Kate Middleton’s ‘quick’ fashion formula for an elegant outfit works with a ‘busy lifestyle’ and we’re taking notes
The Princess of Wales has found a signature style approach that works for her and we love how easy it is to recreate ourselves

Kate’s "quick" fashion formula for an elegant outfit every time is great for a "busy lifestyle" and we’re taking notes.
The Princess of Wales has established a signature style over the years that we can’t help but be inspired by all year round. From her midi dresses to her chic trouser suits and best white trainers, the senior royal can adapt her clothing to suit any occasion and every time it looks so sophisticated. It might seem like an impossible feat to recreate such beautiful looks, but Kate’s quick fashion formula for an elegant outfit is actually remarkably simple and easy to follow. Like the late Queen Elizabeth before her, Kate regularly wears outfits that are all about one main colour, like her gorgeous bright purple dress at Wimbledon 2024.
Opening up recently to OK!, celebrity stylist and fashion expert Leroy Dawkins exclusively explained the reasons behind the future Queen’s love of wearing just one main colour.
Shop Easy Dressing Staples Like Kate Middleton's
With a similar soft mint colour to Kate's dress from her visit to The Bahamas in 2022, this dress is perfect for summer. It has a fitted bodice and gorgeous flared skirt, with feminine bow details running down the front. The short sleeves are elegant and they gather at the shoulders for a bit of extra shaping.
Shop Neutral Staples
Not everyone wants to make the main colour of their outfit a bright one and this black linen dress is a staple that's so neutral and easy to style. Pair with your favourite black sandals or ballet flats for an effortless summer outfit. It has a square neckline, angel sleeves and is made from Irish linen.
A white dress is must-have for so many people in summer and this one is simple yet so beautiful. It features a classic Broderie Anglaise pattern and a fit-and-flare shape. You can style it with white trainers for an easy day look or with espadrilles to dress it up for the evening.
If you love bold colours this also comes in electric blue, but we think this beige tone is so wearable. The collared neckline and long sleeves are timeless design details and the tie waist belt can be adjusted to suit you. Pop on a pair of flats or block heeled sandals and you're ready to go.
"Even with a stylist, it’s a quick and easy way to dress by keeping it to one colour - such as the purple dress she recently wore at the Wimbledon final - it’s no fuss dressing but still looks well put together and stands out," the expert declared, before suggesting that Kate’s fashion formula works especially well for those with a "busy lifestyle" like hers.
"The Princess could also be transitioning her wardrobe for her future role as Queen and could be following style ideas from the late Queen Elizabeth II who also favoured one colour dressing as she was a busy working mother and monarch - so this trend absolutely works for a busy lifestyle," Leroy continued.
Caroline Parr, Digital Fashion Editor of Woman&Home also believes that the one colour approach works for "everyone" and echoes Leroy’s suggestion that it helps add cohesion to an outfit.
"Wearing one colour works for everyone, but particularly royals. Picking a single colour makes an outfit look incredibly cohesive, and in a nod to the late Queen Elizabeth's fashion rule of wearing bright hues, it means you'll always be easily spotted," she says. "It also makes putting together a look that bit easier, so pick a colour that really suits you and fully commit!"
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
As both experts have explained, Kate’s styling approach of wearing one main colour in an outfit requires minimal fuss when getting ready, but has real impact. Especially if you opt for a dress or one of your best jumpsuits, there’s no need to worry about pairing different pieces together and the single block colour will speak for itself.
Although the Princess of Wales is a big fan of bright colours like royal blue, scarlet and yellow, you don’t have to dress quite so brightly to achieve a similarly elegant effect. Kate’s "quick" fashion formula also works if you stick to a neutral tone like black, white or beige. Just by keeping the colour palette of your outfit minimal the overall effect is so polished and chic and you can really make the most of your summer capsule wardrobe staples.
Of course, the future Queen does occasionally steer away from this fashion formula and she loves a subtle polka dot print. However, so many of her most iconic and stunning looks do follow it and we’re particularly entranced by her Wimbledon outfits in recent years. Her recent purple one and her bright yellow and mint green looks from last year are sensational and we can’t wait to see what colour Kate might wear the next time she steps out in 2024.
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. She specialises in the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
How to watch Towards Zero from anywhere - stream the Agatha Christie series online
Tennis, scandal and murder come together deliciously in this slick adaptation of an Agatha Christie classic
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Primark launches an intriguing 'quiet luxury' homeware collection inspired by Pinterest trends
The fabulous new range is the essence of affordable on-trend style, perfectly timed for new season spring updates
By Tamara Kelly Published
-
Duchess Sophie looks epic in camo and cool walking boots as she gets stuck in for day at army centre
The Duchess of Edinburgh showed that functionality and style can go hand in hand as she stepped out in her sturdy walking boots
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's pancake confession is one of the most relatable royal food revelations we've heard
The Princess of Wales once put her pancake flipping skills to the test at engagement and made a candid admission
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Carole Middleton exudes class and confidence in collarless gingham jacket for first appearance of 2025
Carole Middleton's signature style couldn't be more elegant and her gingham jacket and sleek trousers epitomised this
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell's undeniable chemistry stole the show at the 2025 Oscars
Together since 1983, the couple's love was palpable on the red carpet
By Kerrie Hughes Published
-
Not going to the races? You should still follow Zara Tindall's Cheltenham fashion mantra
Zara Tindall has revealed her number one style tip for Cheltenham outfits and it can be applied to so many other looks too
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's pink gingham blouse was the chicest baking outfit ever - now it's back for spring we're picking it up
The Princess of Wales' Brora gingham blouse sold out when she wore it back in 2022 but we've noticed it's back right now
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Carole Middleton's white tie-front jacket was the most elegant evening piece long before they became a trend
Tie-front designs are everywhere right now, and Carole Middleton was ahead of the trend with her blazer back in 2011
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Pattern and colour? Princess Anne's checked handbag and spring green coat pulled it off
Princess Anne just delivered a masterclass in how to make styling prints and bright colours together not at all scary
By Emma Shacklock Published