When I think of people with elegant style, Kate Middleton instantly pops into my head. Given that she's a princess and all, it's to be expected that she'd have the most polished wardrobe on the planet, but it's a modern kind of elegance that she has. Much of what she wears could quite easily be replicated by non-royalty, which is undoubtedly part of why we're all so obsessed with what she wears. Not only that, an elegant, "quiet luxury" wardrobe is a major theme in fashion right now, as you know.
If it's effortless elegance you seek when shopping, a good mantra to keep in mind is, What would Kate Middleton wear? I did just that while scrolling through J.Crew and H&M, and it worked. I found the most elegant pieces that both retailers stock in one fell swoop—everything from outerwear to shoes are present and accounted for. Keep scrolling to add them to your own elegant, Kate Middleton–inspired wardrobe.
J.Crew
I could totally see Middleton wearing this with skinny jeans and Chelsea boots.
Never underestimate the power of a great coat.
This dress does the styling work for you.
Dressing elegantly doesn't mean all neutrals all the time.
Princess Kate loves a good wide-leg trouser.
The crinkled texture makes the simple skirt a bit more exciting.
For trips to the countryside.
Be sure to order these before they sell out like the brown ones already did.
J.Crew does tweed so well.
One more tweed jacket for good measure.
Because having cold hands isn't particularly elegnat.
Middleton avoids oversized blazers in favor of fitted ones like this.
I imagine Kate Middleton's pajamas look somethign like this.
The satin-covered buttons make this especially elegant.
I'm so obsessed with this fabric.
H&M
This is a dress you'll wear for years to come.
The mixed materials make these look super expensive.
The wide sleeves make this look more forward.
Perfect for pairing with a black turtleneck and jeans.
The reviews for these ultra-affordable pants are glowing.
The looks like the perfect white shirt to me.
The quality of this timeless coat looks so good.
I'm positive that this will be sold out soon.
This looks so luxurious.
The length of this is so good.
I'm tempted to order it in both colors.
Much cooler than your basic black pumps.
Gorgeous.
Nineties minimalism at its most elegant.
There are infinite ways to style this.
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I Live in Basics—33 Elevated Styles From Gap, H&M, and Old Navy That Have My Undivided AttentionCamis, cashmere, and cardigans.
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I Love the Sweaters at J.Crew, COS, and Zara RN—40 Worth Adding to Your CartThese will elevate your fall outfits.
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I Got Stares and Compliments at a Boston Coffee Shop While Wearing This J.Crew–Approved Fall OutfitShop the effortless three-piece look.
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Wait, Everything Is on Sale at J.Crew—These 29 Elegant Fall Finds Are the StandoutsGet 40% off full-priced items.
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J.Crew Just Partnered With the Luxury Afrofuturist Jewelry Brand You Should Know About—6 Gorgeous Pieces From the Capsule CollectionAn elegant collaboration with Khiry's Jameel Mohammed.
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Cool-Girl Fall Era Loading—31 Picks From Zara, J.Crew, and Gap That Fit the BillI'm a senior shopping editor, and these have my stamp of approval.
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Sorry If You See This Too Late, But These 33 New H&M Styles Look Designer (They'll Sell Out)Chic, expensive-looking styles ahead.
