Whether it’s a garden party on the lawn of Buckingham Palace or a quiet tea party in the castle drawing room, the Princess of Wales knows the dress code and will succeed in styling herself appropriately and elegantly for the occasion. A master at adapting her clothing to any event or celebration, Kate reigns as the best in royal occasion dressing.
For commoners or mere mortals looking to make a splash at their next soiree, there is no better inspiration than the Princess of Wales.
Here are 11 of Kate Middleton’s Rules for Special Occasion Dressing:
1. Wear to A Job Interview
Whether it’s a job interview, business meeting or conference, Kate is always dressed in smart suiting. Often wearing cream colored blazers with black wide-leg classic trousers, Kate never misses the mark when it comes to wearing corporate chic fashion.
The Middleton Method: Simple accessories, sharp blazers, dress slacks and understated heels
Get the Look: Job Interview Blazer
2. Wear to a Family Wedding
The princess is acclaimed for her pretty but not overtly ostentatious designs for family and friends weddings. Often donning embroidered coats, fit and flare dresses and the occasional pencil skirt, Kate always models appropriate wedding guest attire.
The Middleton Method: Chiffon midi dresses with a belted waist or a floral print georgette tea dress
Get the Look: Family Wedding Dress
3. Wear to a Religious Service
For attending mass or church services, Kate usually wears long tailored coats with simple silk or sweater dresses underneath. A knee-length dress or skirt and a simple blouse is a winning combination.
The Middleton Method: Modest dresses in soft pastel shades (like light lemon or buttercream) with a simple clutch and wedges, pearls recommended
Get the Look: Religious Service Dress
4. Wear to a Black-Tie Affair
The princess can seamlessly transition from English countryside Barbour basics to expensive Erdem and never miss a beat. For glamorous red carpets and posh palace parities, Kate often wears designer dresses with extravagant extras including lush velvet pumps, regal ribbon belts and glamorous gems from the royal collection.
The Middleton Method: Flowy floor-length evening gowns with special embellishments or interesting necklines (bows or off-the-shoulder) and long cascading skirts
Get the Look: Black-Tie Dress
5. Wear to a Holiday Party
When the princess is in the mood to party, she’s joyful, jubilant and jolly. Often wearing sparkly Needles and Thread dresses or pearl trimmed cardigans thanks to Self-Portrait, this fashion-forward style icon is never without a little razzle dazzle during the holiday season.
The Middleton Method: Seasonal colors, tons of sequin and tartan plaid
Get the Look: Party Dress
6. Wear to a Lunch Meeting
Need to meet with high powered executives or pitch your newest social media brainstorm to a group of techpreneurs? Follow Princess Kate’s regal template and dress in soft sweater separates in oatmeal or beige. Keep the accessories trendy but not loud or overdone and always finish the look with pointed heels for a polished close.
The Middleton Method: Monochrome professional pieces, a conservative sweater dress, light layering with a cool conversation starter (i.e. woven scarf or ombre top handle bag)
Get the Look: Lunch Dress
7. Wear to a Somber Event
While the Princess enjoys the perks of many fun and fabulous functions courtesy of her royal role, she also attends a number of somber memorials and funerals. Paying tribute to war heroes and the fallen, Kate is always impeccably outfitted in crisp coats and prim hats.
The Middleton Method: Black knit long dresses, simple sheaths and nylons with black pumps
Get the Look: Somber Dress
8. Wear to a Brunch with Friends
The princess adores a playful polka dot dress, smart shirtdress or wrap midi design (from the likes of Boden, Ghost or Issa) for her semi-casual closet. Often wearing shades of soft sky or sapphire blue, Kate is a mastermind at dressing for less formal outings and occasions.
The Middleton Method: Pretty pleated tea dress or printed soft chiffon midi with sandy suede heels and a statement clutch with decorative flowers, crystals or beads
Get the Look: Brunch Dress
9. Wear to a Dinner Party
If attending a formal dinner party, elevate your look with Kate’s signature ‘quiet luxury’ styling including a tweed blazer dress or try a silk midi and blouse combo. Keep the look impactful with metallics, feather trimmed sleeves or slingbacks adorned with a rhinestone encrusted buckle.
The Middleton Method: Cocktail attire with a regal twist including pleated skirts, lace midis or a jersey ruched waist wrap dress
Get the Look: Dinner Party Dress
10. Wear to Date Night
When the Princess of Wales hits the red carpet, she’s inundated in a storm of furious flashbulbs and commoner cat calls. And for good reason — the British beauty always looks enchanting in her glamorous gowns. Often serving as a twofer– a date night and royal event for Prince William and his beloved Catherine, the royal knows how to excite in her elegant evening wear.
The Middleton Method: Slinky dresses with one-shoulder or off-the-shoulder detailing, fun flowy accents like draped fabric, curve hugging and exaggerating silhouettes
Get the Look: Date Night Dress
11. Wear to a Bridal Shower
The princess is often associated with her feminine frocks and specifically her dainty daywear. Often donning floral print chiffon midis and cutesy regency-era dresses, the princess knows how to do Bridgerton fashion with a modern twist.
The Middleton Method: Wear charming day dresses with pretty prints, try all white pumps for a fresh spin and rock a bow handle micro bag or crystal embellished clutch for extra pizzazz
Get the Look: Bridal Shower Dress
