Save over £400 on this ‘lovely’ dress just like Duchess Sophie’s | Royal | News

As summer occasion dressing begins firmly taking over our wardrobes once again, Duchess Sophie has just delivered another masterclass in elegant royal style. On Wednesday afternoon, the Duchess of Edinburgh stepped out at the Florence Nightingale Foundation Commemoration Service at Westminster Abbey wearing a striking navy designer dress by Palmer Harding.

The sophisticated midi dress, reportedly worth an eye-watering £595, perfectly captured Sophie’s signature aesthetic. Featuring a dramatic flowing skirt, structured collar and elegant button-front detailing, the look struck that sweet spot between formal and effortless.

Navy continues to be one of the Royal Family’s go-to shades for a reason, too. It feels softer and fresher than black for spring and summer events, while still maintaining that same elevated, expensive look. And paired with Sophie’s tan accessories and sleek updo, the entire outfit felt incredibly chic yet wearable.

However, if you fell in love with the look but do not quite fancy spending hundreds on a designer dress, there is good news. We took to the high street and found a beautiful alternative from Hobbs that delivers a very similar elegant feel for a fraction of the price.

The ‘Emmaline’ Dress leans slightly softer and more relaxed compared to Sophie’s, but still taps into that same timeless royal-inspired silhouette. Crafted from breathable cotton, the design features a flattering fit-and-flare shape and practical three-quarter-length sleeves, making it ideal for both warmer weather and transitional dressing.

Unlike Sophie’s dress, this version skips the button-front detailing and has a slightly less voluminous skirt, giving it a cleaner and more understated finish overall. That also makes it incredibly versatile – easy to wear from day to night depending on how you style it, whether paired with trainers and a tote during the day or elevated with heels and gold jewellery for dinner or events.

Available in sizes 6 to 22, the dress also comes from Hobbs – a label long loved by women within the Firm, thanks to its timeless tailoring and classic British feel. And it seems shoppers are equally impressed too, with one happy customer simply praising the fabric quality, writing: “Lovely cotton.”

Much like Sophie’s designer look, it is one of those dresses that feels endlessly wearable rather than trend-led – exactly the sort of piece you will pull out year after year without it ever feeling dated.