Kate Middleton's High Street Style: Affordable Brands Behind Royal Looks
The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has firmly established herself as a contemporary style icon, with her fashion choices consistently capturing global attention and frequently sparking sell-out trends. From casual outings in a Barbour wax jacket and Baker Boy cap to elegant appearances in a striking red tailored suit, the so-called "Kate effect" ensures that garments she selects often vanish from shelves rapidly. For instance, the DeMellier mid-range bag she carried on Christmas Day became available by May, while the Rixo Izzy dress she famously wore in Barbados sold out within mere hours.
Blending Luxury with Accessibility
While luxury labels such as Erdem, Stella McCartney, and Emilia Wickstead frequently feature in the Princess of Wales's covetable wardrobe, they are nearly always paired with more affordable pieces. This reliable fashion formula sees her appear both accessible and aspirational. Examples include a Kiltane cashmere knit combined with an Edeline Lee skirt, a Zara dress beneath a Chris Kerr bespoke coat, or an H&M top paired with Alexander McQueen trousers. Recognisable names like Rixo, Barbour, and Ghost are regulars in her wardrobe, alongside fashion-editor favourites such as With Nothing Underneath and Boden, which have all made appearances over the years.
High Street Favourites and Accessories
Some high street labels have become synonymous with the royal, notably Reiss for its blazers and Veja for its Esplar style trainers in white with metallic trim. In accessories, the buzzy brand DeMellier is a recent reported favourite, and she owns at least four bags from the Edinburgh-based label Strathberry. Over the years, Kate has swapped her Cartier pieces with affordable styles from Missoma, Orelia, and Accessorize, while fine jewellery brands Monica Vinader and Carousel Jewels have also been spotted. This demonstrates that replicating her style does not require a royal budget.
Key Brands in Detail
With Nothing Underneath: This British label is beloved for crisp shirts and capsule wardrobe heroes. Kate has worn a white boyfriend shirt and a light brown jura cardigan (£185) on official visits.
Jigsaw: A cross-generational favourite, Jigsaw appears regularly in her outfits, including tailored suits, coats, and trousers.
Barbour: With a rich royal history, Kate has reworn her defense wax jacket since 2012, available for less than £300.
Ralph Lauren: A go-to brand, from a khaki blazer re-worn since 2008 to sunglasses worn at Wimbledon, costing less than £100.
Kiltane: Known for luxurious cashmere, Kate has stepped out in pieces like a burgundy roll neck jumper (£129).
Reiss: Sleek and sophisticated, she wore a Nanette dress for her 2010 engagement photo and a double-breasted blazer multiple times.
Accessorize: An affordable jewellery favourite, she has been spotted wearing gold-tone filigree drop earrings.
Rixo: Toeing the line between high street and designer, dresses like the Izzy style sold out instantly but can be rented from £46.
Boden: A firm staple, from viral cardigans to printed blouses, with pieces often selling out quickly.
Veja: Sustainable trainers favoured by celebrities, with Kate's go-to Esplar sneakers priced at £98.
Monica Vinader: A sustainable jewellery label, she has worn siren earrings (£140) on multiple occasions.
Ghost London: Regularly crops up in her wardrobe, including a blue floral dress worn for anniversaries and tours.
M&S: Even royals shop here, with £30 trainers causing a sell-out in 2020.
Missoma: Beloved by A-listers, she has worn Zenyu chandelier hoop earrings (£149) since 2019.
Conclusion
Kate Middleton's fashion choices highlight a blend of high-end and high street, making her style both inspirational and attainable. By favouring brands like Rixo, Reiss, and Veja, she sets trends that resonate widely, proving that royal elegance can be achieved without exorbitant spending. This curated list of her favourite high street brands offers a roadmap for anyone looking to emulate her sophisticated yet accessible wardrobe.
