While the Princess of Wales always wows in her Cinderella dress moments — captivating the masses with her frothy and fashion-forward Jenny Packham, gothic glam McQueen and posh and proper Emilia Wickstead — she’s not one to wear a lot of luxe labels off-duty. In fact, the princess is often dedicated to high-street shops for her day to day mom mode ensembles.
The cost saving and crown serving princess loves to find bargains as much as the rest of us and can’t resist a good sale. Often spotted shopping at affordable retailers like Zara, John Lewis and Lululemon — the brunette royal is inclined to browse the sale racks and check out the clearance section just like us commoners.
Here are 10 of Kate Middleton’s Most Beloved Affordable Fashion Brands:
- Zara
Known for their contemporary clothing and super low prices, Zara is often the place the princess shops for her cost-cutting pieces. Kate’s stepped out in many of the brand’s workwear styles including a checked coat, tweed blazers and various houndstooth jackets. As one of the biggest international fashion companies, the selection is large and the inventory is always being updated. The princess can rely on Spanish brand Zara for foundational fashion pieces as she owns three pairs of their jeans, two pairs of their culottes and a variety of their lightweight summer dresses. The princess also owns two maxi skirts — one in houndstooth and one in animal print from the label. She recently wore $28 beautiful cascading floral earrings from the brand for a BAFTA appearance. The princess also owns a $24 glass beaded choker necklace from the multi-national retail chain.
2. ASOS
The British beauty relies on fashion and cosmetic company ASOS for her thrifty jewelry. Frequently clad in their $14.50 twisted hoops, Kate brings the spotlight to this multi-fashion brand founded in London (the company sells designs from 850 retailers). One of Kate’s most popular dresses — her $215 chiffon Ghost Avery maxi dress (featuring a wrap bodice and floral print) was carried at this popular fashion destination.
3. Marks & Spencer
Waving the flag for British fashion again, Kate often wears styles that are sold on M&S. The major British multinational retailer has its headquarters in London and sells everything from clothing, beauty and home products. The online retail giant even sells food products like pastries, candy, chips and hot drinks. Kate often steps out in midi coats (like her Tilda coat by Hobbs London) that are sold at the retailer. She’s also worn a $214 pink pantsuit from the Marks & Spencer’s ‘Autograph’ collection.
4. & Other Stories
Bohemian minded brand & Other Stories is Princess Kate’s go-to destination for easy daywear like floral dresses and denim. The clothing company has design ateliers in Paris, Stockholm and Los Angeles; they’re continually offering contemporary styles with a focus on ladylike tea dresses, preppy separates and retro jeans. Kate wore the brand’s $119 yellow floral ruffle maxi dress for a Back to Nature garden exhibit.
5. Gap
The princess has worn a fitted button down boyfriend shirt, Ikat printed pants and a cable knit turtleneck sweater from this American clothing and accessories retailer. The future Queen shops for down-to-earth daywear and practical apparel at this popular chain.
6. Topshop
Kate has picked up maternity jeans, a contrast collar shift dress, polka dot mini dress, gingham button down and embroidered smock midi dress from this pauper-priced British retailer. The chain now sold at ASOS, sells wardrobe wares like trendy apparel, accessories, shoes and jewelry. Many buyers love Topshop for their funky occasion dresses and cozy crewnecks.
7. J.Crew
Kate loves this American speciality retailer for their preppy fashions and affordable sartorial staples. The princess has been spotted in the brand’s stretch wool sailor pants, navy long sleeve cashmere t-shirts, pullover sweaters as well as two pairs of their low-heel pumps. She also covets their Breton striped tops and wore the ‘Tippi‘ in ivory and navy for a Heads Together campaign. In addition, she once stepped out in velvet hair bow from the retailer. Often drawn to stripes, sailor styles and simple sweaters, this label specializing in ‘smart casual’ is perfect for Kate’s needs.
8. Sezane
Sustainable minded jewelry brand Sezane is Kate’s favorite destination for whimsical statement earrings and pretty accessories. The princess also loves the brand’s frilly and feminine blouses with a country girl heart. Interestingly, James Middleton’s (Kate’s brother) wife Alizee Thevenet has been spotted in numerous styles from the brand. She was recently snapped in early September 2023 by her husband sailing in a striped jumpsuit called the ‘Ruby‘ and a mesh maxi called the ‘Isabelle.’ It’s possible Kate’s sister-in-law introduced her to the Parisian brand as Alizee was born in France.
9. Boden
British retailer Boden is Kate’s must-stop shop for tops and pullovers. The princess loves the knitwear from this online retailer and mail-order label specializing in timeless classics. Selling leisure clothing collections which often focus on holiday or countryside themes, Kate owns at least seven items from the budget-friendly brand including a scalloped Hambleden soft pink sweater, baby blue Abercorn cardigan and daisy print maxi dress.
10. Missoma
The princess is selective about her jewelry and often is drawn to delicate and price-friendly pieces. She has worn Zenyu chandelier hoops from the eco-conscious brand for a stop in Pakistan and a glitzy Royal Variety performance. The bobble trimmed charm earrings are inspired by the country of Colombia. She also frequently wears the mini pyramid rhodochrosite charm hoops which symbolize love and are handcrafted with delicate huggie hoops. Both pairs of gold earrings are priced at less than $200.
