Princess Kate tends to shun expensive clothes despite having “access” for a powerful reason, according to a royal historian.
The Princess of Wales has mastered the delicate art of balancing luxury fashion with high-street finds, cementing her position as a global style icon whilst maintaining relatability with the British public.
Whether donning an Alexander McQueen gown for formal engagements or sporting a £59.99 Zara blazer for casual outings, Kate’s wardrobe choices reflect a calculated blend of accessible and aspirational fashion.
Despite her access to the world’s most prestigious fashion houses, she consistently incorporates affordable brands like Reiss, LK Bennett and Boden into her royal wardrobe.
Princess Kate shuns expensive clothes despite having ‘access’ for powerful reason
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According to historian and author Jane Marguerite Tippett, this approach to fashion is part of a broader PR strategy by the Wales team.
“Kate’s popularity very much rests on her relatability – and that is a direct product of her penchant for accessible fashion,” Tippett told the Mail.
“Wearing a Zara dress sends a potent visual message that diverts attention from the actuality of her wealth, which could give her access to any of the most elaborate of couture creations,” she explained.
At the 2023 BAFTA Awards, Kate paired a bespoke Alexander McQueen gown with £17.99 Zara earrings, demonstrating her signature high-low mix.
During a recent visit to the Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice, she wore an £89.99 Zara dress beneath a bespoke Savile Row coat.
Her approach to royal dressing extends to casual outings, as seen in Scotland where she combined a £900 Burberry quilted jacket with affordable £89 Spells of Love earrings.
This strategic mix of price points has become a hallmark of her public appearances.
Tippett suggests Kate’s use of bespoke pieces serves a strategic purpose in masking true costs from public scrutiny.
“Without a link to Net-A-Porter or some other commercial site – there is an ambiguity that masks the actual cost of these extremely pricey garments,” she noted.
Kate’s strategic use of affordable accessories with designer outfits is particularly evident in her jewellery choices.
At the 2022 Together at Christmas carol concert, she paired her bespoke Eponine coat with £14 Accessorize earrings.
For Royal Ascot 2023, she complemented her custom Alexander McQueen dress with £102 Sezane earrings.
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During a Natural History Museum visit, she balanced a £39 Warehouse jumper with £8,500 Asprey diamond hoops and a £3,762 Chanel bag, showcasing her signature mix of high street and luxury pieces.
This carefully curated approach to royal fashion has proven highly effective in maintaining the Waleses’ public image.
By mixing designer pieces with high-street brands, Kate demonstrates both refinement and relatability, setting an example of mindful spending despite the family’s considerable wealth.
Her strategy of combining luxury with accessibility, while frequently re-wearing outfits, reinforces the image of a down-to-earth royal figure.
This balanced approach to fashion continues to strengthen the Wales brand while making Kate’s style attainable for many admirers.
