Kate Middleton relaunches the ‘Cotswolds cool’ look during secret new outing

The Princess of Wales made a secret visit to The Dose of Nature in London last month, a mental health charity that focuses on the combination of psychology, connection to nature, and one-on-one work. 

The visit included a variety of outdoor activities, so Catherine made sure she dressed accordingly, donning a chunky knit jumper featuring a cosy cowl neck and a simple pair of jeans. 

Layering up in style, she added one of her favourite Barbour jackets. 

© Laura Lewis / Kensington Palace

 The mother of three has been photographed in a few versions of the iconic style on a variety of occasions, but this one looks to be her light brown version, which she memorably wore in 2023, when she paired it with a Breton sweater, straight-leg jeans, and lug-sole Chelsea boots. A few months earlier, she was snapped in the same jacket on a visit to South Wales.

What is ‘Cotswold Cool’? 

A Barbour jacket is the essence of countryside chic, or ‘Cotswold cool’ – a blend of traditional English heritage tailoring and outdoor practicality. Reflecting a rural lifestyle, everything is rugged yet slightly polished, from waxed jackets to cosy scarves and Wellington boots, all in muted colours. 

“Princess Kate has an innate ability to capture the essence of British heritage while keeping it beautifully modern, ” celebrity style expert and designer Tyler Ellis tells HELLO!. 

“Fabrics like tweed, waxed cotton, and suede connect her to the countryside, but the way she wears them – with natural grace and warmth – makes the look distinctly her own. Through her wardrobe, she continues to embody the best of British style: timeless, grounded, and effortlessly elegant.” 

Tyler added: “Her country-inspired looks, from tailored tweed blazers and structured skirts to her beloved Barbour jackets and tassel boots, strike a harmonious balance between refinement and ease. She understands how to honour tradition while giving it a fresh, contemporary spirit.”

Princess Diana’s Barbour moment

On a trip to Scotland in 1985, Diana braved the cold and rain in a bottle-green hooded Barbour coat.

© Tim Graham Photo Library via Get

As she so often did, Diana made the jacket appear effortlessly stylish and timeless, bridging the gap between weather-appropriate and chic. Despite the Baltic conditions, she remained poised and elegant, with her cropped blonde mane intact as she was photographed snuggling up in the coat.