<p id=”par-1_65″>Catherine, Princess of Wales is a fashion icon. Ever since marrying Prince William in 2011 and becoming a working royal, every one of <a href=”https://cheatsheet.com/tag/kate-middleton”>Kate Middleton’s</a> outfits has been studied — from the color to the fit and the cost. Kate’s fashion has remained steady through the years, and she’s even known to repeat outfits, with some clothing dating back as far <a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/news/kate-middleton-shocks-fashion-world-wearing-20-year-old-blazer.html/”>as nearly 20 years</a>.</p>
<p id=”par-2_31″>Kate has subtle ways of showing off her confidence, but according to one style expert, the princess has a secret trick for helping herself feel more empowered when she’s in public.</p>
<figure class=”wp-block-image size-full” id=”emb-1″><img decoding=”async” src=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Kate-Middleton-style-1.webp?strip=all&quality=80″ alt=”Kate Middleton” class=”wp-image-3794752″><figcaption class=”wp-element-caption”>Kate Middleton | Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>
<h2 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-kate-middleton-wears-shoulder-pads-to-feel-more-confident”>Kate Middleton wears shoulder pads to feel more confident</h2>
<p id=”par-3_68″>The Princess of Wales makes many public appearances. She spent time out of the spotlight back in 2024 when she was focused on her health, but this year, Kate is back to full-time royal duties, which means her appearance will constantly be judged. Stylist Ciara Russell told <a href=”https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/2031762/Princess-Kate-shoulder-pads-fashion-style”>Express</a> that <a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/news/kate-middleton-became-confident-royal-thanks-1-piece-advice-prince-charles-expert-says.html/”>Kate’s consistent confidence</a> comes from a few things, including one subtle detail in some of her looks: shoulder pads.</p>
<p id=”par-4_48″>“Kate is using shoulder pads shows us that she feels empowered and confident, embracing a bold, structured look that makes a statement,” Russell said. “She’s always balanced tradition with modern style, and choosing shoulder pads reflects her willingness to evolve and stay on trend while still looking timeless.”</p>
<p id=”par-5_66″>Russell added that Kate’s fashion is both “powerful and elegant” and that the princess shows “strength and poise” with her style. Kate’s looks vary depending on the occasion. She chooses more relaxed clothing when she’s visiting children or anything nature-esque, while more sophisticated looks are saved for formal events. No matter what she wears, she always has a way of making fit perfectly with the setting.</p>
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<iframe title=”Kate Middleton’s Best Looks of All Time | ELLE” width=”925″ height=”520″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/PHJFkzJaG5A?start=4&feature=oembed” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” referrerpolicy=”strict-origin-when-cross-origin” allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Prince William Whispered 3 Words to Kate Middleton After She Walked Down the Aisle at Their Wedding — and It Wasn’t ‘I Love You’ </a>
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<h2 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-kate-middleton-doesn-t-want-her-fashion-to-be-the-focus”>Kate Middleton doesn’t want her fashion to be the focus</h2>
<p id=”par-6_43″>While Kate and her team put plenty of time into her looks, the princess still wants the focus of her public appearances to be on the work she does rather than what she’s wearing; it is reportedly something that’s <a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/news/kate-middleton-team-growing-frustrated-fashion-focus-more-important-issues.html/”>left her team frustrated</a>.</p>
<p id=”par-7_83″>“There is an absolute feeling that [the public work] is not about what the princess is wearing,” a source close to Kate said in early 2025. “She wants the focus to be on the really important issues, the people and the causes she is spotlighting. There will always be an appreciation of what the princess is wearing from some of the public, and she gets that.” Kate’s looks will always be talked about, but it isn’t what she wants to be remembered for.</p>