Since marrying Prince William on April 29, 2011, all eyes have been on the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. A longtime fan of unfussy designers like MaxMara, Asos and Zara, Middleton, now 31 and expecting her first child, has stuck to what works as her pregnancy progresses.
Outfitting her baby bump in tailored pieces and simple silhouettes, Prince William’s bride, due in July, is a total fashionista — and one who isn’t afraid to snag affordable items or wear them more than once. “It’s so exciting that the Duchess of Cambridge bought one of my designs,” Lovestruck designer Erika Shaw told Us after the royal purchased Lovestruck’s Deirdre dress, a $55 spring sheath with an elasticized waist. “I think it’s great that Kate wears high street brands.”
Another affordable outfit worn by the pregnant royal: A black and white polka dot Topshop dress paired with a Ralph Lauren blazer and Episode “Angel” pumps. Not only did the Duchess don the ensemble to a friend’s wedding May 11, she stepped out in it on a Warner Bros. Studios tour in late April. Not one to shy away from color, Middleton has stepped out for her royal engagements in bright shades and bold prints, putting her growing baby bump on full display.
Though Middleton’s outfits have at times drawn ire — including from designer Vivienne Westwood, who encouraged her to recycle more clothing — Middleton has quickly become recognized as a bonafide style icon. Vanity Fair even placed her first on their list of most stylish pregnant celebrities. (Halle Berry, Penelope Cruz and Alec Baldwin‘s pregnant wife Hilaria Baldwin were also lauded.) Most recently, Us Weekly readers voted Middleton as their Celebrity Style Crush for the week of May 6.
“People always comment on her clothes, her makeup, her body, her baby,” a Middleton insider tells Us. “She knows it comes with the territory. It doesn’t get to her because she’s a confident girl. By now, it’s water off a duck’s back.”
Tell Us: Which of Kate Middleton’s maternity looks is your favorite?
To vote for your Celeb Style Crush, click here — we’ll highlight the winner’s best looks on UsMagazine.com next week!
