Between book releases and bombshell reports, the royal family certainly kept us busy here at Page Six in 2023.
The past 12 months gave us Prince Harry’s “Spare,” a historic coronation and a controversial car chase. The Waleses headed to Jordan for a royal wedding, while the Sussexes flew to Düsseldorf for the Invictus Games and to NYC for World Mental Health Day.
And in the midst of all the monarchy-related drama, we saw some stellar style statements from Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle.
From the Princess of Wales’ parade of power suits to the Duchess of Sussex’s internet-breaking J.Crew cardigan, see the 10 best of the year below.
Kate’s updated BAFTAs ensemble
While the Princess of Wales opted to rewear her Alexander McQueen gown from the 2019 BAFTA Awards for this year’s event, you’d be forgiven for not recognizing the style.
For the look’s second outing, Kate swapped out the original floral appliqués at the shoulder for a flowing length of white chiffon, accessorized with black velvet opera gloves and $28 Zara earrings and opted for long, loose locks in lieu of an updo.
Kate and Charlotte’s matching moment
Throughout King Charles’ coronation in May, the princess stuck to a patriotic color palette of red, white and blue. And at the ceremony itself, she traded her tiara for a Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen headpiece, while daughter Princess Charlotte donned a matching mini version.
The silver leaves nodded not just to Charles’ love of nature and the outdoors, but also to the notions of rebirth, renewal and a new era for the monarchy.
Kate’s scarlet set
Middleton kicked off her 2023 pantsuit streak with this striking scarlet Alexander McQueen style for King Charles’ coronation concert, which she paired with mother-of-pearl jewelry from Van Cleef & Arpels.
“Catherine is now starting to establish herself in her new role as Princess of Wales. Her trouser suits could be seen as a visual cue of her professional approach to her new position in the family,” royal historian Jessica Storoschuk previously told Page Six Style of Kate’s shift from skirts to suits.
Meghan’s golden glamour
The gilded Johanna Ortiz dress the Duchess of Sussex selected for the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Award ceremony in May was a far cry from the muted neutrals she wore during her first few years as a working royal.
Markle looked positively radiant in the midi-length design, and her all-gold accessories — including Tom Ford padlock stilettos, a shimmering Carolina Herrera clutch and embellished J.Crew hoop earrings — upped the glam factor even further.
Kate’s polished pleats
At the reopening of the National Portrait Gallery in June, Middleton looked magnificent in a Self-Portrait dress featuring a tweed jacket and pleated midi skirt that lent the look of sophisticated separates.
A slim black Chanel clutch and cutout Aquazzura heels added elements of contrast to the otherwise all-white ensemble, as did the princess’ bouncy brunette curls.
Meghan’s sleek stripes
The Duchess of Sussex picked a black-and-white Posse dress ($239) for an early birthday dinner with Prince Harry in Montecito in August, sparking a run on the striped style.
Paired with a wood-beaded Cult Gaia clutch ($428), sculptural gold Tabayer earrings ($3,900) and minimalist Emme Parsons sandals ($450), the strapless midi embodied Markle’s current California-cool aesthetic.
Meghan’s covetable cardigan
While in Germany for September’s Invictus Games, the duchess stepped out in a series of high-low looks. Our favorite of the bunch? This pairing of pleated Staud shorts and a two-tone J.Crew sweater blazer ($158), which she accessorized with cap-toed Chanel slingbacks and a Givenchy belt.
J.Crew’s website promptly crashed due to demand for the cardigan, which sold out instantly (but is now back in stock!).
Kate’s purple pantsuit
The princess picked an Emilia Wickstead jacket-and-pant combo in vibrant violet – a color closely associated with royalty – for the Shaping Us National Symposium in November.
She stuck to the jewel-toned palette with her sapphire jewelry and blue suede Gianvito Rossi pumps.
Meghan’s monochromatic style
Also in November, Markle attended a screening of Misan Harriman’s short film “The After” wearing a cocoa-colored Valentino pantsuit paired with a matching Reiss turtleneck.
Finished with black pumps, subtle gold jewelry and a sleek low ponytail, the look was both timeless and on trend.
Kate’s winter whites
Last — but certainly not least — Princess Kate was gorgeous and glowing in head-to-toe ivory at her Together at Christmas concert at London’s Westminster Abbey in December.
Her snowy separates included a tailored Chris Kerr coat, a Kiltane sweater and high-waisted Holland Cooper trousers, and her Strathberry bag ($555) and mother-of-pearl Van Cleef & Arpels earrings continued the all-vanilla-everything effect.
