I Figured Out Kate Middleton's Secret to Making Zara Look Expensive

If you're a regular Who What Wear reader, you're probably well acquainted with Kate Middleton's wardrobe. She dresses pretty classically, but occasionally she'll surprise us with something a bit different (case in point: this chic Warehouse and Chanel outfit last month). The list of the designers she often turns to is pretty definite: Alexander McQueen and Jenny Packham and occasionally Erdem, Emilia Wickstead, and Roksanda. But it's not just the more expensive end of the spectrum she's a fan of. She regularly wears high-street pieces from a range of brands, such as Superga sneakers and & Other Stories dresses. But—and I'm going to put my stake in the ground here—her favorite store has to be Zara.

For years, she's worn pieces from the high-street brand and always makes them look super expensive. Over the weekend, she was spotted wearing an on-trend black embellished headband from the shop. While attending the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance, the Duchess of Cambridge wore a bateau-neck dress, Jimmy Choo shoes, a Zara headband (now sold out, of course), and an Alexander McQueen bag.

This made me wonder about all the other times she's worn the Spanish mega-brand and the pieces she always wears over all the others. My theory is that she always shops the basics so they look more expensive. But then, when it comes to accessories, she'll go a bit more left-field and experiment. So behold, your guide to shopping Zara like Kate Middleton.

Style Notes: The Duchess of Cambridge knows that Zara is a great place to find fun but chic accessories such as this headband. It's a great way to freshen up an otherwise conservative look. 

Style Notes: Culottes are a relatively new regular addition to K-Mid's wardrobe, but we're into them. These classic black ones are the kind you could genuinely wear to the office as well as the beach. 

Style Notes: The Duchess of Cambridge has form when it comes to wearing blazers from the high-street store. This blue version with gold buttons is one of her favorites that she's repeated.

Style Notes: This might have been from 2011 when Kate was off on her honeymoon post–royal wedding, but it's proof that she's always loved the brand's dresses and its more basic pieces. 

Style Notes: Kate shops the denim section the most, always opting for skinny jeans.

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.