Kate Middleton and Jackie Kennedy: the 60’s looks that inspire the Princess of Wales

In 2026, Kate Middleton continues to fascinate fashion lovers the world over. The Princess of Wales draws her inspiration from iconic figures such as Jackie Kennedy. Through her clothing choices, she elegantly reinterprets the codes of the 60s.

A fashion icon under scrutiny

The British royal family imposes strict rules when it comes toappearance. No above-the-knee dresses or platform heels, considered too vulgar. During her lifetime, Queen Elizabeth II even checked every single outfit worn by the women in the family.

Over the past decade, Kate Middleton has become a veritable fashion icon. Her former personal assistant Natasha Archer has helped sharpen her aesthetic sense. The Princess of Wales also seeks inspiration from other female figures accustomed to public appearances.

Grace Kelly and Lady Diana remain role models for European royalty. However, Prince William’s wife likes to look across the Atlantic. She regularly dips into the wardrobe of Jackie Kennedy, former First Lady of the United States.

“Jackie Kennedy continues to inspire generations of fashionistas around the world.

The signature 60s pastel suit

Visiting the Netherlands in 2016, the Princess of Wales borrowed from the characteristic look of the 60s. She wore a sky-blue suit cinched at the waist by a belt with a rectangular buckle. The ensemble, by Catherine Walker, recalls Jackie Kennedy’s signature style.

Pastel colors and big buttons defined the American First Lady’s wardrobe. She wore and carried off her tweed ensembles with constancy. Her pink Chanel suit, worn on November 22, 1963 for the assassination of her husband John F. Kennedy, remains a cult piece of fashion history.

• Catherine Walker sky-blue suit worn in the Netherlands in 2016
• White coat-style dress at Chapelle St Georges in 2019
• Pillbox hat for St Patrick’s Day 2022
• Emilia Wickstead blue satin dress at the National Portrait Gallery in 2013
• Equestrian attire with boots and beige blazer in Canada in 2016

Structured dresses with impeccable collars

The Princess of Wales regularly re-enacts the codes of the 60’s with structured dresses. In 2019, at St. George’s Chapel in London, she wore a white dress that evoked a coat. This style recalls Jackie Kennedy’s outfit when she met Queen Elizabeth II with her children.

Kate Middleton has no qualms about adapting and modernizing this strong style. Skirts become more fluid under her influence. Collars are also worn lower, creating a softer, more contemporary look.

This reinterpretation allows the princess to respect royal protocol. As a result, it retains the vintage spirit while remaining contemporary. The result appeals to purists and new generations alike.

The Pillbox hat, an iconic accessory

Also known as a Pillbox, this little cylindrical hat is regularly worn by Kate Middleton. At St Patrick’s Day 2022, she wore this accessory with elegance. Lady Di and Pamela Anderson have also indulged in this fashion over the years.

This rigid, tambourine-shaped hat has its origins in British army uniforms. American designer Halston popularized it by having Jackie Kennedy wear it. Today, the Pillbox remains synonymous with Jackie O in the collective imagination.

The biopic Jackie, starring Natalie Portman, uses this hat as a distinctive element. The hat has been worn for decades without losing any of its charm. The Princess of Wales perpetuates this tradition to perfection.

From blue satin to equestrian outfits

In 2013, for an evening at the National Portrait Gallery in London, Kate Middleton chose a blue satin dress. This creation by Emilia Wickstead was inspired by the 50s. The style oscillates between empire and A-line, perfect for accommodating her baby bump of the era.

Perhaps this dress was already a nod to the sex of their child, George. The understated elegance of this outfit recalls Jackie Kennedy’s appearances at formal events. The sobriety of the blue satin is timeless.

Jackie Kennedy and the Princess of Wales also share a passion for horseback riding. Visiting Canada in 2016, the princess wore riding boots and a beige blazer. This classic outfit remains effective for any outing in the countryside.

Both women borrowed clothes from the equestrian wardrobe. Lady Diana also regularly borrowed from the equestrian wardrobe. This stylistic continuity creates a common thread between these exceptional female figures.

• Kate Middleton