Listen—my co-workers don't call me Dame Fitz for nothing (true story). I'm the resident royals expert for Who What Wear, having covered basically every major duchess moment that's happened in my three years at the company, including the birth of Kate Middleton's third child, Meghan Markle's wedding and pregnancy announcement, and every one of Middleton's tours abroad. And yes, my royal coverage also extends to the late Princess Diana and Kensington-adjacent sister Pippa Middleton.
In fact, I went through my old stories and realized I wrote 24 articles on Middleton alone last year. So you can say I'm pretty familiar with her style. The Duchess of Cambridge's outfits offer plenty of royal style tips if you pay close enough attention. If you don't feel like analyzing her wardrobe, I've got you covered. Below, I've rounded up my favorite tips I gleaned from her 2018 looks, from the affordable brand you shouldn't overlook to the unique color combo you should try. Get ready to Middleton-ify your closet.
1. Don't Underestimate J.Crew Accessories
On Kate Middleton: J.Crew hair tie
2. Combine Different Shades of Red
On Kate Middleton: Catherine Walker coat; Mulberry clutch; Gianvito Rossi heels
3. Carry Top-Handle Mini Bags to Add Instant Polish
On Kate Middleton: Emilia Wickstead dress; Aspinal of London Midi Mayfair Bag ($870)
4. Always Consider Proportions
On Kate Middleton: Brora Cashmere Cropped Cardigan ($265); Emilia Wickstead skirt
5. Don't Be Afraid to Be an Outfit Repeater
On Kate Middleton: Zara jeans; Penelope Chilvers boots
6. Match Your Bag, Shoes, and Belt Without Looking Cheesy
On Kate Middleton: Erdem dress; Jimmy Choo shoes and clutch
7. Wear Skinny Jeans the Royal Way
On Kate Middleton: Smythe 2 Button Blazer ($795); Russell & Bromley Fallon Dry Mid Zip Chelsea Boots ($383)
8. Invest in Comfortable Pumps
On Kate Middleton: L.K.Bennett dress; Gianvito Rossi shoes
Next, Meghan Markle wore the shoes with a cult following in Hollywood.
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Forget Wimbledon Whites—at Centre Court, *This* Was the Summer Shoe Color to Wear With DressesIt's not black either.
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No Joke: Kate Middleton's Favorite Sneaker Brand Is on Sale for Amazon Prime DayThese shoes are bound to sell out.
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Kate Middleton Just Resurrected the Once-Forgotten Trend She Last Wore in 2007It's as chic as ever.
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16 Mango Sale Finds That Give Kate Middleton VibesFit for a (future) queen.
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Kate Middleton Traded Black Leather Pumps for the Color and Material That Are Far TrendierTrendy yet classic, of course.
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Kate Middleton Paired 2024's Two Biggest It Colors With Winter's Most Coveted Shoe TrendShe's the definition of seasonally appropriate.
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Kate Middleton Just Wore the Most Undeniably Chic Dress Trend of All TimeSimply stunning.
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Amal Clooney Wore Controversial Boots to the Airport That'd Make TSA SquirmThey're not exactly travel friendly, but they are incredibly chic.
