It takes a lot of charisma, class, and a rock-star wardrobe to pull off being a royal. More often than not, we can find Kate Middleton stepping out for some fancy red carpet event in an unbelievable gown and diamond jewels. The Princess of Wales is often the best-dressed in the room, but every once in a while, this royal lady wears something that, well, any of us could rock. It's always a treat to see her look like a mere commoner like the rest of us.
Some might think that it's downright impossible for Kate to be just another face in the crowd, but she does come from commoner roots, after all. If you cast aside her designer wardrobe, Kate really is like the rest of us. She's a hard-working mom of three who knows the benefits of a functional, yet stylish outfit.
So to the nonbelievers who think Kate could never, ever look like us common folk, we say: Pay more attention. Kate is always stepping out in more casual outfits that honestly look like something we could afford — even though we probably still can't. See for yourself.
Ready for Anything
Kate looks like she could tackle just about anything in this outfit. If she were just any commoner on the street, we'd be guessing that she was running errands for her family or picking up the kids at school (all things Kate has actually done). The only thing that's a bit royal here is the man holding her umbrella. Princesses don't carry their own brollies, of course.
Giddy Up!
Queen Victoria, who wore black for life after her husband died, would probably keel over if she saw what royal work wardrobes are like nowadays. Kate wore these skin-tight jeans and a cowboy hat when on a royal tour of North America. She could just be any fan at a rodeo in this look.
Her Classic Outdoorsy Outfit
When Kate has an outdoorsy event, she often loves to break out an army green jacket and skinny pants with boots. Like any of us, she has a few go-to outfits that she can always rely on. We don't always get to see her in activewear, but it's a fun break from the diamond tiaras and stilettos that she wears to more formal events.
Army Green Again
See what we mean? Kate always has this trusty look for whenever she has to attend a royal engagement that's mostly outdoors. The muted, earthy tones are perfect for her time in nature, and the outfit makes her look positively common (in the best way). We love her coatdresses and evening dresses, but seeing her rock an everyday look is pretty cool, too.
Into the Woods
Every once in a while, Kate steps out of her classically English outdoors look, dominated by muted dark greens and browns, and it's always a revelation. When touring Canada, she rocked a khaki jacket that, like her, is somehow anything but stiff. It was a breath of fresh air to see her in something new — even if that something was a super basic jacket.
Classic Mom Outfit
Sure, Kate was attending an official royal engagement here, but honestly, doesn't it look like she was just cheering on one of her kids at a soccer (er, football) match? We think Kate would make one heck of a soccer mom. It helps that she's already a fan of the sport, of course. She'd also be a good field hockey or tennis mom, too.
All Bundled Up
Being the Princess of Wales doesn't make you immune to the gusty winds of England. Kate bundled up for her and Prince William's royal engagement to a chilly beach, and she went for a no-frills outfit like she usually does for this type of outdoor outing. Most of the time when it's cold out, she just opts for a coatdress — but she needed a full-on jacket on this day.
Chasing the Kids
No matter how royal you are, you can't help but look like a commoner when chasing down your children. Especially when you're chasing them in wedges and a sundress because you were just enjoying a summer day before your kids decided to go bananas. Sometimes Kate likes to remind us that she has to deal with all of the lovely parenting things just like everyone else.
Kate in the Jungle
This is one of Kate's best looks — and that's including the formal gowns and glittering jewels. Sure, she can rock a designer dress on the red carpet like the best of them, but there's something so special about Kate going fully casual in a perfectly on-theme outdoorsy outfit. You know who she reminds us of here? Jane from Tarzan.
One With the People
One of Kate's many talents is being able to fit in completely whenever she and William go on a royal tour. It was one of Princess Diana's best skills, too. Much like the woman who last was known by this royal title, the Princess of Wales doesn't need to stand out at all, and she never makes people feel like they are below her. She's happy to sit on the ground with them and learn their culture and customs.
Mom Duty to the Max
Does this look like a picture of a royal prince and a future queen? Not at all. If we didn't know that Kate was actually at William's polo match here, we'd say that Kate was just any mom taking her kid on an outdoor activity. She was wearing jeans! And Prince George squirmed and threw a fit as any commoner child would do.
Hitting the Court
Royalty or volleyball coach? We certainly wouldn't be able to tell the difference without context. One of the things we absolutely love about Kate is that she's never afraid to take to the court or the field to play some sports, even when she's on the royal clock. It helps that she grew up as a commoner with a competitive streak.
An Everyday Sundress
We're sure this adorable yellow sundress had a hefty designer price tag, but honestly, it doesn't look like it would break the bank all that much. Kate is so good at keeping her wardrobe's flashiness to a minimum for most of her everyday engagements. As much as she does love her more formal looks, we hope she wears more sundresses soon. She looks so chic!
Hanging With the Kids
When hanging out with kids — be they royal or commoner children — it's important to keep things low-key, right? Here, Kate looks like she could be your average school teacher or camp counselor. But no, she's the Princess of Wales, there to pay these school children a royal visit. Lucky them, right?
Aiming for the Goal
This is just another example of how Kate seems to most enjoy engagements that allow her to show off her athletic abilities. She had no problem bundling up (even to the point of gloves, boots, and a fuzzy hat) so she could show the world that she was truly meant to be an ice hockey player. After all, she played field hockey growing up.
Hitting the Seas
Yes that is Kate wearing a life jacket. Look, we're all about safety first, but we honestly can't get over the fact that a member of the royal family was willing to row a boat and sport a life jacket while on official duty. Only Kate! She's taking her royal platform seriously. How many lives were saved because other people wanted to look as chic as her in a life jacket?
Ready for the Sand & Sun
Ready to hit the beach there, Kate? We can imagine that Queen Elizabeth wasn't too pleased with this outfit when the pictures reached her. (A strapless dress on an official engagement? Gasp!) But well, what was the Queen going to do about it? Kate had an island state of mind, clearly. She looks like anyone on vacation, and we love it.
The Famous Shorts
Yes, you are seeing this correctly. That's the Princess of Wales wearing shorts. Never before had Kate worn shorts during her time as a member of the royal family. But for this sailing occasion, she decided she was ready to dress the part. Anyone else racing a boat would have opted for shorts on this summery day, so we were glad to see Kate join in.
No Fuss, No Muss
As the hands-on mom of a toddler who probably moves around like an octopus, plus another two school-age kids, Kate's not about to wear couture to an outdoor event. It's all grab-and-go sundresses that are perfect for lounging on the polo field sidelines or running around after kids. Can't blame her! Honestly, the wedges are even a little too royal for the occasion.
Relax, It's Just Work
Bye, pantyhose and pumps! These gaucho pants give Kate a laid-back vibe that screams California breezy — but they're just dressy enough for a casual work thing, like visiting her display at the Chelsea Flower Show. Could sister-in-law and SoCal girl Meghan Markle have influenced her style?
Check out our Meghan Markle page for all the latest news about Meghan, Prince Harry, and their growing family.
Ready for Brunch
Kate exudes such an easy confidence when she steps out in public, and it's always especially on display when she slips out of her tailored coatdresses and into flowy, feminine numbers like this one. In this fluttery dress and lace-up wedges, Kate looks like she's about to meet her girls on a Saturday afternoon for some brunch and gossip.
The ABCs of 'Momwear'
Chic and comfortable is so often the name of the game for Kate when she wears a more "commoner" outfit. If we didn't know better, we'd think that with her wrinkle-resistant wrap dress, espadrille wedges, and hair tucked behind her ears, she was just headed out to parent-teacher conference night at George and Charlotte's school.
Hello, Hat Day!
Most of us don't spend a Sunday sailing in a regatta with the wind blowing through our honey brown locks, but we do know the struggle of rebel hair that needs help staying put. Sometimes, there's nothing to do but twist a scrunchie around it and throw on the nearest baseball cap to tame the mess. We feel ya, Kate!
Working Royal … or Career Girl?
OK, double-take. Kate may be a working royal, but that doesn't always entail a tiara and an evening gown. Here she looks like she's just wrapped up a meeting with a client and is headed out for dinner with bae. Photoshop a yellow taxi into this picture, and she could be one of Manhattan's stylish career girls.
All Play & Some Work
Kate always seems at her happiest when she's at one of her various sporty royal engagements. As one of the fittest royals by far, she is happy to throw on a pair of pants and sneakers and immediately participate in whatever game is being played. Plus, she always looks like she's genuinely having fun. Talk about #fitnessgoals.
Crowd-Pleaser
No matter where she is or what she's wearing, Kate always seems to just fit right in with the people she goes to visit. Seriously, she might be the most down-to-earth princess we've ever seen in the history of the royal family. Who wouldn't want to shake hands with a royal who's wearing skinny jeans and boots?
Casual Christmas
Many people use their annual Christmas card as an excuse to get the family all dressed up, but Kate took the opposite approach in 2020. She and her family dressed down in cozy outdoor gear. There's not even a matching sweater in sight — and usually she loves to coordinate with her kids. It made for a way more laid-back photo, though.
Selfie on a Winter Day
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Kate had to do a lot more work on her end that would normally be done by staff. Like here, when she filmed a video message on her cellphone while wearing a casual jacket and a knit hat. Her hair is even a little mussed. Where was the glam team? It's fun to see casual Kate come out.
Her Trusty Sneakers
Nobody wears heels as often as Kate does, but she's been leaning back into her pre-royal days a bit of late. Now, instead of showing up to every engagement in sky-high stilettos, she's been embracing her trusty white sneakers. Her feet must appreciate the well-deserved break!
At the Doctor's
Few people share their doctor's appointments with the world, because that's a pretty private thing. But when Kate got her vaccine in May 2021, she posted a photo of it on Instagram — just like everyone else who's gotten the jab. If it's not online, did it really even happen? We also love her chic boatneck knit top and jeans for the occasion.
