In the years since she first entered the spotlight as Prince William's college girlfriend, Kate Middleton's style (opens in new tab) has undergone an evolution.
According to Anthony McGrath (opens in new tab), 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 (opens in new tab) is preparing for her future role as Queen and the proof is in her wardrobe.
According to Anthony McGrath (opens in new tab), 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 (opens in new tab), when he eventually takes the throne.
Speaking to Express (opens in new tab), McGrath broke down the way Kate's style over the years (opens in new tab) 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."
(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 (opens in new tab)and Castañer espadrilles (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: CHRIS JACKSON)
August 4, 2020
Catherine rewore a Suzannah dress (opens in new tab) with Tabitha Simmons pumps (opens in new tab)to visit and help with Baby Basics baby bank in northern England.
(Image credit: Handout)
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 (opens in new tab) for the occasion.
(Image credit: WPA Pool)
July 5, 2020
For a visit to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the Duchess wore a Beulah dress (opens in new tab) and Patrick Mavros earrings (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: JOE GIDDENS)
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 (opens in new tab) and here (opens in new tab). She completed the casual outing look with a pair of Russell & Bromley coconut wedges (shop similar espadrilles (opens in new tab)) and Accessorize hoop earrings (opens in new tab).
(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 (opens in new tab), denim shirt, black trousers, and Superga sneakers (opens in new tab).
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 (opens in new tab)and her trusty Penelope Chilvers boots (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) and Russell and Bromley boots (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: WPA Pool)
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 (opens in new tab), Zara culottes (opens in new tab), a Smythe blazer (opens in new tab), and green stripe sneakers from Marks and Spencer. Her accessories included green Monica Vinader earrings (opens in new tab) and a gold Daniella Draper necklace (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: Mark Cuthbert)
February 25, 2020
Kate attended a Charity Performance of "Dear Evan Hansen" in Eponine dress and Jimmy Choo pumps (opens in new tab) and clutch (opens in new tab).
(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 (opens in new tab) over a delicate white Sézane top (opens in new tab), black jeans, and Aquatalia boots (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: Samir Hussein)
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 (opens in new tab) (shop similar (opens in new tab)), a brown Zara animal print skirt (opens in new tab), and black Ralph Lauren (opens in new tab) boots.
(Image credit: Samir Hussein)
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 (opens in new tab), a Really Wild (opens in new tab) green sweater (shop similar (opens in new tab)), blue jeans, and Berghaus brown booties (opens in new tab).
(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 (opens in new tab), a check Smythe blazer (opens in new tab), and a pair of Gianvito Rossi black pumps (opens in new tab).
(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 (opens in new tab) while her pants were from Jigsaw (opens in new tab). She wore a pair of Tod's (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab). She wore the dress with a pair of Emmy London pumps (opens in new tab).
(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 (opens in new tab) and Monsoon (opens in new tab) wedges (shop similar (opens in new tab)).
(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 (opens in new tab) dress and Rupert Sanderson (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) and beige ALDO (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) and lace-up espadrilles from Castañer (opens in new tab).
(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 (opens in new tab) and wore a pair of sparkly Jimmy Choo glitter pumps (opens in new tab).
(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 (opens in new tab) shirt, brown Massimo Dutti (opens in new tab) culotte pants, and white Superga sneakers (opens in new tab).
(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 (opens in new tab) polka dot midi dress with pale blue pumps from Emmy London (opens in new tab). She carried a Smythson (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) number. She wore it over a black turtleneck with black jeans and Aquatalia booties (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: Chris Jackson)
May 7, 2019
The Duchess of Cambridge has a bunch of striped tops in her arsenal, including this one from JoosTricot (opens in new tab), which she paired with navy L.K. Bennett trousers (opens in new tab) and Gianvito Rossi pumps (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: Karwai Tang)
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 (opens in new tab) while leaving the new Centre of Excellence at Anna Freud Centre in London. She accessorized with beige Gianvito Rossi (opens in new tab) pointy toe pumps and a Mulberry Amberley clutch (opens in new tab).
The Duchess of Cambridge got sporty while playing soccer with kids in Ireland. She wore a Barbour quilted jacket (opens in new tab), a Ralph Lauren (opens in new tab) sweater, jeans, and blue sneakers from New Balance (opens in new tab).
(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 (opens in new tab). She wore green Gianvito Rossi suede pumps (opens in new tab).
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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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