Though the Princess of Wales may often be associated with confectionary couture creations like swishy and voluminous chiffon dresses as well as ballerina ballgowns with plenty of tulle, she’s still not one to wear fanciful fairytale fashion every day. In fact, the mother of three loves to muck around in the mud, tend to her beehive and go for a fashion-free cold plunge. Kate is most comfortable in her country casual clothing — thus, it’s no surprise she’s drawn to the preppy and modern classics from American retailer J.Crew.
Offering smart sweater sets, cozy cashmere crewnecks and a wide selection of winter essentials like supersoft yarn scarves, ribbed beanies and sherpa jackets, the brand is quintessential daywear for the suburban socialite.
Preppy staples are a foundation of the All-Americana label which is committed to a Jackie O aesthetic with a modern twist. There are elegant top coats in Italian wool, lady jackets with patch pockets and glistening gold buttons plus sets of sculptural stud earrings that are straight out of a Kennedy dressing manifesto.
Clearly, it’s not difficult to see why Princess Kate has an affection for the timeless classic pieces from J.Crew. As the First Lady of Fashion for the royal family, she’s drawn to the sophisticated staples and city chic styles offered by the affordable U.S merchant.
Here are 10 of Kate Middleton’s Fashion Favorites from J.Crew:
1. J. Crew Velvet Bow Hair Tie
The perfect finishing flourish on a festive holiday ensemble, this charming hair tie played ‘seasonal scrunchie’ for the princess in the fall of November 2018. Kate wore her ponytail adorned with this pretty black bow elastic for two appearances in the pre-Christmas month.
2. J.Crew Tippi Striped Sweater in Ivory/Navy
The British beauty is partial to striped Breton tops and skinny jeans for her off-duty daywear. In April 2016, she launched a Heads Together campaign alongside husband Prince William and brother-in-law Prince Harry; for an outdoor video shoot supporting the cause, Kate was clad in her trademark top in the gardens of Kensington Palace. The nautical minded jumper features chunky vanilla and dark blue stripes with white buttons on the shoulders. Shop similar from J.Crew HERE
3. J.Crew Isabel Mahogany Mockneck Sweater
For countryside adventures with her kids, Mrs. Cambridge (as she sometimes goes by) will wear a slouchy sweater from a high street shop paired with jeans and low-top combat boots. Kate owns not one but two mockenck jumpers in a supersoft wool and yarn blend from the original catalog company. Worn for meetings, garden grooming sessions and scouting excursions, she covets the J.Crew Isabel jumper in both mahogany and Loden green. Similar from J.Crew HERE
4. J.Crew Cropped Sailor Pants
In June 2017, Kate wore her first pair of high water pants (long before opting for similarly short ankle length jeans) for a Land Rover Roadshow. Appearing in Captain Catherine mode, the getup included not only sailor pants but a Zara Waffle Knit blazer and J.Crew Avery Tweed heels.
5. J.Crew Italian Cashmere Sweater in Heather Midnight
This semi-fitted long sleeve sweater was perfect for a cozy family photo with her beloved Crown Crew for GQ Magazine in May 2017. The black and white photo wasn’t the only time the princess wore the cashmere knit — she also donned the navy sweater for a farm visit the same month. Shop at J.Crew HERE
6. J.Crew Lucie/Colette Suede Pumps
Often playing sports in stilettos, the princess never fails to impress with her athletic prowess. In Pakistan she played cricket and traveled by plane in these 2.5 inch d’Orsay suede pumps by J.Crew in ashen brown. Shop at J.Crew HERE
7. J.Crew Matchstick Maternity Jeans in Pitch Black Wash
For a Nets basketball game in the U.S. in December 2014, the princess ate popcorn and sipped on Dasani water while watching the action on the court. The royal mom-to-be wore a Tory Burch grey boucle Bettina coat and bump-friendly black wash jeans for the Brooklyn basketball game.
8. J.Crew Chino Classic Shorts
The Daily Mail reported that the princess was outfitted in J.Crew Chino shorts for a day of sailing in the Bahamas in March 2022. The classic stone colored stretch chino shorts come in a variety of colors and have a high rise and tailored fit. Available in light khaki at JCrew Factory HERE
9. J.Crew Avery Heels in Tweed
In October 2016, Princess Kate gave a masterclass in low-key power dressing on a series of visits in British Columbia for the final day of a tour of Canada. Fast forward seven years in the future — Kate showed off her sustainable sartorial mindset when she recycled the blast from the past. In Bracknell, England, Kate was in fine form in an old footwear favorite — her textured tweed pumps from J.Crew. Wearing a knit vest from Cefinn, Kate looked elegant in her business attire and flashback footwear.
10. J.Crew Pearl and Crystal Stud Earrings
As an expert in the art of high-low dressing, it came as no surprise to K-Middy fans when the powerhouse princess wore a pricey blue Safiyaa cape gown in November 2023 with her elegant and low cost $68 crystal cluster earrings. Proving you don’t need access to the Crown coffers to look elegant and enchanting, Kate shunned the Royal Vault in favor of her favorite fast fashion brand for her sparkling evening accessories. Similar from J.Crew HERE
