Kate Middleton's High Street Style: A Royal Fashion Guide
The Princess of Wales has firmly established herself as a contemporary style icon, with her fashion choices consistently capturing public attention and driving trends. From casual outings in a Barbour jacket and Baker Boy cap to elegant appearances in a striking red tailored suit, the "Kate effect" ensures that garments she selects often sell out rapidly. For instance, the DeMellier mid-range bag she carried on Christmas Day became available by May, while the Rixo Izzy dress she wore in Barbados sold out within hours. This blend of luxury and affordability defines her wardrobe, making her style both accessible and aspirational.
Mixing Luxury with Affordability
While Kate Middleton frequently incorporates luxury labels such as Erdem, Stella McCartney, and Emilia Wickstead into her outfits, she nearly always pairs them with more affordable pieces. Examples include a Kiltane cashmere knit combined with an Edeline Lee skirt, a Zara dress layered beneath a Chris Kerr bespoke coat, or an H&M top matched with Alexander McQueen trousers. This reliable fashion formula allows her to appear relatable yet sophisticated, resonating with a wide audience. Recognisable high street names like Rixo, Barbour, and Ghost are regulars in her wardrobe, alongside fashion-editor favourites such as With Nothing Underneath and Boden, all of which have made numerous appearances over the years.
Signature Brands and Accessories
Certain high street labels have become synonymous with the royal's style. Reiss, particularly its blazers, and Veja, with her favoured Esplar style in white with metallic details, are standout examples. 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 time, the Princess of Wales has alternated her Cartier pieces with affordable jewellery from brands like Missoma, Orelia, and Accessorize, while fine jewellery brands Monica Vinader and Carousel Jewels have also featured in her collection. This demonstrates that replicating Kate Middleton's style does not require a royal budget, as many of her choices are accessible to the general public.
Detailed Brand Breakdown
With Nothing Underneath: This British label is celebrated for its crisp shirts and capsule wardrobe essentials. Kate Middleton has worn a white boyfriend shirt from the brand as a layering piece and recently opted for a light brown jura cardigan during a visit to Northern Ireland.
Jigsaw: A cross-generational favourite for stylish and smart fashion, Jigsaw appears regularly in her outfit rotation, including tailored suits, coats, and trousers.
Barbour: With a rich history tied to the Royal family, Kate Middleton has reworn her defense wax jacket from Barbour countless times since 2012, showcasing its timeless appeal.
Ralph Lauren: A go-to in her wardrobe, from a khaki blazer re-worn since 2008 to sunglasses worn at Wimbledon, offering stylish yet functional options.
Kiltane: Known for luxurious but accessibly priced cashmere, Kate has stepped out in pieces like a burgundy roll neck jumper, highlighting Scottish craftsmanship.
Reiss: A high street name for sleek style, she wore a Nanette dress for her official engagement photo and frequently dons blazers from the brand.
Accessorize: Surprisingly, she favours this affordable jewellery brand, often seen in gold-tone filigree drop earrings.
Rixo: A reliable choice for occasion wear, her dresses from this label sell out quickly, but rental options like Hurr provide alternatives.
Boden: A firm staple in her wardrobe, from viral cardigans to printed blouses, often leading to sold-out items but with similar styles available.
Veja: Sustainable trainers favoured by many celebrities, with her go-to pair being the Esplar metallic-trimmed leather sneakers.
Monica Vinader: A sustainable jewellery favourite since 2016, with pieces like the siren earrings worn on various occasions.
Ghost London: Regularly appears in her wardrobe, including a blue floral dress worn for anniversaries and international visits.
M&S: Even royals shop here, with her £30 trainers causing a sell-out and other items like trouser suits and dresses in her collection.
Missoma: Beloved by A-listers, she has worn items like the Zenyu chandelier hoop earrings since 2019.
Conclusion: Embracing Royal Style on a Budget
Kate Middleton's fashion choices illustrate how high street brands can be seamlessly integrated into a royal wardrobe, offering inspiration for those looking to emulate her style without overspending. By focusing on versatile pieces from labels like Boden, Rixo, and Reiss, anyone can achieve an accessible yet aspirational look. Her ability to mix luxury with affordability ensures that her influence extends beyond the palace, making high street fashion a key component of modern royal aesthetics.
