Inside Kate Middleton’s subtle Gen Z makeover – and how it’s a clever trick to win over new royal fans
PRINCESS Kate is known for her timeless wardrobe and impeccable style.
But is the Princess of Wales, 43, currently undergoing a “Gen Z makeover?”
Fashion expert Amber Graafland pointed out that there is a “distinct” new influence taking over a number of fashion looks.
Speaking to Fabulous, she shared: “If you look back at photographs taken five years ago, her outfits simply don’t date. However, she still manages to look modern.
“The secret? In lieu of adopting obvious trends, Princess Kate’s sartorial success comes down to a few clever styling tricks; subtle flourishes, contemporary cuts, and strategic accessories.
“Kate’s most recent and notable wardrobe changes have a distinct Gen Z influence.
“Not surprisingly her wardrobe resonates with women because it’s ubiquitous with 90s fashion; a nod to the era of dressing that feels relevant today. “
We saw a prime example of this in the photo used for Kate’s 43rd birthday last week.
In the black-and-white shot, the royal mum-of-three posed against a wall in jeans and a gingham scarf.
Amber added: “It was Kate’s clever accessory that added a Gen Z influence.
“Gingham has been claimed as a Gen-Z staple, and the scarf gave her outfit a modern twist. “From a pale pink gingham blazer to cherry red dresses, the print has become a wardrobe staple, having sported the print on several occasions.“
Here are some other examples of Kate’s Gen Z makeover…
Giant Bows
The silky, pussy bow dominated the 90’s – and now it’s back.
Amber shared: “The late Princess Diana was a fan, and Gen Z have adopted the look, but not just in the form of blouses.
“Gen Z favourite Sandy Liang brought them back on tops, dresses…and hair. And of course they reappeared on the Gucci runway.
“One of Kate’s go-to looks she’s worn is a pussy bow blouse on countless official engagements.”
Plaid
Another 90s trend to reemerge in the royal wardrobe is plaid.
Amber shared: “The street style set have been sporting plaid shirts, shin-grazing midis and rather more risqué minis.
“Kate however favours more modest pleated plaid skirts, long tailored McQueen coats, collared dresses and long scarves.”
Bootcut Jeans
Another subtle nod to ’90s minimalism that Kate has adopted is the infamous boot cut jean.
Amber explained: “Designed to flare out subtly at the bottom, the boot cut jean dominated the 90s, before skinny jeans took over.
“The princess recently swapped her trademark skinnies for a pair of flared hem jeans, a subtle style update with its origins firmly in the 90s.”
Cagoules
Synonymous with camping holidays and school trips the cagoule is a surprise Gen Z favourite.
The fashion expert added: “In the 90’s it was all about the Lowe Apline flite packaway, and now Gen Z have adopted this outdoorsy look with gusto.
“Kate is a huge fan of the waterproof favourite and owns a variety of styles in different colours.”
Kate Middleton's love of recycling clothes
KATE Middleton might be a Princess, but that certainly doesn't stop her from rewearing her favourite frocks.
Jenny Packham Gown: She first worn the frock to an ARK Gala Dinner in June 2011, and then rewore it three years later to the National Portrait Gallery in February 2014.
Alexander McQueen Coat Dress: Kate donned the beautiful number for Trooping the Colour in June 2016 and then just a year later, was spotted in it again for the Easter Service, in April 2017.
Temperley London Dress: She first wore the black lace dress at the War Horse Premiere, in January 2012, but then, just months later, donned it again, at the St. Andrews University Gala, in December 2012.
Hobbs Coat: Even Kate is a fan of a staple coat, as she’s reworn a classic number from Hobbs, which she first wore on Christmas Day in December 2012, and then again on a visit to Newcastle, in October 2013.
Kate Middleton’s sartorial choices continue to inspire many, proving that elegance and sustainability can go hand in hand.
White shirt
The crisp white button-down shirt, usually paired with denim, reigned supreme throughout the 90s.
The fashion whizz continued: “Thanks to Gen Z it’s also having a moment right now. In her final year the late Princess Diana famously leant into the trend.
“And as Diana did before, Kate often falls back on this fail safe, classic look.”
Alice Band
Long before Prada put the velvet hair band back on the fashion landscape, the Princess had adopted this 90s trend with aplomb.
Amber stated: “Kate regularly wears the Sloane-ranger/90s supermodel favourite to public engagements in place of a hat or a fascinator.
“She also wears simpler, paired back bands to hold back her hair.”