Time and again, Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, and younger sister Pippa prove that, when it comes to fashion, the siblings from Bucklebury rule.
Here, we dissect their signature style elements – from their wardrobe staples to their hair and skincare routines - to reveal the secrets to their signature stylish looks.
They stick with signature colours
Perhaps suited to her outgoing personality, Pippa is often spotted in scarlet-toned styles – from a deep V-neck Temperley garnet gown with matching lipstick to a ruby ’60s-inspired Zara topper. And for the Duchess of Cambridge, blue is her go-to hue. Whether it was a Sapphire jersey Issa wrap for her engagement announcement, a navy lace Erdem shift for the Canadian tour or a pale blue-grey Jenny Packham gown to host a royal dinner, it’s clear that Middleton turns to the colour on important occasions.
Courtesy Getty Images
They follow their classic tastes
While more fearless fashion types opt for tent dresses and paper-bag pants, Pippa and the princess stick to that which is tried and true: silhouettes that stay close to their torsos and necklines that show off their décolletage. Classic shapes will always remain the most flattering for these siblings.
They have go-to accessories
Kate and Pippa clearly have their pick of fabulous accessories – from the latest it-bag to fresh-off-the-catwalk footwear – but the sisters are more often seen sporting a few faithful favourites. Pippa has been spotted with pricey purses by Bulgari, Loewe and Prada, but it’s an accessibly priced top-handle by tote Modalu that is her favoured arm charm – she has the same exact bag in no fewer than five colours. The Duchess, meanwhile, regularly steps out in affordable heels and wedges by LK Bennett, a line that was recommended to her by Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall for their comfort factor.
They are hat fanatics
The stylish sisters have been spotted in all manners of hats – from fanciful wedding fascinators to berets and jaunty fedoras. Couture milliner Phillip Treacy, who counts Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss and Sarah Jessica Parker among his top clients, designed many of them. Kate and Pippa have also been known to cap off their looks with headpieces by Gina Foster and Vivien Sheriff.
They do double takes
Even royals repeat outfits! The Duchess of Cambridge makes it a point of regularly shopping her closet, and is often photographed publicly in the same looks she has worn months or even years before, such as the white Reiss dress she opted for her engagement portrait and then spotted in again on Canada Day in Ottawa. Similarly, Pippa has mastered the art of all-season dressing, often wearing one dress in the summer, and then adding a blazer and black hose when the temperature drops.
They get help for their glowing skin
There is no question that both sisters have enviable skin – Catherine’s face is always clear and luminous while Pippa maintains a fresh-from-the-beach bronzed glow. That said, they do get some help. Pippa’s year-round tan, dubbed “Royal Mocha,” comes courtesy of a mobile spray-tan service. As for the Duchess, Camilla introduced Kate to beauty therapist Deborah Mitchell, who specializes in a $200-per-session bee sting facial – hailed as the “non-surgical” facelift and a natural alternative to Botox.
Courtesy Indigo/Wireimage
They see beauty in imperfection
No doubt, one of the Duchess of Cambridge’s best assets is her perfect smile. But those pearly whites weren’t always there – she was, after all, a former smoker – and now the secret to her stunning smile is out. Kate reportedly turned to pioneering French dentist Didier Fillion, who specializes in creating an imperfect and deliberately unaligned mouth to create a natural, non-artificial smile. Newly-single Pippa, meanwhile, has taken cues from her sister by sporting side-parted natural waves. Clearly these two know the power of a good blowout.
Photo courtesy BANG Media
They love a bargain
Yes, you read correctly: The future Queen and the society swan shop at mass stores! Even though she’s moved into a palace, Kate still regularly picks up pieces from the nearby Topshop, and not a week goes by without seeing Pippa in some soon-to-be bestseller look by Zara, French Connection or H&M.
Photo courtesy Anwar Hussein/Wireimage
They love their boots
Knee-high equestrian-style over jeans or zip-up booties with bare legs, you’re more like to catch the Middletons in leather boots than sky-high stilettos.
If you had to copy one look from Kate and Pippa, which one above would it be?
