Kate Middleton's Subtle Hair Signature: Hatbands
Back in 2019, The headband, or rather, the hatband is back with a vengeance akin to that of Blair Waldorf, and grew steadily in popularity to a feverpitch in 2022. And trendwatchers would be remiss to overlook that this was in large part thanks to Kate Middleton. The Duchess of Cambridge has long set the standard for the most stylish fascinators, perchers, hats and pillbox toppers, but shortly after the birth of her third child, Prince Louis, in April 2018, the Duchess began experimenting with a new style signature: the hatband, a sartorial hybrid between a hat and a headband.
The hatband is essentially an oversized headband, typically with some embellishment or padding to add a touch of formal drama to the hair accessory; hence why Middleton has been wearing them to official appearances and special occasions for the better part of the last nearly four years.
The elevated headband made its Middleton debut at Prince Louis' christening on July 9, 2018. Unlike at the celebrations for her two elder children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, for which she donned fascinators, Middleton instead complemented her ivory Alexander McQueen dress with a cream headband with white floral and pearl appliqué by Jane Taylor London to celebrate her youngest's christening. A refreshing new look to mark the occasion of a new baby— one that took the internet by storm, no less.
After that, Middleton receded from public view for the remainder of her maternity leave, with the exception of a few public appearances. Namely, to attend the wedding of pal Sophie Carter to Robert Snuggs at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Norfolk on September 24, 2018. For this affair, Duchess Kate donned a cornflower blue Catherine Walker shirtdress and a matching bespoke floral band from Juliette Botterill Millinery in London. Not only was the Duchess of Cambridge giving formal headwear a refreshing new twist, but the added floral embellishment that she has now worn twice was an added festive, feminine, and seasonally appropriate touch.
But the seasonally appropriate turns on the hat-headband hybrid didn't stop there. Middleton attended an Armistice service at Westminster Abbey on November 11, 2018 wearing her go-to velvet embellished forrest green Catherine Walker coat dress with a black velvet Jane Taylor Crescent Moon Headband with the detail wrapping on one side removed. Rich in texture, yet understated, it was the perfect complement to her chignon.
The Duchess of Cambridge returned to a velvet hatband for Christmas services at the Chapel in Sandringham, when she wore a two-tone Jane Taylor Halo Band. The burgundy topper with a brown bow at the back was worn perched on the crown of Middleton's head. The wide-banded shape added a classic 1930's-esque touch to the Duchess of Cambridge's red velvet Catherine Walker dresscoat that was nearly identical to the version she wore for Armistice Day. Proof: even if you're royal, the saying "if it ain't broke," still applies.
The Duchess of Cambridge brought the hatband with her into 2019. For her very first public sighting of the year, Middleton wore a lovely cerulean outfit with clean lines and a funnel neck to church services in Sandringham, topping the look with a Jane Taylor Diamond Crepe Pleated Band with an exquisite bow at the back. Whether it's velvet or bedazzled with bows, flowers or pearls, the hatband is a Duchess of Cambridge sartorial signature.
Flash forward to 2022, and the trend is still going strong—as is Kate Middelton's affinity for the look. More recently, the Duchess of Cambridge paired the same bespoke cerulean hatband by Jane Taylor with a robin's egg blue outfit (coordinated with her family) for Easter services. Then, a few weeks later, Middleton stunned in another Jane Taylor design—this time a striking white and black piece to ornament her look for Anzac Day services. Clearly, it's a style trick she will continue to use for years to come.
And for those who want to add a regal touch to their next formal ensemble or hat-appropriate occasion, shop the Duchess of Cambridge's hatbands and similar styles below:
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