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It can be tricky to find flattering shorts that make us feel confident baring our legs and jeans are just too thick to wear in the heat, but the Duchess of Edinburgh has found a brilliant alternative to both. Capri pants have come back into fashion in a big way for 2026 and back in 2022 Sophie showed us exactly how to style cropped trousers when she wore a white pair in the Caribbean.
She and Prince Edward went on a royal visit to mark Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee and on Day 6 they went to St Lucia. The Duchess stepped out in white high-waisted trousers that fell to just above her ankle and had a subtle kick flare.
This length is perfect for warmer weather as it gives you more coverage than shorts do but without swamping you in fabric and making you overheat.
Recreate Sophie's Outfit
Made from a breezy cotton blend with a hint of stretch, these trousers are affordable and so easy to style. They come in a range of other colours too and are straight-leg, with a cropped length and patch pockets. Pair with espadrilles and a green blouse for a Sophie-esque outfit.
These flattering capri trousers are currently on sale and they have a mid-rise waist and tapered leg shape. You can also get them in a deep navy blue and the white tone would work with so many different colours. Add a bright top for a touch of contrast or stay subtle with neutrals.
If you want to embrace the capri trouser trend then this affordable design could be perfect. Roman have a huge variety of colours to choose from and they're made from comfortable stretchy fabric with an elasticated waistband. Pair with T-shirts and shirts or longer tunic tops.
Castañer is a royal favourite brand when it comes to wedges and the Carol style gives a similar look to Sophie's shoes from 2022. They have a secure buckled ankle strap and a braided jute heel. The insole is padded and the uppers are made from 100% cotton.
Broderie Anglaise is so summery and this blouse has the delicate detailing which makes so many people love it. The Camille top is made from lightweight cotton and has feminine puffed sleeves and buttons running down the front. The pastel pink version is also pretty and very Sophie.
These espadrilles are crafted in Spain and have supple leather upper for lasting comfort. They feature a classic wedge heel and secure buckle fastening, as well as subtle floral detailing on the toe. These would be stunning with a flowy dress as well as with shorts and trousers.
Cropped trousers also show off your summer footwear and woman&home's Digital Fashion Ecommerce Editor Caroline Parr thinks Sophie's are particularly easy to style.
"Has Sophie found the perfect pair of trousers for this time of year? The cropped length will keep you that bit cooler in a heatwave and show off your shoes, plus they feel a bit smarter than shorts," she explains. "In white, they're endlessly versatile too, as they'll work with every top you have in your summer capsule wardrobe."
Like Caroline says, trousers are always going to have an elevated edge compared to shorts. They have more structure to them and the longer length means you can comfortably wear them for a wide range of occasions, from daytime coffee meet-ups to more formal restaurant date nights.
In St Lucia, Sophie wore her trousers with an emerald green Soler blouse draped over the top for a breezy look. The brightness of the top was balanced out by the white tailoring and you could really make out the gorgeous detailing on it.
Floral patterns and lace added a sense of fun to the timeless design and the beauty of white trousers is that you can go as bold as you like with the rest of your ensemble and know they'll complement the other colours. This makes them a reliable staple to build a look around.
The Duchess of Edinburgh could've tucked in her blouse if she wanted to accentuate her waist but her approach worked in a different way. Leaving her shirt loose and concealing the top of her trousers created a seamless silhouette and had a frame-elongating effect.
It was also more relaxed which was great for a day spent visiting Fond Doux Cocoa Plantation and walking up Sulphur Springs, St Lucia's dormant volcano. Her footwear wasn't necessarily the most practical choice for the climb compared to white trainers or hiking boots but her espadrilles looked very chic nonetheless.
Duchess Sophie has a big collection of wedges and these ones were white, with the classic jute sole and an ankle strap to keep them secure. They tied in with her trousers and keeping to this minimal green and white colour scheme made the royal's outfit feel polished and cohesive.
She had the perfect finishing touch too - a gold Cassandra Goad necklace bearing Bob Marley's famous quote, "Love the life you live, live the life you love."
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