There’s a certain je-ne-sais-quoi that certain women have. You can’t define it, but it makes you look up when she enters a room. It sells magazines. It calls for imitations. The new duchess of Cambridge has that thing.
It’s not because she’s thin, it’s not because she’s pretty. It’s not even because she’s a princess, even though that helps, making her accessible to the world. She could have all of these things and still not have the quality that makes us want to be like her. She has style. And style, though much written about, spoken about emulated, is elusive to so many of us. The good news is that clothes are a lot less hard to define, and hers follow a pattern. Read on to learn how you can capture some of Kate’s allure by following some simple rules.
1- Simple Lines. Kate has an athletic build, and conventional fashion wisdom says to add curves by way of draping fabric all over the place, adding ruffles, padding, beading, unnecessary pleating…the list goes on. Kate doesn’t use any of these, however. She favours straight jeans, a-line and pencil skirts, wrap dresses and sheaths. She doesn’t attempt the modern bohemian gypsy thing I’m seeing all over the place now, and doesn’t let her clothes outshine her. Ever. You’ll never find her in: Harem Pants
2- Great Dresses. Kate favours simple patterns as well as lines. She sticks to wrap and sheath dresses in either solid colours, or simple classic patterns. She keeps prints in proportion with her body, and her dresses are always knee length and fit her body perfectly. Her dress embellishments of choice are lace, cuffs, and parts that tie. You’ll never find her in: A mini balloon-bottom dress.
3- Fitted Jackets. They’re a staple for a reason, and a favourite part of the princess’s street style. Kate has worn them with dresses and pants, heels and flat boots. They have different necklines, but are always fitted, always in a basic colour. No fuchsia for Katie! They either contrast her outfit or match it, and they always polish the ensemble perfectly. You’ll never find her in: a Matrix coat.
4- Simple heels. I’m pretty sure the girl’s got LOTS of shoes. Even so, they’re all very classic and elegant. She’s been wearing nude round-toed platform heels recently; very this-season and very appropriate. She also wears pointy-toed heels in different colours and even a snakeskin print. She likes equestrian-styled flat boots for cooler months, which are perfect for London Shopping trips. Wedge espadrilles are rounding out her summer looks. The common thread in her shoe wardrobe is simplicity. Her shoes always complement her outfits, never detract from them. The heels give her a long lean look, but are never so high that walking is made difficult. You’ll never find her in: Pink sparkly Barbie heels.
5- NO froufrou. This applies to jewelry, bags, hats; the areas a lot of us tend to add, well…crap. Kate relies on quality pieces rather than accessories that tend to complicate outfits. Her outfits are complimented by accessories that work with her choices, but don’t take center stage. Kate seems to understand that above all else; that the main event is her, not anything she has on.
And THAT is style.
Brianna Carson's Blog 