Though the Princess of Wales and Duchess of Sussex are lauded for their exceptional taste in clothing — often wearing glamorous dresses with an air of regality and casual coats with a dose of imperial chic — it’s comforting to know that even these royal megastars appreciate a bargain buy.
From Meghan’s penchant for economically priced J.Crew cardigans to Kate’s love of low-cost Lululemon sneakers, these royal ladies have long embraced affordable styles straight from the high street.
Here’s What Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle Would Buy at their Favorite Budget Retailers:
Lululemon, Low to Mid Priced Athleisure
Meghan Would Buy
The duchess covets the Lululemon Align Pants and has been spotted in the brand’s white and black high-rise 28″ leggings. She’s worn the black stretchy workout leggings leaving New York in 2019 after her star-studded baby shower and appeared in the white yogi-friendly workout pants on a hike in California. She’s also been filmed in the brand’s ‘Forward Flow Cape‘ on Netflix; the poncho-sweater hybrid in the shade white opal has a soft drape and works well as a transitional layering piece.
Kate Would Buy
Embracing the workout wear options at Lululemon, Kate is not unlike her sister-in-law and has been spotted in the brand’s affordable athletic apparel. Devoted to their pauper priced Chargefeel workout sneakers in white as well as their sporty black Define zippered jacket, the princess has long been a fan of this activewear and loungewear company (she was even spotted shopping the brick and mortar store in London and was snapped carrying the label’s iconic red and black bag).
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Massimo Dutti, Low to Mid Priced Knitwear (Wools and Cashmere)
Meghan Would Buy
The duchess gravitates towards the brand’s soft handmade wool coats with an A-line fit, lapel collars and matching belt. Owning wrap coats in both navy and toffee, the mom of two can’t pass up a classic coat from the premium Spanish clothing retailer. In addition, she loves the brand’s soft silky turtleneck sweaters in chestnut brown and their ultra-luxe satin midi skirts.
Kate Would Buy
The Princess of Wales also loves a glossy liquid skirt from the parent company of Zara. She’s been photographed in a dotted black and white wrap skirt while taking her children to school. In addition, she often wears the brand’s crewneck sweaters and is proud owner of the brand’s 100% cashmere pullovers in rosy pink and aquamarine. In all likelihood, she’d be inclined to buy more of Dutti’s wool and checked coats, skinny fit trousers and button-front culottes.
J.Crew, Low to Mid Priced Wardrobe Basics
Meghan Would Buy
A hardcore devotee of this low-cost Americana label, Meghan is often found in the preppy pieces from J.Crew. If she were on a shopping trip to the retailer, she would surely snap up more utility cargo jackets, sweater blazers, linen or chambray button down shirts and contrast trim cardigans. In addition, she might score a pair of the brand’s booties, lace-up sandals or clogs.
Kate Would Buy
The princess is partial to J.Crew’s chunky knit mockneck sweaters, Breton striped tops and tweed tasseled heels. She’s been found in the American brand’s ashen brown suede pumps, navy cropped sailor pants and pearl and crystal stud earrings.
Gap, Low Priced Casual and Workwear
What Meghan Would Buy
Previously, the Duchess of Sussex was seen in Gap’s black overalls for a photo shoot with Good Housekeeping in August 2016. The utilitarian 90s overalls feature racerback straps with metal clasp closure. Though she’s not been spotted in any t-shirts from the apparel company she would likely fall in love with the soft crewneck tees from the California founded label.
What Kate Would Buy
The princess is in favor of fashions from this sustainably minded speciality retailer. She loves the chunky cable knit sweaters, stretchy printed pants and gingham shirts hailing from the casual Americana label. To add to her Windsor wardrobe, Kate may purchase a boyfriend blouse, polo sweater or relaxed plaid blazer. She also may be interested in the brand’s varsity sweater dresses, ribbed midis, tie-knot dresses and merino jumpers. If that’s not enough, she could shop Gap for children’s clothes and has previously picked up Prince George multiple outfits from a London store in 2014.
Zara, Low Priced Contemporary Apparel
What Meghan Would Buy:
Meghan loves the easy vacation-friendly styles from this fast fashion Spanish retail company that recreates runway trends for discount shoppers. Previously, she’s worn a Zara belted short jumpsuit romper for the Invictus Games in Germany in 2023 and also appeared on social media wearing two beach-friendly ruffled dresses in light blue stripe. She’s also previously been photographed in a peter pan collared blouse by the brand while featured in a Tig blog post in New York City in 2014.
What Kate Would Buy:
Similar to her sister-in-law, Kate is fond of Zara’s warm weather dresses and covets the sky blue summer styles from the brand. She also wears the brand’s tweed boucle blazers on repeat, ponchos, wool coats and cardigans as well as leather bomber jackets, trench toppers, pleated skirts and puff sleeve knit dresses and jumpers.