Kate, Princess of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge, was known more simply as Prince William’s girlfriend until their engagement in 2010. And since their wedding in 2011, more than just her title has changed. Kate’s renowned “girl next door” style has evolved to fit her mature Royal Family member status – but it seems her early 00s fashion staples have made a comeback.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, Susie Nelson at Modes and More said: “Kate’s outfits at St Andrew’s were very much ‘public school girls at Marlborough College’ – I think it’s fair to say, quite Sloane Ranger style.
“She’s always been sporty with fabulous legs, so her thigh-skimming skirts from that time had a wholesome yet sexy look. Her country lifestyle shows in her equestrian-style wax coats and classic shooting jackets.”
Branded a fashion “icon” in her own right, some of Kate’s most famous go-to looks, including low-rise jeans, preppy sweater and shirt combinations and strappy tops, have become the “it-girl” style of 2023.
Pre-wedding, the Reading-born Princess sported more casual attire when spotted out and about during the early years of her relationship with William.
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One of the most notable looks in Kate’s 2001-2006 wardrobe was the low-rise denim jeans. Often styled by the now 41-year-old with a chunky belt, the Princess of Wales wore these on many occasions.
While now, skinnier styles are worn by the royal, Kate’s go-to fit was looser and low-slung earlier in the 2000s.
The light-wash and boot-cut style showed off her slim frame, often paired with a fitted cami top or knit with her mid-riff on show.
When sporting the same fashion formula on night’s out, Kate would swap the flared leg for a straight style, and switch brown boots for wedged heels instead.
The original Penelope Chilvers Long Tassel Boots (£475) in brown leather have been a fashion favourite for Kate since her university days.
Often seen wearing the same pair to outdoor engagements to this day, the young Duchess would style them for more casual everyday wear on campus.
Previously seen the country-style shoes with light-wash jeans and a classic Sloane-style jacket and hat combination, Kate has recreated her old-school look more recently.
One outfit she is yet to recreate is the Penelope Chilvers boots with a mini-skirt and blazer co-ord, completed with a striped white shirt and oversized sunglasses.
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When it comes to accessories, Kate was often seen clutching Longhcamp bags no matter what the occasion.
Described as a “gateway into upscale handbags” by the Telegraph, the Duchess “had a few versions” in the 00s. One of which was a small, handheld bag in what appeared to be one of her favourite shades of brown.
Most famously styled by the mother-of-three on her graduation day, Kate was seen wearing her hair loosely down in a black mini skirt and white shirt, with heeled court shoes to match.
The Longchamp Le Pliage bag is a cult favourite across the world and retails for around £95.
The short hemline donned by Kate at her graduation ceremony was a youthful look often worn by the young Princess early in her relationship with William.
Her love for slinky dresses cut with scooping necklines and mini skirts became a signature look which reflected the more formal attire worn by “Sloane Rangers”.
While she has been pictured wearing the style in a range of colours, ranging from a pink halterneck to long-sleeve patterned dresses, the most standout of the genre was a lacy cap-sleeve dress worn by Kate to a book launch just weeks after her split from Prince William in 2007.
The off-white shade and detailed lace overlay made for an understated yet sexy look, which has since returned with other early 2000s fashion trends.