SINCE becoming the Princess of Wales, there is no disputing the fact that Kate Middleton has finessed her (already well polished) image.
But a fashion expert has said that the relatable royal mum-of-three could elevate her style by “sexing up her look” and wearing more “daring slits”.
Speaking to Fabulous, Amber Graafland, who has spent 20 years as a fashion editor in London, said: “The tweaks are subtle of course, it’s hard to improve your style when you’re already an icon.
“However, the caveat of being the most photographed, and arguably adored, woman in the world is that people (like me) scrutinise your every fashion move, albeit it in an affectionate way.”
Wear daring slits
Amber said that the first thing Kate should do is wear some “slits” and create an “hour-glass silhouette.”
The fashion expert said: “Kate’s go-to midi hemlines need to go. They’ve more than done their job.
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“Wearing skirts that flare out she’s not making the most of her figure.
“Pencil silhouettes that fall just below the knee, maybe even with a daring split (draws breath) that create an hour-glass silhouette.
“Less Middy…more Marilyn.”
She added: “While the princess has undoubtedly modernised the royal dress code in recent months, I would argue her work has only just begun.”
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Less high street
Another tweak Kate could consider, according to Amber, is to wear “less high street, more Hermes.”
She added: “Polka dots, florals and ditsy prints have formed the mainstay of Kate’s official wardrobe and while they are all very feminine and fresh, they’re not very dramatic.
“I’d like to see the princess embrace a more sophisticated colour palette, in sexier fabrics like silk and cashmere.”
Ditch suits
And the fashion pro also advised Kate to ditch the frequent suit-wearing that we’ve seen her do late.
She continued: “The trousers suits are great, but surely once you’ve bought one in every colour enough really is enough?
While the princess has undoubtedly modernised the royal dress code in recent months, I would argue her work has only just begun.
Amber Graafland
“Power doesn’t have to come in the form of a suit, and it certainly doesn’t come in the form of a pussy bow blouse.
“Kate needs to harness her inner power and inject her personality into her clothes.”
Wear killer heels
When it comes to Kate’s footwear, Amber advised that the Princess of Wales shakes things up a bit.
She said: “The princess loves a heel but it always comes in the form of a sensible, pointed court.
“Her nude Reiss courts have been slowly replaced by Gianvitto Rossi, Aquazurra and Jimmy Choo.
“A killer heel can elevate an outfit and I’d like to see the princess bust out a sexy Saint Laurent sling-back or an outfit making Mach & Mach crystal embellished ankle strap.”
Use edgy designers
Finally, she said she wishes to see Kate ditching her “go-to” designers for an edgier label that the likes of Beyonce would use.
Amber added: “Until now, Kate’s go-go list of designers has served her well. Jenny Packham, Roland Mouret, Amanda Wakeley, Alexander McQueen…I guess we could call them her ‘old guard’.
“What I would like to see is Kate experimenting with up-and-coming British design talent. Names like Harris Reed (who has dressed everyone from Beyonce to Harry Styles) – the Nina Ricci creative designer has gained notoriety for his gender fluid design approach and breath-taking couture creations.
“I’d love to see Kate wearing one of his 50s inspired monochromatic black velvet and ivory duchess satin gowns on the red carpet.”
Amber concluded: “As the Princess of Wales, she’s gained in confidence and moved into her power dressing era.
“But as she steps closer to the biggest role of her life I’d like to see her elevate this image further.”
Kate’s beautiful wardrobe is partly down to stylist Natasha Archer, who has worked with the duchess since 2014.
She will typically assess any trends from the seasons ahead, and then discuss any styles, prints and patterns with Kate before approaching designers.
It is thought small changes like sewing up a neckline could fall to Natasha, but bigger tweaks could happen at the design house.
While Natasha was on maternity leave, Kate sought out the help of former Vogue editor Virginia Chadwyck-Healey.
A royal source told Daily Mail’s Richard Eden at the time: “Ginnie is Catherine’s secret weapon.
“She has made a big difference to the Duchess’s wardrobe for public engagements and has helped give her a whole new sense of confidence.
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“Catherine has been really impressed and is very grateful for her help.”
Ginnie is an old friend of Prince William and Kate, with the two women studying history of art at St Andrews together.
