Catherine, Princess of Wales (Kate Middleton)

[CarolineRose]

^ IA, and I actually appreciate that she wears pieces so often! Most people can't afford to have a different outfit every time they go out in public. I just wish she was a little more creative about accessorizing and styling her basics to look more modern. But she can hire someone to do that if it becomes too much of a problem, haha.

 

[Persephone G.]

That's stretching it a bit, LUXXX.

Kate has dressed like this since high school. Blazers, boots, jeans, and simple dresses. She's not crafting anything, no offense.

Her "style" is basic. Always has been. Always will be.

 

[LUXXX]

I actually appreciate that she wears pieces so often! Most people can't afford to have a different outfit every time they go out in public. I just wish she was a little more creative about accessorizing and styling her basics to look more modern. But she can hire someone to do that if it becomes too much of a problem, haha.

​

Yeah it totally makes sense that she would have most of her clothes from department stores and that they would be a a few years old and way out of season. She might come from a bit of money, but she's not a glamour girl going to every party like a Eugenie Niarchos or Lauren Santo Domingo. Even though she's had a high profile for years as William's girlfriend that does not mean she had access to couture or designer showrooms. I think it's best she just stays herself...even if it is a bit bland.

 

[Persephone G.]

I doubt she will change her over all basic style. It works for her, and clearly she's comfortable with it.

By the way, I guarantee a myriad of fashion journalists will hail her as an Icon of fashion after the marriage. Watch.

 

[LUXXX]

I get what you're saying that she dressed like this before, but I do think she had an opportunity to redo her look and go more uptown -- but it benefits her to be the future princess who anyone could dress like. Those stories are good PR for the family and her, personally.

 

[Meg]

That's stretching it a bit, LUXXX.

Kate has dressed like this since high school. Blazers, boots, jeans, and simple dresses. She's not crafting anything, no offense.

Her "style" is basic. Always has been. Always will be.

I agree. The fact that she re-wears pieces, or mixes high-street and high-fashion (which, of course she would - everyone does), just happens to be good luck on the part of the PR department. I guarantee there was no master plan over the years of making her appear relatable. Because first of all, Issa and Temperley are not high street. Of course they aren't incredibly expensive by designer fashion standards, but I'm sure those dresses retailed for £600+. Also - what is so relatable about a girl who quit working 3 years ago to "work for her parent's company" which really means "wait around until the proposal"? If their goal was to craft her as the "every girl", they should have resolved that issue.

There are plenty of people who wear designer clothing but come across as very grounded, Michelle Obama is a great example. She's been making seven figures for awhile, she wears a lot of top American designers, but yet is very approachable.

 

[Boomer]

AND- if Kate ever showed up like this in head-to-toe Chanel everyone would hit the damned roof!! She can not win, I tell you...

gettyimages.com

 

[Lacroix]

it's nothing to do with not winning. Kate clearly is not into fashion, it's not a big deal. Like someone else said, her style is basic. And wearing head to toe Chanel or couture? There is a middle ground. Personally I don't expect her to be any sort of paragon, style or otherwise. Why are people comparing her to Diana, anyway? That's just unfair and pointless since they are spheres apart in every facet.

 

[Boomer]

^ My point is- if she became all designer and couture, she would get roasted, and if she wears Top Shop and sweaters she will 'have no style''; either way she will be criticized...I just hope she wears what is appropriate for her very high profile role and what she feels comfortable in...

 

[Paws]

^Spot on Boomer

 

[Harumi]

I don't know why people are obsessing about brands and labels. That has never been Kate's problems. Her problem has always been her taste (or lack of there-off).

There are ways to be extremely stylish wearing Topshop and high-street brands. I see it everyday around me.
Princess Letizia's wardrobe is 60% Zara and she often manages to look more expensive and put together than Kate.
Nobody expect her to dress like Daphne Guinness either. Carolyn Bessette Kennedy had a very classic preppy style, but never, ever looked frumpy. Or a decade older than her age.

With Kate's budget (Meg mentioned £600 per outfit) she could do so much better. There are just so many options. Having lived in the UK, I can guarantee you with that kind of money you can easily pull off the stylish, understated elegance look.

So yeah, Kate can win. But that would mean her actually growing a fashion sense, or listening to the advice of someone who does have one.

 

[Boomer]

...that would mean her actually growing a fashion sense, or listening to the advice of someone who does have one.

Just like Diana did...

 

[Harumi]

^why the constant Diana reminder?
Diana was 19 and completely new to the public eye. Kate is a grown-a$$ woman who has been photographed for years. She has had plenty of time (not to mention the money and access) to develop a sense of style.

There is no comparison.

 

[Paws]

Goodness.....it's like there is a bunch of bullies on this thread and I am certainly not meaning members can not and should not have an opinion and views but there are so many posts just cutting her down (and usually from the same people). I mean really she is always pleasant looking and well groomed.

And of course she is going to be compared to Diana - nothing is going to stop that, it is inevitable.

 

[babyjane]

I like fashion and like seeing people dress up, it's not even about them personally. If it wasn't her then it would be someone else.

I'd like to see her sort of stylish casual like this:

yesstyle.com

In reality it's probably better for her to dress boring. She probably shouldn't draw anymore attention to herself than what she's already going to get.

 

[VogueElle Addict]

Too many haters!!!

 

[McClaire]

^why the constant Diana reminder?
Diana was 19 and completely new to the public eye. Kate is a grown-a$$ woman who has been photographed for years. She has had plenty of time (not to mention the money and access) to develop a sense of style.

There is no comparison.

Completely agree. Plus you are talking about two totally different time periods.



The "hater" comments are IMO unfair. People are let down and frustrated. William is the face of the "new monarchy" (or whatever the British media wants to call it) and whoever he was going to chose was going to be the "new face" with him. She is a future Princess and Queen. She needs to up her game. She is no longer just another private citizen hanging out and it's not like she doesn't have the resources. She may not like it and it may not be fair but she has expectations on her to represent the British public, in personality and style. Michelle Obama is a good comparison to both style and position, while I don't always agree with her choices Michelle always puts her best foot forward. If she likes simplicity take a queue from CBKennedy, she was an incredibly stylish woman. It kind of makes me wonder if she even has an identity of her own sense your identity is often displayed in your clothing choices. Or maybe it's just too much work for her to pick out clothes.

 

[Persephone G.]

Frankly, I do not understand why when one notes Catherine's style as being "basic" one is labelled as a "hater" by others.

From my perspective there is absolutely nothing wrong with have a "basic" sense of style. It's not a demeaning term whatsoever.

I have no real opinion of Catherine, in fact as I have mentioned before, I am quite indifferent to her. Furthermore, I find her style very simple... nothing outrageous... very standard... very appropriate in her position. Her clothing is something that anyone can afford including the recent dress she wore by Temperley. Again, that black and white dress was simple with a dash of understated flair around the neckline.

Now, if some people deem me a "hater" because of my comments, oh well. Thanks for labeling me.

 

[Paws]

Frankly, I do not understand why when one notes Catherine's style as being "basic" one is labelled as a "hater" by others.


How did you get that out of the last few posts?
And from I can gather, no one was called anyone a hater for saying Kate was basic.

I believe (IMO) that the frustration is from the constant negativity on this thread that goes way beyond just members opinions on her style.
I get the feeling no matter what this woman does it will never be enough.

 

[Lacroix]

I don't think that's true. I only follow Kate for her style, which I have been since doing since she first came on the scene. Whatever she does in her personal life/work I am indifferent about. But people are going to have opinions that are not constant praise and this is completely natural. I don't see why people are defensive about this...and the constant Diana comparisons? That is what is in unfair and it's that sort of thing that incites the whole 'she will never win' 'it will never be enough' comments. Back to her style, then!