They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
And when it comes to her sense of style, the Duchess of Edinburgh certainly has a keen admirer in her daughter, Lady Louise.
It seems that Louise, 20, is more than happy to raid her mother’s rather impressive wardrobe and has recently been photographed giving some old hits a new life.
Who wouldn’t recycle when the labels on offer include the likes of Stella McCartney, Suzannah and ME+EM?
Sophie Wessex and Lady Louise Spencer wearing the same Mary Katrantzou dress
Sophie Wessex and her daughter, Lady Louise Spencer, have both worn the Mary Katrantzou ‘Lamur’ dress.
This elaborate design boasted a lace bodice, accented by turquoise embroidery, and a mid-length satin skirt.
Attending the glamorous 2015 Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year Awards, Sophie expertly styled her dress with classic court shoes and a matching black bag.
Meanwhile, in 2023, Louise teamed it with nude heels and delicate earrings for a pre-Coronation dinner party.
Blazing a trail
Last year, the royal duo showcased a camel Italian wool blazer by ME+EM.
Made from a recycled wool-blend, the military-inspired design incorporated a tailored silhouette and antique gold-toned buttons.
It was well-suited for Sophie’s visit to HMS Daring at His Majesty’s Naval Base and Louise’s appearance at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
Louise borrowed her mother Sophie’s ME+EM jacket after she wore it in 2023
Dress up – hand me down
Lady Louise wore her mother’s Peter Pilotto dress a full seven years after Sophie.
The unique handkerchief dress featured a floral print, blending violet and teal tones, delivering a striking sartorial statement.
However, Louise opted for white trainers instead of her mother’s wedges, creating a more modern aesthetic.
Louise wore the Peter Pilotto dress seven years after it first appeared on Sophie
It’s a wrap
Sophie had wrapped up in her navy Roland Mouret coat on five occasions before Louise decided to follow suit.
Offering a fresh twist on the classic trench, the ‘Millington’ double-wool crepe coat had flared sleeves, distinctive lapels and a knee length.
The duo chose varying accessories:
Sophie opted for a Jane Taylor London straw hat and Manolo Blahnik satin pumps, while Louise chose a Jane Taylor London trilby and nude suede heels.
Sophie’s Roland Mouret coat appears to be in pristine condition – even though Lady Louise has waited four years to wear it
A head start
Sophie and Louise seemed to effortlessly carry off this eccentric Philip Treacy hat, a feat few others could manage.
Sophie wore the headpiece at the 2009 Trooping the Colour, a moment that marked her daughter’s inaugural appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony
So it might have held special significance when Louise wore the same hat for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.
Sophie emulated her mother’s 2009 outfit for Trooping the Colour in 2022
Just Fedorable…
Louise has also borrowed her mother’s Hayfield England fedora.
At the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2022 and 2023, the young royal accessorised with her mother’s striking hat on both occasions.
Sophie previously showcased the piece at the equestrian competition in 2021.
Crafted from wool felt, this timeless design was elevated by colourful feathers, attached to a polished hand-engineered cartridge.
Sophie’s Hayfield England fedora must have caught her daughter’s eye as she was spotted wearing it two years later
Mini-dress for mini-me
The Alia ‘Parfum’ dress was a staple in Sophie Wessex’s wardrobe until Louise claimed it.
Both royals have donned the mini dress for notable events, including Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday festivities and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding.
With its scoop neck and fit-and-flare silhouette, the monochrome design paired flawlessly with both Sophie’s black cropped jacket and Louise’s white suede bolero.
Louise borrowed her mother’s Alaia dress for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding
Fit and Flare
Louise borrowed Sophie’s Stella McCartney coat six years after the Duchess debuted it
Stella McCartney’s ‘Vivienne’ coat was destined to stand the test of time.
First worn by Sophie in 2017, and later by Louise in 2023, the navy wool design incorporated classic notch lapels and a concealed front button.
Its elegant fit-and-flare silhouette goes down to the shin, offering the royals complete versatility.