Hobbs Christmas party dress ‘takes inspiration’ from Princess Kate

The Princess of Wales delivers a masterclass in timeless elegance every time she steps out, with her fashion choices always chic and stylish. Recently she turned heads wearing a showstopping green velvet dress as her and the Prince of Wales attended the Royal Variety Performance, which was headlined by the cast of Paddington The Musical.

According to Town&Country, Princess Catherine’s green dress was from German designer Talbot Runhof, and the publication also says she accessorised it with Greville diamond chandelier earrings. Velvet has long been the festive season’s most luxurious and essential fabric to have in the wardrobe. Now, fashion fans have found a green velvet dress that oozes the same style and sophistication, and it’s also reduced.

The Violet Velvet Dress from Hobbs is discounted to £139, down from £169, a saving of more than 17% for fashion lovers. This velvet mini dress in evergreen has a fully lined interior with details like sparkle cuffs that make it feel more couture than high street.

The silhouette has a sixties shift-style, while the subtly flared cuffs add a hint of structure to the sleeve line. It comes in a petite and regular option and in sizes six through to 22, with many of the sizes lower in stock due to popularity.

For evening festivities, shoppers can pair it with black suede ankle boots or pointed heels and a clutch. For a daytime twist, layer it with a chunky knit, tights and knee-high black boots or trainers to dress it down.

Fashion brand Hobbs has been worn by Princess Catherine previously too, reports say, with a 2022 military-inspired coat and a 2021 fuchsia-coloured coat among items worn.

Another velvet option though comes from Next, who have the Lipsy Navy Velvet Long Sleeve Bardot Fit And Flare Midi Dress for £79. It comes in a regular and petite option, in sizes eight through to 18. It has a flattering sweetheart neckline that is off the shoulder and is midi length.

For a good day to night option, M&S has an offering from Finery London, their Velvet Round Neck Knee Length Tiered Dress for £59. It comes in black, brown and a festive burgundy, is loose-fitting and has tiers that fall just above the knee. Frilled cuffs add a stylish detail to its three-quarter sleeves too.

Hobbs shoppers have left their thoughts on the velvet dress, with one saying: “I love it, so comfortable to wear but looks amazing.” Another person said: “Beautifully made, great quality. I love it!”

When it came to sizing, one shopper said: “Gorgeous colour and fabric – generous sizing (I sized down). Looking forward to wearing this.”

One customer said: “Beautiful dress, just a little small for me.” While for someone else they reckoned: “An interesting style, flattering for a slim figure. Well concealed zip. Quite tight to pull up. I hope it will be up to the job.”