Fancy dressing like a duchess? Kate Middleton has been setting the standard when it comes to looking smart, classy, and sophisticated since stepping foot in the public eye more than 15 years ago – and we’ve got just the advice to bring her style into your own wardrobe.
Words: Amy Dowrick. Images: Shutterstock
Princess Kate is quick becoming nothing short of a royal trendsetter, all thanks to her stylist, Natasha Archer, pushing a fashion-forward approach for the royal wardrobe in the last year. But dressing like the duchess doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll need a large budget or a bulging wallet – it can simply be down to nailing the layering or perfecting the colour palette with what you already have hung up!
To make it easier, we’ve rounded up the eight ways you can replicate her style, without the hefty price tag:
1. Colour palette
One of the easiest ways to dress like Kate is to pick out a monochrome outfit (sticking to one colour tone). Easy to style, monochrome dressing can save a lot of hassle when putting together a look and doesn’t require too much effort to pull off at all.
According to stylist and author of Bolder not Older, Nicky Hambleton-Jones, “This is a relatively easy style to emulate. I recommend starting with a focal piece, for example a suit, a dress or a coat, and then choosing any co-ordinating pieces that match the colour exactly (or as closely as possible). If an exact match isn’t possible, I recommend choosing a colour that’s slightly lighter or darker so the synergy between the items isn’t lost.
“Monochromatic dressing creates a standout look – it’s easy to spot in a crowd but is also seamless and undistracting. The focus is always on the outfit, and it’s a wonderful way to create a sophisticated look that’s timeless and above trends. The bold monochromatic outfits that Kate wears give her an added presence and stature in crowds as well as her more intimate engagements.”
2. Silhouette
There’s no price that can be put on a well-tailored outfit – and finding out where your local seamstress is for a nip and tuck when required can make all the difference, turning your high street get-up into a luxury head-turner.
While Kate has added several suits to her wardrobe over recent years, a well-fitted dress is always a classic. Fashion editor Kate Battrick says, “Attention to detail is key and Catherine always wears fitted clothes, but what she does particularly well is a fitted midi dress with long sleeves. This style of dress is perfect for wearing on its own for an event but doubly useful for us mere mortals when we need a Sunday lunch outfit that can be layered with a chunky knit. This season, a jersey fitted dress is priceless, and can be worn with heels, flats or boots.”
3. Accessories
Although Kate is renowned to wear the royal heirlooms, she does mix affordable favourites with her higher-end pieces. Among classic diamond stud earrings, Sapphire rings, Cartier watches, and pearl necklaces, she adds to her royal collection a few pieces that come in at under £50 – easy enough to replicate by heading to your local jewellers, or even a high street store.
4. Smart-casualwear
Good quality staples can offer a polished aesthetic to any laidback outfit. The Duchess is well practiced in taking her looks to the next level, often by incorporating tailored blazers or a trench coat with a casual denim look, or practical footwear like ballet flats and pumps with a well-fitted suit. Finding the right balance is key and can take practice, but the finished result can help elevate a relaxed outfit from lounge to luxury in no time.
5. Evening wear
With royal engagements and galas on her schedule, Kate’s formal attire doesn’t shy away from a floor-length gown or a glistening headpiece. But for those of us who are after something that’ll dress us up for dinner, there’s no need to fork out on designer to look like the Duchess.
As far back as 2013, Kate’s evening wardrobe has included high-street outfits from Topshop, ASOS, Reiss and & Other Stories – pricey doesn’t always mean princess!
6. Activewear
Renowned to have a particular love for tennis, track running and hockey, Kate’s on-field style is also on the chic side.
These pared-back outfits consider good quality activewear, stylish outerwear and high-street brands such as Sweaty Betty, On, Lululemon, and even Nike. With minimal detailing, block colours and good fitting legwear, it’s fairly easy to replicate – even if you’re just after something fashion-forward to lounge in.
7. Shoes
While a Jimmy Choo or Louboutin heel isn’t quite within touching distance of the average budget (or perhaps the right choice for most of our routines) the Duchess also isn’t afraid of going casual. Wearing New Balance flats and even Nike trainers can still replicate her more laidback looks.
8. If it’s nice, wear it twice!
Even a princess can repeat an outfit – styling it differently each time is the key. Whether it’s swapping out a skirt for some jeans, adding a blazer on top or going from an updo to a loose wave, Kate is never shy of re-wearing a look.
Not only encouraging sustainability in our shopping habits, Kate also shows that building an outfit with what you already have in your wardrobe this way can be one of the best styling tricks to dress like the Duchess.
