If last spring belonged to butter yellow, I have a feeling spring 2026 will be defined by the pairing of pale blue and chocolate brown. Marrying optimistic, energetic pale blue with one of winter’s most relied-upon shades, this compelling combination feels rich in dimension, whilst remaining so easy to wear.

Demonstrating exactly why this pairing works so well, Catherine, Princess of Wales, stepped out this week in an elegant take on the trend. Building her look from the base up, she opted for dark espresso brown trousers cut in a streamlined cigarette silhouette. Cropped just above the ankle, the hemline lent a lightness and ease, subtly shifting the traditionally wintry shade into spring territory and as such, complementing the lighter spring shade she paired it with.

Speaking of said shade, up top, Kate introduced the softer counterpoint: a pale blue button-down. Wearing With Nothing Underneath’s Boyfriend Shirt (£95), the crisp, light blue hue tapped into one of the season’s most poised colour trends, whilst offering the sleek and polished silhouette that Kate always favours.