The Duchess of Cambridge has become a synonym for “Poised Perfection”. Since her engagement announcement in November 2010, we haven’t seen her taking a wrong sartorial step. From feminine day frocks to perfectly tailored evening gowns, stunning fascinators to sparkling jewels, she knows how to pick a piece and turn it into a “Classic Kate”.
Her style is not just a superficial matter it tells a story of values. It inspires the fashion industry, gives a boost to local designers and brands. It’s the talks of her style that has brought attention to many serious issues that are not generally on the radar of many.
She effortlessly mixes up luxury labels with high-end brands making her style easily accessible. We have seen the “Kate Effect” playing its magic in real-time many-many times. The Duchess of Cambridge knows she is standing on the world’s one of the biggest podium and her outreach influences millions of women, so due diligence is given to every single element of her wardrobe and style. Given how The Duchess looks regal and elegant during her every public appearance, we can only imagine the time and efforts go into her wardrobe management only. Even during the lockdown we never saw her dressed up shabbily. She was dropping sartorial diplomatic hints here and there during those zoom calls. Most of her outfits and looks are decided a long time before the event to avoid any last moment hazard. Catherine’s personal stylist Natasha Archer Jackson works closely with The Duchess to pick the best styles for her.
Today, I am going to talk about The Duchess of Cambridge’s best 10 summer styles. No easy feat, I know. From solid toned frocks to splashy chic prints, Duchess has touched almost all the shades on a colour palette.
This Jenny Packham de Gournay Silk Dress will always be my most favourite summer dress in Catherine’s wardrobe. The delicate de Gournay silver and marble grey hand-painted chinoiserie silk dress has unique and elegant Princess vibes to it. The Duchess wore the dress in July 2011 at a polo match in Santa Barbara during her first International Tour. The hand-painted dress from label’s Spring Summer 2011 collection featured cap sleeves that were gathered at the shoulder and piping detail at the waistline. The Duchess of Cambridge paired the gorgeous dress with L.K. Bennett Silver Taupe Patent Sandals, L.K. Bennett Natalie Raffia Clutch, Tiffany Diamonds by the Yard bracelet and Kiki McDonough Citrine Pear Drop Earrings.
Alexander McQueen Champagne Lace Dress
This outfit was an instant hit. The Duchess of Cambridge wore Alexander McQueen Champagne Lace Dress at Queen’s Jubilee National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral in June 2012. Many style experts consider this outfit Catherine’s the most well-dressed look. I agree with it. She was looking absolutely regal and poised in this among the whole royal family at one of the biggest events of the decade. The bespoke elegant dress featured an ivory lining with a champagne lace frayed overlay, boat neckline, full sleeves and was finished with a detachable tonal satin belt at the waist.
Arguably, one of the most popular dress in her wardrobe is this Temperley London Aster Flower Dress. She wore this ice blue dress at a tea party at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Kuala Lumpur during Diamond Jubilee Tour in 2012. The custom-made dress is linked to a day that showed how strong the future Queen of the UK is. The dress was customised version of Aster Flower dress from label’s Autumn/Winter 2012 collection. Temperley London’s Aster Flower dress featured a boat neckline, metallic embroidery, a flared skirt, sheer sleeves.
Goat Binky Blouse and Banana Republic Geo Jacquard Midi Skirt
Something that I will pick any day. At the launch of her brainchild Heads Together along with her husband Prince William and brother-in-law Prince Harry in May 2016, The Duchess of Cambridge wore Goat Binky Blouse and the Banana Republic Geo Jacquard Midi Skirt paired with her L.K. Bennett Frome Clutch and £425 Rupert Sanderson Malory Pumps. Duchess rounded up the gorgeous look with Sapphire and Diamond Diana Earrings and her Cartier Ballon Bleu watch.
A British brand bringing elegance at the price of the high street. L.K. Bennett is one of Catherine’s go-to label. Her wardrobe has many elements from L.K. Bennett. This L.K Bennett Addison dress was debuted when she welcomed Mr and Mrs Obama at Kensington Palace with Harry and William in 2016. She again wore it in 2017 during church service in Balmoral. The $525 dress was described as, “An eye-catching dress, timeless in its style and fashion-forward in its execution. Addison is ideal for events, both formal and casual, with its jewel-toned print, feminine transparent sleeves and ankle-grazing length. A dress you’ll wear for seasons to come.” Definitely a dress that will last long. Catherine has the dress in the lavender shade and its variation in pink called L.K. Bennett Silk Madison Dress.
One can never go wrong with lace. In doubt what to choose, go for lace, as Duchess did for the Royal Ascot in 2016. The gorgeous and regal Dolce & Gabbana White Lace Dress was reflecting Catherine’s classic British aura. Crafted from pretty cotton-blend lace with sheer sleeves the $5,995 dress features a nipped-in waist and tiered swishy skirt and came with a smooth satin slip for coverage.
The classic beauty of Catherine’s wardrobe –Prada floral printed dress. I would call this dress my second favourite for many reasons. Crafted from lightweight silk dress has an evocative floral print, featured a pussy-bow detailing at neckline and smocking waist with fit and flare silhouette, the dress was a classic Kate style. The moment I first saw Catherine in this dress in August 2017 when she joined William and Harry to pay tribute to her later Mother-in-Law on her 20th Death Anniversary, I was like, ‘Catherine is looking extraordinarily beautiful in it’. Well, we found the reason for the glow a few days later.
Alessandra Rich Pleated polka-dot silk crepe de chine midi dress
The dress was part of Catherine’s new style era after her third maternity leave. Catherine was seen wearing Alessandra Rich Pleated polka-dot silk crepe de chine midi dress in the portraits released by Clarence House to mark the 70th Birthday of Prince Charles. The Duchess again brought back the dress in May 2019 when she visited Bletchley Park. Inspired by Alfred Eisenstaedt’s 1945 photograph of a sailor kissing a stranger in Times Square for label’s Spring ’18 collection, capturing the essence of that iconic moment, this vintage-inspired dress is cut from polka-dot silk crepe de chine that falls to a pleated midi skirt.
The white Suzannah Fashion Wiggle Tea Dress that Catherine wore on the Day 2 of Wimbledon Tournament in July 2019 and then recently for a visit to Baby Basics in August 2020. The classic white dress with midi length shirt silhouette is an easy-going choice for a sunny and bright summer day. The dress can be turned into a Monochrome one with black accessories or in typical Duchess style it can be an all-over look with matching accessories.
Faithfull the Brand Marie-Louise floral-print crepe midi dress
The Duchess of Cambridge debuted the splashy Faithfull the Brand Marie-Louise floral-print crepe midi dress in June this year when she visited the Nook. Throughout the lockdown, Catherine chose every colour from the rainbow giving sartorial nodes to various causes and events. For this event with babies, Catherine chose a perfect happy print dress.
Which is your favourite style from The Duchess of Cambridge’s wardrobe.
