I'm a royal fashion expert and I know exactly how to nail Kate's signature style - after Princess is named Britain's best dressed
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The Princess of Wales has officially been named Britain's 'Best Dressed' by Tatler - and I couldn't agree more.
Kate, who previously topped the magazine's coveted list in 2022, was recognised for her stylish return to the spotlight after stepping back from royal duties in 2024 while undergoing cancer treatment.
Having covered the Princess' wardrobe for more than a decade, I've witnessed the 'Kate Effect' countless times. Whenever she wears a piece that resonates with the public, interest skyrockets. Fans rush to recreate her look, and the item often sells out within hours.
A key reason her influence has endured is her ability to blend luxury fashion with accessible high street brands.
One day she's wearing a bespoke Alexander McQueen gown for a state occasion; the next she's stepping out in a Boden knit, a Zara dress or a pair of Orelia earrings that are well within the reach of her audience.
That balance of aspiration and accessibility is a huge part of her lasting appeal. Her style feels polished and timeless without seeming unattainable.
She also returns to a handful of signature style formulas time and again - from elegant polka dots to impeccably tailored coat dresses - creating a wardrobe that is both instantly recognisable and endlessly inspiring.
Below, I break down three of her style signatures, along with an edit of high street pieces to help you capture her aesthetic.
Polka dots
Long favoured by the royals, polka dots were a defining feature of Princess Diana's wardrobe throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Decades later, the timeless print remains a royal staple, with Kate regularly reaching for dotty dresses.
From crisp white and classic navy to rich red, green and chocolate brown, she has embraced the pattern in a variety of colourways, proving just how versatile the motif can be.
Her enviable collection is led by Alessandra Rich, whose vintage-inspired designs have become a signature of the Princess' wardrobe, alongside pieces by Emilia Wickstead, Rixo, Whistles and LK Bennett.
Trouser suits
While floral dresses were once her go-to, Kate has increasingly gravitated towards trouser suits, favouring polished looks that reflect her evolving role.
She brings a contemporary edge to formal dressing through sharp tailoring and vibrant colour, with standout looks including her chartreuse Victoria Beckham suit and the all-white Alexander McQueen design she has worn on several occasions.
These chic looks offer inspiration for everything from weddings and christenings to summer garden parties, providing a refreshing alternative to traditional dresses.
The good news? Her teal Edeline Lee two-piece, worn during her recent visit to Italy, is still available to buy.
Coat dresses
Coat dresses are synonymous with royal fashion, so it's no surprise they've become one of Kate's staples.
Many of her most memorable designs are bespoke creations by Catherine Walker, Emilia Wickstead and Alexander McQueen, often styled with coordinating hats, shoes and handbags for a polished, monochromatic finish.
While she embraces an array of colours throughout the year, Kate tends to favour burgundy and red tones during the autumn and winter months, before switching to softer pastels in spring and summer.
Whether attending Trooping the Colour, a Commonwealth Day service or a state occasion, a tailored coat dress remains one of the defining features of the Princess' elegant style.