Kate Middleton Recycles Hat for Coronation: Fascinated by Her Fascinator

Kate's hat, now and then
Kate's hat, now and then

If it ain't broke, why fix it? Although Kate Middleton is an international fashion icon, she's also charmingly down to earth when it comes to re-wearing her favorite clothes and accessories. On Tuesday, she gathered with members of the royal family to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's Coronation wearing the same fanciful hat she donned almost exactly a year ago for the Diamond Jubilee.

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Designed by British milliner Jane Taylor, the Duchess of Cambridge's champagne-colored beaded topper featured a petite tulle veil, organza discs that resembled orchid petals, and smoked quartz details. It cost $1200. She carried a pale grey Alexander McQueen clutch modified to have the rhinestone skull clasp removed which was probably deemed too edgy for a future queen. Apparently still comfortable in heels despite being about 34 weeks pregnant, she also wore her favorite nude patent leather platform pumps by LK Bennett.

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While Middleton's dress for the coronation featured a high princess waist over a full knee-length skirt, the color and details echoed last year's pale blush lace sheath. During her third trimester, she's favored princess-waistlines and baby doll silhouettes that are super flattering to her changing shape. According to celebrity stylist Nikki Pennie, who has worked with Middleton, for the most part, she buys her own clothes and styles herself. Like Michelle Obama, she's happy to wear beloved pieces again and again. "What's different about Kate is that she really changes things up with accessories," Pennie told Yahoo! Shine in a recent interview.

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If Middleton wears a certain item of clothing or accessory that is readily at available for retail, it often sells out immediately. There is even a name for the phenomenon, "The Kate Middleton Effect." Nevertheless, the fact she often recycles her fashion also sends a strong message that women don't need to constantly refresh their wardrobes with new items.

Middleton is fortunate that the options for pregnant fashion lovers have improved since her late mother-in-law Princess Diana was expecting during the 1980s. Although always stylish and making an effort to looking chic in the media glare, Diana was relegated to the slightly dowdy mumu-like smocks and heavy A-line wool swing coats of her day. Her evening options were more opulent and she attended galas and official events wearing opulent traditional gowns looking every inch a royal. Like Middleton, Diana knew world was watching her growing bump with fascination. In a 1995 interview with the BBC's Martin Bashir, she said, "I felt the whole country was in labor with me."

Middleton has remained remarkably smart and true to her signature style during her pregnancy. Although some fashionistas, such as British designer Vivienne Westwood, have criticized her look, she has a classic elegance that recalls Jacqueline Onassis. And like the former first lady, she also trumpets her country's fashion industry.

On June 13, the Duchess will officially begin her maternity leave after smashing a bottle of champagne across the bow of the 3600-passenger Royal Princess cruise ship in Southampton, England to christen it. Somehow we doubt she'll schlump through her month or so break before baby in Prince William's baggy t-shirts and sweatpants.

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