Get the Look: Kate Middleton’s Royal Style

Kate Middleton may not have been born a royal, but she certainly looks the part of the Duchess of Cambridge, favoring sophisticated silhouettes and tailored pieces for an elegant look that suits her new position. Dramatic hats, blazers and wrap dresses are among her favourites, with her perfectly coiffed hair an enviable accessory to her classic look.

Upon landing in Canada, Middleton wore British label Erdem – a tribute to Canadian fashion as the line is by Montreal-born designer Erdem Moralio?lu, a graduate of Toronto’s Ryerson University. Check out OLM’s exclusive photos of Kate’s other Canadian style choices in our photo gallery of the royal visit to Ottawa.

If you are looking to mimic Kate’s style, I have put together a royal style guide, with some of the Duchess’ best outfits as inspiration.

Blazers

A classic piece that consistently appears as part of Middleton’s ensembles is the blazer. The tailored topper adds sophistication and class to any look, from jeans and a tee to the knee-length dresses that are favored by the Duchess. In classic Kate style, choose accessories that coordinate nicely with your look, such as the cream coloured clutch and pumps that mimic the understated shade of the blazer shown below. Delicate gold jewelry work beautifully with this gorgeous coral dress. Wear this look to work (minus the clutch), weddings or on date night.

Boots

Whether dressed up or down, Kate often chooses boots to suit the weather of her home country. Kate gives off a chic, equestrian vibe in her look below, opting for earthy brown accessories that take the look a step above campus cool. However, since the boots-in-summer-look is questionable, save this outfit for the fall. It works perfectly for work, school, or, of course, attending a polo match!

Classic Separates

With her photograph taken almost daily, Kate Middleton’s outfits are forever captured on the internet, in magazines and in the tabloids. Thus, her aversion to too-trendy pieces is understandable, as her looks could be ground for mockery in a few years. Middleton tends to stick to classic pieces, like boot-cut denim, pretty blouses, tailored coats and blazers, and simple pumps and boots. In the look below, Kate looks casual cool, yet dressed up enough for a Friday at the office. Choose timeless accessories like this sleek Banana Republic bag and you have a look that will work for years to come!

Tailored Toppers

Like Canada, England can be a chilly place. Naturally, Kate has a collection of gorgeous coats to ward off the cold weather, with longer, tailored pieces making up the majority of her winter outfits. She chooses classic cuts and sturdy fabrics for an elegant winter look that can be dressed up with a clutch and heels, or dressed down with a scarf and flat boots. Below is a gorgeous winter look with chic, feminine accessories that will have you looking forward to the first snow fall in Ottawa!

Dramatic Evening Gowns

With balls, galas and other evening fêtes topping Middleton’s events list, the Duchess has an enviable wardrobe of stunning gowns suitable for any black-tie event. She often appears in sleek gowns with simple yet eye-catching design details, keeping accessories as understated accents. Below are two great evening looks inspired by Middleton’s style. A floor-length Donna Karan gown in a beautiful shade of deep red makes for a dramatic, sexy look when paired with sleek black pumps and a sparkling bag. Kate would also adore the blush coloured Valentino shift with a gorgeous ruffle that draws the eye down the body, adding length and accentuating a great figure. Sweet pumps and a feminine cluth in soft tones add quiet elegance to this stunning formal ensemble.

Wrap Dresses

Her now-iconic blue dress worn on the announcement of her engagement to Prince William sparked a revival in the wrap dress. An incredibly flattering silhouette, the wrap dress accentuates the bust while visually slimming the waist. Choose a gorgeous print or bold colour for a playful, chic look that easily transitions from day to night. For an evening out, pair your wrap dress with accessories that pull from your frock’s colour palette, such as the Audrey Brooke stilettos shown below in a gorgeous shade of blue that echoes the pattern of this Maje dress.

Of course, no royal look is complete without a dramatic hat that seems tailor-made to suit the outfit. Kate often chooses styles that include feathers, elegantly perched atop her head for a look few outside of the royal circle can pull off. For a more realistic take on Kate’s signature headwear, try a feathered headband that matches the colour and feel of the rest of your look.