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The Casual Kate Effect: how the Duchess of Cambridge’s latest off-duty look has got us all shopping

The Casual Kate Effect: how the Duchess of Cambridge’s latest off-duty look has got us all shopping - Getty Images
The Casual Kate Effect: how the Duchess of Cambridge’s latest off-duty look has got us all shopping - Getty Images

Poring over the Duchess of Cambridge’s latest glittering gown or modest coat dress and smart skirt combination is nothing new. So it’s completely understandable that we might admire her fanciest looks, like a printed Alessandra Rich dress or a sparkly Erdem frock.

Of course, actually splashing out on those pieces ourselves in a ‘repli-Kate’ moment is rather rare since they’re such a hefty investment and, well, most of us have little need for such glamorous pieces. But the Duchess is arguably as well known for her casual ‘Country Kate’ looks. They’re considerably less ‘statement’ in comparison, but that’s not to say they have any less impact on our shopping habits.

For her recent visit to the Lake District, to mark the reopening of the RAF Windermere Adventure Training Centre, Kate paired a classic quilted khaki jacket with a pale grey crew neck knit, black skinny jeans and chocolate brown stompy boots. The outdoors adventure also saw her meet with two of the 300 child Holocaust survivors that had settled in the area, and the day saw her take part in abseiling, cycling, walking and a boat trip. A practical, functional outfit was a must.

In the 24 hours since her visit, the majority of the pieces she wore completely sold out. Lovethesales.com reported that sales of quilted jackets shot up 174 per cent in the 24 hours after Kate wore hers in Cumbria, and demand for Seeland – the brand which made her ‘Hawker’ jacket – is up 130 per cent day-on-day. Granted, it was a great jacket, so it’s no surprise The Kate Effect took hold here, and there are several reasons why it proved so popular.

Firstly, there’s the relatable aspect to consider. While we’d love to think that we too needed a floor-length gown, this casual Kate style works for everyday life. Then there’s the price points. Not only are these pieces more affordable than her evening wear looks, but they’re entirely practical so are easily justified going into autumn. For those keen on repli-Kating the Duchess’s stylish outfits, these are the best entry point. It’s why every aspect of Kate’s Lake District look was a hit…

The blazer

Kate wore a £395 Ivy Belted Green Tweed Jacket, available now in khaki, during a boat trip on Lake Windermere - Getty Images
Kate wore a £395 Ivy Belted Green Tweed Jacket, available now in khaki, during a boat trip on Lake Windermere - Getty Images

It’s well documented that Kate has a penchant for a blazer - namely colour pop iterations from the likes of Zara and M&S – but her classic belted checked number was a hit. The smart jacket adds polish to off-duty looks so it’s no surprise that her exact jacket – the £395 Ivy Belted Green Tweed Jacket, which is available now in khaki – is sold out. Love The Sales also reported that demand for tweed blazers increased by 50 per cent the following day, and searches for Really Wild Clothing increased by 22 per cent overnight.

Typically the Duchess teams her blazers with pretty blouses and pearl drop earrings, but her Windermere boat trip called for more practical pairings. Speaking of which...

The skinny jeans

Emulate Kate's off-duty drainpipe jean with a pair from Marks & Spencers, who reported selling one every minute last year - Getty Images
Emulate Kate's off-duty drainpipe jean with a pair from Marks & Spencers, who reported selling one every minute last year - Getty Images

As much as denim trends come and go, the majority of us stick to the style that’s most comfortable and flattering on our figures, and for many, that’s the skinny. It has transcended trends and remains a hero staple across the high street – M&S has long reported that the drainpipe shape is its most popular, and earlier this year it was selling a pair of the £15 style every minute in the UK. It means Kate’s black pair are a true everywoman option.

The ankle boots

duchess of cambridge
duchess of cambridge

A functional pair of chunky walking boots was a must-have over the UK lockdowns, so Kate sporting a brown suede pair for a trip to the the Lake District is a reminder that they’re a practical and stylish solution for autumn dressing.

In the midst of the first lockdown, Nuffield Health reported that 76 per cent of Brits had taken up outdoor exercise with walking being the most popular. Kate’s lace-up boots – which were a £250 See By Chloe buy – are a stylish walking pair.

The quilted jacket

The Duchess wore a practical yet feminine quilted Seeland jacket for abseiling and mountain cycling - Getty Images
The Duchess wore a practical yet feminine quilted Seeland jacket for abseiling and mountain cycling - Getty Images

For abseiling and mountain cycling later in the day, Kate traded her smart checked blazer for a trusty padded Seeland jacket, the epitome of useful coverups. In the 24 hours following her adventurous stint, sales of quilted jackets shot up 174 per cent, while demand for the brand is up 130 per cent day-on-day.

The cosy but lightweight jacket has a flattering feminine cut so it doesn’t add bulk, a rather rare property that no doubt caught Kate’s eye, and a detail that saw it promptly sell out.

Casual Kate-esque buys to try now

1. Hinton jacket (£129, Barbour); 2. Vince wool polo (£440, Net-a-Porter);3. Checked blazer (£135, & Other Stories); 4. Shaping skinny jeans (£39.50, M&S); 5. Nanette boots (£325, Grenson)
1. Hinton jacket (£129, Barbour); 2. Vince wool polo (£440, Net-a-Porter);3. Checked blazer (£135, & Other Stories); 4. Shaping skinny jeans (£39.50, M&S); 5. Nanette boots (£325, Grenson)

1. Hinton jacket (£129, Barbour); 2. Vince wool polo (£440, Net-a-Porter);3. Checked blazer (£135, & Other Stories); 4. Shaping skinny jeans (£39.50, M&S); 5. Nanette boots (£325, Grenson)