Kate Middleton's Fall Style Switch-Up

The Princess of Wales switched up her recent rotation of show-stopping block colored outfits for a charity visit in London on Friday, just days after attending ceremonial events marking the state visit of South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol with King Charles.

Kate's fashion has received increased attention over the past year since she took on the more senior royal title of Princess of Wales, with commentators noting a shift in aesthetic in line with the more serious position.

On Tuesday, Kate was the subject of increased fashion commentary when she wore a layered outfit entirely in vivid red. The bold color ensured that the princess stood out among the official state visit welcome ceremony, with the cut of her dress making her legs a discussion point in the media the next day.

Kate's all-red outfit followed two similar pantsuit looks worn to the royal's public appearances prior to the state visit welcome, a deep burgundy example worn to an early years reception and then bright purple one worn to a symposium the next day.

For her visit to the Sebby's Corner children's charity in South London on Friday, Kate swapped the bright colored pantsuits and dresses for a layered coat, skirt and blouse combination in darker fall tones, in line with the changing British climate.

Kate paired a light brown wrap coat featuring a waist tie detail with a black turtleneck blouse and calf length tweed skirt.

The look was accessorized with black suede heeled boots, a statement buckled belt and gold earrings.

Kate visited Sebby's Corner to meet staff and community members while kickstarting an initiative from the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood to help provide access and support for families with young children in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

The princess has been involved with early years charities since beginning her royal career in 2011, following her marriage to Prince William.

In 2021, she launched the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood which has since funded studies and raised the profile of the importance of the first five years of a child's life.

In 2023, Kate and the centre launched "Shaping Us," a national awareness campaign which has seen the royal attend a number of connected events throughout the year.

Next month, the princess will host her third Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey for members of the communities she and Prince William have visited throughout the year, including key workers and charity personnel.

This year, the theme of the service will celebrate people who support children, parents and families in their communities, connected with the Shaping Us campaign.

As Kate has stepped up into this more cause driven work, her wardrobe has reflected a more business minded approach.

This year, Kate has adopted a regular rotation of pantsuits into her wardrobe, wearing five in the month of September alone.

Speaking about the new royal "uniform," celebrity stylist and royal fashion expert Miranda Holder previously told Newsweek that "Kate's look has definitely taken a more serious, business-like mood since she became the Princess of Wales, which reflects the gravitas of her new position within the royal family as she gets nearer to the throne.

"The fun, feminine, flirty Kate who we all fell in love with in her polka-dot tea dresses seems to have been replaced by a new, more heavyweight incarnation."

James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek's royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.

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