The Kate Effect: A Fashionable Anniversary

It is hard to believe that a year has passed since the Royal Wedding. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have gone from strength to strength since their big day, captivating the world with their love story and moreover, Kate’s impeccable style. The Kate Effect, as it has become known, has transformed this typical St Andrews girl into a fashion icon. Everything she wears instantly sells out; an army of “Copy-Kates” snap up the same outfit or imitations minutes after she has been spotted wearing it.

Why is there so much hype regarding her fashion choices you may ask? Well, it can’t be denied that Kate never fails to impress. Always wearing an outfit appropriate to the occasion, Catherine has become the new Queen of hats, dress coats and shoes. Timelessly elegant and with a love of the High Street, Kate has made fashion accessible for all girls who dream of being a princess

So what better way to celebrate the first wedding anniversary of our fellow alumni than by reviewing Kate’s top 5 fashion hits from the past year: 

Number 5 – Gold Medal 

Dressed in coral-coloured jeans, a navy Emilio Pucci blazer and a Team GB silk scarf, Kate proved she can work casual wear to perfection. Plus, the coloured jeans are so St Andrews.

Number 4 – Evening Elegance

Proof that a black dress is the epitome of timeless elegance and every girl’s best friend, Kate looked stunning in a strapless, black velvet Alexander McQueen gown at The Sun Military Awards last December.

Number 3 – Lovely in Lace

Kate looked lovely in Canadian-designer Erdem upon her arrival in Ottawa last summer, proving that lace and navy can look fresh and not old-fashioned. To top it off she paired the dress with her much-coveted L.K Bennett ‘Sledge’ heels. Kate is a huge fan of lace and combined her loves of it and the High Street most notably by wearing a black and cream lace Zara dress. 

Number 2 – Red-carpet Glamour

Kate wowed the crowds in London and Los Angeles last summer, dazzling on the red carpet at two events. At a charity gala dinner she was a vision in glittering Jenny Packham whilst at the BAFTA Brit awards she went for old Hollywood glamour in full-length lavender Alexander McQueen. 

Number 1 – Beautiful Bride

It was the most-talked about dress of the year and the best-kept secret from the fashion industry. Kate’s top style moment is without a doubt her breath-taking wedding dress designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. With intricate lace detailing on the sleeves, bodice and skirt, it was elegantly simple yet interesting. Wearing the 1936 Cartier “halo” tiara borrowed from the Queen, Kate looked every inch the perfect princess as she walked down the aisle. 

Photos © instyle; graziadaily; telegraph; marieclaire