The Princess of Wales has dazzled fans with her polka dot dresses at almost every major royal event this year, including Prince Louis' first day at Lambrook school on Wednesday. With exclusive expert insight, HELLO! has discovered the delightful reason why.
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Princess Kate looked so stylist on the milestone school run wearing a brown and white Rixo dress. Who could forget her spectacular Wimbledon outings this summer where she donned an azure blue and white polka dot dress followed by a navy blue and white polka dot dress by her go-to designer Alessandra Rich? Royal Ascot was a highlight for most fans because the duchess wowed in a white gown featuring huge black spots. At Prince Philip's Service of Thanksgiving in March, keen fans spotted that even this dress was littered with tiny white polka dots...
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HELLO! sat down with colour psychologist and director of design at Lick Colour, Tash Bradley, to discuss Kate's commitment to polka dots in detail, and asked for her thoughts behind this.
Kate's jolly polka dress on Louis' first day at school
Tash first explained the general psychology of polka dot patterns, saying: "So someone who is wearing polka dots, they're wanting to portray a fun-ness, a sort of playfulness. When you think of polka dots you instantly soften."
© Photo: Getty ImagesKate dazzled in polka dots at Royal Ascot
Kate loves tennis so her choice of the 'Pleated Embellished Polka-Dot Silk Crepe de Chine Midi Dress' to enjoy a summer afternoon at Wimbledon makes perfect sense.
© Photo: Getty ImagesKate's navy polka dots at the Wimbledon men's final
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© Photo: Getty ImagesKate's bright polka dot dress also cheered fans at Wimbledon
Tash's knowledge suddenly sheds intriguing light on the Princess' personal decision to wear polka dots to the late Duke of Edinburgh's memorial service in March.
When the Prince and Princess of Wales arrived at Westminster Abbey for the Service of Thanksgiving, fans were pleasantly surprised to see two of the late Prince's great-grandchildren in attendance, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, who arrived hand in hand with her mother.
© Photo: Getty ImagesKate's discreet polka dots were picture perfect
Kate's choice of discreet tiny white polka on her all-black ensemble dots looked as though it added a touch of warmth and openness to the sombre occasion for the children.
Tash continued: "When you go for polka dots it's very playful, it opens up conversation, it makes you give off a sort of warm feel."
© Photo: Getty ImagesKate's familiar go-to L.K.Bennett dress
In June, Princess Kate, Princess Beatrice and Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway all chose to wear polka dot dresses to social engagements.
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© Photo: Getty ImagesKate and Beatrice at Royal Ascot
Tash enthused about this royal trend: "It's interesting that they've all gone for polka dots because that straight away just screams out fun. That you're there to have a bit of fun, you're not trying to take yourself too seriously, you're trying to be softer in your approach I would say."
Detailing the royal ladies' colour choices, Tash continued: "What I love is that the black and white is very Audrey Hepburn, very sophisticated very elegant."
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Pink polka dots, for instance, are not something we would be likely to see Kate in for a formal occasion. "If for instance Kate was wearing let's say pink polka dots that could look too childish and actually the colour combination of the black and white with the polka dots works beautifully because then they have the elegance, the sophistication that she still needs, but polka dots – fun approachable, so that's fascinating."
If you've now developed a penchant for polka dots we have found these gorgeous dresses which Kate would love:
Ivory Spot Midi Dress, was £79, now £63.20, Oasis
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Satin Tie Front Dot Dress, was £50 now £40, ASOS
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Polka Dot Midi Dress, was £169, now £115, Whistles
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If you rather fancy a different colour, Tash Bradley predicts that lilac will be everywhere this summer.
Polka Dot V-neck Wrap Dress, £39.50, M&S
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Tash Bradley's most recent exciting project was a collaboration with Volvic to create the brand new summer mocktail named the 'Peri Cooler' which is based on Pantone's colour of year 'Very Peri.'
The beautiful lilac beverage was created with mixologist Francesco Braun and by combining the natural flavourings of Volvic 'Touch of Fruit - Summer Fruits' with the soothing effect of lilac, it is sure to delight. Find out how to make the drink.
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