If you had your pick of Kate Middleton's dresses, how many fashion gems do you think you’d find? There’s a plethora of McQueen, sure. Boxes and boxes of nude L.K. Bennett courts, obviously. But the Princess of Wales is also really good at introducing us to niche new brands that we would never previously have heard of.
She's the ultimate fashion diplomat, whose impeccable style choices have been known to build bridges between nations (remember when she tactically wore Canadian-born British designer Erdem to kick off her royal tour in Ottawa, or wore this dress in Poland?), and the Kate Middleton effect leads to an instant sell-out of any item she wears.
'There is no question that Kate choosing to wear Reiss has impacted our brand,' David Reiss, Founder and Managing Director of Reiss told us. 'We have noticed a significant increase in terms of brand interest and awareness globally, strengthening existing markets and attracting attention in markets we are yet to enter.'
Getting Princess Kate’s seal of approval is the ultimate honour for any fashion brand, but the impact her endorsement can have on small businesses in particular has been known to literally see tiny labels launch into fully fledged companies overnight.
'I was so excited the first time I found out that the Princess had chosen to wear one of our dresses,' Natasha Rufus Isaacs, co-founder of ethical fashion label Beulah told us. 'We were a relatively unknown and young label, and it definitely helped spread the word about us and the cause that we support.'
Kate Middleton's favourite fashion brands
Find out more about Kate Middleton’s favourite high street and designer fashion brands below, plus shop our edit to recreate her royal wardrobe. Don’t forget to check our Marie Claire vouchers site before you shop for the latest offers and discounts.
Kate Middleton wearing Alexander McQueen
Let’s start with the Duchess’s ultimate fashion go-to, shall we? Throughout the years, Kate has been pictured wearing a couple of Sarah Burton’s designs for Alexander McQueen. From that stunning lace wedding dress to an entire collection of chic, sharp dresses and occasion coats, Sarah always perfectly balances McQueen’s house hallmarks (extreme silhouettes, Victorian corsetry and dramatic presence) and Kate’s softer, approachable personality. Every time the pair collaborate, the resulting look is pitch-perfect.
This elegant white midi dress holds a more wearable twist to Kate Middleton's original design. It features a flared skirt and ruffled panels, which add a stylish twist.
Kate Middleton wearing Monica Vinader
British jewellery brand Monica Vinader has been one of the Princess' go-to brands since 2014. She has worn the female sustainable jewellery designer's designs for the past few years, and often rewears her favourite pieces, such as the Siren earrings in Green Onyx.
This beautiful pendant is an interchangeable treasured charm that can easily be hooked to your favourite earrings, or as the Princess has done by attaching it to a sleek golden chain.
Kate Middleton wearing Sézane
The Princess of Wales has also been spotted supporting international brands, such as Turkish label Manu Atelier and, most recently, French-based brand Sézane. Eagle-eyed fashion connoisseurs recognised the brand's knitted co-ord and left it to sell out almost instantly. A couple of months later, the skirt remains in stock, and trust us; it is one to acquire quickly before it goes again.
Kate Middleton wore this cream knitted skirt and matching sweater set this past October. After a restock, we have matched the exact skirt, which is still in stock (for now), so act quickly!
Kate Middleton wearing Ghost
For clap for carers in April 2020 (to show her support for the NHS working during the pandemic), Kate wore a blue floral dress by Ghost, the colour of which was also a nod to the NHS.
Kate Middleton's popular Ghost floral number from 2020 is no longer available. However, this sleek, similar pair from the brand is available and on sale- perfect for any spring time occasionwear.
Kate Middleton wearing Veja
Kate Middleton has always been a fan of a classic white sneaker. From Adidas Stan Smiths to Superga's classic canvas trainers, we know we can count on the Princes of Wales for royal-approved comfortable footwear.
Comfortable, sustainable, and durable- what's not to love? Take a page out of Kate Middleton's book and pair these with your favourite pair of jeans, white T-shirt and an oversized blazer.
Kate Middleton wearing Zara
The Princess of Wales' enviable wardrobe holds incredible finds from the high street and luxury brands. Regardless of the source, the pieces are always impeccable and elegantly styled. This red Zara blazer is a true example of the Princess elevating a high-street find and making it look incredibly sophisticated.
Sadly, Kate's exact blazer is no longer available to shop. However, we bet the royal would also love this option from the brand's newest spring drop.
Kate Middleton wearing LK Bennet
With spring officially here, it is time to get occassionwear dress inspiration for this season. Kate Middleton's springtime wardrobe is always a great source of inspiration, from blazers to printed dresses and blouses- we love this LK Bennet polka dot print as a subtle elevation to the classic flower print.
An almost identical style to the Princess of Wale's chosen piece. Pair this one with your favourite everyday jewellery and nude heels for the perfect wedding guest outfit or opt for trainers for a comfortable office look.
Kate Middleton wearing Mulberry
Kate Middleton's bag collection spans from classic British classics of the likes of Alexander McQueen, Mulberry, and Aspinal of London. This light blue Mulberry number is by far one of my favourites as she effortlessly paired it with a chiffon maxi dress and tortoise shell sunnies, it truly lives rent free in my head.
Kate Middleton's original bag is no longer available. However, the brand's almost identical light blue number is an instant add to cart in my books.
Kate Middleton wearing Missoma
Speaking of Kate Middleton looks that live rent-free in my head, this ultra-glam number she wore at the Royal Variety Performance held at London’s Royal Albert Hall is definitely up there as well. Her glittering Jenny Packham and staple Missoma earrings paired perfectly with her flowing waves.
