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Kate Middleton Just Brought This Pretty Summer Staple Back on Our Radar

Summer’s official arrival is a couple weeks away — and while it may feel a little different this year, that’s not to say you can’t (nor shouldn’t) invest in a few quintessential warm-weather staples. Swimwear sales are still on the uptick and shoppers are scooping up comfy, breathable sandals left and right, but there’s one no-brainer summer staple that Kate Middleton just reintroduced us to: eyelet.

Recently, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge hopped on a Zoom call during Volunteer’s Week to thank those who’ve been lending an extra hand during the COVID-19 outbreak. For the occasion, the duchess reached for an ultra-romantic eyelet M.i.h Jeans blouse that royal fans will likely recognize. Last May, Middleton wore the same lightweight button-down during an outing at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Kensington Palace

Not familiar with eyelet? A quick Google search of the term shows that the pretty fabric dates back to the 16th century and was particularly popular in the Victorian era. The summer-ready material — which usually has tiny “eyes” or holes throughout that allow for extra ventilation and thus lots of breathability — unsurprisingly tends to pop back onto the fashion scene around this time, with Middleton being among the first to resurface the quintessential warm-weather staple this season.

Shop Pretty Eyelet Pieces for Summer

It’s worth noting that the M.i.h. blouse isn’t the only eyelet staple Middleton has hanging in her closet. Back in 2014, the duchess wore a beautiful white eyelet dress for a trip to Australia, looking as radiant as ever while sporting it on the beach along with a pair of nude wedges.

Karwai Tang/WireImage; Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage

Eyelet is a game-changing summertime fabric — trust us, you’ll feel the breeze and sweat less when wearing it. But as an added plus, the fashion landscape is chock-full of so many whimsical “eye” embroidered pieces, you’ll have no problem finding a take that aligns with your style preferences.

If you prefer the ease of wearing a summer dress, opt for something like this 1901 fit and flare midi that would look great paired with lace-up espadrilles, or this shirtdress from Target’s new collaboration with designer Lisa Marie Fernandez. Eyelet has also been worked into swimwear, like on this Frankies Bikinis one-piece that doubles as a bodysuit, and on headbands, like this option from Middleton-loved Lele Sadoughi.

Below, shop more of our favorite Middleton-inspired eyelet pieces that you’ll be so happy to have on hand this season.

Amazon

Buy It! Lucky Brand Eyelet Scalloped Edge Peasant Top, $59.40–$87.67; amazon.com

Nordstrom

Buy It! 1.State Eyelet Flutter Sleeve Top, $89; nordstrom.com

Buy It! Modcloth Eyelet Success Button-Up Top, $55; modcloth.com

Madewell

Buy It! Madewell Daylight Eyelet Top, $78; madewell.com

Target

Buy It! Lisa Marie Fernandez for Target Eyelet Shirtdress, $45; target.com

Amazon

Buy It! Lucky Brand Eyelet Popover Top, $53.70–$80.55; amazon.com

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