How Kate Middleton stole the fashion crown from Meghan Markle – and the ways you can copy her style
MEGHAN and Harry’s departure might have hogged the royal spotlight this year, but Kate is officially making her fashion comeback.
The Duchess of Cambridge has rolled up her silk blouse sleeves and snatched the style crown back with eye-catching outfits that prove she’s not going to be pushed into the background by Megxit.
Since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they were stepping down and heading off to Canada, the 38-year-old has gone bolder with her looks than ever before.
With rumours circulating that Meghan is lining up a clothing range – and fashion designer pal Misha Nonoo already teasing a "special collaboration" in Canada – Kate’s fresh look is sure giving Meghan a run for her money as the most stylish member of the royal family.
It’s been a rocky road for the Duchess who for so long favoured traditional tweeds, frumpy frocks and THOSE boring nude court shoes.
Last year, we saw Kate take her wardrobe up a notch with the helping hand of former Vogue alumni Virginia Chadwych-Healy, dressing in flashy designer labels including Gucci and Prada, to rival her new princess pal.
But since her trusty stylist Natasha Archer has returned from maternity leave, Kate, 38, has rekindled her love for the high street with Zara and Jigsaw back in the mix.
Subtle tweaks have made her outfits feel more current and on-trend than ever with bold prints, knee-high boots and fashion jewellery leading her look.
With her outfits selling out, the Kate effect is back in full force - but there’s no need to worry as the high street has similar alternatives to help you get the look.
We reveal how to wear them – and what makes Kate’s style so great.
Look One
Kate wears
- Red dress, £410, Needle and Thread
- Heels, £510, Gianvito Rossi
- Earrings, £140, Soru
Last week Kate wore an embellished evening dress by Needle and Thread for the African Investment Summit at Buckingham Palace.
Usually one for a plain, fitted frock in muted hues, this bold midi dress makes a serious statement.
The sheer tulle on the arms gives it as fresh, dare we say it, sexier feel while the embellishment shows she is no longer a fashion wallflower.
This look means business.
- Monsoon Jessa Linear Long Sleeve Maxi Dress - Red, Very, £280 -
- Red Suedette Stiletto Court Shoes, New Look, £17.99 -
- Oversized Double Pearl Earrings, £6, Boohoo -
Look Two
Kate wears
- Camel Coat, £349, Massimo Dutti
- Boots, £838, Ralph Lauren
Kate spent time visiting a women’s prison in Surrey last week and kept her look sharp in a camel coat.
Biscuit shades are a huge trend this season and her tailored look is perfect for an official visit - a step up from 2015, where she visited the same prison in an awkward traditional tweed, pencil dress that looked totally out of place for the visit.
And rather than twee diamonds or dated jewellery, the gold disc necklace brings her look right up to date as this is the only accessory to be seen in this season.
Cleverly wearing it over her roll neck jumpers means this is a modern outfit that we would recommend everyone invest in this year.
- Coat, ASOS, £65 -
- Gold Coin Pendant Necklace, New Look, £2.99 -
- Calf High Rouched Boots, Boohoo, £38 -
Look Three
Kate wears
- Black roll neck, not known
- Necklace, £1,070 Daniella Draper
- Skirt, £29.99, Zara
- Boots, £838, Ralph Lauren
At Ely and Careau Children’s Centre in Cardiff, Wales, Kate sunk her claws into leopard print - and looked spot on.
Kate’s skirts have often been in pastel shades or traditional tartan, but with her new-found flair for style she paired her on trend pleated skirt with a sleek rollneck, creating a relaxed and appropriate look ticking off all the royal rules.
And let’s not forget those knee-high boots – what a refreshing change from her usual penchant for court shoes.
- Tall Brown Satin Leopard Print Pleated Midi Skirt, New Look, £25.99 -
- Black Ribbed Long Sleeve Roll Neck Top, New Look, £8.99 -
Look Four
Kate wears
- Top, £295, Tabitha Webb
- Trousers, £65, Jigsaw
- Bracelet £114, Maya Torque
- Monica Vinader earrings £133
Kate ensured she’s not to be brushed aside during Megxit with this hard-to-miss chevron blouse at the Birmingham Science Museum.
The Seventies-inspired print with pussy-bow neckline must be worn with confidence and this proves Kate is settling into her fashion stride.
Tucked into plain navy wide-leg trousers with a higher waistline, her look could have come straight from the catwalk.
- Betty & Co. Pussy Bow Blouse, Blue/Petrol, John Lewis, £90 -
- Belt, Boohoo, £8 -
- Navy trousers, Pretty Little Thing, £18 -
- Wide Fit Navy Suedette Pointed Court Shoes, New Look, £19.99, New Look -
Look Five
Kate wears
- Grey checked dress, £15 was £89.99, Zara
- Shoes, £550, Gianvitto Rossi
Kate wowed in a houndstooth dress from Zara while out in Bradford.
The sale frock was an instant sell out and later shoppers were flogging theirs on eBay for up to £125.
Although its pussy-bow tie and midi length may seem twee, the print is a hit and kept Kate on the fashion map.
Gone are the ditsy florals, this dogtooth dress has more bite.
- Black dogtooth check tie V neck midi dress, River Island, £36 -
- Carissa - BlackPointed Toe Slingback, Dune, £45 -
- Earrings, Topshop, £12 -
Most read in Fabulous
Meanwhile, these are the five times Meghan upstaged Kate – and how the senior royal got her revenge.
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Also, Meghan's friend has said Harry's "spirit was being crushed by the Royal Family and he can finally be happy now".
And Harry "threw the Queen's gesture back in her face" with his "I have no choice" speech, a royal expert has claimed.