FROM crashing websites to waiting lists – when Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle wear high-street, it has a huge impact on the brand.
But how do they make them look so good? Both Duchesses have an ability to make even the simplest of styles look high-end – and according to a celebrity stylist, it’s all down to a number of crafty fashion tricks.
Kate wore a maroon scalloped neck jumper from Warehouse last month
Opting for darker-coloured knitwear
Both Meghan and Kate have been spotted in jumpers from the high-street.
In October, the Duchess of Cambridge wore a high-neck maroon knit from Warehouse, while Meghan was spotted in a navy bell-sleeved style from Marks and Spencer at the start of last year.
Both styles were bank balance-friendly, but could have easily been mistaken for having a designer price tag.
When Meghan wore an M&S jumper, it flew off the shelves
According to celebrity stylist Ellis Ranson, opting for dark colours is a safe bet when shopping high street.
She told Fabulous Digital: “There are lots of great knitwear pieces on the high-street at the moment, but darker colours such as navy, maroon and khaki always seem to appear higher quality and more expensive.”
Removing or adding a belt
The Duchess added a belt to this 35 Hobbs dress
When Kate Middleton was spotted in a 35 Hobbs dress in 2012, shoppers raced to snap it up.
But the Duchess of Cambridge had added her own personal touch to the grey and white square-print dress.
And according to Ellis, this handy styling trick can add heaps of value to an outfit.
“Accessories can make a huge difference to any outfit,” she said.
“I like to remove the belt if it comes with the garment and swap it for my own or add one.
“It doesn’t have to be designer, just something more high-end that you can re-work into your high-street wardrobe.”
Alter the piece to fit your figure
It was reported that Meghan had had her coat tailored
Ellis explains one of the most important styling tips is tailoring an outfit to your body shape.
“The fit will make all the difference to an outfit,” she explained.
“If you’ve purchased a nice skirt or trousers from the high-street, it’s worth getting them tailored.
“It doesn’t cost much and it instantly creates a more luxe style – even if it means sizing up and having the piece taken in.”
It’s something both Kate and Meghan have done with their own wardrobes.
It doesn’t cost much and can make all the difference
In fact, when Meghan wore a J. Crew coat last year, she gave away a tell-tale sign that it could have been altered.
The navy wool style appeared to feature a “tailor’s tack” just above the hem, which is often used to keep garments in shape.
Add one designer piece
Kate mixed designer and high-street by adding a Zara headband priced at just 17.99
Both Kate and Meghan combine high-street with designer – and it’s the perfect way to add value to an outfit.
When Kate wore her maroon Warehouse jumper, she paired it perfectly with a matching Chanel mini bag.
Meanwhile, Meghan teamed her monochrome Reiss mini dress with a Stella McCartney purse.
Meghan teamed a high street dress with Stella McCartney
Meg layered a H&M maternity dress under an Armani coat
The Duchess of Sussex paired an & Other Stories shirt with a Hugo Boss leather skirt
Kate is also a fan of & Other Stories
Ellis says it’s all about keeping the look simple and not trying to be “too fashion”.
“Meghan and Kate use a clever styling trick where they manage to add one luxe item to their wardrobe to automatically make the outfit look more expensive,” she explained.
“Simplicity is key. For example, when Meghan paired the H&M maternity dress with a tonal coat, and heels, she didn’t try to make it ‘too fashion’.”
Change the length of a dress or skirt to suit your body shape
When Meghan wore a black maternity dress from ASOS, it flew off the e-shelves immediately.
While the dress appeared to be midi in length online, it seems Meghan could have had it made shorter.
The dress appears to be midi in length
Meg seems to have shortened it
According to Ellis, it’s the perfect way to flatter your body shape and personalise an outfit to your own figure.
She explained: “Changing the length of a dress, skirt or even trousers is a great idea to improve the fit and flatter your body shape.”
In other royal news, we told you how Kim Kardashian says she can relate to Meghan Markle and Prince Harrys push for privacy and a safe place.
We also revealed why Kate Middleton wears three rings on her wedding finger.
And we told you Prince Harry told Roman Kemp to fire a water balloon at Prince William when he was invited to DJ at Buckingham Palace.
