As one the UK’s biggest style icons this decade, Kate Middleton has matured her style through the years since catching Prince William’s eye in that infamous blue and brown naked dress down the catwalk at St. Andrew’s. In spite of being worn only once, Middleton’s street style essentials consisted of what everyone in the early noughties wore: Ugg boots, white sweaters, layered pearl necklaces, bootcut jeans, blazers and hip-slung belts. Occasionally caught stumbling around clubs in thigh-grazing sequin dresses, the future Duchess of Cambridge would keep her legs enclosed in a pair of suede knee high boots.
Ten years later, gone are the thigh-skimming dresses, Ugg boots, bootcut jeans and hip belts. In are the midi length dresses, pantyhoses, fine jewellery and court shoes. But the few things that remained in Middleton’s #TenYearChallenge are her signature knee high riding boots, affinity for pearls and a blazers. Not to forget, this classy Capricorn sticks to her guns on tradition. However, she doesn’t shy away from playful prints or a jolt of colour.
As much as we love Meghan Markle’s rebellious L.A. girl touch, Kate still takes the cake for dressy everyday wear. Here are our top 10 favourite outfits that you must copy:
Exuding ladylike sophistication in a jolt of electric blue, it was shocking to see the Duchess of Cambridge step outside of her comfort zone fo muted hues when we saw her stand side by side with her husband while attending church in Sandringham on January 6, 2019. Although the outfit is meant to be worn on a religious occasion, we love how it’s versatile enough to be worn for everyday when you’re casually strolling in a cold country.
Although the situation was more dire, it didn’t stop the royal from looking her best in a vintage-inspired forest green L.K. Bennett polkadot dress and matching suede L.K. Bennett court pumps. In tune to her brand of everyday elegance, Middleton dons a pearl earring and a matching envelope clutch. While we’re more familiar with monochrome palettes on a certain reality family dynasty, it’s quite a daring look for a Duchess.
Casually dressed in an olive green blazer, white tee, belt, flared pants and suede olive green court shoes, Kate takes office dressing to a whole new level.
Modest, yet fashion forward, the black and plaid outfit combo packs a punch without being overbearing in the age of maximalist fashion.
Constantly on the go, Kate isn’t afraid to rely on comfortable classics. In place of nude pantyhoses and L.K. Bennett court shoes, she swaps them for jet black skinny jeans and combat boots. Pairing her edgier basics with a primly polished tweed coat, it proves that royals are just like us, too.
Seen with Meghan Markle at Wimbledon, the Duchess forgoes t-shirt and jeans for a chic, classic black and white polkadot dress, pearl earrings and a watch.
Swapping prim and proper royal protocall attire for a pinstripe dress, Middleton always knows how to look eternally chic while remaining casually cool.
Bold, but conservative, the magenta Oscar de la Renta skirt suit, which she previously wore to an engagement, takes centre stage again at the Royal Opera House. Let black basics be your outfit’s foundation.
All eyes turn on the Duchess of Cambridge as she struts down the red carpet of Buckingham Palace for the annual Diplomatic Reception. Dressed in a custom made greyish white Jenny Packham gown, Kate never fails to awe us with a classic, but not boring beaded gown.
Spotted at Princess Eugenie’s wedding in a hot pink knee-high dress, Middleton goes for a solid minimalist Alexander McQueen dress. Given that the occasion calls for a conservatively chic dress code, she still offers an element of playfulness with a matching pink fascinator.