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Sophie’s leather-based legacy: Duchess’s iconic fashion dates again to the 90s – as this unearthed photograph exhibits

Since marrying into the Royal Family in 1999, the Duchess of Edinburgh has made her mark on fashion.  

Before her engagement to Prince Edward, Sophie Rhys-Jones embraced the quintessential nineties businesswoman look, frequently donning tailored skirt suits.

In her casual moments, she often opted for skintight mini dresses that might have raised a few eyebrows, even those of Queen Elizabeth II

Leather also became a standout feature in her wardrobe, a style element she has carried with her through the years.

Today, she effortlessly incorporates this autumn staple into her looks – as we explore below.

Timeless elegance 

During her visit to Cranford College in London, Sophie showcased her signature elegant style with a chic ensemble. 

She layered a ME+EM floral blouse beneath a striking Loewe leather midi dress – a standout piece she has worn on four previous occasions. 

To complete the look, she chose Gianvito Rossi suede boots, Giulia Barela hoop earrings, and carried a Sophie Habsburg clutch. 

In November, Sophie layered a ME+EM floral blouse beneath a striking Loewe leather midi dress

In November, Sophie layered a ME+EM floral blouse beneath a striking Loewe leather midi dress

The art of layering 

Sophie had previously worn her Loewe dress during a visit to the Brainwave Centre in Bridgwater, Somerset, in 2022.

In this instance, she teamed the dress with a chunky burgundy knit and Prada suede ankle boots, achieving a stylish yet cosy look.

Sophie had previously worn her Loewe dress during a visit to Bridgwater, Somerset, in 2022

Sophie had previously worn her Loewe dress during a visit to Bridgwater, Somerset, in 2022

Autumn sophistication

The Duchess embraced autumn elegance at the Cornbury House Horse Trials in September.

The standout piece of Sophie’s ensemble was Max Mara’s ‘Luciana’ faux leather trousers, which flattered her figure with their high waist and cropped wide leg.

She styled them with a classic tweed jacket and Gianvito Rossi ankle boots.

Sophie embraced autumn chic while attending the Cornbury House Horse Trials in September

Sophie embraced autumn chic while attending the Cornbury House Horse Trials in September

All about leather 

Sophie went all-in on leather during her visit to Brooklands Innovation Academy in October last year. 

She wore her well-loved Prada jacket for the eleventh time, pairing it with a daring Nina Ricci skirt featuring a side slit that offered a subtle flash of leg. 

She elevated the look with knee-high boots from Reiss and added a touch of luxury with a Hermes necklace. 

Sophie went all in on leather during her visit to Brooklands Innovation Academy in October 2023

Sophie went all in on leather during her visit to Brooklands Innovation Academy in October 2023 

Effortless chic

In February 2017, Sophie wore her Prada lambskin jacket for a meeting at the England Hockey headquarters. 

The statement piece was instantly recognisable for its distinctive grosgrain shoulder epaulettes. 

She completed the look with a mid-length knitted skirt, suede boots and a classic tartan scarf. 

Sophie wears her Prada lambskin jacket to the England Hockey headquarters in February 2017

Sophie wears her Prada lambskin jacket to the England Hockey headquarters in February 2017

Military detailing

Sophie made a lasting impression during her visit to the NSPCC hub in Nottingham in September 2023.

She paired her Max Mara leather trousers with a Bally navy wool utility jacket, featuring gold buttons and a waist-cinching belt.

As always, her accessories were on point – she chose Jimmy Choo suede ankle boots and carried a Sophie Habsburg brown bag to complete this flawless ensemble

In September 2023, the Duchess paired her Max Mara leather trousers with a Bally navy wool utility jacket, featuring gold buttons and a waist-cinching belt

In September 2023, the Duchess paired her Max Mara leather trousers with a Bally navy wool utility jacket, featuring gold buttons and a waist-cinching belt

Country charm

In May, Sophie graced the Royal Windsor Horse Show with an outfit that exuded country charm.

She expertly styled a pleated leather skirt by Vince with a double-breasted ME+EM blazer, simple white blouse and slouchy leather boots.

Sophie coordinates with husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, at the Royal Windsor Horse Show

Sophie coordinates with husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, at the Royal Windsor Horse Show

Nineties nostalgia

Sophie favoured a brown leather jacket throughout the nineties. 

It made a memorable appearance in October 1999 at the launch of a new fashion range by excavator manufacturer JCB.

She effortlessly transitioned the jacket from day to night, teaming it with a V-neck T-shirt, smart black trousers and a Louis Vuitton canvas clutch.

Sophie favoured a brown leather jacket throughout the nineties. It made a memorable appearance in October 1999 at the launch of a new fashion range by excavator manufacturer JCB

Sophie favoured a brown leather jacket throughout the nineties. It made a memorable appearance in October 1999 at the launch of a new fashion range by excavator manufacturer JCB