It's Official: Kate Middleton Has Mastered All of Winter's Top Trends

I'm not sure whether Kate Middleton's style is getting trendier lately or if the current products on offer all happen to be inspired by the duchess. Either way, the royal's fashion sense has never been more current and I can't help but feel impressed at her willingness to try all of winter's top trends. Since royal style skews conservative, there's a plentiful list of items Middleton, Meghan Markle and every other British royal can't wear, and consequently, the list rules out a number of trends.

So, you can imagine my surprise and delight to discover Middleton's getting behind five of the biggest winter trends. From styling a cropped cardigan just like all the fashion girls to accessorising with pretty headgear that mirrors everything we're seeing on Instagram, Kate officially just became our winter trend style muse. Naturally, she pulled off them all off with the polished style she's known for. Keep reading to see the winter trends Kate Middleton has nailed, and then shop our royalty-approved picks...

PICTURE PERFECT IN WINTER'S CARIDGAN TREND

Kate's cropped cardigan takes a note straight from the books of the fashion set. It may be an old-school style, but she's made it feel so fresh by buttoning it all the way up and wearing it as a top.

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Related: Kate Middleton Just Tried Victoria Beckham's Go-To Outfit Formula

HAIR ACCESSORIES THAT HIT ALL THE RIGHT NOTES

Kate's got a thing for on-trend hair accessories, which she's been wearing quite a bit these days. It's her XXL padded headband that feels extra current—the style has been gaining momentum this winter and the evidence is all over Instagram.

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She's at it again with the trendy hair accessories, this time wearing a chic velvet bow tying up her ponytail. The accessory is a little detail she added to her winter ensemble, but it made a big impact.

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Related: From Prada to Kate Middleton, the Alice Headband Is Officially Back in Business

DRIPPING IN CRYSTALS: ROYAL EDITION

The heavy crystal trend, which we've dubbed chandelier dressing, has arrived just in time for the Christmas party circuit, and none other than Middleton herself (and Markle, too) broke out her finest crystal earrings from the royal family's jewellery collection to celebrate Prince Charles' 70th birthday. Kate no doubt adorned herself in genuine diamonds, but brands are dreaming up affordable styles that hit on this trend, too.

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Related: I'm Always on the Lookout for the Perfect Hoops—Here Are My Favourites

WESTERN BOOTS FOR THE WIN

Kate hardly ever wavers from her denim collection (skinny jeans are her forever style), so we were delighted to discover her nod to the Western trend via a pair of cowboy-come-Chelsea boots, which she tucked her black skinnies into.

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Related: It's Official: Kate Middleton Has Mastered All of Winter's Top Trends

SHE LOVES A NOVELTY BUTTON AS MUCH AS WE DO

The duchess is beaming in these royal family portraits wearing a now sold-out Alessandra Rich dress. This is exciting to a fashion editor for two reasons: Alessandra Rich's party dresses are a staple for It girls everywhere, and more precisely, the unique buttons on Middleton's dress are part of a larger trend afoot.

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Speaking of winter trends, these are the major plays for the 2018 season...