The Princess of Wales is renowned for her fashion frugality and often recycles throwback clothing pieces from her 20s and even wears jewelry from her college days. Still, as a regal ambassador for the Crown, Kate must maintain an aura of opulence and sartorial splendor. To achieve a winning Windsor Wardrobe, the princess has to frequently mix up her ensembles and incorporate designer pieces into her array of affordable basics.
A professional mixmaster, Kate has become an expert in the art of high/low dressing and created a timeless royal lookbook combining commoner clothing with stylish splurges. Not one to shy too far from her country minded favorites like Barbour wax jackets and Penelope Chilvers riding boots as well as sporty separates like Superga sneakers and Breton striped shirts, Kate excels at marrying practical pieces with posh princess picks.
Here are 9 of Kate Middleton’s Best High/Low Cost Outfits of All Time:
1. French Girl Fashion
Not afraid of combining designer labels with budget minded basics, Kate looked flawless in this $42 berry colored Warehouse pointelle high neck jumper and $140 cool-girl Jigsaw culottes for a visit to the Natural History Museum in October 2019. Appearing effortlessly fashion-forward in her high street finds, Kate brought a hint of luxe to her daytime look with a statement handbag in the form of a Chanel Burgundy calfskin quilted bag with an enamel handle ($4200). The princess’ fringed Tod pumps were also not for the weak of wallet, the burgundy block pumps cost $665.
2. Preen Queen
Looking like she was ready to reign, Kate was a scarlet sensation in this pretty Preen dress for a Royal Foundation Dinner in November 2018. Appearing poised and graceful, the British beauty showed off her sartorial smarts in a red Preen by Thornton Bregazzi ‘Finella’ satin midi dress ($1262). While monarchy minders would’ve assumed she’d pair the fit-and-flare design with expensive royal baubles, she pivoted into penny-pinching and donned H&M large gold hammered earrings costing just $12.99. (Earrings Kate would love from H&M HERE)
3. Zest for Zara
Preparing for some high profile events in the royal calendar (a state banquet, Royal Variety performance and diplomatic reception) made Kate ensure her Rugby World Cup ensemble was more low-key and less lavish. So, the princess did what she does best and combined an inexpensive blazer ($74) courtesy of trendy fast fashion retailer Zara with a new Chanel mini flap bag (the quilted black bag was a splurge and cut the Crown coffers back $4,700.) Careful not to overstep into affluence during austere times, Kate accessorized the posh getup with Russell & Bromley blade court shoes (costing half a pair of Rossis at just $309) and her Lenique Louis spine hoops which are decidedly less decadent than a pair of Kiki earrings ($450).
4. Ravishing on the Red Carpet
Credit friend Mary Berry or even Princess Beatrice for introducing the princess to the glimmer and glam of the Zara Sparkly Beaded Crystal Collar Necklace. Priced a modest $21, this rhinestone necklace appeared on the cookbook author and William’s cousin before appearing around Kate’s swan-like nape. The budget bling was an ode to Kate’s thrifty nature and her penchant for pauper priced purchases. Princess Kate wore the costume jewels at the Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom movie premiere in early December 2013; she paired the bargain bauble necklace with a designer dress called the Lombard from Roland Mouret and a pricey purse from Mulberry.
5. Countryside Chic
Taking a page out of Princess Anne’s sartorial stylebook with an emphasis on recycling, reusing and repurposing, Kate wore a beloved blazer (already in her closet circa 2011) for appearing on royal duty at the Ring of Fire ultra marathon in Anglesea in August 2013. Mixing an equestrian-esque mossy green wool riding jacket from Ralph Lauren’s Blue Label collection with a budget top and jeans was just what the royal ordered. Though Kate’s preppy jacket was a pricey purchase at $598 and her Kiki ‘Grace’ earrings ($1190) were undoubtedly luxe, her Zara cap sleeve printed bow blouse and Topshop Maternity moto jeans were thought to have cost less than $200 combined. She finished the down-to-earth ensemble with $107 Pied a Terre slingback espadrille wedges.
6. Holding Court
In November 2022, Kate showed off a hint of sartorial diplomacy by donning a tweed blazer from the House of Chanel. Clad in one of America’s flag colors: blue (representing vigilance, perseverance, and justice), Kate looked radiant sitting courtside at a Boston Celtics basketball game. Mixing the expensive and elegant vintage blazer ($4900) with skinny black jeans and heels, Kate was down-to-earth but dynamic in her label mashup attire. The princess combined the CC-logo bouclé designer jacket with budget-friendly Shlya Biaritz Squiggle hoops ($93) and an affordable Laura Lombardi portrait necklace ($190).
7. Glamorous in Ghost
Not one to shun bargain buys, Kate was glowing in April 2021 when she posed for a 10th wedding anniversary portrait alongside husband Prince William. For the celebratory photo, Kate donned a blue Ghost ‘Avery’ wrap dress with a dainty floral print and tie belt. Elevating the $245 dress with her gifted gems, the princess wore a $16,750 daisy pendant white gold necklace made with micro marquise diamonds and pavé diamonds totaling 1.65 carats.
8. Hip in Houndstooth
Proving her star power is not based on how much she spends on clothing and shoes, Kate donned a check midi skirt costing just $69 for a February 2023 outing to South Wales. Opting to pair the black and white houndstooth skirt with a Chris Kerr custom coat in cream (estimated at $3700 or higher) and a less cost-conscious Mulberry, Kate ensured her ensemble was not all high-end and haughty.
9. All in the Accessories
One of her most underrated outfits, Kate seamlessly coupled high and low end fashion for her arrival at Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island in July 2011. Donning a champagne colored shift from Moroccan-born designer Joseph with an affordable pink Tweed Jacket by Uterqüe as well as some pricey pumps by Jimmy Choo, Kate was serious high/low style goals. For the Canadian visit, the princess accessorized with a pair of $225 Links of London effervescence bubble earrings and a Tiffany & Co. “Diamonds by the Yard” bracelet ($550).
