How Kate Middleton is forging her own path and rewriting the royal fashion rulebook with ‘strategic’ approach

The Princess of Wales has long been celebrated for her style, striking a perfect balance between high-end designer pieces and affordable high street fashion.

Kate’s ability to mix luxury brands with accessible labels has cemented her status as a global fashion icon, while also making her wardrobe relatable and attainable for many.

Whether she’s stepping out in an Alexander McQueen gown for a royal engagement or pairing a Zara blazer with tailored trousers for a casual outing, Kate seamlessly blends the best of both worlds.

This approach not only showcases her impeccable taste but also sends a message about mindful spending. 

Despite being part of a family worth billions, both Kate and Prince William have embraced a more grounded approach to royal dressing, prioritising sustainability, outfit repeats and high street finds over excess. 

And this is no coincidence, according to historian and author Jane Marguerite Tippett.

She believes this ‘strategic’ approach is ‘influenced by the larger PR game of the Wales team’ to present Kate and William as down-to-earth figures and ‘draw away attention from the reality of their extreme wealth and privilege’.

She told MailOnline: ‘Kate’s popularity (and by extension the Wales brand) very much rests on her relatability – and that is a direct product, in many ways like Michelle Obama, of her penchant for accessible fashion. 

‘Wearing a Zara dress (for the first or second time) sends a potent visual message that diverts attention from the actuality of her wealth, which could give her access to any of the most elaborate of couture creations – and moreover makes the public feel that despite her ‘royal’ status she and they share a common denominator – a high street store.’

Ms Tippett also believes that Kate intentionally wears bespoke pieces to keep the cost undisclosed to the public. 

‘We “know” they are expensive but without a link to Net-A-Porter or some other commercial site – there is an ambiguity that masks the actual cost of these extremely pricey garments,’ she explained.

Another possible reason could be to shift the focus on to her work, especially since Kensington Palace recently announced it will no longer share details about Kate’s wardrobe choices for royal engagements. 

By incorporating brands like Reiss, LK Bennett and Boden alongside designer staples from Jenny Packham and Chanel, Kate demonstrates that style isn’t all about price tags – rather how pieces are worn together.

Her carefully curated wardrobe highlights sustainability, as she frequently re-wears outfits, setting an example of eco-friendly choices.

Kate’s signature formula of high and low fashion makes her one of the most influential figures of her time, as explored below.

Tied with a bow 

For her visit to the Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice in South Wales, Kate opted for a timeless high street piece – a Zara dress she debuted in 2020. 

The £89.99 houndstooth frock featured a demure pussy-bow neckline and a flowing mid-length skirt, later reduced to just £15.99.

To stay warm, she layered it under a bespoke coat by Savile Row menswear tailor Chris Kerr, and completed the look with £245 Russell & Bromley heels and Spells of Love Alaia earrings, costing £95.

Festive glamour 

For the 2022 Together at Christmas carol concert, Kate dazzled in a berry-toned ensemble, featuring a bespoke Eponine coat and £650 Gianvito Rossi pumps. 

She elevated the look with a pair of Accessorize earrings, costing a purse-friendly £14, before going on sale for £7.

The eclectic stones and elongated design added a touch of sophistication, complementing her festive outfit.

Stealing the show

At the 2023 Bafta Awards, Kate gave her bespoke Alexander McQueen gown a modern twist with £160 Cornelia James black velvet opera gloves.

However, it was her choice of jewellery that truly stole the show – a pair of rose gold floral earrings from Zara, costing just £17.99. 

A perfect example of how a high street find can elevate even the most luxurious look. 

A touch of luxury 

Kate isn’t afraid to mix designer labels with budget-friendly basics, as demonstrated during a visit to the Natural History Museum in October 2019. 

She selected a £39 Warehouse pointelle sweater, teamed with flattering £130 Jigsaw culottes and £535 Tod’s pumps. 

Adding a touch of opulence to her daytime ensemble, she wore £8,500 Asprey diamond hoop earrings and carried a Chanel Art Nouvelle small flap bag in burgundy, featuring an enamel handle and a price tag of £3,762. 

As they say, investing in accessories is always a smart move – especially when it comes to Chanel, a brand known for its timeless value. 

Lady in red

Kate radiated elegance at Royal Ascot 2023 in a scarlet ensemble, featuring a custom Alexander McQueen dress and a coordinating £500 Philip Treacy hat. 

She elevated the look with £580 Jennifer Chamandi heels and a £1,500 vintage Hermès clutch.

However, it was her striking Sezane earrings that caught the attention of royal watchers. 

Said to be a gift from Prince William, the £102 gold-plated recycled brass design incorporated eye-catching coin detailing and labradorite tassels. 

Check mate 

Kate proved her talent for blending high-end and accessible fashion during an engagement in Scotland in November 2023.

She layered a £900 Burberry quilted jacket over a classic roll-neck jumper, teaming it with £305 kick-flare jeans by Mother. 

The wool-blend flannel outerwear, detailed with Burberry’s iconic check, was a standout piece.

To complete the outfit, she chose £380 ba&sh ankle boots and styled her hair in voluminous waves. 

On closer inspection, fans spotted her delicate Spells of Love garnet charm hoop earrings – an affordable addition at £89. 

Royal blue 

During a visit to Scotland in May 2021, Kate effortlessly blended high street and high-end fashion. 

She paired one of her go-to Zara blazers, priced at £59.99, with a chic £95 pleated skirt from Hope. 

Adding a lavish edge, Kate accessorised with a £1,080 Métier clutch and £1,395 Hamilton & Inches earrings.

The tailored blazer, featuring embossed gold buttons, gave the ensemble a sophisticated finish. 

Monochrome magic

Kate proved that great style isn’t about price tags when she stepped out in South Wales in February 2023, wearing a houndstooth midi skirt that cost just £19.99. 

She balanced the budget-friendly Zara piece with a bespoke Alexander McQueen coat, a £695 Mulberry bag and custom Gianvito Rossi suede knee boots. 

To tie it all together, she accessorised with £90 Heavenly London drop earrings, ensuring her look had just the right mix of designer and accessible charm. 

Power suit 

Kate exuded sophistication in a £2,880 Burberry suit while visiting the AW Hainsworth textile mill near Leeds in September 2023. 

The choice was particularly fitting as Burberry is a British heritage brand, aligning with the occasion.

Kate styled the tailored ensemble with a £149 Holland Cooper bodysuit, £445 Emmy London block heels, and a £155 chunky chain necklace from Laura Lombardi, achieving a polished aesthetic.

To finish off the outfit, she opted for Shyla London Rosalia earrings – a budget-friendly choice at £68.

Hero jacket

For an engagement in Denmark in 2022, Kate paired an affordable £59.99 red tweed Zara blazer with £450 Roland Mouret wide-leg trousers. 

The structured double-breasted blazer balanced with the fluidity of the trousers, creating a modern silhouette. 

She completed the ensemble with a £75 ME+EM blouse, a £120 Monica Vinader necklace, and £300 earrings from Danish jewellery brand Maria Black – a subtle nod to her host country. 

Kate carried her £595 Aspinal of London bag and wore £535 Gianvito Rossi pumps. 

Understated style 

While visiting the Windsor Family Hub in June 2023, Kate once again illustrated her knack for blending high street with high-end. 

She opted for one of her go-to brands, Zara, choosing a £59.99 gingham blazer, layered over a classic £65 Ralph Lauren top and £125 LK Bennett trousers. 

Elevating the look, she slipped into £405 Emmy London flats and accessorised with Mappin & Webb’s Empress earrings (£2,250) and matching necklace (£2,250) – a touch of understated luxury that subtly elevated her everyday style.

Tonal elegance 

In November 2022, Kate visited Colham Manor Children’s Centre in Hillingdon as Patron of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance.

She wore a £369 Hobbs wool-cashmere blend coat over a £35.99 ribbed midi dress from Mango, elegantly cinched at the waist with a Polo Ralph Lauren crocodile-stamped leather belt, worth £149. 

Kate carried a £495 Jimmy Choo croc-embossed bag and stepped out in £650 Gianvito Rossi pumps in a matching olive hue.

Her ensemble was perfectly complemented by Kiki McDonough citrine pear drop earrings, worth £695.

Spot on

In January, Kate proved her fashion prowess by subtly updating a familiar dress while visiting families affected by the Southport stabbing.

She re-wore her £159 burgundy polka dot Whistles dress from 2018, adding a stylish twist by repurposing its detachable belt into an elegant bow at the neckline. 

Kate completed the look with a £4,560 coat by Alexander McQueen, a £395 Emmy London clutch, £165 Russell & Bromley suede heels, and £165 Catherine Zoraida fern earrings.