Was that the right look for lunch, Kate?

Was that the right look for lunch, Kate? - Pictured out for lunch with her future step-mother-in-law Camilla this week, Kate Middleton revealed some surprising new twists to her appearance. Here, LIZ JONES dissects the details and gives her fashion verdict.

Style queen: Kate ups the fashion stakes in a Diane von Furstenberg dress but sticks to her thick tights

THE HAIR

Kate has gorgeous hair. It’s arguably her greatest asset and her long, wavy style is now being copied by women across Britain.

So my question is: why try to improve on perfection? Because that’s what Kate’s hairdresser has done here, adding very noticeable highlights.

Hairdressers always try to get you to have highlights regardless of whether they improve the overall appearance, as they are expensive and high maintenance.

Kate gets her hair done at Richard Ward, who has a swanky salon on the King’s Road. I’ve only had my hair done there once and the team are so hip and pushy I can easily imagine Kate being intimidated.

She should try going to colourist Louise Galvin in Marylebone, who will gently restore her hair to its natural colour and sheen.

THE MAKE-UP

Kate does her own make-up, which is commendably frugal, not to mention brave, considering her status.

But in my opinion, she is hiding behind a little too much slap on this occasion, which serves to make her look old beyond her years.

She is blessed with large eyes, dewy skin and symmetrical features, yet has cloaked them with inches of foundation and eyeliner — the heavy kohl eyeliner is particularly harsh (remember Diana’s sooty eyes on Panorama?) and makes her big eyes seem smaller.

Her attractive features really don’t need more than tinted moisturiser and blusher, with a berry-coloured lip stain (her lips are too pale here, washing her out). However, the eyebrows have a good, strong shape, although they could be a little thicker to avoid looking over-plucked.

THE DRESS

This is a lovely choice: a silk geometric slip by American designer Diane von Furstenberg, from her spring/summer 2011 collection.

It would have cost about £350 and, although I’d rather Kate wore British, at least she has the courage to splash out, rather than feel she has to stick to the High Street.

THE JACKET

I adore you Kate, but I’m afraid I don’t go for this jacket from the up-market chain Whistles (currently available in the sale, down from £125 to £60). It’s too boxy and it doesn’t have a collar.

In my opinion, a black Burberry Prorsum biker would have really got William’s pulse racing. Yes, it might have cost a fortune, but at least Burberry is British. Or failing that, how about a more boyish, comfortable blazer?

Oh, and sorry to sound so picky, but a jacket done up over a dress is just wrong.

THE TIGHTS

The thick black tight has become something of a Kate signature and one I wish she could be weaned off.

Thick tights do not belong on a princess or a style leader. As the Wall Street Journal says: ‘Wearing sweater-knit tights, reminiscent of school yards and pinafores, could buttonhole you as someone’s assistant.’ Ouch! I’d rather see her in something sheer or even bare to show off her lovely legs, which seem to grow more slender by the day.

Bootiful: Kate does love her black, suede knee-length boots. She tends to alternate between an LK Bennett flat-heeled pair and some spike-heeled ones

THE BOOTS
Kate does love her black, suede knee-length boots and she wears this LK Bennett flat-heeled pair (which would have set her back about £300) almost as often as her spike-heeled ones.

For a bit more variety, I’d like to see her in some spike-heeled Jimmy Choos in a buttery colour or a pair of neon strappy sandals.

Good heir? Liz thinks Kate should ditch her new highlights

THE BAG

The clutch is Mulberry’s Bayswater Cosmetic Pouch in chocolate, £75. A great brand to choose, but I can’t help feeling a clutch is too small for the day and should only be seen at night. The modern gal about town needs a sloppy tote, filled with all the detritus of an exciting, jam-packed life. Hence why Kate has to carry her note book separately.

The note book is from Smythson (where SamCam used to be style director) and is bound in purple crocodile-effect leather — a classy choice in an age when most girls in their 20s use iPads, iPhones and BlackBerries for keeping track of events.

Good news for Copy-Kates: it’s currently available in the Smythson, for £195

THE STYLE VERDICT

Kate seems to be at a crossroads. On the one hand, she’s still clinging on to the slightly scruffy boots, thick tights and short skirts of her 20-something free-spirited days — on the other, she’s also trying to get to grips with a smarter, more formal look.

The two halves of this split personality are clashing, which is why she looks a little uncomfortable: the careful holding of the bag, the arm across her chest.

Camilla might have been offering Kate a word of advice on royal etiquette, but here is mine on her style: Kate, you are young and stunning. Funk it up a little — sling on a Burberry biker, pull that mane into a high ponytail and have fun with the young, super-talented British designers.

Show the young women of Britain there is a halfway house between looking too tarty and wearing twinsets and pearls. ( dailymail.co.uk )