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From winter whites to jewel-toned pantsuits.
Though Princess Kate’s posh personal style is revered globally, her royal aesthetic can be summarized in just a few short phrases: tea-length dresses, rich jewel tones, posh suiting, and preppy tweed. Most of her wardrobe comprises one or more of these signature elements, which means it’s pretty easy to replicate the look for yourself.
Apart from throwing on a fabulous fascinator, there are plenty of more practical ways to copy Kate Middleton’s famously sleek style. Adding a red statement coat to your closet, for example, is one way to channel the prim princess, but you can also achieve her look by upping your suit game, stocking up on A-line dresses, and wearing like colors from head to toe. Princess Kate sticks to these classics through thick and thin, which is a good thing for our purposes because most of her favorite looks are probably already sitting in your closet.
The royal’s fashion archive is a proverbial treasure trove of chic ideas that can be folded into your everyday wardrobe with ease. But if you need a little help in getting there, keep reading. Ahead, I’m breaking down all the best tricks and tips for how to dress like Kate Middleton—pulled straight from Kate Middleton herself.
Invest in a Crimson Coat
Princess Kate positively loves a longline coat in a bright color. Lucky for you, that means during the winter months you can effectively emulate her style with one simple purchase (this Karen Millen style is particularly Kate-like). Though she’s worn dusters in every imaginable hue, scarlet red is by far her favorite. The royal owns several iterations in varying lengths, which she keeps perpetually in rotation. Even so, she rarely styles them the same way twice. Try wearing your own cherry topper over an all-black outfit or button it all the way down, like a dress—both options are Kate Middleton-approved.
Keep Your Color Story Consistent
One thing about Kate Middleton: she will always go for a single-tone look, whether that’s via neutral layers or jewel-toned suits (more on that later). Her hats might be a bit too much for your average working woman, but the rest of her look is actually really wearable. Middleton’s all-blue outfit (pictured below) is perfect for virtually any office setting, whether you’re a fashion editor or an accountant. Just be sure to follow her favorite styling trick, by mixing darker colors with pastels from the same family. It’ll keep your ensemble from looking like an amorphous wash of color.
Stock Up On Posh Tweed
I would give anything for 10 minutes in Kate Middleton’s closet, just to take a peek at her impressive collection of lady jackets. Until then, photos will have to do—and lucky for me, the internet has plenty. Like any royal worth her salt, Princess Kate loves a chic tweed moment. She typically wears the fussy fabric in jacket form, paired with pleated midi skirts or fitted trousers. If you’re in the market for a style of your own, I recommend this crewneck version from Argent—speaking from personal experience, it wears just as well with jeans as it does with a prim-and-proper skirt.
Winter Whites Are Always a Good Idea
Middleton’s dedication to one-tone outfits applies particularly to all-white looks, which she reaches for regularly during the colder months. She loves piling on ivory basics with clean silhouettes for a minimalist outfit that makes a major impact. Fans at home can ease in by styling a creamy knit with a matching skirt. Once you start to feel comfortable with the monochromatic look, you can start to introduce coordinating bags, shoes, and coats.
Barbour Jackets Are Your New Best Friend
Barbour jackets have been a royal family favorite for decades, with fans like Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II. Naturally, the rustic staple has become a go-to for Princess Kate, as well. She loves wearing olive green jackets with functional pockets, which she pairs with skinny jeans (her denim style of choice) or a striped tee. Just raid your local J.Crew, and you’ll have the look down.
Jewel Tone Pantsuits for Every Occasion
One-color outfits are Kate Middleton’s sartorial specialty—as we’ve well established—but she’s particularly fond of the jewel-toned pantsuit. The royal has one in every possible hue, from rich teal to vivid plum and muted emerald. Sometimes, she wears vibrant suits with blouses of the same color—other times, the princess adds a contrasting color to the mix, which makes for a delightful colorblocked moment.
A-Line Midi Dresses, Always
Whether she’s shopping for dresses or coats, Princess Kate will always reach for bright options that hit right mid-calf. She loves a fit-and-flare midi dress that emphasizes her shape, often accessorizing them with a matching belt and pointed-toe pumps. You, dear reader, can duplicate this look with any midi dress—but a well-tailored blouse and matching skirt will also do the trick. All the aforementioned styles can be found for an affordable price at business-chic outfitters, like Aritzia or Simple Retro.