Kate Middleton's Style Is Changing as She Prepares to Become Queen, Expert Says
A fashion expert analyzed Kate Middleton's style evolution over the years and explained how it shows she's preparing to become queen.
- In the years since she first entered the spotlight as Prince William's college girlfriend, Kate Middleton's style has undergone an evolution.
- 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.
On Kate's pre-royal style:
"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."
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."
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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Kate Middleton's Most Iconic Fashion Moments
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.
August 4, 2020
Catherine rewore a Suzannah dress with Tabitha Simmons pumps to visit and help with Baby Basics baby bank in northern England.
July 23, 2020
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.
July 5, 2020
For a visit to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the Duchess wore a Beulah dress and Patrick Mavros earrings.
June 27, 2020
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.
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.
March 5, 2020
The Duchess of Cambridge stepped out with Prince William to watch Gaelic football and hurling as part of their royal visit to Ireland. Kate wore a Really Wild coral cashmere cable knit sweater, Zara black jeans, and New Balance x Sweaty Betty sneakers.
March 4, 2020
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.
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.
February 26, 2020
The Duchess of Cambridge left a SportsAid Stars event in London wearing a two-piece green outfit. She wore a Mango sweater, Zara culottes, a Smythe blazer, and green stripe sneakers from Marks and Spencer. Her accessories included green Monica Vinader earrings and a gold Daniella Draper necklace.
February 25, 2020
Kate attended a Charity Performance of "Dear Evan Hansen" in Eponine dress and Jimmy Choo pumps and clutch.
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.
January 22, 2020
It's hard to beat Kate's prime collection of coats. Here, she wore a double-breasted camel coat from Massimo Dutti (shop similar), a brown Zara animal print skirt, and black Ralph Lauren boots.
December 4, 2019
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
May 7, 2019
The Duchess of Cambridge has a bunch of striped tops in her arsenal, including this one from JoosTricot, which she paired with navy L.K. Bennett trousers and Gianvito Rossi pumps.
May 1, 2019
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.
March 28, 2019
For a visit to the Scouts' headquarters at Gilwell Park, Kate dressed down in a Barbour jacket, J.Crew turtleneck sweater, jeans, and See by Chloé boots.
February 27, 2019
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.
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 over 10 years of professional experience covering entertainment of all genres, from new movie and TV releases to nostalgia, and celebrity news. 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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