The Princess Directory: The ultimate guide to Kate’s favourite fashion brands for autumn
From high street to designer, check out Kate Middleton's go-to shops
If you had your pick of Kate Middleton's dresses, how many fashion gems do you think you’d find? There’s a plethora of McQueen, sure. Boxes and boxes of nude L.K. Bennett courts, obviously. But the Princess of Wales is also really good at introducing us to niche new brands that we would never previously have heard of.
She's the ultimate fashion diplomat, whose impeccable style choices have been known to build bridges between nations (remember when she tactically wore Canadian-born British designer Erdem to kick off her royal tour in Ottawa, or wore this dress in Poland?), and the Kate Middleton effect leads to an instant sell-out of any item she wears.
'There is no question that Kate choosing to wear Reiss has impacted our brand,' David Reiss, Founder and Managing Director of Reiss told us. 'We have noticed a significant increase in terms of brand interest and awareness globally, strengthening existing markets and attracting attention in markets we are yet to enter.'
Getting Princess Kate’s seal of approval is the ultimate honour for any fashion brand, but the impact her endorsement can have on small businesses in particular has been known to literally see tiny labels launch into fully fledged companies overnight.
'I was so excited the first time I found out that the Princess had chosen to wear one of our dresses,' Natasha Rufus Isaacs, co-founder of ethical fashion label Beulah told us. 'We were a relatively unknown and young label, and it definitely helped spread the word about us and the cause that we support.'
Kate Middleton's favourite fashion brands
Find out more about Kate Middleton’s favourite high street and designer fashion brands below, plus shop our edit to recreate her royal wardrobe. Don’t forget to check our Marie Claire vouchers site before you shop for the latest offers and discounts.
Kate Middleton wearing Barbour
Barbour jackets are a staple in the Princess' wardrobe, especially during autumn winter. Alongside classic waxed versions she also opts for puffers and full length styles depending on the occasion (and the weather, of course) so there's no need to stick to one style to emulate her style.
While Kate's navy puffer is no longer available, this one is just as good. Plus it has a detachable hood for even more versatility.
A true autumn winter staple, Kate regularly opts for a Barbour waxed jacket, skinny jeans boots for active days.
This minimal take on the classic jacket is perfect for country walks and weekends away.
Kate has her own khaki longline style from the Alexa Chung for Barbour collection. While it's now sold out, this one is just as good.
Kate Middleton wearing Le Chameau
A country girl at heart, Kate's Le Chameau wellington boots get a lot of wear. Stay prepared for rainy days by treating yourself to the plush jersey lined boots.
We've only ever spotted Kate out in this khaki green shade, aptly named iconic green, so if you want the royal look this is the pair to go for.
For a statement look, we're obsessed with this dark red colour way for a chic twist on a classic style.
Le Chameau Giverny boots finsih slightly lower on the leg, perfect for petite heights or those who want a little less coverage.
For added cosiness, these boots are wool lined making them extra snug for cold days.
Kate Middleton wearing Alexander McQueen
Throughout the years, Kate has been pictured wearing a lot of Sarah Burton’s designs for Alexander McQueen. From that stunning lace wedding dress to an entire collection of chic, sharp dresses and occasion coats as well as that striking dress at the Bafta's, Sarah always perfectly balances McQueen’s house hallmarks (extreme silhouettes, Victorian corsetry and dramatic presence) and Kate’s softer, approachable personality. Every time the pair collaborate, the resulting look is pitch-perfect.
This elegant white midi dress holds a more wearable twist to Kate Middleton's original design. It features a flared skirt and sweetheart neckline, which add a stylish twist.
For a more affordable take on Kate's assymmetric style, this maxi gown from Karen Millen is a winner. Pair with contrasting black gloves like Kate for a dramatic look.
Kate is an expert when it comes to styling a statement coat. Follow her lead in this longline bright red style from Karen Millen.
For a more wearable take on the statement coat, this belted style from Max&Co. is a chic choice. While it doesn't features Kate's waist detailing you can use the belt to nip in and define your shape for a similar effect.
Kate Middleton wearing Monica Vinader
British jewellery brand Monica Vinader has been one of the Princess' go-to brands since 2014. She has worn the female sustainable jewellery designer's designs for the past few years, and often rewears her favourite pieces, such as the Siren earrings in Green Onyx.
This beautiful pendant is an interchangeable treasured charm that can easily be hooked to your favourite earrings, or as the Princess has done by attaching it to a sleek golden chain.
Kate's regularly spotted wearing a gold pendant necklace while out and about. While it isn't this exact Monica Vinader style, we're pretty sure she'd approve of this too.
Kate wore these green onyx earrings often back in 2020 but they're still just as popular now. Perfect for adding a hint of colour to any outfit.
While Kate's favourite Riva earrings aren't available anymore, this delicate diamond and gold drop pair are the perfect alternative.
Kate Middleton wearing Sézane
The Princess of Wales has also been spotted supporting international brands, such as Turkish label Manu Atelier and, most recently, French-based brand Sézane. Eagle-eyed fashion connoisseurs recognised the brand's knitted co-ord which she wore last year while she's been sporting the brands jewellery as far back as 2020.
Kate Middleton wore this cream knitted skirt and matching sweater set this past October. After a restock, we have matched the exact set, which is still in stock (for now), so act quickly!
The perfect autumn midi skirt, this knit style is sure to work hard in your wardrobe whether worn with the matching top or alone.
Another Kate approved Sézane style are these grey Martin trousers. She paired them with a white shirt and matching grey sleeveless knit for a smart sleek look.
Sézane jewellery is also a favourite of Kates, especially their more statement earrings when she's heading to an elegant event.
Kate Middleton wearing Ghost
For clap for carers in April 2020 (to show her support for the NHS working during the pandemic), Kate wore a blue floral dress by Ghost, the colour of which was also a nod to the NHS.
Kate Middleton's popular Ghost floral number from 2020 is no longer available. However, this sleek, similar pair from the brand is available and on sale- perfect for any spring time occasionwear.
We can picture Kate wearing this spot print midi dress for autumn events and engagements alongside her favourite nude heels.
Greens another one of Kate's favourite colours to wear so we imagine this bow detail dress will be right up her street.
Kate has a blue floral Ghost dress very similar to this which she's worn multiple times over the years. This new style will go just as far in your wardrobe working with ballet flats right now and boots in autumn winter.
Kate Middleton wearing Veja
Kate Middleton has always been a fan of a classic white sneaker. From Adidas Stan Smiths to Superga's classic canvas trainers, we know we can count on the Princes of Wales for royal-approved comfortable footwear.
Comfortable, sustainable, and durable- what's not to love? Take a page out of Kate Middleton's book and pair these with your favourite pair of jeans, white T-shirt and an oversized blazer.
While Kate's favours a white toned Veja, this black and beige colour way are just as classic.
This sage green colour way give the classic sneaker a fresh feel.
For an alternative to the campo style, Veja Volleys are a chic choice. This tan toned pair will be perfect for wearing throughout autumn winter.
Kate Middleton wearing Zara
The Princess of Wales' enviable wardrobe holds incredible finds from the high street and luxury brands. Regardless of the source, the pieces are always impeccable and elegantly styled. When it comes to Zara, blazers are Kate's go-to especially styles in tweed fabrics or with luxe looking gold buttons.
Sadly, Kate's exact blazer is no longer available to shop. However, we bet the royal would also love this option with it's textured fabric and chic gold buttons.
Nobody will believe this blazer is from the high street thanks to it's boxy cut and plush textured finish.
This olive green blazer looks so much more expensive than it's price tag thanks to the sculpted shoulder pads and detailed buttons.
Another Zara blazer worthy of royal approval, this tailored black style is chic, chic, chic.
Kate Middleton wearing LK Bennett
If you're looking for occassionwear dress inspiration, Kate Middleton's LK Bennett looks provide the perfect inspo. From blazers to printed dresses and blouses, she wears it all. It's also one of her go-to places for accessories, including her favourite nude heels, so you can take inspiration from top to toe.
An almost identical style to the Princess of Wale's chosen piece. Pair this one with your favourite everyday jewellery and nude heels for the perfect wedding guest outfit or opt for trainers for a comfortable office look.
If you spot Kate in a pair of black cigarette trousers, you can nearly guarantee they'll be from LK Bennet. While this isn't her exact pair, they're practically identical featuring the same cropped length and sharp cut.
When Kate carries accessories she usually keeps them smart and simple. She carried this clutch back in 2016 but don't let that stop you recreating her look today.
Kate has a number of classic nude court heels which she relies upon, including this style from LK Bennett.
Kate Middleton wearing Mulberry
Kate Middleton's bag collection spans from classic British classics of the likes of Alexander McQueen, Mulberry, and Aspinal of London. This light blue Mulberry number is by far one of my favourites as she effortlessly paired it with a chiffon maxi dress and tortoise shell sunnies, it truly lives rent free in my head.
Remember Kate's iconic green Balmain blazer moment at Wimbledon 2023? Of course you do. Well she carried this bag to perfect compliment the look.
Most recently, at the Trooping of the Colours, Kate carried a black suede Mulberry Bayswater Clutch. This one may not be suede but it's a prettty close match.
Kate loves to use accessories to give her outfits a pop of colour, as she did in 2023, when she carried this bag with a chic navy Cefinn dress.
Kate Middleton's original bag is no longer available. However, the brand's almost identical light blue number is an instant add to cart in my books.
Kate Middleton wearing Missoma
Speaking of Kate Middleton looks that live rent-free in my head, this ultra-glam number she wore at the Royal Variety Performance held at London’s Royal Albert Hall is definitely up there as well. Her glittering Jenny Packham and staple Missoma earrings paired perfectly with her flowing waves.
A more statement earring style for Kate that paired perfectly with her sequin dress. Act fast as stock is not bound to last for very long!
Kate wore these pretty pink drop earrings in the run up to Christmas and they make the perfect festive jewellery choice for this year too.
We know Kate's a fan of a pearl necklace so we wouldn't be surprised to see her wearing this one from Missoma.
Kate doesn't shy away from a little sparkle when it comes to jewellery so these embellished huggies would definitely be royal approved.
