Dress Like Kate Middleton

Since she walked into our lives last November at her engagement to Prince William, Kate Middleton has become a fixture in fashion magazines. No wonder: her fashion is traditional yet modern, impeccably put-together, eye-catching, and always appropriate. How can you dress like the Duchess of Cambridge without breaking the bank?

Wedding Dress Inspiration

Were you mesmerized with Kate's lace wedding gown? You weren't the only one. The gown's simplicity and attention to details garnered much press attention and ushered in several new trends in wedding gowns: lace, sleeves, and tradition. You may not be planning a wedding, but you might enjoy wearing this"Katie" dress inspired by the royal wedding gown by asos.

Stick with Traditional

You won't find Kate wearing anything too trendy. As a member of the royal family, she's expected to look striking yet dignified. Go with solid colors (the duchess does favor bright colors, so don't limit yourself to neutrals). A good choice is TopShop's shift dress, which echoes the royal blue dress Kate wore this summer on a visit to Quebec. Notice the dress's simple design with classy details - in this case, a lace overlay on the bodice, which may remind you of Middleton's wedding gown.

Solids or Simple Prints

Duchess Catherine has learned what type of fashion photographs well - since she's constantly the object of photographers' interest, it's a job requirement for her. Learn from her example by frequently choosing dresses in solid colors. If you choose a print, stick to Kate's example and keep it simple. She favors polka-dots or one-color prints like this dress from Tulle - a bargain at $63.

Classic Shoes

No trendy, ridiculous shoes for the royal feet! Kate chooses classic pumps in colors that complement her attire. Hers may cost a royal fortune, but you can get the look for under $100 in pumps like these from Zappos.

The duchess has also revived interest in pantyhose, which she wears in a nude shade. Although they've fallen out of favor in recent years, hose do create smooth, flawless-looking legs. They're also helpful for retaining a bit of warmth during colder seasons.

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