Kate Middleton's Style

Since her engagement back in November 2010, Kate Middleton has exploded onto the scene as a woman to watch! Being William's long-time girlfriend she was always in the press, but now she's gracing magazines because of her fantastic British girl-next-door style.

Kate, I am happy to say, is not what one might refer to as a "fashionista". That is to say, she isn't always wearing the latest and the greatest of the ever-changing styles that one might see in places like L.A. or New York. Rather, she stays true to the classic British look that we've seen her wearing since 2002.

Kate is a practical, feminine and ultimately a classic dresser. She knows what to wear for all occasions, but what makes her look so effortless is her fuss-less style. Kate stays true to tailored clothing, and she always looks fabulous!

This kind of look has often been called "Sloanie" style, which refers to "a stereotype in the UK of young, upper class or upper-middle-class women who share distinctive and common lifestyle traits. The term is a punning combination of "Sloane Square", a location in Chelsea famed for the wealth of residents and frequenters, and the television Westerns character The Lone Ranger." Ironically enough, "initially the term "Sloane Ranger" (another form of the nickname) was used mostly in reference to women, a particular archetype being Diana, Princess of Wales." (Wikipedia).

To fit in with this crowd, and to achieve Kate's style, "it's important to wear tweed, polo shirts, skinny jeans tucked into Ugg boots and brands such as Ralph Lauren, Jack Wills and Lacoste." Also, "investing in a green Babour wax jacket & a pair of Hunters is an absolute must. Watch out for the end of season sales." (WikiHow).

Here are the style staples for getting Kate's wonderfully enduring look:

Kate is known to love purses and bags from Mulberry (http://www.mulberry.com/). These items are very British and always a must have classic accessory. Instead of taking along a bulky bag to lunch, swap it for a clutch (with or without the strap) like Kate is seen to have done here. All you need anyway is a lip balm or lipstick and your bank cards. The clutch in this picture does double-duty, as a bag and a purse.

A few other must-have basics in Kate's wardrobe are her boots, and in the picture above she can be seen wearing one of her many pairs. Having them in an assortment of different colours and fabric, like Kate has, means having versatility. Now one can be prepared to match and belt or bag and be prepared for different occasions. Also, boots never go out of style, in fact, Kate shows us how enduring these kinds of footwear can be. Back in December Kate came under fire for always being seen out in the same boots! But, if they work, you're going to wear them!

Also seen in the picture above are another one of Kate's staple pieces, her tights. Kate is mostly seen wearing sheer tights (usually black), but she also wears opaque pantyhose as well. This is because both instantly slim the leg and they always help to create polished look.

As you'll also see, Kate loves her coats and blazers. She has them in a variety of styles, but they all are similar in that they fit her well, so as not to look sloppy. Tailored coats and blazers will help to give anyone a tidy hour-glass figure.

Finally, Kate is also seen wearing a lot of skirts (mostly to work or more formal occasions like weddings in lieu of a dress). This is very feminine and pretty, and it also helps to instantly polish and slim a figure because her skirts are worn higher and longer.

Only up until just recently, Kate has been seen out and about in London wearing her favourite piece of no-fuss clothing, her jeans. Below you'll see her in a few pairs of skinny jeans, as well as the classic boot-cut. The former is on trend, but not overtly so, and they help to create a long and lean look; especially when tucked into boots. The latter also help to do the same, but they also balance out a taller frame like Kate's (she's been said most commonly to be around 5'9").

Notice also that Kate's style on top is not fussy either. She is usually seen wearing simple cardigans in neutral colours, with a white t-shirt or tank top underneath.

A few more items that must be mentioned are Kate's love of no-fuss flats and elegant heels (she is known to favour L.K. Bennett). Both can be seen on Kate's feet, either while she's on the go or attending a wedding. Whatever the occasion, she's always spot on with these effortless accessories!

In keeping with her "Sloanie" style (because it is said that "no Sloane is seen without her colourful pashmina"), pashminas are also a must-have accessory in Kate's wardrobe. As seen below.



In the summer time Kate is calm, cool and collected in simple frocks, white pants and breezy blouses. These items help to create her simple summer look. Notice too her low-key sunglasses. No over-sized bug eyes here! Simple, clean-cut lines. Classic.

Since Kate's engagement, she has been seen in arguably more "royal" attire. She was always spot on with her wedding wear before, which is also quite formal, but this is a slightly different look. Perhaps it's that she's no longer out just to please herself, but now she must also suitably impress her new future family and subjects as well.

Wedding wear (Pre-engagement):



Event/Appointment wear (Post-engagement):

Notice how in these other pictures (the ones just above) Kate is even more tailored than she was before in the preceding ones. Her entire outfit, rather than just the jacket on top, is more structured. Although some critics say that this is too mature a look for her (or matronly), it is perfectly fitting for a princess-to-be. Kate is both modest and impeccably dressed, and she does add some youth to the look with her hair being half up and down in the first of the latter two pictures. However, both of these looks are still "her style", being both feminine and classic. These second pictures are hardly a departure from how she dressed prior to her engagement, being only a little more refined and "royal" looking.

Kate's style, as mentioned many times before, is fairly simple, and when it comes to accessories her approach is no different. Thus, she does not wear a lot of jewelry. When Kate does opt to wear earrings, and whether they're dangly or they're studs, they're always understated and blend in well with everything else she has on. She's also know for wearing the same thing multiple time, and this certainly also applies here. For instance, in the picture below, Kate wears these earrings for this engagement earlier in the winter and then again for her last engagement before the wedding in April. She's not afraid to be seen in the same thing more than once.

 

Perhaps the only outstanding piece of jewelry Kate owns, is her recently acquired engagement ring. There is nothing subtle about this gorgeous sapphire surrounded by flawless radiant diamonds.

Another must-have, in order to emulate Kate's timeless style, is her love of hats. Kate is always seen in one when attending a wedding, and especially a royal event.

Now you know what to wear to dress like Miss Middleton! Remember, nothing too flashy, nothing too on-trend (e.g. bright, sparkly "Hollywood" with too much skin showing). Kate knows what works and what endures (that oh-so-classic tailored, feminine and effortless look) and she dares to stick with the tried and true. And that's why she'll be the perfect princess!