Sara Cywinski - Kate: Style Princess

Nobody stands out from the crowd quite like a princess. Ever since she stepped out of the shadows and onto the world stage, linking arms with arguably the worlds most eligible bachelor, Prince William, the worlds attention hasnt been off Kate Middleton. Even when her relationship with William was at crisis point and they temporarily went their separate ways, the world couldnt help but sit up and take notice of Kates every move.

Kate is loved because she is strong, independent and professional but most importantly because she was not born into aristocracy. Her story is a true, modern-day fairytale. She is a normal girl with working-class roots and that makes her acceptance into the royal family even more remarkable. When Kate embarked on her degree at St Andrews University, she could not have foreseen that her life would change beyond all recognition. After falling in love with a man second in line to the throne little could she have known that eight years later she would be on her way to becoming a royal princess and someone who the world could look up to not just as a style icon but also as a role model to women around the world.

When a 21-year-old Kate sashayed down the catwalk for charity in a sheer dress and black underwear she could never have imagined that a few years later fashion editors around the world would be detailing her every fashion move perhaps if she had, she might never have worn that see-through dress, which keeps coming back to haunt her! But by the time she and William announced their engagement in 2010, Kate had already been transformed into a royal fashion icon and a designers dream. Top industry designers all clamour to dress her; the high street is awash with Kate-inspired pieces; and hairdressers are being inundated with requests for that perfectly-coiffed Kate blow-dry.

KATE MIDDLETON HAS A WONDERFUL YOUTHFULNESS ABOUT HOW SHE WEARS CLOTHES AND SEEMS TO EQUALLY ENJOY PUTTING ON HER JEANS FOR AN EVENING OUT WITH HER FRIENDS IN LONDON AS MUCH AS SHE DOES A WHIMSICAL FEATHERED HAT FOR A WEDDING OR A COLOURFUL LONG SATIN EVENING DRESS FOR A BLACK-TIE PARTY.

Vogue style director Alexandra Kotur

Apart from the legendary style of the late Princess Diana, and hints of fashion genius from Zara Phillips, the royal family isnt renowned for its sense of fashion but Kate has certainly been holding her own with a combination of determined conviction and natural poise. Her addition to the royal family has certainly boosted its fashion credibility. Not only that, but with the celebrity scene awash with fakes, copycats and glamour models, Kate is a breath of fresh air. She is exactly the kind of role model girls can look up to around the world. She is down-to-earth, healthy, classically beautiful and educated. She is the modern day, 21st century princess.

Every girl has once upon a time dreamed of being a princess. Theres the designer clothes, the stylish shoes, the it handbags, the champagne, the precious spa treatments, the luxurious blow-dries, the exquisite lunchesnot to mention having your very own Prince Charming accessorising your arm! There is more to a princesss life than the clothes, the hair and the holidays but its also a great place to start.

See what it really takes for Kate to be the ultimate style queen. Uncover her fashion transition from student to royalty, find out what keeps her looking so trim and discover some of those well-kept beauty secrets. And if you fancy following in her footsteps, theres tips and advice on the best places to see and be seen, where to shop for the ultimate Kate look and what you should do if you ever meet the Queen. Sit back, relax and prepare to discover a real style princes!

BEING A PRINCESS ISNT ALL ITS CRACKED UP TO BE.

Diana, Princess of Wales

D oes Kate have style fit for a princess? Is she our new Princess Diana? Or is she more of a Princess Anne? Can she survive the fashion rollercoaster?

Since she first stepped out in that black bandeau bra and knickers, covered only by a sheer lace dress, Kate has had her fashion choices keenly watched by millions and picked apart at the seams by others. The fashion world and those who follow it have never been into royal fashion as much as they right now.

From polo matches and royal weddings to working at Jigsaw and nights out on the town, Kate has managed to pull off a variety of different looks while always remaining discreetly stylish. Her transition from student to princess hasnt always been easy, or without criticism, but mostly Kate has been a style inspiration, evolving her wardrobe from her casual student look to the elegantly regal and resolutely chic outfits she now wears as a matter of course.

Kate may look demure at first, but she can be daring too and has a real royal edge. She has swiftly become a designers dream and the most sought-after young royal around. The fashion world has been disarmed by Kate and completely charmed by her fashion sense.