According to Anthony McGrath, a celebrity stylist and lecturer at the Fashion Retail Academy in London, this has probably been a very conscious choice.
McGrath explained how Kate's wardrobe has changed over the years and how she's expertly integrated her personal style with the fashion rules she's expected to follow as a member of the royal family.
Kate Middleton is preparing for her future role as Queen and the proof is in her wardrobe.
According to Anthony McGrath, a celebrity stylist and lecturer at the Fashion Retail Academy in London, Kate's evolving style over the years offers a clear picture of how she's preparing to rule beside her husband, Prince William, when he eventually takes the throne.
Speaking to Express, McGrath broke down the way Kate's style over the years illustrates her journey toward the throne. Here are some highlights of what he had to say.
"Since Kate has been in the limelight she has always been somewhat of a conservative dresser, whether that was because she wanted to prove herself to the Royal Family or was her own personal style, who knows, but she was rarely seen in anything too risqué. However, since marrying Prince William and officially becoming a member of the Royal Family, her outfits have certainly become more modest....She had to leave behind the flirty and floaty dress, thigh-skimming minis and low-cut evening gowns."
(Image credit: Dave M. Benett)
On her signature royal look:
"Instead, she introduced skirt suits and coat dresses, which have since become staple items in her wardrobe and are frequently her go-to looks for public engagements. She also introduced an array of A-lines dresses in various different colors, decorative hats for formal events and closed-toe shoes."
(Image credit: Samir Hussein)
On staying true to herself:
"We must give her credit for staying true to who she has and not moulding herself into something else entirely. Slowly, but surely, she has finessed her style over the years and her style is without a doubt, suitable for a future Queen."
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(Image credit: WPA Pool)
Kate Middleton's Most Iconic Fashion Moments
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(Image credit: WPA Pool)
August 5, 2020
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stepped out to visit Barry island, South Wales to speak to local business owners about the impact COVID 19 on tourism. She wore an Emilia Wickstead dress, find similar one here and Castañer espadrilles.
The Duchess steps out to announce that Royal Foundation's 1.8 million fund will support frontline workers and the nation's mental health at the Sandringham Estate. Kate wore a Suzannah dress for the occasion.
For a visit to The Nook in eastern England, Kate Middleton wore an affordable floral print dress from Faithfull the Brand. Not surprisingly, thanks to the Kate Effect, it sold out almost immediately. However, fans of the design can see buy clothing iterations of the of it here and here. She completed the casual outing look with a pair of Russell & Bromley coconut wedges (shop similar espadrilles) and Accessorize hoop earrings.
(Image credit: AARON CHOWN)
June 18, 2020
The Duchess of Cambridge stops by Fakenham Garden Centre to shop for plants for The Nook hospice in Framlingham Earl. Catherine wore Fjallraven vest, denim shirt, black trousers, and Superga sneakers.
The royals visited the Teagasc Animal & Grassland Research Centre in Ireland. Prince William and Kate coordinated in laidback ensembles. The Duchess wore a belted Dubarry jacket and her trusty Penelope Chilvers boots for the farm visit.
(Image credit: Pool/Samir Hussein)
March 4, 2020
Duchess of Cambridge during their visit in Ireland, where they stopped by Savannah House, a residential facility run by charity. She opted for an Equipment top and Russell and Bromley boots.
Kate attended a Charity Performance of "Dear Evan Hansen" in Eponine dress and Jimmy Choo pumps and clutch.
(Image credit: Karwai Tang)
January 29, 2020
The Duchess of Cambridge visited LEYF Stockwell Gardens Nursery & Pre-School in England. For the cold weather, she wore a blue wool coat over a delicate white Sézane top, black jeans, and Aquatalia boots.
The Duchess of Cambridge joined families and children who are supported by the charity Family Action at Peterley Manor Farm in England. For the outing, she wore holiday colors: a red ski jacket from Perfect Moment, a Really Wild green sweater (shop similar), blue jeans, and Berghaus brown booties.
(Image credit: Karwai Tang)
November 12, 2019
Kate attended the Shout's Crisis Volunteer celebration event at Troubadour White City Theatre. She was ready for fall in a pair of maroon pants from Joseph, a check Smythe blazer, and a pair of Gianvito Rossi black pumps.
(Image credit: Karwai Tang)
October 9, 2019
For a visit to The Angela Marmont Centre for UK Biodiversity at the Natural History Museum, Kate wore a polished streamline ensemble. Her top was from a British brand called Warehouse while her pants were from Jigsaw. She wore a pair of Tod's fringe leather pumps.
(Image credit: Neil Mockford)
October 2, 2019
Prince William and Kate visited the Aga Khan Centre in England. She wore a dress that was a collab between Aross Girl and Soler London. Though the long-sleeve teal dress is now sold out, you can buy a similar one here. She wore the dress with a pair of Emmy London pumps.
(Image credit: Samir Hussein)
September 10, 2019
Kate attended the Back to Nature festival at RHS Garden Wisley in a long-sleeve pale blue floral dress from Emilia Wickstead and Monsoon wedges (shop similar).
(Image credit: WPA Pool)
September 5, 2019
Prince William and the Duchess took Princess Charlotte and Prince George to their first day of school at Thomas's Battersea in London. The Duchess of Cambridge glowed in a printed Michael Kors dress and Rupert Sanderson blue pumps.
(Image credit: Karwai Tang)
July 14, 2019
Kate looked polished and dressy for an appearance at the Men's Wimbledon Tennis Championships. She wore a pale blue cap-sleeve dress from Emilia Wickstead and beige ALDO pumps.
(Image credit: Karwai Tang)
June 25, 2019
The Duchess of Cambridge took part in a photography workshop at the charity 'Action for Children' in London. Kate wore a fluttery sleeve printed dress from Ridley London and lace-up espadrilles from Castañer.
(Image credit: Mark Cuthbert)
June 12, 2019
The Duchess of Cambridge attended the first annual gala dinner in an off-the-shoulder dress from Barbara Casasola and wore a pair of sparkly Jimmy Choo glitter pumps.
(Image credit: Jeff Spicer)
May 20, 2019
The Duchess of Cambridge attended the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London while wearing a neutral colored ensemble. She wore a M.i.h Jeans shirt, brown Massimo Dutti culotte pants, and white Superga sneakers.
(Image credit: Karwai Tang)
May 14, 2019
The Duchess of Cambridge visited the D-Day exhibition at Bletchley Park. For the outing, she wore an Alessandra Rich polka dot midi dress with pale blue pumps from Emmy London. She carried a Smythson clutch.
(Image credit: Chris Jackson)
May 8, 2019
In need of blazer inspo? Look no further than Kate's closet. She has a variety of styles and colors, including this gorgeous double-breasted red Philosophy Di Lorenzo number. She wore it over a black turtleneck with black jeans and Aquatalia booties.
What color looks the best on Kate? Trick question: every color looks good on her, even green. The Duchess of Cambridge was spotted in this deep jade colored dress from Emilia Wickstead while leaving the new Centre of Excellence at Anna Freud Centre in London. She accessorized with beige Gianvito Rossi pointy toe pumps and a Mulberry Amberley clutch.
The Duchess of Cambridge got sporty while playing soccer with kids in Ireland. She wore a Barbour quilted jacket, a Ralph Lauren sweater, jeans, and blue sneakers from New Balance.
(Image credit: Chris Jackson)
December 11, 2018
Polka dots are a must for royals. Kate loves wearing them as spotted here in a green knee-length polka dot dress from L.K. Bennett. She wore green Gianvito Rossi suede pumps.
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Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
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