There's no better place to get spring style inspiration than in Carole Middleton's Wimbledon outfits - over the years, she's recycled an array of wardrobe staples that are must-haves for creating effortlessly sophisticated looks.
A regular at Wimbledon, Carole Middleton is always the epitome of elegance – it's an event we look forward to seeing her at and drawing inspiration for our own spring capsule wardrobes .
With the weather teasing us with sunshine and Wimbledon still a few months away, we took a look back through the archives for some early spring wardrobe ideas, and it's clear Carole has a handful of go-to essentials she relies on to get her sophisticated and feminine spring style.
From chic wedged espadrilles to straw sun hats and midi dresses – they all appear regularly, and so for anyone wanting to recreate her style, adding a few of these to a spring/summer collection will go a long way.
Carole's style essentials
With a flattering square neckline and gently puffed sleeves, the timeless shape of this midi dress makes it super versatile and easy to style. The straight-falling skirt emulates so many of Carole's favourite pieces, with the soft but busy pattern being perfect for getting her style.
These high street espadrilles look so much more expensive than they are and could easily pass for any one of Carole or Kate Middleton favourite pairs of wedges. The neutral colours are so chic and easy to style.
Helping you to shield yourself from the sun in style and with ease, this raffia sun hat is made from a beautiful warm straw and boasts sophisticated gold-tone hardware to give an elegant edge.
An off white blazer is so easy to slip on over any outfit whether it's inspired by Carole or not, with this M&S piece being sleek, timeless and paired effortlessly with spring dresses or more office-ready power suit combinations.
The cornflour blue of this midi dress is so on brand for Carole, with it being bright and bold while still feeling classic and elegant. The sleeves are a favourite style of her's too, with the billowing look oozing a fun, spring feel.
Offering a high protection against sunglare, these brown toned sunglasses look so much like Carole's go-to style with their squared shape and soft brown tint. Impossibly versatile, they're a must-have for the warmer seasons.
The base of nearly every single Wimbledon outfit Carole has worn has been a floral midi dress and if she's not in a spring-ready flowery print, the pattern she's opted for has been bold, busy and impossibly eye-catching. Whether it's an intricate, repeating geometric pattern or a softer floral print, she loves to incoporate bold colours like greens, pinks and blues to deliver tonnes of fun and contemporary boldness.
She does switch up the style of these midi dresses, sometimes opting for a long sleeved style with a modest V-neckline and floating skirt, while other times she's spotted in a more fitted take with a flattering empire bodice that cuts off above the waist before falling into a straight, structured pencil skirt.
On the cooler days when she's sitting courtside, Carole tends to layer a blazer over these dresses. Most often, these will be cream blazers with a single button fastening which, when done up, accentuate the waist with their deep V-neckline shape. The colour makes them impossibly versatile and easily thrown on over any midi dress no matter the colour or pattern.
When it comes to footwear, Carole is a big believer in keeping it timeless and classic - and not just at Wimbledon but for any event, casual or formal. Her shoe capsule wardrobe is full of versatile shades and, for Wimbledon, she always opts for a nude tone.
Whether it's a pair of nude court heels, some taned brown ballet flats with a light block heel, or, her clear favourite and most-worn shoe, her classy espadrilles, Carole always lets her patterned dresses do the talking while the shoes work to simply compliment and balance out the heavy pattern.
It wouldn't be a Carole-inspired Wimbledon look without a pair of sunglasses finishing off your outfit - she always wears eye protection when sitting courtside. When it comes to sunnies, there is a best sunglasses style for every face shape which makes choosing a pair quite personal, but Carole's Wimbledon looks prove that switching things up can sometimes pay off and really add a new flair to any outfit.
Her Honey Yellow Izipizi Round Framed Sunglasses were one of the bolder choices she has made at Wimbledon and the soft colour brought so much fun into her floral look. But who could deny that the classic oversized, brown-framed style she normally opts for is far more 'Carole' and, more importantly for when you're putting together a capsule collection of accessories, is super versatile too.
Another staple accessory that's as practical as it is stylish is Carole's sun hat. It's an accessory that her daughter, The Princess of Wales, also loves for outdoor events like Wimbledon and Carole's style is perfect for hot days when your hair just isn't playing ball.
Far more subdued than some of the Royal Family's most daring hats, Carole's Aspiga Panama Hat is a timeless and classic woven style with an easy-to-wear flat brim and elegant navy ribbon. The simple design makes it perfect to wear with busy patterned pieces and bright, bold colours and it works just as well with Carole's go-to midi dresses as it would with a pair of your best white denim jeans and a chic summer-ready blazer for a more casual-feeling outfit.
