Fashion

Forget ballgowns and tiaras! These royals win gold for their most fashion-forward activewear looks

Princess Diana was ahead of the athleisure times.
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There’s an old French fashion saying that says activewear shouldn’t be worn outside of sport and gym settings. But these days, athleisure wear is worn everywhere from brunch to shopping trips.

Royal women have also allowed activewear to seep into their restrictive wardrobes, and they’ve served some incredibly cool and achievable looks worth taking inspiration from.

Just take a look at Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge during a recent engagement with British tennis champ Emma Raducanu – her activewear style couldn’t be more chic!

A round of applause should also be dedicated to Princess Diana and her iconic oversized jumpers styled with bike shorts.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge shares a laugh with British tennis champ Emma Raducanu.

(Getty)

The world didn’t know in the 90s how much her looks would explode in the early 2020s as one of its biggest breakout trends, loved by the Kardashians, Gen Zers, and Millennials.

While we couldn’t foresee Diana’s genius, we have always known the royals have a long-standing love of sports.

Marie Claire reported that Diana was keen on exercising for “at least three 30-minute sessions of vigorous exercise per week.”

“When possible, she began her day with a morning swim or attend to her children’s needs. If she had no time to swim, she’d fit in a bit of stretching before breakfast.”

Duchess Catherine is also known for her athletic excellence – during her high school years she ran cross country, swam, played tennis and field hockey, and was a keen rower in her twenties.

She also fittingly made her public debut as Prince William’s girlfriend in 2004 on a ski trip in Switzerland.

Now, for some royal fashion inspo that you can actually buy for your wardrobe, here are the best dupes for your favourite royal athleisure looks.

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Catherine looked effortlessly cool for a hands-on engagement with Britain’s tennis stars last week, pairing a navy tennis skirt and jacket with trendy white sneakers.

(The Iconic)

Helly Hansen Daybreaker Fleece Jacket, $120, from The Iconic.

(The Iconic)

Aim’n Luxe Tennis Skirt, $90, from The Iconic.

(The Iconic)

Polo Ralph Lauren Sayer Sneakers, $119, from The Iconic.

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Royals Activewear

In 1994, Diana single-handedly forecasted 2021s biggest trend when she stepped out of the Chelsea Harbour Club wearing a pale blue sweatshirt, pink cycling shorts, and sunglasses.

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Royals Activewear

Also, a special shoutout to Diana’s workout mullet, yet, another 2021 trend women have been loving.

(Lorna Jane)

Royals Activewear

Make Diana’s look your 2021 staple with these Relaxed Bike Shorts, $36.00, from Lorna Jane. You can find them here.

(The Iconic)

Royals Activewear

Diana would rock these Nicky Kay Seamless Bike Shorts, $65.00, from The Iconic. You can find them here.

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Royals Activewear

Kate wore this versatile silvery-white windbreaker to visit The Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative in 2018.

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Royals Activewear

Crown Princess Mary also rocked a similar style during her two-week visit to Australia in 2005.

(The Iconic)

Royals Activewear

Feel chic at school drop off with this Liquido Active Windbreaker, $96.00, from The Iconic. You can find it here.

(The Iconic)

Royals Activewear

Bend it like Kate and Mary in this Adidas Originals Windbreaker, $160.00 from The Iconic. You can find it here.

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Royals Activewear

In 2019, the Duchess of Cambridge showed off her football skills in this sleek navy puffer jacket.

(The Iconic)

Royals Activewear

Feel sophisticated like Kate with this Atmos & Here Emma Hooded Puffer Jacker, $83.99 from The Iconic. You can find it here.

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Royals Activewear

Mary is also a fan of suave royal blue puffers, which she wore in 2015 to the Danish Royal family annual skiing trip.

(The Iconic)

Royals Activewear

Feel invigorated by this electric blue Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket, $299.95 from The Iconic. You can find it here.

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Royals Activewear

Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, is a keen cyclist, and she is all about function over style.

(Rebel Sport)

Royals Activewear

Fly on your bike with these Mike Women’s Sportswear Essential Bike Shorts, $44.99, from Rebel Sport. You can find them here.

(Adidas)

Royals Activewear

See results with these cycling shorts, $28 from Adidas. You can find them here.

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Royals Activewear

She may not be an official royal but Pippa Middleton knows the value of a functional workout look. At the GE Blenheim Triathlon in 2011, she finessed her otherwise monochromatic outfit with a pop of pink.

(Lululemon)

Royals Activewear

Copy Pippa’s non-fuss activewear look with this Essential Tank Top, $44.00 from Lululemon. You can find it here.

(Rebel Sport)

Royals Activewear

Replicate Pippa’s comfy boxer shorts with these Adidas Women’s Run It Shorts, $39.00 from Rebel Sport. You can find them here.

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Royals Activewear

A bright red puffer jacket is one of the most accessible statement pieces a woman can own in her wardrobe, and Princess Diana loved the piece so much she was photographed wearing the stand out jacket on many ski trips.

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Royals Activewear

Kate took some style cues from her late mother-in-law by wearing her own version of the oversized puffer jacket with a more tailored take on the vibrant red look.

(P.E Nation)

Royals Activewear

Spice up windy walks with this Goalside Puffer Jacket In Chilli, $299.00, from P.E Nation. You can find it here.

(The Iconic)

Royals Activewear

Replicate Kate and Diana’s hot looks with this Huffer Women’s Superdown Jacket, $363.90, from The Iconic. You can find it here.

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