8 Style Tips I Learned From Writing 24 Kate Middleton Stories Last Year

Listen—my co-workers don't call me Dame Fitz for nothing (true story). I'm the resident royals expert for Who What Wear, having covered basically every major duchess moment that's happened in my three years at the company, including the birth of Kate Middleton's third child, Meghan Markle's wedding and pregnancy announcement, and every one of Middleton's tours abroad. And yes, my royal coverage also extends to the late Princess Diana and Kensington-adjacent sister Pippa Middleton.

In fact, I went through my old stories and realized I wrote 24 articles on Middleton alone last year. So you can say I'm pretty familiar with her style. The Duchess of Cambridge's outfits offer plenty of royal style tips if you pay close enough attention. If you don't feel like analyzing her wardrobe, I've got you covered. Below, I've rounded up my favorite tips I gleaned from her 2018 looks, from the affordable brand you shouldn't overlook to the unique color combo you should try. Get ready to Middleton-ify your closet.

1. Don't Underestimate J.Crew Accessories 

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

On Kate Middleton: J.Crew hair tie

2. Combine Different Shades of Red 

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

On Kate Middleton: Catherine Walker coat; Mulberry clutch; Gianvito Rossi heels

3. Carry Top-Handle Mini Bags to Add Instant Polish 

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

On Kate Middleton: Emilia Wickstead dress; Aspinal of London Midi Mayfair Bag ($870)

4. Always Consider Proportions

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

On Kate Middleton: Brora Cashmere Cropped Cardigan ($265); Emilia Wickstead skirt

5. Don't Be Afraid to Be an Outfit Repeater

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On Kate Middleton: Zara jeans; Penelope Chilvers boots

6. Match Your Bag, Shoes, and Belt Without Looking Cheesy

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On Kate Middleton: Erdem dress; Jimmy Choo shoes and clutch

7. Wear Skinny Jeans the Royal Way

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

On Kate Middleton: Smythe 2 Button Blazer ($795); Russell & Bromley Fallon Dry Mid Zip Chelsea Boots ($383)

8. Invest in Comfortable Pumps

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

On Kate Middleton: L.K.Bennett dress; Gianvito Rossi shoes

Next, Meghan Markle wore the shoes with a cult following in Hollywood

Erin Fitzpatrick
Senior News Editor

Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 12 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of senior news editor (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.