Kate Middleton Swapped Out Her Chestnut Hair For This Surprising Fall Shade

Seasonal colorists, take note: Not everyone is going with dark hair for fall 2019. As she accompanied her daughter Charlotte to her first day of school on Sept. 5, Kate Middleton was photographed with a new 'do that may make you rethink any upcoming hair appointments on your calendar; and it's not a color you may've ever expected from the Duchess of Cambridge. Departing from her signature chestnut tresses, Kate Middleton's new highlights are the sun-kissed addition you probably didn't realize you wanted for autumn.

A snapshot shared to the official @KensingtonRoyal Instagram page of the family on Charlotte's first day — and showcasing Middleton's fresh color — quickly skyrocketed on social media, accumulating more than 1 million likes in approximately 10 hours. "Princess Charlotte arrives for her first day of school at Thomas’s Battersea, joining her older brother Prince George," the caption reads (following up with a few school-themed emojis, for good measure).

Middleton paired her new honey-colored strands with an equally summery long-sleeved floral dress — which Hello! magazine quickly pointed out as the Carnation dress from Michael Kors. However, even if you don't feel like giving florals a whirl this fall, achieving Middleton's rich highlights is probably well within your (and your stylist's) reach.

It's a smart pre-winter move, too: IGK Salon Master Colorist Stephanie Brown recently told The Zoe Report that trying out warmer hair colors during fall and winter can help you maintain your glow throughout the colder seasons. And this isn't the first time the royal's hair has changed with the weather; Middleton was spotted with a new haircut around this same time last year — although the previous cut was much more subtle than her 2019 style.

It could just be the season for high-profile hair changes, though. With Katherine Heigl going brunette and Middleton trying out lighter shades, it may be time to venture out and ask for something totally new at your next salon visit, as well. If so, continue scrolling down — three products to protect fresh highlights are below (just in case you wind up inspired by Middleton's style, once again).