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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Greens another one of Kate's favourite colours to wear so we imagine this bow detail dress will be right up her street.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Penny Goldstone is the Contributing Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes about catwalk trends and the latest high street and Instagram sartorial must-haves. She also helms the Women Who Win franchise.
She has worked in fashion for over 10 years, contributing to publications such as Cosmopolitan, Red, Good Housekeeping, and Stylist.
- Jazzria HarrisFreelance Fashion & Beauty Writer
- Sofia PizaFashion Writer
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