Kate Middleton named one of 2023's celebrity style icons – here were her 6 best looks this year
Fans of the Princess of Wales have always admired her classic, elegant sense of style. A new analysis of global Google searches has found that Kate Middleton is one of the most-searched celebrity style icons this past year – ahead of her sister-in-law Meghan Markle, reality star Kim Kardashian, and global pop star Beyonce.
According to research by lingerie brand Pour Moi, the princess tops the list for the most-searched-for stylish royal globally, with more than 274,000 searches performed around her outfits.
Among global celebrities, she was beaten only by Taylor Swift, whose outfits have been searched more than a million times on Google over the year, and Kendall Jenner, who received 317,000 searches around her fashion.
Following close on Kate’s classy heels is Selena Gomez, who reached 272,800 searches, Lady Gaga with 245,300 searches, and the Duchess of Sussex with 238,800 searches.
The princess, who is married to Prince William and is mother to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, often opts for midi dresses with svelte silhouettes, while staying chic and unfussy with her accessories.
She has also been known to look just as comfortable in a pair of jeans and a casual top as she does in a pantsuit, and often re-wears outfits for different occasions to champion sustainability in fashion.
Watch: The Message Behind Princess Kate’s Recent Streak of Tailored Suits
But the princess once had a more risqué approach to fashion, having caught William's attention in university when she walked down a runway wearing a transparent dress and underwear. The iconic moment will be recreated in the forthcoming and final series of The Crown, which will be released in two parts on Netflix on Thursday 16 November and Thursday 14 November.
Until then, we take a look at six of our favourite looks served by Kate in 2023.
1. January: Visit to early years nursery
Ahead of the launch of her early years campaign this year, Kate visited the Foxcubs Nursery in Luton wearing a bright orange knit jumper and skirt set by Gabriela Hearst. While outdoors, she wore a sleek camel coat over the outfit, which was completed with black boots by Gianvito Rossi, a black clutch by Stuart Weitzman, and earrings by Kiki McDonough.
2. February: On the red carpet at the 2023 BAFTA Awards
Alongside Prince William, Princess Kate walked the red carpet at the 2023 BAFTA Awards wearing an Alexander McQueen gown that she previously wore to the same event in 2019. The flowing white gown featured a slightly different look with its reworked shoulder detail, and Kate zhuzhed it up with long black opera gloves and a black clutch. However, it was her choice of earrings that really stole the show, as she opted for a pair of cascading gold earrings by Zara priced at just £18.
3. May: Hosting a garden party at Buckingham Palace
Just a few days after the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla, Kate and William hosted a garden party at Buckingham Palace. Ever the picture of elegance, Kate re-wore a periwinkle blue outfit by Elie Saab that she previously wore to the 2019 Royal Ascot for the occasion. She wore the same matching hat, as well as a silver clutch and silver heels, and accessorised with topaz and diamond hoop earrings by Kiki McDonough.
4. June: Attending the royal wedding of Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa
William and Kate travelled to Jordan to attend the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa, and Kate stunned fans by wearing an elaborate pink gown with long sleeves and a high neck by Elie Saab. She wore the stunning dress, which featured floral embroidery, for the ceremony and later changed into a different gown and tiara for the banquet in the evening.
5. September: Royal engagement at a textile manufacturer in Leeds
The princess looked fresh and sleek in an emerald green pantsuit while she visited textile manufacturers in Leeds and Lancaster. The smart pantsuit was by Burberry, and Kate paired it with a contrasting white blouse underneath the blazer and chunky green heels, while accessorising with a gold necklace and earrings.
6. October: Visit to Nottingham Trent University
During a royal engagement to Nottingham Trent University to learn about the establishment’s mental health support system. She donned a cosy, yet chic knitted jumper and skirt set in a pale cream colour by Sezane, with a beige handbag and matching stilettos.
Read more about the royal family:
Kate Middleton Is Reportedly Giving Herself a Modern Makeover—Here’s How (Cosmopolitan, 2-min read)
Kate Middleton Wears Queen Elizabeth's Pearl Necklace and Earrings as She Joins Royals for Festival of Remembrance (People, 3-min read)
A Look Back at Meghan Markle’s Style Since Becoming a Duchess (Harper's Bazaar, 16-min read)
