Yesterday afternoon, Garter Day (aka the day new appointments are invested in the Order of the Garter) took place for the first time in three years at Windsor Castle. We saw the Royal family – minus the adorable Cambridge children and the Queen – out in full force to celebrate The Duchess of Cornwall, who was formally invested as Royal Lady of the Order of the Garter. Sounds very #patriotic, right?!
While the whole clan looked spectacular in their elegant ensembles (read: royal ceremonial dress), one member who gave us all the summer wedding inspo was Kate Middleton. The Duchess of Cambridge wore a mid-length periwinkle blue dress and matched her entire get-up with blue heeled pumps, a blue clutch, blue-stoned jewellery and of course, a blue fascinator.
However, as much as we love her fashion choices, the one aspect of the look that stood out to us most was her elegant updo. Kate's hair has been styled in a low braided bun with the front face-framing pieces of hair twisted and pinned at the back of her head. Take a look below:
She is just picture perfect, wouldn't you agree?
We think this would make the most perfect summer bridal, bridesmaid or even wedding guest hairstyle. And if you're feeling extra fancy, why not wear it to that garden party you have coming up this weekend? Temperatures are soaring, after all.
K-Mid paired the look with her classic makeup glam, which essentially consists of bronzed glowing skin, a brown smokey eye, subtle liner and a glossy rose lip.
Everyone's clicking on...
Ahhh, as the good ol' saying goes... business in the front, party in the back...
One final word: ✨radiant✨.
Follow Lia on Instagram.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
