Kate Middleton: the portrait of a future Queen and a fashion icon at 40  

Mums Tips

Fashion & Beauty

Published on Wednesday, 02 March 2022 10:08

Last Updated on 02 March 2022

Monica Costa

0 Comments

As the graceful Duchess of Cambridge turns 40, I’m taking a brief look back at her best fashion moments. Kate Middleton is undoubtedly one of the most stylish members of the Royal Family. When she joined the Firm, royal commentators would often discuss her effect on British fashion, thus coining the term the ‘Kate Middleton effect’ – the effect that the Duchess of Cambridge has on fashion.

I adore the wardrobe of the Duchess. As a master of sophistication, the Duchess is renowned for timeless elegance combined with an effortless, chic style.

It’s said that Kate Middleton is worth over £1 billion to the UK fashion industry. Not only that, but Google Trends data shows her impact on the fashion world: 

• There was an 809% week on week increase in “gold sequined dress” searches after the Duchess wore a gold Jenny Packham dress in September 2021. 
• A 750% week on week increase in “polka dot dresses” after she was seen wearing polka dots after the birth of Prince George in 2013. 
• A 492% week on week increase in “Black military coats” after her outfit on Remembrance Sunday in 2019. 

She is known for some truly fashionable standout statements, this impeccably dressed Royal has been captured time-and-time again in her adored sky-blue Seraphine coat both pregnant and not. I love this coat so much that I wanted one for myself. Its ‘Emily in Paris’ look and feel combined with softness and comfort makes it a great staple and classic item to have and to wear at premieres, afternoon tea events, cocktail parties. Seraphine is a brand that Kate Middleton has used both during maternity and beyond. Online interest for “Blue Coat” increased three times the average volume just hours after the Duchess was seen wearing one to a public engagement. 

The Duchess has the enduring ability to inspire style choices up and down the nation with a single appearance.  

Wearing a chic coat like Seraphine’s styled with a blueish-green floral dress and navy heels, Kate shows off her impeccable fashion choices whilst still being cost effective. She also styled some high-street earrings from Accessorize costing just £7, giving fans the perfect opportunity to emulate her look.

Let’s take a look at other memorable Kate Middleton outfits: 

Gold sequined gown by Jenny Packham to the James Bond: No Time to Die premiere

The Duchess hit headlines last year wearing this stunning gold sequined gown by Jenny Packham to the James Bond: No Time to Die premiere at the Royal Albert Hall in London, paired with Onitaa earrings. The dress was retailed at £4,000 and many fashion critics regard it as one of her best looks to date.

 

Pale Pink Beulah Dress at Wimbledon 

The Duchess of Cambridge wore this beautiful pale pink Beulah dress to watch the men’s singles final at Wimbledon last year, matched with Aldo Nicholes heels and Josef Point de Beauvais embroidered clutch bag.

 

Angelic white summer dress by Suzannah 

Another recycled look, Kate Middleton wore this white Suzannah dress to Wimbledon in 2019 but also wore it to a royal visit at a baby care centre in Sheffield in 2020. Retailing at £1,850, the look remains one of her best outfits. 

 

Striped casual chic day attire 

Wearing this JoosTricot jumper, Kate Middleton proves that you can still look fashionable in casual wear. The Duchess wore this look to a BBC Breakfast interview in 2020, featuring a striped crew neck collar top, long sleeves and alternating navy and white horizontal stripes with matching trousers.

Jenny Packham’s Aspen Teal Silk Gown

Topping the list with over 3,300 pins is this stunning teal silk gown by British Fashion designer Jenny Packham. Not only has the Duchess of Cambridge wore this to a concert at the Royal Albert Hall in 2012, but she also wore it to the Tusk Conservation Awards in 2018. 

Kate Middleton can often be seen recycling her previous outfits, promoting sustainable fashion. 

 

Sparkling in another Jenny Packham gown 

It’s hard to believe that this iconic look from the Duchess of Cambridge is over 10 years old! Kate wore this back in 2011, yet another design by one of her favourites Jenny Packham. Wearing the gown to an ARK Gala dinner, this look clearly positioned the Duchess as a fashionista on the British style scene. 

 

Catherine Walker’s stylish scarlett eponine coat 

Back in December, the duchess opted for this stunning scarlett Catherine Walker eponine coat during a Christmas carol service at Westminster palace, proving that you can still be stylish in winter wear.

 

Elegant Dolce & Gabbana green dress 

Another Wimbledon look, the Duchess wore this beautiful green Dolce and Gabbana dress back in 2019 to the ladies singles finals of Wimbledon. This dress is one of my personal favourites. 

 

Perfect paisley Ridley London summer dress 

The Duchess opted for this paisley Ridley London dress for a photography workshop back in 2019.

While Kate usually opts for bolder block-colour dresses, this printed piece proved to be a hit. 

 

Sunshine yellow summer dress 

And finally, wearing yet another Jenny Peckham design, this summery yellow dress was worn by the Duchess in 2011 during a tour of Canada. She paired the look with an L.K. Bennet clutch and beige heels. 

 

Casual Kate on CBeebies Bedtime Story

I have to admit that I loved Kate in her recent TV appaerance reading a bedtime story on CBeebies. She wore a casual outfit including jeans and a jumper.