With an array of glittery gowns, flashy footwear and glossy gems at her beckon call, it’s easy to see why the Princess of Wales might want to dress in couture cocktail attire 24/7. Yet, the mom of three still needs a practical and daily uniform perfect for dropping off the kids at school or heading out to the local market.
Before she was a royal, Kate was spotted in numerous jersey dresses from affordable high street brand Issa as well as British brand Topshop; she was frequently clad in Whistles blouses and Dorothy Perkins mini skirts. In addition, the British beauty loved French Connection wrap dresses and even was photographed in a blue evening gown by BCBG.
Even Today, Kate is often spotted in her beloved budget brands namely Zara, Reiss and John Lewis. During the pandemic, she wore many recycled pieces and styles from affordable retailers like Boden, Marks and Spencer and Ghost.
The princess has worn many inexpensive clothing items over the years and frequently recycles her lowest cost garments and best budget buys. Thus, for this servant of the Crown — royally fashionable doesn’t mean royally expensive.
Here are 10 of Kate Middleton’s Most Affordable Dresses Under $100:
1.Great Plains Cezanne Pleated Dress in Pine Needle
The princess owns not one but three of these cap sleeve dresses featuring a pleated skirt and matching belt. Since its launch in 1989, Great Plains UK has offered consumers high-fashion styles at discount prices. From foil midis to marble knits, the contemporary clothing company is perfect for an economical Windsor Wardrobe. All three of Kate’s Cezanne dresses cost the royal just $95.
2. Zara Striped Off-the-Shoulder Dress
An easy and breezy dress for summertime, this lightweight baby blue cotton blend dress was spotted on the princess in June 2018 for a day of polo. Kate’s classic striped linen dress cost just $69.
3. Topshop Cream Polka Dot Skater Dress
Fun and flirty, this ‘Florence’ cream dress with black dot print was worn by the princess as maternity wear. The lightweight dress was spotted on the royal in April and May 2013 at early summer engagements including a wedding. The short sleeve dress has a flippy skirt, playful polka print and above the knee length. Kate spent just $76 on the mini dress.
4. Zara Sky Blue Flocked Print Dress
Worn for a day at the Houghton Horse Trials in May 2018, Kate donned this embroidered dress with an elastic neckline just a month after giving birth to Prince Louis. The cost conscious dress features floral appliqué detailing with velvet and sequin embellishments as well as a contrasting dark navy belt. Kate spent just $69 on the mom-friendly design.
5. Zara Sage Green Floral Dress
Perhaps the cheapest dress in Kate’s closet is this $13 Zara midi. The princess wore this floral print v-neck midi for just one video call in August 2020. Kate’s contrast lace trim dress made her Windsor wallet just a smidge lighter and set her back a mere $13.
6. ASOS Maternity Navy Belted Dress
A versatile dress for any expectant mom, this soft jersey dress appeared on the princess during a June 2013 shopping trip. The soft and comfortable dress has a scoop neckline, cap sleeves and a self-tie belt. The bump friendly style was later reissued and dubbed the ‘Kate dress’ with a price tag of only $30.
7. ASOS Maternity Black Wrap Spot Dress
Princess Kate stuck to her winning sartorial formula and debuted another affordable jersey dress from the British fashion and cosmetic retailer ASOS in March 2015 while expecting Princess Charlotte. The black polka print dress has a stylish and flattering wrap front, three-quarter sleeves and an empire waist. Kate spent just $63 on the LBD.
8. Seraphine Florrie Floral Print Dress
The princess got her money’s worth out of this soft woven maternity dress with a marine blue print and curved waist — the royal was spotted in the above-the-knee design during her second and third pregnancies. Nearly all of Princess Kate’s Seraphine dresses cost less than $100. Kate paid just $82 for her oceanic maternity dress.
9. Mango Flurry Ribbed Knit Midi in Khaki
A stretch ribbed knit sweater dress — this army green mockneck design was spotted on Her Royal Highness on two occasions in 2022 (including for Christmas with the royal family). The pauper priced piece was an instant sellout but was later reissued with a slightly thicker ribbing material. Kate’s dress cost less than a dinner for two and was priced at just $44.
10. Zara Azure Blue Pleated Dress
One of Princess Kate’s most iconic dresses is this blue design from high street fast fashion brand Zara. The ‘honeymoon dress‘ was spotted on the princess while she strode the lawns of Buckingham Palace the day after her royal wedding; the blushing bride was leaving London for a honeymoon escape on a private jet to the Seychelles with new husband Prince William. The royal beauty later wore the box pleated dress with a scoop neckline for various royal engagements in 2011, 2012 and 2016. Kate spent just $62 on the elegant and understated sleeveless dress.
