Happy birthday, Kate! In honour of the Duchess of Cambridge’s 34th birthday on Jan. 9, we round up 10 style lessons the always-fashionable royal can teach us.
Click through the gallery for Princess Kate’s best style advice.
A good coat makes an outfit
We all know that the Duchess of Cambridge has a stunning collection of coats in basically every colour of the rainbow. No doubt her outerwear game is always on point – sometimes so much that we don’t even notice (or care about) what she’s wearing underneath. Invest in a gorgeous coat that you feel good in (whether it’s a bold colour, intricate pattern or classic black or grey), and toss it on to give any outfit an added dose of class and glamour. Psst: you don’t have to break the bank to find a pretty statement coat. Lots of Kate’s favourite brands like Zara, Topshop and H&M have stylish offerings for under $100. (Photo by Carl Court - WPA/Getty Images)
It’s OK to rewear the same things
When Kate likes something, she’s not afraid to rewear it. Case in point: the stunning Jenny Packham gown that she wore to three different galas. And she doesn’t just rewear $5,000 dresses – she’s been spotted dozens of times in a simple Breton-striped shirt and jeans. Hey, if it’s OK for a princess to wear the same thing twice (or more), it’s definitely OK for you. Another tip from Kate? Change your look by switching up your accessories: different shoes, a chic belt or a statement clutch. (Photos by Getty Images)
Know what works for your body
Ever noticed that the Duchess hardly ever wears something that doesn’t flatter her figure? Well, that’s partly thanks to a great tailor, but it’s also because she knows what works for her body. How many times have we seen her wear a tailored shirtdress nipped at the waist or a chic blazer buttoned up and combined with skinny jeans? Kate teaches us to work with your best assets: If you have a hourglass figure, accent your waist. If you have killer legs, don’t be afraid to wear a skirt. Find what works for you and stick with it. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Don’t be afraid of colour
A lot of us tend to gravitate towards simple, muted shades like black and grey – especially in the cold winter months. But as Prince George’s mum has demonstrated countless times, a colourful frock or coat can instantly brighten up even the dullest day. Don’t be scared to experiment with different colours, whether it be bright jewel-tones or muted pastels. (Photo by John Stillwell - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
You don’t have to spend thousands to look good
Yes, the Duchess of Cambridge loves couture designs from fashion’s biggest names like Alexander McQueen, Jenny Packham and Erdem, but she’s also a sucker for fast fashion brands like Zara, Gap and Topshop. In fact, some of her cutest outfits (like this Topshop dress she wore while touring the Warner Bros. Studios in 2013 with Prince William and Prince Harry) retail for well under $100. Don’t feel like you have to buy high-end to look like royalty. (Photo by Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
A LBD never fails
You know those days when you spend an hour trying to get dressed for a night out, and hate every single thing in your closet? Reach for a little black dress, a la Princess Kate. A simple, well-tailored frock will never steer you wrong, and it can be accessorized for just about any event. (Photo by Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Invest in good basics
There are some pieces in Kate’s wardrobe that she constantly reworks: from her L.K. Bennett nude pumps and Stuart Weitzman cork wedges to her favourite skinny jeans and Ray-Ban wayfarers. Invest in classic, high-quality basics that will stand the test of time and pick up trendier or one-season pieces at a cheaper price. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Accessories can make an outfit
Kate Middleton’s accessory game is seriously on point. Whether it’s an intricate fascinator (remember that maple-leaf one she wore while touring Canada in 2011?), a cute clutch or a stunning piece of jewelry, she knows how to make her outfits stand out – and you can easily do the same. While a matching hat might not be up your alley, a glittery box clutch or pretty necklace definitely could be. (Photo by Chris Jackson - Pool/Getty Images)
Comfort is key
The royal may always look stylish, but rarely have we seen her sacrifice comfort to do so. Usually she opts for chic black boots with a small heel or her favourite pair of wedges instead of teetering heels. Plus, her go-to off-duty uniform is a striped shirt, jeans and loafers: the ultimate example that you can still look put-together without being uncomfortable. (Photo by Ben Stansall - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Dress your age
In the past, Kate Middleton has been criticized for dressing older than her age – some have even gone as far to say her outfits would be better suited for Queen Elizabeth II. While we wouldn’t go that far (although, the Queen is a pretty stylish lady, too), we were pleasantly surprised when the Duchess stepped out in October 2014 in a form-fitting Jenny Packham gown with a thigh-high slit detail. How refreshing to see her add something a bit more youthful to her repertoire – something she’s been doing more and more of over the past year. That said, we can’t imagine seeing Princess Kate in a crop top and short shorts (although, we do remember that one time…) (Photo by Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images)