Proof That Kate Middleton Dresses Just Like One Of Us!

If you’re not living under a rock, you’re probably aware that Britain’s royal couple are currently on their maiden trip to India and Bhutan. And the one name the internet can’t really get enough of this week is that of Kate Middleton. From sartorial naysayers to fashion geniuses, the entire industry is all eyes and ears for every ensemble the Duchess dons.

We’ve been witnessing this never-ending phenomenon right since 2011: Middleton’s not-so-expected sartorial choices always spike global media frenzy and hype up the brands she opts for. Remember when her Sarah Burton-designed Alexander McQueen wedding gown drew a record-breaking crowd of over 600,000 people when it went on display at the Buckingham Palace? Apart from that, one constantly hears industry chatter on how sites of major fashion labels have crashed thanks to the high demand for every Duchess-donned outfit. Retailers have even coined a term for this profit-making quality — The Kate Effect.

But at Hauterfly, we’re particularly impressed by the surprising nonchalance in the Duchess’s style nous. She works high street brands like a pro, and has been a loyalist to some brands right from the start. And that’s reason why she’s such a fashion favourite for most of us — her style is so relatable (and affordable), basically it’s a lot like you and me would usually dress.

So here goes, a look at all the high street labels Kate Middleton has favoured during her India visit. Try not to crash those sites again, ladies!

 

1. TOPSHOP

While visiting Kaziranga National Park in Assam, Kate was spotted in a Topshop embroidered smock dress. A perfect summer dress, this pink floral print number comes with a tasseled neck-tie. I like how summer-ready it is, and she maintains the look sans makeup and a chic chignon.

 

Topshop Embroidered Smock Dress (Rs 7,070 approx)

 

As far as the dress goes, it was unavailable on Jabong (the brand’s official retailer in India). Though I managed to locate it on the international site, it sold out minutes after it was ID’d on the Duchess!

 

2. Anita Dongre

On Day 1 of her visit, Kate surprised us all by wearing a creation from Anita Dongre’s SS16 collection. I like that she maintained some Indian-ness in her ensemble. Also, there’s no denying that the dress was perfect for a hot summer day. While Dongre isn’t really a high street brand, her pret collection is certainly more affordable for the urban working woman.

 

Anita Dongre Gulrukh Tunic Dress (Rs 14,000)

3. Monsoon UK

She wore the above Dongre dress with her favourite shoe style — wedges. The Duchess kept to her love for high street brands intact by opting for a pair of taupe Fleur espadrille wedges by UK label Monsoon.

 

Monsoon Fluer Espadrilles (Rs 4,243)

 

4. ACCESSORIZE

Remember the time when Kate wore a Rs 2,500 Zara neckpiece on the red carpet for the royal premiere of a movie in London? The piece was an instant sell-out. Almost always known to wear either minimalistic jewellery, the Duchess worked a pair of earrings from Accessorize on Day 1 and 2 of her India trip. The pair had intricate detailing of small beads and beaten coins on filigree drops. Apparently, it’s not always fine jewellery that catches Middleton’s eye.

 

Accessorize Filigree Drop Earrings (Rs 750 approx)

 

5. ZARA

Safari chic was the memo for her visit to Kaziranga National Park recently. Middleton was seen in a pair of mid-rise biker trousers from one of our favourite high street labels. Now Zara is one brand the Duchess has been loyal to for her casual outfits. She’s donned pieces from the brand on multiple occasions. Those Zara pants not only have ribbed detailing on the knee, they also have a zipper pocket. She teamed it up with an RM Williams ruffled shirt and Sebago boat shoes.

 

Zara Mid-Rise Biker Trousers (Rs 2,490)

 

6. GLAMOROUS UK

Notice a pattern here? It’s not just high street brands. During this tour, Kate has (deliberately?) opted for clothing that has some Indian element to it. Whether it’s the Indian-embroidered Topshop dress or this maxi from Glamorous.

 

Glamorous Border Print Lace Up Maxi Dress (Rs 4,714 approx)

This lace-up detailed dress is another perfect summer-ready option. Also, though it’s sold out already, the piece is up for pre-order (and costs less that Rs 5,000).

 

7. DUNE LONDON

Apart from her nude L.K. Bennett court shoes (it’s her favourite we hear) and Russell & Bromley wedges, Kate has yet another go-to shoe. It’s the Pied A Terre ‘Imperia’ Wedges, which she is known to own in both black and neutral. From polo matches to country tours, we’ve seen Kate complete her look with these espadrilles time and again.

 

Dune Karley Navy (Rs 6,328 approx)

Though the buckle slingback style has been discontinued, Dune London (the brand that took over Pied A Terre) launched Imperia D and Karley, that are pretty similar to this style.