The Princess of Wales has been a royal style icon for more than a decade, and as her role has grown, her wardrobe has become increasingly polished and refined
She might be destined to wear the crown, but Kate has also earned recognition as one of the globe’s most powerful fashion influencers. For more than ten years, she has raised the standard with her refined, graceful appearances and keen fashion instincts.
Whether donning a structured coat dress, a sparkling designer gown, or simply casual in denim paired with a Barbour jacket, she possesses an exceptional talent for appearing flawlessly coordinated in any environment.
“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.”
A supporter of both homegrown designers and high-street brands, the princess has grown increasingly confident in her wardrobe selections as her Royal duties have expanded. She has become renowned for merging traditional regal styling with modern touches, frequently re-wearing beloved garments and presenting them with innovative twists.
The outcome is a sophisticated yet accessible aesthetic that consistently earns praise and focus from fashion houses and monarchy enthusiasts across the board. In recent years, as her public duties have expanded, her clothing choices have adopted a more purposeful, refined approach, reports the Mirror.
Sharp trouser suits, sleek lines and her distinctive collection of sophisticated coats now anchor her daytime appearances. She’s also increasingly opted for striking, solid-colour ensembles, a strategy the late Queen employed to ensure visibility during public occasions.
“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.”
Kate certainly doesn’t avoid vibrant hues, as demonstrated by her striking scarlet coat dress worn to the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in March. The princess appeared glowing in the Catherine Walker piece, which showcased an exaggerated bow at the neckline and prominent buttons cascading down the front.
Staying true to her economical nature, she had previously worn the ensemble, having first showcased it at her carol service at Westminster Abbey in 2021. Similarly, she received high praise for the turquoise ensemble she donned at Trooping the Colour in June 2025.
The striking dress, designed by Catherine Walker, boasted a crisp silhouette and contrasting white lapels. Paired with Kate’s flawless up-do and an aquamarine Juliette Botterill hat, the polished look ensured the princess stood out amidst a crowd of military uniforms.
Many viewed it as a nod to Princess Diana, who once wore a similar outfit by Catherine Walker at the same event.
Kate is certainly not one to shy away from glamour when the occasion calls for it. Who could forget her entrance on the red carpet at the No Time To Die Bond premiere, dazzling in a sequinned gold gown?
Despite being surrounded by Hollywood celebrities, it was Kate who stole the show in her caped dress by Jenny Packham.
In September 2025, when the royals hosted a state banquet in honour of President Trump’s visit, the princess looked every bit the part in golden couture. She turned heads at Windsor Castle in a floor-length, hand-embroidered lace gown by British designer Phillipa Lepley.
In true Royal fashion, she paired it with the glittering Lover’s Knot tiara, a piece she often favours and which was also beloved by Princess Diana.
Kate’s present-day aesthetic represents a dramatic departure from her earlier public appearances, when she favoured floral tea dresses and gentler cuts.
Her gradual evolution towards a more sophisticated, Royal approach has frequently been attributed to former stylist and confidante Natasha Archer, who is believed to have played a crucial role in guiding 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 devotion notably stretches to designers as well, and as her wardrobe has matured, she has cultivated a trusted roster of preferred labels.
A consistent favourite remains British fashion house Alexander McQueen, which notably crafted her ivory silk gown for King Charles‘ Coronation.
Kate has repeatedly chosen Alexander McQueen throughout the years, sporting pieces ranging from an elegant pink trouser suit to a crimson 1940s-inspired wrap dress and numerous tailored, structured coats. Other beloved designers include Emilia Wickstead, Erdem, Jenny Packham and Catherine Walker, though Kate frequently appears in high-street finds as well.
For wardrobe essentials, she readily embraces brands like Reiss, Zara, LK Bennett, Jigsaw and Holland Cooper, showing no hesitation in re-wearing favourite pieces.
Indeed, the princess has earned recognition for her budget-conscious, environmentally-minded philosophy, consistently re-wearing outfits to Royal engagements and even hiring a green Solace gown for the 2022 Earthshot Prize ceremony.
She has notably re-worn the white coat first seen at Charlotte’s christening on numerous occasions, whilst a black and white houndstooth dress remains another reliable go-to choice.
Kate first sported the Zara piece during a 2020 community project visit in Bradford and has subsequently chosen it for at least four different events. Most recently, she donned it whilst visiting Tŷ Hafan, a children’s hospice close to Cardiff.
Undoubtedly, this environmentally-conscious approach will persist as Kate leverages her platform to support the causes closest to her heart.
As she marks her 44th birthday and anticipates the year ahead, attention will focus on how her fashion choices continue to mirror her expanding responsibilities.
“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.”
