Princess Catherine stepped out in Scotland this week, steeped in timeless British style, delivering a masterclass in modern heritage dressing. The Princess of Wales was photographed in Stirling alongside Prince William, during a visit celebrating traditional craftsmanship, and her outfit felt perfectly aligned with the setting. 

Anchoring the look was a beautifully understated waistcoat by Carole Bamford, made in Scotland using British yarn, quietly reinforces her longstanding commitment to quality and sustainability. Rather than leaning into trend-led fashion, the royal once again chose pieces rooted in longevity and purpose.

Every element of the outfit worked in harmony, balancing polish with practicality in a way few do better. It was refined, unfussy and unmistakably royal without feeling formal.

Below, we break down exactly what Princess Catherine wore – and how to recreate her timeless approach to dressing, step by step.

At the heart of Princess Catherine’s look was a beautifully restrained waistcoat by Carole Bamford, crafted in Scotland from British yarn.

The piece felt quietly powerful, celebrating heritage without ever tipping into costume, and proving that craftsmanship can be just as compelling as couture.

Worn layered over a fine knit, the waistcoat added structure and texture while keeping the overall silhouette soft and wearable.

To replicate the effect, opt for natural fibres, neutral tones and clean lines – this is about quality over statement and pieces that age gracefully.

Underneath, Princess Catherine relied on a navy roll-neck from high-street favourite, Zara, reminding us that timeless style often begins with the simplest building blocks – and it doesn’t always have to come with a hefty price tag

A fitted knit creates a streamlined base that allows statement layers to shine without overwhelming the look. The high neckline added warmth and polish, making it ideal for winter dressing while remaining sleek and unfussy.

When styling your own, choose a fine-gauge knit that sits close to the body. It should work just as effortlessly under tailoring as it does worn alone.

Princess Catherine layered her look with a bespoke coat by Chris Kerr, reinforcing the narrative of local craftsmanship and thoughtful design.

The structured tailoring sharpened the outfit, lending authority while still allowing movement – a hallmark of her modern royal style. A well-cut coat instantly elevates even the most pared-back outfit, making it the ultimate investment piece.

For everyday wear, look for clean lapels, defined shoulders and a length that works across seasons – this is tailoring designed to last, not trend. Think of it as an investment piece, not a fleeting trend.

Paired with the waistcoat, the skirt brought balance to the look, grounding the tailoring with fluidity.

Princess Catherine often favours skirts that skim rather than cling, allowing ease of movement while maintaining elegance. This approach keeps outfits practical without sacrificing refinement, particularly during daytime engagements.

To emulate the effect, choose mid-length styles in heavier fabrics that hold their shape. They offer versatility and a flattering silhouette across settings.

Completing the ensemble were suede boots by Gianvito Rossi, chosen for both style and function. The block heel provided stability while still elongating the leg, striking that sweet spot between comfort and sophistication.

Suede added softness and depth, subtly contrasting with the sharper tailoring above.

For a similar finish, opt for boots with a modest heel and streamlined shape – they should feel walkable, weather-appropriate and elegant enough to anchor a heritage-inspired look.