Charlotte in a polka dot dress at Wimbledon with Kate and Pippa.
Princess Charlotte, the young royal known for her charming and age-appropriate style, is beginning to embrace a more sophisticated look, drawing inspiration from her mother, Kate Middleton.
At just 9 years old, Charlotte is transitioning from the sweet, floral dresses of her early childhood to a more mature, tween vibe.
This fashion evolution was on full display when Charlotte attended the men’s finals at Wimbledon on July 14 with her mother, Kate, and aunt, Pippa Middleton.
The young princess wore a chic polka dot dress from American brand Guess, a look reminiscent of an outfit Kate wore at the same event two years prior.
Complementing her dress were pink Ray-Ban sunglasses and a touch of lip gloss, showcasing a stylish yet age-appropriate look.
Bethan Holt, Style Director at the Daily Telegraph, remarked on this sartorial milestone, noting how Charlotte is shifting from “a sweet little girl in smocked floral dresses to a slightly more grown-up tween vibe.”
The polka dot dress was accessorized with handmade friendship bracelets, her hair braided and tied with a navy bow, and white ballet pumps from Papouelli, a favorite footwear brand of the royal family.
Nicole Robinson, co-founder of Papouelli, expressed her delight at seeing Charlotte wear their shoes. “She looked lovely, and we are always thrilled when she wears our shoes,” Robinson told PEOPLE.
She also highlighted the significance of Charlotte’s choice in footwear, transitioning from traditional Mary Jane shoes to a more sophisticated ballerina style, which she described as “very age-appropriate.”
The Missi ballet pumps, retailing from $125, are a popular choice among young girls for their comfort and soft soles. “That style has been in our collection for about 15 years, and all the little girls love them because they are so incredibly comfortable,” Robinson explained.
While Princess Charlotte’s everyday attire still includes casual playsuits and Breton jumpers, her formal wardrobe is where her evolving style is most evident.
At the Coronation Concert in May 2023, she wore an ivory dress from Self Portrait, a British brand favored by her mother and other royals such as Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice.
The dress featured a layered tiered skirt and sheer puff sleeves with black bow detailing, echoing a Self Portrait midi dress worn by Kate in 2023.
Robinson praised Kate Middleton’s influence on Charlotte’s style, noting that Kate’s “elegant, effortless classic style” likely plays a significant role in the fashion choices for her daughter. “She always looks amazing so you would assume that would filter down to what she chooses to dress her daughter in,” Robinson said.
The Coronation of King Charles in May 2023 marked another significant fashion moment for Princess Charlotte.
She wore a bespoke Alexander McQueen couture piece, her first public display of couture fashion, along with a matching silver bullion and crystal flower crown by Jess Collett and Alexander McQueen.
For the historic coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey, Charlotte was also seen in white Mary Jane shoes by Papouelli, coordinated with her mother’s outfit.
Trooping the Colour, an annual event celebrating the British sovereign’s official birthday, has also become a platform for Charlotte’s evolving style.
For the past two years, she has donned nautical-themed outfits, reflecting a well-tested style formula that Kate Middleton often employs. Robinson emphasized that Kate’s fashion choices for Charlotte are always spot on, ensuring that she looks “immaculately turned out.”
