No, we can’t believe how long it’s been since we were relieved of our wedding gown anticipation and shed a tear when Kate Middleton entered Westminster Abbey dressed in her Alexander McQueen dress.
Although her wedding look was arguably her most memorable, Kate Middleton has long been a style icon. From state banquets to official engagements, the Duchess of Cambridge’s sartorial prowess is never anything less than flawless.
Read our tips on how you can achieve Duchess-level style below.
1. The Fit-And-Flare Look Is Your Absolute Go To
A simple silhouette that needs no introducing, the fit-and-flare has become a Duchess of Cambridge staple. And it works, so take note. Just look at her here – pretty in pink and dressed to impress in a Lela Rose skater dress for a royal visit to Cornwall.
2. Carry Top-Handle Mini Bags to Add Instant Polish
Oh look, another fit-and-flare! But this time, it’s being accessorised with a top-handle mini bag for a touch more elegance. The Duchess of Cambridge may be the queen of packing all of her essentials into a clutch, but her collection of ladylike top handle bags has become a real hallmark of her royal style.
3. Wow in Wedges
The Duchess has an almost love affair with all things cork and espadrille, so this one makes a lot of sense. But there’s a more simple explanation for this – comfort is key. Especially if you’re on your feet all day, like Kate. Why wouldn’t you choose a heel that doesn’t leave you with sore feet?
4. For off-duty sneakers, Middleton swears by Superga, Veja and Hampton (and so should you)
Though we’re used to seeing Kate Middleton in elegant dresses and dazzling tiaras, the Duchess of Cambridge understands that no casual ensemble is complete without a few important pieces: a comfortable top and pair of trousers, as well as a pair of classic sneakers. Kate likes to favour the underrated plimsoll or more functional trainers when it comes to footwear. And we will repeat… comfort is key.
Sweetly, Princess Diana also wore Supergas.
5. The best hem length is the one that finishes between the mid-calf and ankle
Kate likes to use the midi-dress as a style template and go from there. Alessandra Rich has become a particular go-to for the Duchess. It just goes to show that if you discover a look that suits you, you can use it as a template and refresh it with new prints and embellishments. This gives you a simple and easy way to dress.
6. Recycling your outfits is the way forward
The Duchess of Cambridge is a master at picking pieces that are timelessly chic, and she’s also known for keeping those outfits in a steady rotation. Of course, most of us aren’t strangers to recycling outfits, especially given the impact of fashion on the environment and the need to embrace more environmentally friendly buying habits. So, Kate Middleton sets an example by wearing her favourite outfits to a variety of events.
7. Matching your shoes to your other accessories (and in some cases, your daughter’s coat) can be stylish
Matching your accessories doesn’t have to look naff and Kate Middleton is proof of this. Take this look for example. While at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate, Kate wore a stunning grey Catherine Walker coat and accessorised the stand-out piece with emerald green courts, bag and headpiece. She also matched the hue of Princess Charlotte’s adorable coat.
8. Take inspiration from the women in your family
Kate likes to take a sartorial cue from Princess Diana, so it might be an idea for you to channel one of the fashionable women from your family too.
Middleton wore a Jenny Packham, emerald green, sequinned dress for a reception hosted by the British High Commissioner to Pakistan whilst Diana wore a similarly-hued glittering dress to The Diamond Ball At The Royal Lancaster Hotel.
9. Finally, go for gold!
Middleton almost broke the internet when she arrived at the premiere of No Time To Die. If this isn’t reason enough to invest in a gold show-stopper for special occasions, we don’t know what is.
SEE MORE: ETIQUETTE TIPS FOR A MODERN LADY