8 Ways Kate Middleton Perfects her Preppy Outfits

Princess Kate might be associated most strongly with sequin gowns, sparkling tiaras and shiny baubles but in actuality, she’s most frequently found in striped sweaters and sleek blazers.

For many years, Kate has been dedicated to ‘collegiate chic’ styles — often consisting of cableknit sweaters, pleated skirts and gingham button-downs. She’s never said no to a  banded boatneck or passed on a pinstripe.

Kate has mastered the art of Ivy League attire for the princess set — but how does she pull it off?

Here are 8 Ways Kate Middleton Perfects her Preppy Outfits:

1. She Sticks to a Theme

If you’re going for athletic prep, stick with it. College chic, don’t deviate. Miss Maritime, keep it up. The princess always commits to a ‘preppy theme’ — case in point: Sailor Styles; she’s known to wear lots of nautical motif ensembles and follows through on her commitment to the aesthetic (i.e water shaded navy blue handbags, ‘life ring’ earrings, heritage lace detailed boat shoes). 

 

2. She Goes Casual 

Preppy dressing doesn’t have to be frumpy or fancy — a simple striped Breton boatneck and a pair of skinny jeans makes a complete outfit. Kate loves embracing Hamptons Daywear — like this Americana navy and red striped pullover from Italian label Luisa Spagnoli paired with dark wash denim and plimsoll sneakers from Sugera.

 

3. She Embraces Her Sporty Side

A patron of rugby and tennis organizations, Kate must keep a bit of prep in her step. She remains loyal to her patronages by donning their ‘uniforms’ — from rugby competitor in tracksuits and sneakers to tennis champ in pleated mini skirts that scream boarding school rebel. 

 

4. She Craves Cableknits

Preppy fashion can be as simple as a cricket sweater with striped accents and a pair of slacks. Often donning her cableknit jumpers for relaxed royal engagements, the princess has mastered this fuss-free fashion statement with plenty of prep.

 

5. She Makes Sitcom Dad Vests a Staple

Once reserved for recliner-inclined grandpas or suburban sitcom dads, the sweater vest has emerged from its geeky reputation and has been wholly embraced by the cool celebrity crowd. From Kendall Jenner in a retro Mango mutlicolored gilet, to Dua Lipa in strawberry printed tank vest to Gigi Hadid in an argyle crop, the sweater vest is not to be forsaken. Kate has recently revisited her preppy past in a funnel neck jumper made for back to school. 

 

6. She Knows a Sailor Shoe is Required 

Before she lived in her Mint Velvet Bibi trainers and Superga sneakers — the princess was rarely caught doing down-to-earth dressing without her Sebago Bala Taupe Boat shoes. The moccasin constructed leather “old money” shoes have a country club flair that gives them plenty of preppy personality. 

 

7. She Learned to Love a Loafer

Kate loves a preppy shoe look from Russell & Bromley — she covets their tassel accented navy loafers and snaffle trim menswear-inspired styles. She’s left her red Crocs and sheepskin Uggs behind in favor of these classic smart shoes.

 

8. She Embraced the Charm of the Blazer 

The princess loves a layered look with plenty of preppy panache. From gingham shirts to checked styles and plaid prints, she can’t resist this ultimate in student dress code–a single-breasted blazer over an oxford shirt. Carrying on the classic and conservative nature of this alumni aesthetic, she always looks ready to hit the books.