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Summertime and the living is stylish—especially if you’re Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh. Just this week, she stepped out in her role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers pivoting from camo to a stunning blue floral dress for a royal engagement in Tidworth, Wiltshire. But what caught my eye? There was something familiar about her look.
Sophie has sported what is clearly a beloved Emilia Wickstead shirtdress before: She famously wore it in July 2023, when she attended the Household Division’s Military Musical Spectacular at the Horse Guards Parade in London, an occasion held shortly after the coronation of King Charles. Much like other members of the royal family—Kate Middleton included—Sophie is no stranger to donning a royal repeat, but seeing her step out in this particular style today easily demonstrates the timelessness of it. It’s also a lovely nod to such a happy year for her brother-in-law, the king.
Max Mumby/Getty Images
As for the occasion, Sophie was on hand to help mark the 25th anniversary of the 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion REME. While there, she addressed the parade and also traveled to the Salisbury Plain Training Area, where she received guidance from the 6 Armoured Close Support Battalion REME about the work they do to maintain and repair the army’s armoured vehicles and equipment, per a post on the Royal Family’s Instagram account.
Max Mumby/Getty Images
It’s worth noting that Sophie’s appointment to the position of Colonel-in-Chief of the Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers is a meaningful one. She assumed the role in March 2022 nearly a year after the passing of Prince Philip. The Duke of Edinburgh famously held the position for over 50 years following his appointment in 1969.
Back to the dress: Sophie did make one minor change to how she previously styled the same dress back in 2023. She swapped her shoes! The first time she wore it with a taupe pair of heels, but for today’s occasion, she looks to have replaced those with a heel in a subtle power blue. (Love the effort to switch things up.)
Proof that investing in a timeless style is always worth it.
Duchess Sophie Steals the Show in Blue Lace Dress—But I Can’t Stop Staring at Those Shoes