Marie Claire
  • Celebrity
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Culture
  • Power
  • Nice Talk
  • Style at Large
  • More
    • Politics
    • Career & Money
    • Health & Fitness
    • Power Play
    • Travel
    • Promo Codes
    • Food & Cocktails
    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Sex & Love
  • Newsletter SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
  • Marie Claire
    Marie Claire Newsletter

    The ultimate daily digest for women of power, purpose, and style.


    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

    You are now subscribed

    Your newsletter sign-up was successful


    Want to add more newsletters?

    Marie Claire Daily

    Delivered daily

    Marie Claire Daily

    Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.

    Marie Claire Self Checkout

    Sent weekly on Saturday

    Marie Claire Self Checkout

    Exclusive access to expert shopping and styling advice from Nikki Ogunnaike, Marie Claire's editor-in-chief.

    Maire Claire Face Forward

    Once a week

    Maire Claire Face Forward

    Insider tips and recommendations for skin, hair, makeup, nails and more from Hannah Baxter, Marie Claire's beauty director.

    Livingetc

    Once a week

    Livingetc

    Your shortcut to the now and the next in contemporary home decoration, from designing a fashion-forward kitchen to decoding color schemes, and the latest interiors trends.

    Homes & Gardens

    Delivered Daily

    Homes & Gardens

    The ultimate interior design resource from the world's leading experts - discover inspiring decorating ideas, color scheming know-how, garden inspiration and shopping expertise.


    An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
    Trending
    • Winter Shoe Trends
    • Slick-Backed Buns
    • OleHenriksen
    • Holiday Candles
    • Statement Red Socks
    1. Celebrity
    2. Royals

    All Eyes Were on Kate Middleton's Designer Coat at the Royal Wedding

    It was designed by Alexander McQueen (one of Kate's favorite fashion labels).

    Rachel Epstein's avatar
    By Rachel Epstein
    Published 19 May 2018 In News

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Kate Middleton Royal Wedding Outfit
    (Image credit: Getty images)
    • Facebook
    • X
    • Pinterest
    Share this article
    Join the conversation
    Follow us
    Add us as a preferred source on Google
    Subscribe to our newsletter

    Update 5/19: For Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's wedding, Kate Middleton wore a primrose wool silk coat by Alexander McQueen. She matched her Philip Treacy fascinator to the pale yellow ensemble and walked up the church steps in Jimmy Choo heels. Kate's wedding guest look was noticeably different than the pink bridesmaid dress she wore to sister Pippa Middleton's wedding, which included a much smaller hat, but it was still breathtakingly sophisticated.

    White, Ceremony, Wedding, Event, Child, Standing, Fashion, Uniform, Formal wear, Dress,

    (Image credit: Getty images)

    Kate Middleton Royal Wedding Outfit

    (Image credit: Getty Image)

    Kate Middleton Royal Wedding Outfit

    (Image credit: Getty images)

    Kate Middleton Royal Wedding Outfit

    (Image credit: Getty images)

    Kate Middleton Royal Wedding Outfit

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Original post 4/5:

    Believe it or not, there was once a pre-Meghan Markle era when only the Duchess of Cambridge's "untraditional" royal fashion choices were in the spotlight. Since she married Prince William in 2011, Middleton has taken a more conservative approach with her style—a stark comparison to that of her future sister-in-law Meghan Markle. Harry and Meghan's wedding on May 19 is quickly approaching, and we have a few ideas about what Middleton may choose to wear to the affair.

    Latest Videos FromMarie Claire
    Watch full video here:

    The Dress Style: Knee-Length

    Middleton's pregnancy has been strongly influencing her fashion choices the last nine months. Since she's expected to give birth to her third child before the wedding, we're narrowing in on Middleton's pre-pregnancy wardrobe in which knee-length dresses dominated the royal's outfits. As you'll notice, the Duchess often chooses the same long-sleeve, a-line style in a mix of casual and formal varieties.

    Clothing, Fashion, Dress, Cocktail dress, Fashion model, Event, Footwear, Formal wear, Suit, Haute couture,

    (Image credit: Getty images)

    Clothing, Standing, Dress, Fashion

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Clothing, Pink, Dress, Purple, Lavender, Child, Standing, Violet, Fashion, Lilac,

    (Image credit: Getty images)

    White, Clothing, Street fashion, Fashion, Dress, Snapshot, Footwear, Leg, Suit, Formal wear,

    (Image credit: Getty images)

    There's a slight chance the royal opts for a pantsuit instead of a dress, but considering she's worn a dress to almost every other wedding she's attended (like Pippa Middleton's wedding and the wedding of a friend of Prince William), we're betting on a knee-length one-piece.

    You may like
    • Princess Kate wearing her wedding gown and veil looking to the right Princess Kate Had a Secret Fashion Fairy Godmother for Her Royal Wedding
    • Carole Middleton carries her Emmy London bag to attend day 3 'Ladies Day' of Royal Ascot 2026 at Ascot Racecourse on June 18, 2026 in Ascot, England. Carole Middleton's Favorite Bag Gets a Regal Upgrade
    • A black and white photo of Princess Kate and Prince William on a staircase in formalwear Princess Kate Styles Princess Diana's Favorite Tiara With a Leopard-Print Gown

    The Shoe: A Low Pump

    Even royals need their fair share of foot comfort—especially if Kate will be busy all day with wedding festivities. (No, she won't be Meghan's maid of honor.) Harry and Meghan are set to have at least two different receptions, so there will be a lot of standing (and dancing...to Spice Girls...hopefully). We think the neutral two- or three-inch heels Kate tends to favor, like these L.K. Bennet fern pumps, below should work perfectly.

    Clothing, Umbrella, Street fashion, Green, Fashion, Yellow, Turquoise, Pink, Outerwear, Dress,

    (Image credit: Getty images)

    Clothing, Standing, Snapshot, Street fashion, Suit, Fashion, Outerwear, Formal wear, Coat, Footwear,

    (Image credit: Getty images)

    Clothing, Green, Street fashion, Yellow, Fashion, Dress, Turquoise, Outerwear, Blazer, Formal wear,

    (Image credit: Getty images)

    The Accessory: A Fascinator

    The royals sure do love their fascinators—especially at major events like royal weddings, the Queen's annual birthday parade (known as Trouping the Colour), and holidays like Christmas and Easter. It's a tradition that has transformed itself into a major staple—similar to big hats at the Kentucky Derby. Kate wears them often (particularly at weddings), which is why we'll likely see her in one again come May. Her fascinators typically match her dress, though she isn't afraid to make a bold statement.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    The ultimate daily digest for women of power, purpose, and style.

    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

    Fashion, Dress, Hat

    (Image credit: Getty images)

    Fashion, Dress, Hat

    (Image credit: Getty images)

    Fashion, Dress, Hat

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Fashion, Uniform, Headgear, Dress, Event, Gesture, Suit, White-collar worker, Hat, Coat,

    (Image credit: Getty images)

    Photograph, White, Clothing, Child, Dress, Pink, Shoulder, Fashion, Street fashion, Headpiece,

    (Image credit: Getty images)

    Fashion model, White, Clothing, Fashion, Dress, Fashion show, Haute couture, Beauty, Formal wear, Shoulder,

    (Image credit: Getty images)

    The Handbag: A Clutch

    This one is a no-brainer. Kate Middleton hasn't been spotted with any bag but a clutch since, basically, ever. She typically goes for a narrow envelope clutch like this one in the same color scheme as her outfit (but rarely matching the exact tone). If she doesn't choose a clutch, she'll probably go hands-free.

    Clothing, Cobalt blue, Coat, Street fashion, Blue, Overcoat, Outerwear, Electric blue, Trench coat, Fashion,

    (Image credit: Getty images)

    Cobalt blue, Blue, Electric blue, Clothing, Street fashion, Outerwear, Fashion, Hairstyle, Coat, Fur,

    (Image credit: Getty images)

    Suit, Formal wear, Clothing, Tuxedo, Outerwear, Blazer, White-collar worker, Hairstyle, Fashion, Businessperson,

    (Image credit: Getty images)

    Suit, Formal wear, Clothing, Tuxedo, Outerwear, Blazer, White-collar worker, Hairstyle, Fashion, Businessperson,

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Until May 19...

    WEDDING WATCH

    meghan markle

    (Image credit: Getty images)

    Meghan Markle to Receive Gift Before Wedding

    Royal Wedding 2018  cake

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Wedding Cake 

    royal wedding 2018 Meghan Markle tiara

    (Image credit: Getty image)

    We Got All the Details on Meghan Wedding Tiara

    Explore More
    Meghan Markle Prince Harry
    Rachel Epstein
    Rachel Epstein
    Social Links Navigation

    Rachel Epstein is a writer, editor, and content strategist based in New York City. Most recently, she was the Managing Editor at Coveteur, where she oversaw the site’s day-to-day editorial operations. Previously, she was an editor at Marie Claire, where she wrote and edited culture, politics, and lifestyle stories ranging from op-eds to profiles to ambitious packages. She also launched and managed the site’s virtual book club, #ReadWithMC. Offline, she’s likely watching a Heat game or finding a new coffee shop. 

    Read more
    Princess Kate wearing her wedding gown and veil looking to the right
    Royals Princess Kate Had a Secret Fashion Fairy Godmother for Her Royal Wedding
    By Kristin Contino
    Carole Middleton carries her Emmy London bag to attend day 3 'Ladies Day' of Royal Ascot 2026 at Ascot Racecourse on June 18, 2026 in Ascot, England.
    Royals Carole Middleton's Favorite Bag Gets a Regal Upgrade
    By Amy Mackelden
     
     
    A black and white photo of Princess Kate and Prince William on a staircase in formalwear
    Royals Princess Kate Styles Princess Diana's Favorite Tiara With a Leopard-Print Gown
    By Kristin Contino
    Princess Kate wearing a green hat and coat
    Royals Princess Kate Mixes McQueen and Chanel With a 163-Year-Old Brooch
    By Kristin Contino
     
     
    Latest in Royals
    Prince William and Prince Harry.
    Royals Prince William Could Be “Forced” to Reconcile With Prince Harry
    Princess Anne arrives at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018.
    Royals Princess Anne Sees One Thing About Royal Appearances As “Patently Absurd”
     
     
    Meghan Markle sits onstage at South by Southwest wearing a button-down shirt
    Royals Meghan Markle Looks Back On U.K. Return as She Celebrates “New Adventures”
    Sarah Ferguson wearing a black veiled headband
    Royals Sarah Ferguson Makes First Public Appearance Since Epstein Scandal
     
     
    Latest in News
    Prince William and Prince Harry.
    Royals Prince William Could Be “Forced” to Reconcile With Prince Harry
    Princess Anne arrives at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018.
    Royals Princess Anne Sees One Thing About Royal Appearances As “Patently Absurd”
     
     
    Katie Holmes arrived at the American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala in a long-sleeve satin dress and a fringe tassel-covered black evening bag
    Celebrity Style Katie Holmes Traded a Sparkly Evening Bag for Something Even More Fun
    Meghan Markle sits onstage at South by Southwest wearing a button-down shirt
    Royals Meghan Markle Looks Back On U.K. Return as She Celebrates “New Adventures”
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Marie Claire
    RSS
    • About us
    • Contact Future's experts
    • Contact us
    • Advertise Online
    • Newsletter
    • Terms and conditions
    • Privacy policy
    • Cookies policy
    • Careers
    Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google

    Marie Claire is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

    © Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.