Kate Middleton – A High Street Princess

Kate Middleton has faced intense scrutiny in her fashion choices since the announcement of her engagement last month to Prince William. She has become a fashion darling in the nation’s press with her own care-free and easy style. Kate’s love of high street fashion is setting her apart from many others in the limelight and making her an instant hit amongst the British people, especially at this difficult economic time.

Both Kate and William want their wedding and lives to be the way they choose, rather than the former strict royal protocol of olden days. A modern princess in the making is what Kate is and this is clearly reflected in her fashion style.

At the press conference on their engagement day, Kate’s choice of wearing a simple Issa dress costing less than £400 was a fashion master class in timeless, affordable elegance. The dress was an instant sell-out for Issa and there have been numerous low-cost copy versions appearing in supermarkets across Britain.

The newly released official engagement pictures have also proved a fashion hit. Kate is seen wearing in one a cream chiffon blouse from the high street store Whistles and in the other a white dress from Reiss. Both outfits were personally chosen by Kate from her wardrobe, rather than by photographer Mario Testino, and are from last year’s collections. Both Reiss and Whistles have announced that they plan to re-release the lines due to public demand.

The Kate effect is happening – by using high street stores, she demonstrates that common touch with the public. Even before her engagement, Kate had the ability to sell pieces she was seen in – a Topshop dress she wore on her 25th birthday sold out, as did a knitted French Connection dress. Kate’s love of the high street is well known and undoubtedly she will continue to wear outfits from her favourites – Jigsaw, L K Bennett, Reiss and Whistles. The bigger designer names will become part of her wardrobe as well, but being the high street princess will win many hearts amongst the British people.

Filed under The United Kingdom
Tagged Fashion, The Duchess of Cambridge.