Kate Middleton’s Style File

Last Monday our beloved Kate Middleton announced that she and Wills are expecting their first child! As our Princess takes the next step with her Prince, let’s take a look back and celebrate Kate’s iconic style – from the moment that she caught Prince William’s eye, to the day she enraptured the world as a stunning bride and how she continues to provoke envy with her sophisticated, elegant outfits whilst fulfilling her royal duties.

As a young student, Kate Middleton modelled a sheer bandeau dress featuring sequinned blue hems for a charity fashion show. Only £30, the outfit was assembled by fellow student Charlotte Todd and Kate managed to steal the heart of the future King of England.

As her life was thrust under the scrutiny of the media and the public eye, Kate began to develop a distinctive and quintessentially British style. Pictured here in 2004 at Blenheim Palace, she sports a traditional pea-green tweed suit with a classic shirt and riding boots.

Whilst courting Prince William, Kate blossomed into a fashion icon. A cinched waist and midi skirt has become her trademark look. Here she looks elegant in a cream Reiss coat.

Amidst much speculation, in Autumn 2010 the young couple publically announced their engagement. A beaming Kate stood before worldwide paparazzi in a cobalt blue frock, which perfectly complemented her sapphire and diamond engagement ring. The Issa dress sold out within an hour.

In April 2011, as the world watched with baited breaths, Kate Middleton emerged from a sleek Bentley to reveal her wedding ensemble. It was instantly hailed as an iconic moment in the history of fashion, as the Royal bride greeted the world outside Westminster Abbey in a Alexander McQueen gown created by the late British designer’s successor Sarah Burton. The A-line dress with a sweetheart neckline that narrowed at the waist and was subtly padded around the hips featured a demi-bustle with a 270cm train fit for any Princess. The ivory silk material had an intricate overlay of hand-crafted lace which covered the skirt and corset, extending up into a bodice which covered her shoulders and arms. Complete with a floral veil and 1000 diamond Cartier tiara, she was a true bridal beauty.

It’s undeniably difficult to maintain this exceptional style status, but the Duchess has not disappointed. She continues to offer a number of classy ensembles and remains ever-loyal to the British fashion scene, repeatedly turning to Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood for inspiration, as well as representing the high street in Oasis and LK Bennett pieces.

The Duchess also continually demonstrates elegant taste in evening wear. In one of her most iconic dresses to date, Kate opted for a floor-length teal gown by Jenny Packham to attend an Olympic concert. The dress included lace detailing across the shoulders and back, as well as a crystallised belt to nip in the waist.

 No doubt, she’ll be one yummy mummy!

If you are interested in being involved in The Tabs fashion section email [email protected].