When I think of people with elegant style, Kate Middleton instantly pops into my head. Given that she's a princess and all, it's to be expected that she'd have the most polished wardrobe on the planet, but it's a modern kind of elegance that she has. Much of what she wears could quite easily be replicated by non-royalty, which is undoubtedly part of why we're all so obsessed with what she wears. Not only that, an elegant, "quiet luxury" wardrobe is a major theme in fashion right now, as you know.
If it's effortless elegance you seek when shopping, a good mantra to keep in mind is, What would Kate Middleton wear? I did just that while scrolling through J.Crew and H&M, and it worked. I found the most elegant pieces that both retailers stock in one fell swoop—everything from outerwear to shoes are present and accounted for. Keep scrolling to add them to your own elegant, Kate Middleton–inspired wardrobe.
J.Crew
I could totally see Middleton wearing this with skinny jeans and Chelsea boots.
Never underestimate the power of a great coat.
This dress does the styling work for you.
Dressing elegantly doesn't mean all neutrals all the time.
Princess Kate loves a good wide-leg trouser.
The crinkled texture makes the simple skirt a bit more exciting.
For trips to the countryside.
Be sure to order these before they sell out like the brown ones already did.
J.Crew does tweed so well.
One more tweed jacket for good measure.
Because having cold hands isn't particularly elegnat.
Middleton avoids oversized blazers in favor of fitted ones like this.
I imagine Kate Middleton's pajamas look somethign like this.
The satin-covered buttons make this especially elegant.
I'm so obsessed with this fabric.
H&M
This is a dress you'll wear for years to come.
The mixed materials make these look super expensive.
The wide sleeves make this look more forward.
Perfect for pairing with a black turtleneck and jeans.
The reviews for these ultra-affordable pants are glowing.
The looks like the perfect white shirt to me.
The quality of this timeless coat looks so good.
I'm positive that this will be sold out soon.
This looks so luxurious.
The length of this is so good.
I'm tempted to order it in both colors.
Much cooler than your basic black pumps.
Gorgeous.
Nineties minimalism at its most elegant.
There are infinite ways to style this.
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Look, If I Were You, I'd Buy These 42 Upscale Nordstrom, Zara, and J.Crew Items Before Anyone ElseThey're too good.
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Stop Right There! These Gorgeous H&M and Zara New Arrivals Are Bound to Sell Out SoonThe only spring shopping list you need.
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I Give This $35 Designer-Passing H&M Cardigan One Week Before It's Sold OutGuaranteed.
