Attention! Catherine wows the crowd in 1940s-inspired ‘military chic’ look

When it comes to fashion, it’s only a matter of time before what’s old is new again. Indeed, this appears to be the case for one of the most iconic looks from the 1940s — military-style coats  — and we’ve got the Duchess of Cambridge to thank for its comeback.

Catherine perfected so-called “military chic” on Wednesday as she stepped out alongside husband Prince William to attend a drive-in movie screening during their tour of Scotland. The royal couple were joined by National Health Service (NHS) staff for the new Disney movie Cruella at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

“William and I are absolutely delighted that so many of you could join us here tonight,” Catherine said in a short speech paying tribute to NHS staff ahead of the screening. “We wanted to thank you for the extraordinary dedication, commitment and personal sacrifice you have shown in supporting our communities through this pandemic.

“We invite you to grab your popcorn, cuddle up under your blankets and be transported to 1970s Britain for an evening of much-deserved fun, drama, glamour and escapism!”

 

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For the drive-in event, the couple arrived in a dark-green 1966 2A Land Rover that once belonged to Prince William’s late grandfather, Prince Philip, who passed away at 99 years of age on April 9. The Duke of Edinburgh was such a fan of the car brand that his coffin was carried on a customised Land Rover.

Catherine wowed the crowd in a navy blue and green military-style trench coat by British designer Holland Cooper. The trench coat featured big statement gold buttons and cinched in at the waist with a matching belt. She paired the look with matching green suede pumps and Dubai sapphire earrings, which are on loan from the Queen. Meanwhile, William looked dapper in a relaxed navy suit matched with a crisp white shirt.

Ahead of the movie screening, William and Catherine sat down with two stars from the film, Emma Thompson, who plays Baroness von Hellman (the head of a fashion house), and Emma Stone, who plays the infamous Cruella de Vil.

“We were in front of Buckingham Palace at one point,” Stone said, Town & Country Magazine reports. “I was riding a motorcycle around the mall.”

To which William replied jokingly, “We should have had you stopped, Emma, it’s very dangerous!” The film is released in Australian cinemas Thursday.