Pregnant Duchess Of Cambridge's Maternity Fashion: Kate's Playing It Safe The Second Time Around
The 'Kate Effect' Is As Strong As Ever
Ellen Wallwork— The Huffington Post UK
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The Duchess Of Cambridge has grown more confident in her maternity style during her second pregnancy and is sticking to styles she feels most comfortable in, but the 'Kate effect' is as strong as ever.
When she was pregnant with Prince George Kate experimented with a range of styles - from empire line dresses to sleek shifts, but this time around she has mainly stuck to two silhouettes: tailored single breasted coats with a collar, or round neck (often collarless) coats with large buttons.
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Prince George was born in sunny July, while Kate's second baby is due in mid-to-late April, which accounts for the sea of coats. But Kate has the luxury of being able to have bespoke maternity fashion custom made for her and she has always put a lot of thought into her outfits - often picking designers that have a connection with the places she's visiting that day - so for her to stick to just two styles of coat is quite a change of pace.
That being said, we love the way Kate mixes up designer pieces with budget buys and we're not the only ones - the 'Kate effect' has seen many dresses and coats sell out within minutes of the Duchess being spotted wearing them.
But if you didn't get in before the rush, fear not, ASOS have promised to have the dress back in stock within the week.
We've done a bit of investigating into the origin of the items in Kate's maternity wardrobe and have compiled this shopping guide to Kate's greatest maternity fashion moments from her second pregnancy. Enjoy!
Duchess Of Cambridge's Maternity Fashion
ASOS Maternity Exclusive Wrap Skater Dress in Spot Print with 3/4 Sleeve, £35(01 of13)
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Kate caused an online shopping frenzy when she wore this bargain wrap dress on a visit to the Brookhill Children's Centre in Woolwich, London on March 18, 2015.
Within 30 minutes of her stepping out of her car, it had sold out in all sizes on ASOS, although staff quickly scrambled to make more available. (credit:WPA Pool via Getty Images)
Coat by Catherine Walker, bespoke(02 of13)
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This chestnut brown coat was specially made for Kate out of double wool crepe by Chelsea-based designer Catherine Walker.
The Duchess wore the coat while attending the annual St Patrick's Day Parade at Mons Barracks, in Aldershot on March 17, 2015. She marked the occasion by accessorising with a gold Irish Guards Brooch that once belonged to the Queen Mother.
She topped off her outfit with a 'Betty Boop' hat (£245) by the Duchess of Cornwall's favourite milliner, Lock & Co. (credit:Max Mumby/Indigo via Getty Images)
Beulah London's Chiara coat, £650(03 of13)
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Kate wrapped up her bump in this beautiful navy blue trapeze cut coat from Beulah London while attending a service of commemoration to mark the end of combat operations in Afghanistan at St Paul's Cathedral in London on March 13, 2015. (credit:Max Mumby/Indigo via Getty Images)
Jo Jo Maman Bébé Cream Princess Line Maternity Coat, £69(04 of13)
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Kate popped on this aptly named 'Princess Line' maternity coat while visiting the set of Downton Abbey at Ealing Studios on March 12, 2015. It's a hard life, eh? (credit:Max Mumby/Indigo via Getty Images)
Hobbs Dalmation Coat Dress, £169(05 of13)
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The Duchess of Cambridge donned an old favourite while visiting Margate, on March 11, 2015. This dotty number is from Hobbs and Kate previously wore it while pregnant with Prince George. (credit:SUZANNE PLUNKETT via Getty Images)
Alexander McQueen coat and dress, bespoke(06 of13)
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The Duchess had a rummage through her wardrobe when looking for just the right outfit to wear to the Commonwealth Observance Service at Westminster Abbey on March 9, 2015.
Kate adores Sarah Burton's designs at Alexander McQueen, and she previously wore this soft pink two-piece with pearl buttons to the 2013 Trooping the Colour, while she was pregnant with Prince George. (credit:Max Mumby/Indigo via Getty Images)
Max Mara (Sportmax) Gerbera Wool Coat(07 of13)
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The Duchess of Cambridge opted for a beautiful blue Sportmax coat with oversized collar while visiting the Emma Bridgewater Factory in Stoke on Trent on February 18, 2015. (credit:Samir Hussein via Getty Images)
Seraphine is making a name for itself as the royal maternity brand of choice as both Kate and Zara Phillips are fans of their designs.
Kate wore this pretty printed number while visiting Cape Hill Children's Centre in Smethwick on February 18, 2015. (credit:WPA Pool via Getty Images)
Max Mara Villar coat, £580(09 of13)
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Kate bravely wore this Max Mara white wool coat while painting a mural with children from students from Portsmouth and Isle of Wight schools on February 12, 2015. The coat escaped unscathed you'll be relieved to know! (credit:Samir Hussein via Getty Images)
Somerset by Alice Temperley Boat Print Dress, £99(10 of13)
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Under her white Max Mara coat Kate wore this smart day dress, which is exclusive to John Lewis.
The boat print fabric was a nice nod to the nautical history of her surroundings, especially as she got to try a sailing winch simulator as part of her visit to Portsmouth, on February 12, 2015. Lucky girl. (credit:WPA Pool via Getty Images)
Kate turned to her go-to maternity brand Seraphine for a visit to the Kensington Leisure Centre on January 19, 2015. (credit:Max Mumby/Indigo via Getty Images)
Hobbs Animal Print Dress, £169(12 of13)
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Kate popped on this smart silk shirt dress from Hobbs (a brand that her sister Pippa also loves) for an event hosted by The Fostering Network to celebrate the work of foster carers on January 16, 2015 in London. (credit:Max Mumby/Indigo via Getty Images)
Madderson London, Naomi Shift, £450(13 of13)
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Kate wore this navy blue dress with French tweed detailing on the hem and pockets while visiting the Clore Art Room at Barlby Primary School on January 15, 2015, in her role as Royal Patron of The Art Room. (credit:Max Mumby/Indigo via Getty Images)