She may be our future Queen, but Kate is also celebrated as one of the world ’s most influential style icons. For well over a decade, she has set the bar thanks to her polished, elegant looks and sharp sartorial sense. Whether she’s wearing a tailored coat dress, a glittering couture gown or simply dressed down in jeans and a Barbour jacket, she has a rare ability to look effortlessly put together in every setting.
“Kate is a style icon, although I don’t think she’s ever seen herself that way,” Katie Nicholl says. “We’ve all heard of the ‘Kate effect,’ and of course everything she wears and showcases is much imitated. Over the years she’s learned to love fashion and realise it’s not something frivolous. As a royal, it’s hugely important, and she’s really stepped up to the fashion plate.”
Kate has sported some incredible looks, including this 2025 Trump Banquet gown -Credit:Instagram
She rocked a power suit to deliver her first major speech in two years in November -Credit:PA
A champion of both British designers and the high street, the princess has become noticeably more assured in her fashion choices as her royal role has grown. She is now known for blending classic royal dressing with a contemporary edge, often re-wearing favourite pieces and styling them in fresh ways. The result is a polished yet relatable look that continues to draw admiration and attention from designers and royal watchers alike.
In recent years, as her public responsibilities have increased, her wardrobe has also taken on a more deliberate, streamlined feel. Tailored trouser suits, clean silhouettes and her signature rotation of elegant coats now form the backbone of her daytime style. She’s increasingly embraced bold, block-colour dressing too, a tactic the late Queen used to ensure she stood out at public engagements.
“I think Kate looks more comfortable in her own skin now,” Katie Nicholl tells OK!. “She’s playing with colours, styles and trouser suits and, as she’s got older, she’s become more confident. She’s also very mindful of the Kate effect, so I think she’ll continue choosing clothes largely by British designers. We’ve seen her really show an interest in the British fashion industry, particularly textiles.”
She often champions British fashion designers, textiles and craftsmanship -Credit:Getty Images
A Catherine Walker coat is one of the Princess’s go-to fashion staples -Credit:Getty Images
Kate certainly doesn’t shy away from colour, as we saw from her poppy red coat dress, which she wore to the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in March. The princess looked radiant in the Catherine Walker creation, which featured an oversized bow at the collar and statement buttons running down the front. True to her thrifty form, she had worn the outfit before, having debuted it at her carol service at Westminster Abbey in 2021.
Likewise, she won plaudits for the turquoise ensemble she wore to Trooping the Colour in June 2025. Also designed by Catherine Walker, the vibrant dress featured a sharp silhouette and contrasting white lapels. Teamed with Kate’s immaculate up-do and aquamarine Juliette Botterill hat, the sleek look cleverly ensured the princess stood out among a sea of military uniforms. It was also widely seen as a tribute to Princess Diana, who once wore a similar outfit also by Catherine Walker at Trooping the Colour.
And Kate certainly isn’t afraid to dial up the glitz and glamour when it’s called for. Who can forget the moment she stepped onto the red carpet at the No Time To Die Bond premiere, in a show-stopping sequinned gold gown. While the event was awash with Hollywood stars, it was Kate who shone the brightest, in her caped dress by Jenny Packham.
Likewise, when the royals hosted a state banquet to honour President Trump’s visit in September 2025, the princess looked regal in gold couture. She pulled out all the stops and dazzled guests at Windsor Castle when she appeared in a floor-length, hand-embroidered lace gown, by British designer Phillipa Lepley. In true regal style, she paired it with the sparkling Lover’s Knot tiara, which is often her go-to headpiece and which was also a favourite of Princess Diana.
Her No Time To Die film premiere gown was particularly show-stopping -Credit:Getty Images
The Lover’s Knot tiara was also loved by Princess Diana, Kate’s late mother-in-law -Credit:PA
Kate’s current style is certainly a far cry from her early days in the spotlight, when she leaned into printed tea dresses and softer silhouettes. And her steady shift towards a more mature, regal style has often been credited to former stylist and friend Natasha Archer, who is said to have been instrumental in helping the princess.
“Natasha was fundamental in helping Kate find her fashion feet, first as the Duchess of Cambridge, then as the Princess of Wales,” explains Katie. “She’s been responsible for some of Kate’s most iconic looks, and it’ll be interesting to see who Kate chooses to help her moving forward. I think Kate has the confidence to do a bit more of it on her own now, but I’m sure she’ll end up working with Natasha in some capacity. The princess is very loyal, and Natasha has really proved herself.”
Kate’s loyalty famously extends to designers too and as her fashion has evolved, she has developed a little black book of go-to labels. A perennial favourite is British fashion house Alexander McQueen, which famously created her ivory silk gown for King Charles ’ Coronation. Kate has turned to Alexander McQueen multiple times over the years, modelling everything from a chic pink trouser suit to a red 40s-style wrap dress and several smart, structured coats.
Kate walked effortlessly up the green carpet in her sparkly heels for The Earthshot Prize 2022 event -Credit:WireImage
Katie Nicholl says Kate favours a block colour, much like the late Queen -Credit:PA
Other firm favourites include Emilia Wickstead, Erdem, Jenny Packham and Catherine Walker, but Kate is also often spotted in high-street pieces. When it comes to wardrobe staples she happily turns to the likes of Reiss, Zara, LK Bennett, Jigsaw and Holland Cooper, and she’s not afraid to wear clothes on repeat. In fact, the princess is known for her thrifty, eco-conscious approach, regularly recycling outfits for royal events and even renting a green Solace dress for the 2022 Earthshot Prize.
She has famously showcased the white coat she debuted at Charlotte’s christening multiple times, and a black and white houndstooth dress is another trusty favourite. Kate debuted the Zara frock during a 2020 visit to a community project in Bradford and she’s since worn it on at least four occasions. Most recently, she modelled it on a visit to Tŷ Hafan, a children’s hospice near Cardiff.
No doubt this sustainable ethos will continue as Kate uses her influence to champion the causes she feels passionately about. And as she celebrates her 44th birthday and looks to the year ahead, all eyes will be on how her wardrobe continues to reflect her growing role.
“The princess has become bolder and more playful, and I think we’re likely to see this continue now she’s approaching her mid 40s,” says Katie Nicholl. “It’s a time when women often hit their stride – you know what suits you, you know what works and you have more confidence to try things out.”
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