The Duchess shows us how to wear a coat dress at the Olympic opening ceremony

The Duchess shows us how to wear a coat dress at the Olympic opening ceremony

Of course, the 2012 summer Olympics are about sports but they’re about fashion, too, if the blogosphere is to be believed! And of course, nothing generated more buzz than what everyone’s favorite duchess wore to the opening ceremony. Here are tips on how to copy her look.

Fittingly, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (formerly Kate Middleton) opted for a UK designer for the opening ceremony. Her pale blue satin fitted coat dress was custom-designed by Scottish born designer Christopher Kane; she paired it with a grey suede clutch and her diamond earrings that she first sported back at the Jubilee Concert in June. She reportedly finished the outfit with nude heels.

Kate illustrates an important rule for wearing satin: make it tailored, not tight! Her coat dress skims the body and doesn’t billow out in that unflattering prom dress silhouette. Yet it isn’t skin tight and doesn’t tug or pull.

A coat dress is a hot item for fall 2012, so Kate is right on-trend with this frock. The ice blue color looks stunning on her complexion, but if you’re looking for something more winter appropriate, try a non shiny fabric in a color like oxblood. And since satin is best left to dressy occasions, you might prefer a fabric like wool or cotton-blend.

Now, on to her accessories! The dress features a belt to define her waist; you could get a similar effect with a skinny leather belt. A nude pump is the perfect shoe for any outfit in your closet, but especially one in a tricky color or fabric; a metallic shoe could easily make this dress look dated, while black would be too heavy. Kate favors three-inch heels, which are tall enough to be sexy but still comfortable to walk in while at events (like a meet-and-greet with heads of state from around the world!).

Finally, those earrings. A coat dress is a fairly conservative piece of clothing, so it’s nice to add a little sparkle. Kate did so with diamond hoop earrings, which are in keeping with her classic image but add a little feminine fun to any outfit.