Wholeheartedly embracing the Barbiecore trend, Princess Kate wore six pink themed ensembles in 2023. From a slinky pink sequin dress by Jenny Packham for a wedding in Jordan to a playful bubblegum ME+EM shirtdress at the Chelsea Flower Show to a powder pink trouser suit from Alexander McQueen for a visit to the Foundling Museum in May of last year, the princess was clearly inspired by Barbie movie mania and the trend of girly doll dressing.
Over the years, what other fashion core themes has the Princess of Wales embraced?
Here are 8 Fashion Core Trends Seen on Kate Middleton:
1. Tenniscore
A long time fan of on-theme styling, Kate has recently dialed up the motif messaging. From soft mint shades and lime green for tennis tournaments to bow accented emerald dresses (paying homage to neon tennis balls), she’s always Queen of the Court.
2. Regencycore
Making the case for a return to Jane Austen attire, Kate looked like an extra from the set of a Netflix romance for a state banquet at Buckingham Palace in November 2022. The princess wore a floorlength ‘Anemone’ Packham gown decorated with silver embroidered draped sleeves and the Strathmore Rose tiara — the look was pure Daphne Bridgerton.
3. Cottagecore
Outfitted in a breezy bucolic silk chiffon midi from Ridley London, the princess attended a Royal Photographic Society workshop benefiting children in June 2019 in London. Kate’s ‘Virginia’ maxi took the nap dress to new territory. The classic day dress was designed with a peach flourish abstract pattern and featured a flattering v-neck, fitted bodice, short floaty sleeves and a skirt with a flounced hem. The pastoral print gave off a cozy countryside vibe.
4. Bridalcore
All the princess needed was to swap her mesh disc Jane Taylor hat for a veil and she would’ve gone into full bride mode at Royal Ascot circa 2016. The British beauty wore a romantic Dolce & Gabbana dress made from a cotton lace blend for the equine event. The elegant design was perfect for the walking up the aisle or circling the ring of the race course.
5. Princesscore
Proving she’s no longer going to resist her Disney impulses, Kate embraced her royal role and stepped out in an icy hued Bluebell gown by Jenny Packham for a regal reception in December 2018. Adding more whimsy and fantasy to her dreamy dress collection, this sparkly number was major #princessgoals.
6. Angelcore
Is it anglecore or swancore? Princess Kate appeared ethereal in her dramatic ivory McQueen dress with a milky shoulder drape that looked like angel wings for the BAFTA Awards in February 2023. The snowy evening gown was a testament to her saintly style.
7. Cabincore
Just like naturecore or adventurecore, this country-focused theme is a perennial favorite in Princess Kate’s ode to theme dressing. She loves a woodsy rural fashion statement heavy on the chunky knits like this Mark Kenly Domino chalk colored sweater and rugged Seeland Woodcock Advanced Jacket. Plus, every princess needs to occasionally trade their blister-inducing crystal slippers for comfy chunky boots.
8. Gothcore
Kate’s renaissance era meets gothic goddess look for the wedding of Prince Al Hussein of Jordan at Zahran Palace in Amman was something new for the Queen-to-be. Often found in modest retro designs, the dusty pink gown with baroque detailing like batwing bell sleeves and sheer Swiss dot panels, gave the princess a new whimsical aesthetic; Kate’s medieval Elie Saab felt enchanting and eerie.
{Images: Getty, Hashemtie Court/PA}