The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has long been celebrated as a contemporary style icon, with her fashion choices frequently making headlines and influencing trends across the globe. Her ability to blend luxury labels with accessible high street pieces has created a unique and relatable aesthetic that resonates with many. This approach, often dubbed the "Kate effect," sees items she wears selling out rapidly, showcasing her significant impact on the fashion industry.
The Royal Fashion Formula
Kate Middleton's wardrobe is a masterclass in balancing high-end designer wear with more budget-friendly options. She frequently pairs items from luxury brands like Erdem, Stella McCartney, and Emilia Wickstead with affordable pieces from high street favourites. For instance, she might combine a Kiltane cashmere knit with an Edeline Lee skirt or layer a Zara dress under a bespoke Chris Kerr coat. This strategy not only makes her style appear accessible but also aspirational, allowing fans to emulate her looks without needing a royal budget.
Recognisable Brands in Her Rotation
Several brands have become staples in the Princess of Wales's wardrobe over the years. Recognisable names such as Rixo, Barbour, and Ghost are regular features, alongside fashion-editor favourites like With Nothing Underneath and Boden. High street labels like Reiss, particularly known for its blazers, and Veja, with its sustainable trainers, have also become synonymous with her style. When it comes to accessories, Kate has shown a preference for buzzy brands like DeMellier and Strathberry, often swapping her Cartier pieces for more affordable jewellery from Missoma, Orelia, and Accessorize.
Top High Street Picks
Here is a closer look at some of Kate Middleton's favourite high street brands, highlighting key pieces she has worn and their impact on sales.
With Nothing Underneath
This British label is beloved for its crisp shirts and capsule wardrobe essentials. Kate Middleton has been spotted wearing a white boyfriend shirt from the brand as a layering piece and, more recently, a light brown jura cardigan during a visit to Northern Ireland.
Jigsaw
A cross-generational favourite, Jigsaw appears regularly in Kate's outfit rotations. She has worn everything from tailored suits to wide-leg trousers from the label, with a pair of brown crepe wide-leg trousers selling out within hours of her being seen in them.
Barbour
With a rich history tied to the Royal family, Barbour's wax jackets are a timeless choice for Kate. She has reworn her defense wax jacket numerous times since 2012, including on trips to Ireland, demonstrating her commitment to sustainable fashion through re-wearing.
Ralph Lauren
From khaki blazers to striped shirts, Ralph Lauren is a go-to brand for Kate. She recently stepped out in a pair of classic cat-eye sunglasses from the American label at the Wimbledon 2025 final, showcasing stylish yet functional accessories.
Kiltane
Known for its luxurious cashmere at accessible prices, Scottish label Kiltane has been worn by Kate on multiple occasions. She has opted for items like a burgundy roll neck jumper and a soft cream crew neck, adding a touch of luxury to her ensembles.
Reiss
Reiss is a high street staple for sleek and sophisticated pieces. Kate chose a Nanette dress from the brand for her official engagement photo in 2010 and has frequently worn a neutral-shade double-breasted blazer, though it often sells out quickly.
Accessorize
Surprisingly, Kate is a fan of Accessorize's affordable jewellery. She has been spotted wearing gold-tone filigree drop earrings from the brand on several occasions, proving that high street accessories can complement royal style.
Rixo
Rixo offers occasion wear that bridges high street and designer aesthetics. Kate's choices, such as the pink marble zebra dress worn in the Bahamas, tend to sell out instantly, but rental options provide alternatives for fans.
Boden
A firm staple in Kate's wardrobe, Boden pieces like a viral baby-blue cardigan and a pink pussy-bow blouse have become iconic. While many items sell out, similar styles remain available for those looking to capture her look.
Veja
French brand Veja is known for its sustainable trainers, favoured by Kate for laid-back style. Her go-to pair, the Esplar metallic-trimmed leather sneakers, is a versatile addition to any casual outfit.
Monica Vinader
This sustainable jewellery label has been a favourite of Kate's since 2016. She often wears pieces like the siren earrings, made from recycled materials, aligning with her support for eco-friendly fashion.
Ghost London
Ghost regularly features in Kate's wardrobe, with items like a blue floral dress worn for her 10th anniversary with Prince William. Her habit of re-wearing pieces, such as this dress from a 2019 Pakistan visit, highlights her practical approach to fashion.
M&S
Even royals shop at M&S, as evidenced by Kate wearing a £30 pair of trainers from the brand in 2020. This choice caused the trainers to sell out promptly, along with other M&S items like a pink trouser suit and floral dress in her collection.
Missoma
Beloved by A-listers and editors, Missoma jewellery has earned Kate's approval. She has worn pieces like the Zenyu chandelier hoop earrings on multiple occasions, adding a statement touch to her outfits.
In summary, Kate Middleton's fashion sense is a blend of luxury and affordability, making her style both inspirational and attainable. By supporting a mix of high street brands and sustainable labels, she sets trends that encourage fans to shop smartly and ethically. Whether it's a Barbour jacket or a pair of Veja trainers, her choices demonstrate that royal style doesn't have to come with a royal price tag.
