Maternity Dresses: Kate Middleton’s Best Looks

The Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to Prince Louis on April 23, 2018. In the previous months, she kept up a busy schedule of public appearances while wowing the world with her maternity fashion picks. Kate's style is distinctly poised yet cheerful. Vibrant winter coats and knee-grazing frocks cut an elegant silhouette while showing off her figure. Moms-to-be around the world flocked to Kate's favorite maternity brands, and adopted her royal preference for long sleeves, short hemlines, and alluring jewel-tone hues.

Baby blues

Kate made the world fall in love with Seraphine Maternity back in 2013, when she was pregnant with her eldest son George. She has remained fond of the stylish, mommy-friendly look; she was photographed in several Seraphine pieces this year. On January 23, she spoke at Roe Green Junior School in an empire-waisted royal blue Seraphine frock. The subtle peplum and bell sleeves are flattering, and it's surprisingly inexpensive online. The dress, along with the Duchess's navy pumps and sapphire earrings, led many to wonder if she was dropping sartorial hints about her baby's gender.

Showing teeth

During an appearance in Sweden on January 31, the Duchess proved that bold patterns and baby bumps do go together. She toured Solna's famed Karolinska Instituet in a knee-length custom coat by Catherine Walker. The jacket's exuberant red-and-white houndstooth pattern turned heads, and reminded people of a similar number worn by Kate's mother-in-law. In 1990, Princess Diana donned a red houndstooth Moschino jacket for a royal christening. The smart, striking print can be traced back to the shepherds of the Scottish Lowlands. Today, it's a couture staple. Candy cane colors reflect the mother-to-be's joy–just the thing for a dreary winter day.

Heavenly body

With fewer than 3 months left in her pregnancy, Ms. Middleton embraced her inner maternal goddess in Alexander McQueen. On February 1, she attended a royal dinner for King Harald V of Norway, where she glowed in a floor-length bespoke McQueen gown in the palest of pinks. Crowning the dress: a gossamer cream-colored cape with tasteful jewels at the collarbone and shoulders. The Duchess has long favored the inimitable British fashion house; she wore an Alexander McQueen dress at her wedding. Her maternal gown looked positively angelic without restricting her belly.

Cap'n Kate

The Duchess of Cambridge fueled the "it's a boy" rumors when she stepped out in another all-blue ensemble on February 27. Kate travelled to St. Thomas' Hospital in London as part of her campaign to empower nurses worldwide. She wore a Prussian blue Jenny Packham dress coat over a matching dress of the same length. The overcoat, with its crisp white trim and prominent buttons, has a distinct sea captain vibe. She paired it with blue Jimmy Choo pumps and an understated blue clutch. Kate's trademark monochromatic maternity outfit always looks sophisticated.

Flower child

At London's National Portrait Gallery on February 28, Kate opted for a long-sleeved black dress with a fun, vintage-inspired floral pattern. It was the creation of Irish designer Orla Kiely, who discontinued her fashion brand in September 2018. Her influence can be felt in this season’s colorful, floral maternity dresses and '70s-esque prints. The Duchess's midi dress was ruffled and flowy, but its black velvet trim and high neckline gave it structure. Nude pumps and no coat let the whimsical dress take center stage as Ms. Middleton got a preview of the exhibit she helped curate. It wasn't the first time Kate got artsy in Orla Kiely; in 2012, she visited Oxford's Art Room in a bird-print frock by the designer.

Fresh greens

Prince William announced that royal baby #3 was due "any minute now," but that didn't stop the Duchess of Cambridge from attending a symposium at the Royal School of Medicine on March 21. Kate spoke on mental health support in early childhood. She welcomed spring in a delightful mint green coat dress by Jenny Packham. The UK-based designer is a royal mainstay; Kate has been photographed in Jenny Packham dresses since 2011. The coat accommodated her baby bump and matched the dress underneath. A Peter Pan collar and bow at the neck added charming details to the minimalist ensemble.