Considered one of the most iconic style influencers of our generation, the Princess of Wales remains one of the most heavily imitated fashion trendsetters and most powerful fashion ambassadors in the world.
The royal has a reach that is dubbed the ‘Kate Effect’ for the princess’ power to sellout clothing, advertise apparel and draw media attention to up-and-coming designers. The attention she bequeaths British fashion houses, jewelry artisans and charity accessory makers is unparalleled.
Many royal followers and fans seek to ‘Replikate’ the style of their favorite princess. And while it may seem complicated or costly to build a royal wardrobe, it’s not that difficult with 10 key investment pieces.
Here’s How to Create a Kate Middleton Capsule Wardrobe:
1. Lady Jacket Dress
The princess loves a feminine twofer blazer dress with a soft chiffon skirt and polished retro boucle jacket (with an air of Jackie O).
For a capsule wardrobe inspired by the princess, start with a tailored blazer midi, blazer mini or tweed tuxedo dress (pictured: Self-Portrait Georgette lace dress).
Kate would love this special occasion dress with a bouclé jacket and pleated chiffon skirt and bonus bow neck-tie.
For extra Catherine Credit, opt for a military style tailored boucle long sleeve midi dress from Kate beloved designer Karen Millen.
2. Tweed Suit Jacket
The princess owns tweed jackets from Missoni, Tory Burch, Erdem and Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti. And though she can’t resist a cropped tweed jacket or checked tweed coat, she’s most partial to tweed blazers.
Ideal for professional outings or playing sports spectator, Kate often wears these smart jackets for ‘business casual’ engagements.
To create a Kate capsule collection, opt for a timeless tweed jacket from Zara, J.Crew or Talbots. Or select a style like the Avery blazer from Line and Dot (pictured below). The cotton blend blazer has etched gold buttons and padded shoulders as well as front flap pockets.
For extra Catherine Credit, opt for a Shawl Collar Fringed Tweed blazer with Kate’s favorite accessories pearls serving as buttons.
3. Bar Clutch Bag
The princess adores a croc embossed clutch with a cool and edgy bar closure or gold hardware clasp.
To construct a capsule collection with a royal signature, try a Strathberry Multress Chain Wallet in vanilla (on sale now).
For extra Catherine Credit, pick up the matching Strathberry Stylist bag in oat. The envelope design clutch can be held by hand or worn as a crossbody bag with a detachable chain strap.
4. Vintage Shirtdress
The princess is devoted to her selection of silk shirt-dresses and loves button front styles from Sezane, Rixo and Cefinn.
Steal Kate’s winning wardrobe formula with a similar look from Amazon. This pleated pastel midi dress is perfect for royal duty, a special occasion like graduation or for grabbing cocktails with co-workers.
For extra Catherine Credit, shop Kate’s beloved vintage-minded British brand Rixo London. Try the Maddison Floral Shirtdress with blouson sleeves, a spread collar and long skirt.
5. Top Handle Bag
No Princess Kate capsule collection would be complete without a patent croc top handle bag. Sleek, sophisticated and stylish, these elegant bags have alluring ladylike appeal.
Create Kate’s enduring style with a Aspinal of London Midi Mayfair bag (which the princess owns in lilac and black).
For extra Catherine Credit, try the brand’s sister style the Deep Shine Florence Frame bag. This handcrafted bag has a spacious central compartment and dainty top handle.
6. Tailored Topcoat
Once associated with structured coatdresses, the princess has modernized her wardrobe and now favors longline wool blend dad coats from Alexander McQueen.
Replikate the princess’ outerwear aesthetic with a timeless topcoat in a long length.
For extra Catherine Credit, pick up a long single-breasted asymmetric hem coat from Alexander McQueen. The felt wool coat is designed in a rich amethyst color and has a draped waterfall detail at the front.
7. Printed Midi Skirt
Every Kate capsule wardrobe needs a pleated houndstooth midi skirt. Perfect for paring with black boots, a cashmere turtleneck and structured blazer, these statement skirts never go out of style.
Play princess in this black and white print skirt with an elastic waistband and midi length.
For bonus Catherine Credit, opt for a silk skirt with a two-tone print exactly like the Massimo Dutti style Kate was seen in while walking in London off-duty with her children.
8. Fawn Footwear
No Kate inspired wardrobe would be complete without a pair of beige pumps from Gianvito Rossi.
Kate adores the soft suede pumps and loves the praline and bisque colored heels for wearing with ivory, pale pink and navy ensembles.
Score extra Catherine Credit, try these cappuccino Sam Edelman pointed heels with a wrapped heel and padded sock for extra comfort.
9. Suede Knee High Black Boots
The princess is regularly spotted in Ralph Lauren suede black pointed boots and has worn the Italian made designer boots on 10 occasions since December 2018. Thus, no Kate dedicated wardrobe would be finalized without a pair of similar black boots.
Try a pair of Vince Camuto Arendie black tall boots to echo the princess’ style and stay up with her enviable shoe game.
Gain some extra Catherine Credit, try these Ralph Lauren Artizan II block heel boots which hail from the same designer as her beloved knee-high style.
10. Black Croc Belt
Elevate any style statement into the stylish stratosphere occupied by Princess Kate by donning a lustrous black crocodile belt.
Try this Italian made B-low patent leather Milla croc belt with a gleaming gold square buckle.
For bonus Catherine Credit, pick up Kate’s favorite Anderson’s croc-effect leather belt. The stylish waist cinching accessory has been spotted on the princess on 11 occasions.
