Duchess Kate is celebrating her 33rd birthday today, so it seemed like the perfect time to look back at some of her most swoon-worthy outfits. We rounded up her chicest coats, prettiest dresses and smartest accessories with affordable versions for us mere commoners. See, you don't need the budget of a princess to be as stylish as this classy lady (and soon-to-be mother of two!).
Icy blue coat
When it comes to coats, Kate has skipped the cocoon trend in favor of classically tailored outerwear in plush wool. Her gold-buttoned Matthew Williamson topper retails at $2,650, but our similar style can be yours for a much more palatable $35. (Classic Car Coat, on sale for $34.99, Forever 21)
Black lace dress
Kate’s recent trip to NYC called for trunks full of eveningwear. One of our favorite pieces: This swingy, lace overlay cocktail dress, which manages to be demure and sexy at the same time. The duchess’ version will cost you almost $1,000 but we found a look-alike on sale in the post-holiday party season. A royal score, if we do say so ourselves. (Chetta B. lace overlay dress, on sale for $76.30, lastcall.com)
Ruffled blouse
We love the way Middleton manages to turn basic separates — a navy blazer, dark-wash jeans and a white button-down shirt — into the epitome of chic. At just $16, we might just buy ruffled blouses in both white and black. (Forever 21 blouse, $15.80, forever21.com)
Bright pink coat
British brand Mulberry is a favorite of the princess, especially for their colorful coats. This sold-out style runs about $2,600, but Danish brand Only offers a pink coat just as cute for a mere fraction of the cost. (Only wool coat, on sale for $92.86, asos.com)
Black-and-white knit dress
The doting mom wore a stretchy Tory Burch dress (price tag: $580) for a group playdate with Prince George. ModCloth’s pretty knit frock has a similar fit-and-flare shape with prim scalloping. (ModCloth ‘Wavy for You’ dress, on sale for $34.99, modcloth.com)
Blue floral dress
What does a princess wear to board a fighter jet? Romantic florals, apparently. Kate’s L.K. Bennett sheath, which she paired with sapphire earrings and a cerulean clutch, sold out immediately. We have our eye on this Dorothy Perkins number, which has a similar country-meets-urban vibe. Bonus: It’s also available in petite and tall sizes so, you never show too much leg! (Dorothy Perkins chiffon dress, on sale for $44, dorothyperkins.com)
Red sheath
The Duchess loves a good sheath, like this red number from London-based designer Katherine Hooker, and for good reason. The form-fitting style is crisp, timeless and won’t flip up in a sudden breeze. Add a similar style to your closet for occasions where you want to look perfectly polished. (Maggy London crepe sheath, $76.80-$128, nordstrom.com)
Green wellies
When Kate switched from her trusty Hunter wellies (the brand favored by British aristocracy) to $600 rainboots from French brand Le Chameau, her shoe choice made headlines. We’retreating ourselves to these affordable (and equally cute) rain boots from British brand Joules. (Joules Olive wellies, $54.99, joulesusa.com)
Bow belt
Take a tip from Kate and use a bow-buckle belt to add femininity to a minimalist coat. Maxmara, the designer of the original coat, actually named it The Kate in her honor. Extra points if it’s a pale color, like blush pink or dove gray. (Express bow belt, on sale for $14.99, express.com)