On June 2, 2025, the Duchess of Edinburgh attended an afternoon tea honoring women of distinction, held at the Castle Hotel in Windsor, England. For the occasion, the Duchess wore a new light blue broderie midi-length dress featuring a V-neckline by Aspiga. She accessorized with a beige woven handbag with blue detailing by Sophie Habsburg and white wedge sandals with ankle straps.
Aspiga Victoria Broderie Dress
The dress is a lovely colour for D. Sophie but it’s too tight through the midriff. I don’t love the espadrilles and the straw bag for this event but I can see them working in a very casual setting. (V.M.)
ReplyDeleteAgree looks very untidy
DeleteNice Bag? No, not even that. - Too tight across the breast, trumpet *and* puffy sleeves, crumpled fabric because all those trumpets and puffs don't go well with this fabric, unbecoming curtain ruffles at the bottom part and last not least, those espadrilles. The first photo is nice, because it shows her lovely face. Oh dear ... this is not something I'd expect from somebody who represents the British royal family.
ReplyDelete18:54 I think we can trust that Sophie knows and respects the dress standards for events she attends. It’s a 500 year old hotel so it does have that English whimsy and this dress fits in very well. She represents the royal family beautifully. From my perspective this dress is sweet and summery and is within the sorts of styles that Sophie really enjoys. I’m sure the guests were honoured by time with her! - Mary
DeleteI agree with both Anonymous 18:54.
DeleteAnon 18 54, you have given a good summary of the problems. I looked at the first photo and thought "lovely", then saw the second one and quickly changed to "Oh, no!"
DeleteThis dress is beautiful and there are far more pluses than minuses of it as worn by Sophie. These pluses include the beautiful colour, the broderie anglaise material (so feminine and summery), the V neckline, and the overall design style of the dress. Minuses are that it seems a bit tight in some areas on Sophie, and likely due to tightness in the sleeves the frill on the sleeve isn't falling the correct way on Sophie as it is on the model.
ReplyDeleteHowever all said and done, she looks lovely, and her blonde hair adds an additional positive element to the overall look.
- Anon 9:13
I like the dress, colour is beautiful and summery, was not able to pinpoint what was off. So thank you, I agree it seems to be that it is a bit too snug. I also wonder if the espadrilles would be okay if the dress was a few inches shorter with the ruffle being attached higher up. It seems to attach under her knee rather than above.
DeleteYes Anon 22:24, you are absolutely correct. If Sophies's dress was slightly shorter (sigh, as usual...) AND the placement of the lower tier was slightly higher and above the knee as you say, not only would the espadrilles look better, but her overall appearance would be improved. She'd look even better if the dress was looser in the bodice and sleeve areas.
DeleteThank you for your spot-on comment.
- Anon 9:13
@ - Anon.9:13
DeleteMy thoughts as well
I agrre with @ - Anon.9:13 at 19:47
DeleteBeautiful colour on her. The style and the fabric is a big no. For the occasion this is too casual.
ReplyDeleteThis is a miss for me all way round. And she needs some product for her hair. It looks dry and unhealthy.
ReplyDeleteEach year, we have repeated comments about how terrible espadrilles are. Espadrilles go back at least 4,000 years. They have never really gone out of style and are worn in some countries more than other. They are readily seen in fashion images throughout the last century. The exact style evolves over the decades and centuries, but the basics remain. Maybe learning the history of these iconic shoes will help.
ReplyDeletehttps://biankina.com/blogs/journal/the-origin-and-evolution-of-espadrilles
https://www.lofficielibiza.com/fashion/ibiza-style-the-history-of-espadrilles-from-fishermen-to-yves-saint-laurent
https://www.tonipons.sg/pages/the-history-of-the-espadrille
https://www.escadrilleparis.com/en/uncategorized/espadrille-origin/?srsltid=AfmBOopZaNLuCEw7P_9WMbblI3Es_5v1c4RMnl5oc5Gn3gi05I6MEOSE
Dear Anon 21:31, Espadrilles are wonderful and lovely, but alas, as is the case for all outfits and shoes: not for all women, and also: not for every outfit. We do not have to defend anybody or anything, this is a fashion blog for fashion critic and polite opinions should be free. We all can like Sophie (I do) but at the same time acknowledge that she lacks taste for what is good for and nice on her.
DeleteThe comments here that are against espadrilles are universal and annual. For example, when Letizia, Leonor and Sofia wear them each summer, there are always comments about them being ugly, inappropriate, uncomfortable, etc. As espadrille season is now here, it would be nice to see comments made with some understanding of their historical significance before simply general dislike.
DeleteThis is in no way in defense of Sophie. I agree with you about her sartorial choices. She does not have a good awareness of what looks good on her, or what fits.
As Anon 23 46 has pointed out, it's not the espadrilles that are the problem but how they are worn. With shorts or a short dress they generally look great. With longer dresses generally not. In this case they are just not right with this dress.
DeleteDress is a lovely colour although I agree with comments above it is a bit tight! I still can’t believe Sophie is 60 - she really doesn’t look it at all. JJ
ReplyDeleteRavissante dans cette couleur bleue qui convient bien avec la blondeur de ses cheveux qui ont bien poussé !
ReplyDeleteI agree with Anonymous 18:54
ReplyDeleteShe looks lovely, but I'm not sure of the fit of the dress, pulling at the waist for starters. The sleeves look too snug. The shoes imo are a no. I don't like dresses with ruffles at the bottom as like this dress. Regardless she looks happy and engaging.
ReplyDeleteThe color, style, and fabric makes for a beautiful dress. The espadrilles and purse are the perfect finishing touches. She looked great!
ReplyDeleteMB
Not a bad dress, but the shoes take something away from the look. OMO.
ReplyDeletecss
The dress is a lovely colour but is too tight. Additionally the whole look is not at all elegant.
ReplyDeleteThe dress is a lovely colour but is too tight. Additionally the whole look is not at all elegant.
ReplyDeleteSophie looks lovely--so pretty--and very ready for a summer tea party. I love the color of her dress--blues are such great colors for her. Yes, it appears the dress is a bit snug but I still like it on Sophie. Her choice of more casual accessories--espadrilles and a straw bag--are perfect for the event as it is not a formal event.
ReplyDeleteJanet
I agree with you, @ Janet, though I would have opted for a tote bag or a satchel.
DeleteToo casual for tea as an official engagement! This could be worn for tea with friends.
ReplyDeleteI tried to write this when it first came out. Two points: I felt the title was inappropriate: Should have read Duchess of Edinburgh honors Women of Distinction. That would have been more respectful for all. And Sophie should have dressed more appropriately - this outfit looks like she's going to a backyard bar-b-que instead of honoring some special ladies. In fairness I would have liked to have seen the honorees' outfits. And tight fitting dresses are never classy and attractive. Sophie is a hardworking royal - and she used to be so stylish. The older you get, the harder you have to work to get it right. I'm 78, I should know. And I still wear 2 1/2 and sometimes 3 inch heels, depending upon the event.
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