Kate Middleton’s style is natural, unforced and unpretentious. She never seems to be trying too hard or worried about currying favour with the glittery world of fashion. That’s going to help — a lot — when the naturally beautiful young woman blessed with poise, dimples, long legs and perfect posture marries Prince William in 2011.
Middleton is already one of the most photographed women in Britain — and with Tuesday’s engagement announcement, she immediately leaps to the top of the fashion world. That position was once occupied by Princess Diana, William’s mother, who was killed in a 1997 car crash in Paris.
Like Diana, whose graceful style was widely imitated until her shockingly early death, Middleton’s choices will be scrutinised by fashion editors worldwide and copied by retailers in the world’s fashion capitals.
Middleton, 28, already has a distinctive look, one that emphasises her long brown hair, pale skin and charismatic smile. She favours white and black over splashes of colour and has shied away from London’s radical street fashion in favour of mainstream looks.
“She has a feminine streak, and she dresses very much for herself, she’s not a slaving fashionista,” said Hilary Alexander, fashion director of the Telegraph newspaper. “She’s never obvious. But there will be massive pressure on her now. I don’t think we’ve had a royal wedding on this scale for nearly 30 years.” —AP