Duchess of Cambridge Coolest Modern Fashion

Time was when the Duchess of Cambridge seemed doomed to the media persona of Thrifty Kate and the accompanying parade of £45 Zara dresses, supplemented by the odd designer gown from a small pool of labels. That's all changed.

Slowly, carefully, cleverly, the Duchess's outfits have become increasingly sleek. She's shelved the sartorial literalism (although we secretly hoped against hope for an Ursula Andress-esque conch accessory at the Bond premiere) and the safe block colour combinations. She's tidied up her hair, opting for more sophisticated layers and grown-up, pinned back styles. And she's upped her fashion game: in the last fortnight alone she's worn Dolce & Gabbana (a first), a backless Jenny Packham creation, a bespoke Christopher Kane coat and a splashy, statement print Erdem gown,

by Ellie Pithers, Vogue Magazine - http://www.vogue.co.uk/spy/celebrity-photos/2015/10/28/duchess-of-cambridge-fashion-style-2015

The duchess wearing Zara for
Wedding of Sam Waley
and Annabel Ballin

Zara for post-wedding appearance

Recycled Reiss and a maple-leaf
hat for Canada Day
celebrations

Punchy printed Tabitha Webb for a BAFTA event

Reiss for her engagement portrait

That increased confidence is down to better relationships with designers, many of whom are better attuned to her classic, traditional taste, but it's also down to age. Now firmly in her thirties, and a mother-of-two, the Duchess knows how to minimise the risk of a tabloid frenzy - and how to carry off a £2,660 dress and thousands of pounds of diamonds without a media outcry. Touché,,, by Ellie Pithers, Vogue Magazine - http://www.vogue.co.uk/spy/celebrity-photos/2015/10/28/duchess-of-cambridge-fashion-style-2015