Regaled for her glamorous gowns, designer dresses and chiffon couture, the Princess of Wales knows how to make an entrance. Often clad in sequin styles, voluminous tulle and layers of lace, the mom of three is the pinnacle of power dressing.
Still, constantly aware of the high cost of living of her future “subjects”, the Queen-in-waiting often selects frugal fashions, pauper priced jewelry and discount dresses for her more casual royal engagements and outings. She’s a budget minded royal in touch with the masses and often keeps her highest cost looks for her highest profile events.
Here are 8 of Kate Middleton’s Most Inexpensive Outfits of All Time:
1. Babes in Boden
The princess wore British brand Boden for a baby bank visit to Norfolk during lockdown in the spring of 2020. The mom of three opted for the affordable Viola Green Maxi Shirtdress ($142), a Lele Sadoughi Black Velvet Padded Headband ($75) and her favorite sneakers — the Superga Cotu canvas trainers ($65).
2. Mom to Be Mini
For some retail therapy one month before the birth of Prince George, Kate looked for housewares and furnishings in Chelsea in June 2013 in a mom-friendly mini. The princess wore an ASOS maternity navy belted dress costing a mere $30 along with affordable Pied A Terre Imperia wedges and a magenta cardigan from Hobbs.
3. Check Her Out
For a visit to Australia in April 2014, the princess wore a $150 dress from womenswear label Hobbs. The printed grey dress was an immediate sell out. Kate’s checked dress perfectly coordinated with her Imperia natural canvas wedges and Hobbs Neston braided white belt with a price tag of just $70.
4. Yellow There
Clad in this $229 yellow number, Kate was glowing in September 2012 in this pleated cap sleeve dress by Jaeger for a visit to the Solomon Islands. She paired the budget minded cotton dress with patent platform pumps by L.K. Bennett.
5. Keeping the Faith
Kate’s summery Marie Louise lilac dress from Faithfull the Brand was the perfect choice for a gardening visit at the Nook in June 2020. The floral midi was cost-conscious and chic. Princess Kate paired the colorful dress featuring hand painted blooms with her Russell and Bromley Coco-Nut espadrilles and $6 Accessorize Twisted Circle Drop earrings.
6. Purple Perfection
In a $164 dress from Ghost London, Kate and family were happy to clap for carers in April 2020 on their doorstop in Norfolk. The princess kept her cozy at-home casual style on point in a floral printed ‘Anouk’ satin midi dress and Accessorize Polly Petal pink earrings costing just $10.
7. A True Story
For a visit to her Back to Nature garden exhibit in May 2019, Princess Kate was pretty and cheery in her budget friendly floral dress from Swedish brand & Other Stories. She paired the ruffled maxi with her Castaner Carina espadrilles in brown suede and her pauper priced Accessorized Polly Petal earrings under $10.
8. Green Queen
Appearing content working from home in August 2020, Kate showed off her style savvy with one of her greatest budget buys of all time — a V-neck midi in sage green from Spanish brand Zara. The $40 dress was perfect for looking polished but not too posh. The princess paired the casual midi with her beloved Accessorize gold drop earrings.
