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The Duchess of Edinburgh has refreshed her summer wardrobe, stepping out in a new sundress at the Royal Welsh Show on Tuesday.
Sophie invested £250 in a Lexy London midi dress with a flattering V-neck, puff sleeves and a frilly belt that accentuated her waist. The brand described the 'Godrun' dress as "an old favourite", with the green and brown print broken up by "crazy" colour-clashing bright orange piping.
Footage of Sophie arriving showed she had layered the Eleventy Milano cream blazer over her shoulders and a Strathberry raffia bag hung from her shoulder. With her blonde bob tucked behind her ears, the royal showed off her gold hoop earrings.
The Royal Welsh Show's official Instagram page shared photos from Sophie's first visit to the in her capacity as Patron of the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO), which saw her smiling as she chatted with exhibitors, posed for photos with children and shared a sweet moment with a horse.
Sophie's new look following her hair transformation
Prince Edward's wife surprised fans in early July when she stepped out with notably shorter hair. Swapping her long blonde hair traditionally linked to classic fairytale archetypes, the royal sported a bright blonde bob that fell to just above her shoulders.
According to life coach Mhairi Todd, Sophie's transformation was symbolic of women shedding society's expected beauty standards.
"There's a long cultural history around hair and womanhood. Hair has always been shorthand for how society values women. Long hair has often equalled youthful and desirable, while short hair has been coded as practical or neutral," Mhairi previously told HELLO!.
"Underneath that are the generational layers. For baby boomers and older generations, long hair was part of the 'ideal woman' package, because women were prized primarily for appearance and compliance," she added.
"We're expected to do it all; build careers, raise children, stay attractive, age well, and hold everything together. I think many women cut their hair, but because they're tired of performing to beauty standards they didn't consciously sign up for in the first place."
Days later, Sophie was pictured looking proud as she watched Lady Louise receive her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, and her daughter had similarly opted to chop her long hair.
Secret royal shopping sprees
Sophie's wardrobe is a blend of some of her favourite items she recycles over the years, and some new pieces that follow seasonal trends.
But when she goes on a shopping spree, the Duchess doesn't forget her loved ones.
Shirt maker Emma Willis confessed that Sophie, who was among her customers, also invested in clothes for her late mother-in-law Queen Elizabeth II.
"She bought a shirt for her husband, Prince Edward, once. And she also bought a shirt for her mother-in-law, so I've made a shirt for the Queen!" Emma told the Daily Mail in 2020.
