Style + Beauty - Page 330
Forget wearing one statement-making outfit. While you were sleeping, the Duchess of Cambridge wore two.
PHOTOS: Kate Middleton's Many, Many Stylish Hats
After sharing a royal playdate with son Prince George, Kate Middleton continued her official tour of New Zealand with more public outings, outshining her husband, Prince William, in two new gorgeous outfits.
READ: The One Thing You Need To Do To Get Kate Middleton's Style
For daytime, it was all about being regal. The Daily Mail is reporting the 32-year-old visited the town of Blenheim wearing a military blue coat by British designer Alexander McQueen, along with matching sapphire suede pumps, a box clutch, and sparkling jewels, matching the ring once owned by late Princess Diana of Wales. Staying true to her signature style, Middleton cinched her waist with one of her usual belts, often used to define her slim midsection.
READ: How to Recycle Your Wardrobe Like Kate Middleton
But rather than showing off those glossy brunette curls of hers, Middleton kept it casual with a looped ponytail, enhancing her flawless features. As expected, the crowds went wild for the Duchess and one could easily forget Prince William was also there by his wife’s side.
WATCH: How To Get Kate Middleton's Blowout At Home
For the evening, Middleton dazzled in a classic staple all women already own. Relying on one of her favorite designers, UK-based Jenny Packham, Middleton attended the Government House in Wellington to unveil a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing a little black dress. While the long-sleeved, below-the-knee frock could have easily underwhelmed, the Duchess wore it like only she could. Also, US Magazine is reporting Middleton’s dress featured a glittering hand-stitched silver fern on the shoulder, honoring New Zealand’s symbol. And of course, the classic Middleton look wouldn’t be complete without letting those royal tresses down.
READ: Kate Middleton's Love Affair with Jenny Packham Couture
See the photos for yourself below:
Getting some style inspiration from Duchess of Cambridge and fashion trendsetter Kate Middleton isn’t difficult.
WATCH: How To Get Kate Middleton's Hair
Sure, there's the amazing way she shows up in the same clothes multiple times. But another way you can channel your inner royal? Stand out with a chic hat.
The 32-year-old mother of Prince George complements her sought-after tresses with head-turning hats regularly. Whether they're adorned with flowers or feathers, you won't find a sparkling tiara on this Duchess.
And this is one must-have staple the royal has been rocking for years now.
Back in 2012, the Daily Mail reported that after Middleton was spotted in a beaded cocktail hat, designer Jane Taylor was “bombarded with emails and orders from around the world” requesting the same piece.
READ: How to Recycle Your Wardrobe Like Kate Middleton
But fortunately, you don’t need to be married to a prince just to look just as chic. In time for the cool spring season, stylists say hats like those worn by Middleton, are a major do.
“When it comes to a special occasion in British society, a look is not complete without a hat,” says style expert Lindsay Albanese. “It’s both a social component and a fashion statement. Think of it like an accessory, such as wearing a necklace or earrings with a look. It’s also perfect for hair that’s hard to tame. Ultimately, all you need is the confidence to pull it off. A hat doesn’t need to be worn when it’s cold or there’s adverse weather. Think of your hat choice as a finishing touch to complete your outfit.”
Fashion expert Dawn Del Russo also agrees.
“Kate tends to match her hats to the wardrobe,” she says. “Consider the color palette of your outfit. Also, Kate wears fascinators towards the front and to the side, which is the proper way. Otherwise it can look like a hair accessory. Choose a style you feel most comfortable in, such as a ascot, fascinator, or even a bowler. Decide how the size and shape works for your face shape and hair style.”
READ: Kate Middleton Wears Kim Kardashian's Red Dress
For some ideas, check out some of many Middleton’s stylish headgear from over the years below:
Looks like the Duchess of Cambridge is looking to give her personal style a modern twist.
READ: Kate Middleton Wears Kim Kardashian's Red Dress
First, Kate Middleton was spotted wearing a red hot dress, one that reality TV star Kim Kardashian first wore back in 2011. Now, the 32-year-old is commissioning Beyonce’s fashion design team to glam up her Australia tour.
US Weekly is reporting that Middleton is choosing Australia-based couture house Ralph & Russo to design at least one of her royal outfits for the three-week-long visited, slated for this month.
“Kate visited Ralph & Russo’s boutique last month and said she was looking for inspiration for the tour,” a source tells Grazia, as reported by US Weekly. “She liked that they had Australia connections and has apparently given them specific instructions for a gown.”
READ: How Kate Middleton Makes Her Royal Waist Look Tiny
While the names Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo may not sound familiar, this power couple has already made their mark in the fashion world. In addition to creative figure-hugging ensembles for pop superstar Beyonce, they also design head-turning gowns for actress Angelina Jolie, as well as country crooner Carrie Underwood.
“With cocktail dresses starting around a whopping $80,000 (or 50,000 pounds), the gowns are a stark contrast from Middleton’s more affordable styles from L.K. Bennett, Topshop, and most recently, Gap,” adds the celebrity magazine.
For a sneak preview of what we can expect from Middleton, check out these other famous ladies wearing Ralph & Russo:
Want to know how to whittle your waistline like the Duchess of Cambridge? Easy: Grab a stylish belt to define your midsection.
READ: Kate Middleton Commits Fashion Faux Pas
There’s no denying that Kate Middleton has always been svelte, but she shows off her petite frame is by enhancing her figure with a belt. And no matter your size, stylists insist that adding a belt can easily create the illusion of an hourglass shape. And best of all, belts can be applied on nearly everything, including coats, sweaters, and dresses–if done correctly.
“A flattering belt is a great way to ‘mark’ the waist, particularly for women with a small midsection worth showing off,” says Sharon Graubard, SVP of Creative Services at Stylesight. “A super-wide belt or corselet style, which can be from 3-6 inches wide, can really create that wasp-waisted look. A contrasting belt will accent a small waist, but for those with straighter figures, try a slim leather belt that matches your apparel.”
READ: How to Recycle Your Wardrobe Like Kate Middleton
When it comes to creating curves and making your waist appear smaller, celebrity stylist Ali Levine recommends taking inspiration from the 32-year-old mother of Prince George and investing in the right belt for your frame.
“Sometimes a thicker belt can make your waist look larger, so be sure to pick the best width of the belt for your body type,” she says. “Also, avoid belts at the lower hips because this will also cause your waist and hips to look larger.”
READ: Kate Middleton Wears Kim Kardashian's Red Dress
“A belt is a great accessory that can change the look of any outfit,” Levine says. “You can cinch in your waist with a thin belt or use a big thick belt to dress down and give your outfit some edge, especially a little black dress. Either way, you will transform the entire look of your outfit by adding a belt and even some great heels helps.”
Need some style inspiration? Check out how Middleton herself has cinched her tiny midsection over the years:
The sizzling hot trend set to take over this year? The crop top.
PHOTOS: Celebs Love Their Crop Tops
This daring, midriff-baring style, which has been all over Spring 2014 runways, is perfect for welcoming the sun-soaked days of spring and summer. But let’s face it, not everyone feels comfortable and confident enough to pull this look off.
Stylists, however, say this is a look that most women can wear.
READ: 15 Midi Skirts to Pair With Your Crop Top
“I think the crop top is having its moment because women are always trying to find the newest way to look sexy, yet smart and sophisticated,” says New York City-based celebrity stylist Sara Cooper. “Many of us are over the plunging neckline and the micro mini. The crop top gives the opportunity to show a bit of skin while keeping it classy and updated.”
“The crop top is definitely a trend that can work for most, if done properly,” she adds. “Pair a crop top with a coordinating high-waisted pencil skirt for a chic and clean look. If this seems on the risqué side, it doesn’t have to be if the skirt and top only shows a peek-a-boo of tummy. This is a great way to embrace the trend without going overboard or feeling out of your league.”
READ: Ladies, Start Your Crunches: Crop Top Are Sticking Around for Spring
Thinking about trying the crop top this season, but don’t know how to make it work for you? Several stylists weigh in on their dos and don’ts.
