a far cry from the Duchess of Cambridge’s normal style of bag – but not so far from the Duchess of Sussex.
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Meghan has been seen to favour cross-body bags and handbags throughout her time in the public right from her first engagement in Nottingham until her most recent to Sussex.
Handbag expert Claudia Valentin at Prestige Pawnbrokers believes that Kate’s choice in bag is reflective of her aiming to be more stylish and youthful.
Speaking to the MailOnline she said: ‘It was refreshing to see the Duchess of Cambridge carrying an Aspinal handbag on Tuesday to her engagement rather than her normal clutch.
Handbag expert Claudia Valentin believes that Kate may have looked to sister-in-law Meghan when it came to her bag choice. Pictured: Meghan in Dublin in July (left) and at Wimbledon later that same month (right)
Meghan has been seen to favour cross-body bags and handbags throughout her time in the public right from her first engagement in Nottingham until her most recent to Sussex (seen)
Claudia says that the Duchess (seen on Tuesday) may have opted to use a handbag over a clutch to appear more youthful and says she has stayed true to one of her favorite designers in doing so
‘It appears Kate may have taken note from sister in law Meghan who is rightly hailed as a ‘fashionista’ with her choice of outfits perfectly chosen right down to the shoes and on-trend choice of handbag.
‘She’s nails classic and sophisticated yet keeps within the latest trends and has set a precedence for wearing cross-body bags and carrying small bags with a handle.
‘A clutch, although classic can sometimes appear a little dated and more suited to someone older than Kate.’
Claudia said that while it was a change in style direction for the Duchess it was still reflective of her personal taste.
She continued: ‘It’s no secret Kate has championed Aspinal as a brand for a number of years now alongside sister Pippa, It’s wonderful to see the younger Royals championing a British brand who make beautiful stylish bags.
The Duchess of Cambridge, 36, is rarely seen without her trusted clutch bag, even during day-time engagements. Pictured: At the RAF Centenary in July
Experts have previously explained how Kate often holds her clutch with two hands in front of her to avoid awkward handshakes
‘The small handbag worked perfectly with Kate’s outfit, befitting for the event she was attending making Kate appear more casual yes still super glamorous.’
The Duchess of Cambridge, 36, is rarely seen without her trusted clutch bag, even during day-time engagements.
Experts have previously explained how Kate often holds her clutch with two hands in front of her.
The founder of Beaumont Etiquette Myka Meier told Good Housekeeping: ‘When the Duchess is at an event, she holds her bag in front of her in both hands when shaking hands might be awkward.’
Grant Harrold a former butler to Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, believes that Kate has adopted her signature pose as it’s an elegant posture.
‘The Duchess of Cambridge is often seen adapting a pose with her hands clasped in front of her with or without a clutch bag,’ he explained to FEMAIL.
‘This gesture is adapted by confident people and it is popular with presidents, government minsters and heads of state when they are standing in public.’
However, it is not royal protocol to use a clutch bag at official engagements, as the Queen often carries her trademark Launer handbag.
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