I Re-Created Kate Middleton's Most Iconic Looks — and, Yes, I Felt Like Royalty

Updated on 12/29/2017 at 10:00 AM

POPSUGAR Photography | Benjamin Stone

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When the idea of dressing up like Kate Middleton came up, I instantly jumped at the chance because a) the duchess's regal wardrobe could put anyone else's to shame, and b) her style is drastically different than mine. You see, I'm a jeans and t-shirt kind of gal, so the prospect of wearing knee-length dresses and long coats was very intriguing and possibly challenging. Unlike Kate, my outfits err on the rock 'n' roll side of the fashion spectrum and my everyday look usually consists of some combination of a bomber jacket, tee, jeans, and a pair of sneakers.

For some reason, I thought wearing these outfits might also somehow magically improve my posture and etiquette skills, but spoiler: I still slouched. (My mind instantly goes to that moment in The Princess Diaries when Mia Thermopolis learns how to wave like a queen.) While I didn't learn how to wave like a queen or walk any straighter, I did feel a whole lot chicer navigating the streets of New York in these outfits.

Since Kate is someone the fashion world pays quite a lot of attention to, I instantly knew which of her looks I wanted to re-create. From her famous baby blue polka-dot hospital dress to a classic structured coat, scroll on to see four ensembles I re-created to channel my inner Kate Middleton.

The Benton Striped Shirt

To be honest, I didn't feel any different wearing this outfit since this is one of Kate's more laid-back looks. The red-and-white striped shirt from J.Crew ($30), dark denim jeans, and white Champion Keds ($40) felt like a slightly preppier version of something I would wear anyway.

red-and-white striped shirt from J.Crew

From

$30

white Champion Keds

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$40

The Blue Polka-Dot Dress

This is perhaps one of the most iconic Kate Middleton looks. She wore this blue and white polka-dot dress by Jenny Packham after giving birth to Prince George. While my dress wasn't the exact one the duchess wore, this L.K. Bennett Elif Floral Dress ($595) was definitely my favorite of the bunch. It made me feel so feminine, and I loved the way the dress's hemline flowed in the breeze.

I finished the look off with pair of white pumps ($325), which is a style I've never been inclined to try in the past. I rarely wear heels unless I'm heading to a formal occasion, but I feel like it helped me get in character and made the color of the dress pop even more. I was surprised by how much I liked the entire outfit and I really didn't want to take it off.

L.K. Bennett Elif Floral Dress

The Knee-Length Dress

The only words I can think of to describe this dress are prim and proper. I wore a gorgeous orange Wren dress by Hobbs London ($295) while I headed to Starbucks to get my midday caffeine fix. Let me say, I've never felt more put-together in my life. Also, can I just take a second to mention how hard it is to walk the busy streets New York in heels? I have a newfound respect for women who wear them on the regular.

The Structured Coat

Funny story: I wore this pink Rosanne Hobbs London coat ($285, originally $565) around when it was 90 degrees in NYC (not the best idea, I know) and it definitely caused quite a few people to stare. But temperature aside, I now understand why Kate Middleton is such a fan of this style. The double-breasted coat hit right above the knee and was the perfect length to wear with a pair of leather heels. I can totally see myself wearing this coat during the Winter when I need a dressy alternative to my go-to puffer jacket.

Overall, I feel like this experience has taught me that what you're wearing truly does affect the way you carry yourself. If you choose a dress or coat that's tailored for your body, you will automatically feel like a royal in your own right. Also, I don't think that this will be the last time I'll be giving one of Kate Middleton's looks a try since I'm actually trying to save up to buy that gorgeous blue L.K. Bennett dress.

pink Rosanne Hobbs London coat

From

$285