Kate Middleton’s Classy Coat Came in the Chocolate Color That’s So Nice for Fall

Welcome to The Blueprint, where we break down the celebrity looks we want to wear right now and build them back up, piece by piece. 

My childhood consisted of watching Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Beauty and the Beast. I’m grown now, but some things never change: I still have a sweet spot for princesses. In particular, I’ve long admired Kate Middleton. 

On October 10, she stepped out with Prince William for a surprise appearance following her completion of chemotherapy. And naturally, she didn’t miss a beat with her style. Kate stayed warm in a chocolate calf-length coat that was way less drab than a stark black option. 

She matched her shoes and clutch to her topper, and she wore a burgundy polka-dot midi dress with a bow-tie neck, something we’ve also spotted on Meryl Streep and Céline Dion. Her delicate fern earrings also had a special meaning. 

Kate Middleton’s Outfit Blueprint 

• Coats: Yousify Double-Breasted Coat, $55 with coupon (orig. $126); amazon.com
• Gap Belted Double-Faced Wool Coat, $137 at checkout (orig. $228); gap.com
• Avec Les Filles Teddy Coat, $188; anthropologie.com
• Tankaneo Double-Breasted Trench Coat, $47 with coupon (orig. $55); amazon.com
• Dresses: Aberyamee Flared Midi Dress, $39 (orig. $39–$42); amazon.com
• Area Stars Polka-Dot Chiffon Dress, $70 (orig. $175); nordstromrack.com
• Grace Karin Pleated Midi Dress, $55; amazon.com
• Maggy London Short-Sleeve Necktie Midi Dress, $55 (orig. $128); nordstromrack.com

Yousify Double-Breasted Coat

Tell me why I own more than enough black coats and jackets to go around, but brown ones are nowhere to be found. That needs to change this fall, but I want something that’s a little more affordable (or discounted, at the very least) while I try it in my wardrobe. 

A sleek double-breasted coat like this one could make anything, including leggings, look ten times more polished. I also appreciate the length of Kate’s, but I actually like something slightly shorter, so it doesn’t feel like I’m kicking my coat with every step. Fortunately, this under-$50 option falls to the knees. 

Area Stars Polka-Dot Chiffon Dress

As for Kate’s dress, there are two ways to take to the trend: polka dots or tie necklines. The former is, in my eyes, a classic pattern that I saw become popular after Jennifer Lawrence wore polka dots to the 2024 Oscars. And since then, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Alba, and others have joined in.  

This now-$70 chiffon dress is a similar red color (which screams holidays!), and even though it’s missing a bow, it has a high neckline, which will seal in the heat during chilly temps. In other words, it's a royal flush. 

Grace Karin Pleated Midi Dress

Moving over to tie-neck dresses, this pick has another celeb-worn detail — pleats. It has an “old money” look, according to one shopper, who added that “it snatches you in at the waist but has plenty of room in the bust.” A second customer also noted that it “does not cling,” so say goodbye to unpleasant static sensations. 

Keep scrolling to shop more brown coats and fall-friendly dresses inspired by Kate Middleton now.  

Gap Belted Double-Faced Wool Coat

Avec Les Filles Teddy Coat

Tankaneo Double-Breasted Trench Coat

Aberyamee Flared Midi Dress

Maggy London Short-Sleeve Necktie Midi Dress