Inspiration Gallery
May 22, 2024 Lashay Rain9 best coat dresses inspired by Princess Kate: From Hobbs to Karen MillenKate Middleton is a big fan of a coat dress, and these affordable high street versions will have you leaning on one tooIf there’s one piece of clothing in Princess Kate’s wardrobe that’s worn on repeat, it’s a coat dress. Elegant and timeless, coat dresses are part sharp tailoring, part softness and favoured by not just Kate Middleton, but fellow royals including Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, Zara Tindall and sisters Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice. The royals lean on coat dresses for weddings, royal engagements and even nights out at the theatre.What is a coat dress?Not to state the obvious, but a coat dress is a dress that resembles a coat. Usually with a collar or lapel, they can be opened by a front enclosure, typically buttons.
A coat dress is often made from slightly thicker material than cotton, and most commonly has long or three-quarter sleeves.The most popular type of coat dress is the style Kate Middleton wears, with a fit-and-flare silhouette that nips in at the waist with long or half-sleeves, and has either has a collar or wider neckline with lapel.If Kate’s style is a little too classic for you, look to Meghan Markle for your more modern coat dress inspiration. The mum of two favours the tuxedo dress, a cooler version of the classic coat dress that is essentially an elongated version of a blazer or tuxedo suit jacket.When to wear a coat dressOccasion wear and coat dresses go hand in hand – you can wear one to Ascot, a christening or a wedding. You'll find coat dresses for weddings a popular choice as a mother of the bride outfit, or mother of the groom of course.How to wear a coat dressWearing a coat dress is easy – it’s a one and done type of outfit. They work best with a closed-toe heeled shoe, such as a court shoe, or a heeled espadrille (yes, Kate and her Catherine Walker coat dresses really are your best reference).
Due to their tailored nature, a structured bag or clutch is your ideal accessory.Shop the best coat dresses on the high streetLK Bennett Coat DressShipping: Free delivery with a £300 spend.Sizes: 4-20Returns: Within 28 daysThis LK Bennett coat dress is a great mother of the bride outfit; the lavender shade will flatter warmer skin tones while the A-line fit is great for accentuating a small waist.£89 (save 70%) at LK Bennett$162 at LK BennettCoast Coat DressShipping: From £2.99.Sizes: 8-18Returns: Within 14 daysAn ultra-elegant and ultra-fitted dress from Coast, this piece wraps around the figure with a classic tux design.A great alternative to a wedding dress too. £90 (save 55%) at CoastMarks & Spencer Coat DressShipping: Free delivery with a £60 spend; or free next-day click and collect from M&S stores.Sizes: 6-24Returns: Within 35 daysPart coat dress, part wrap dress, M&S' midi is made from jersey fabric for perhaps the most comfortable fit out there.At £35, it's an affordable LBD to keep in your wardrobe for those little black dress moments.£35 at Marks & Spencer$61.99 at Marks & SpencerKaren Millen Coat DressShipping: From £4.99.Sizes: 6-16Returns: Within 28 daysThis sophisticated black dress has a military vibe, with double breasted fastening, notched collar and long sleeves. Note the flowing full skirt and midi hemline.£183.20 at Karen Millen$315.20 at Karen MillenEtsy Coat DressShipping: Free delivery Sizes: 6-14Returns: Within 21 daysThis Etsy dress is so like Princess Kate's, we did a double take.Boasting a belted waist and peplum detail, if you love Kate's style, this is the one for you.£126.40 at Etsy$168.60 at EtsyKaren Millen Coat DressShipping: Free delivery with a £100 spendSizes: 6-16Colours: Black and greenReturns: Within 28 daysPrincess Kate has Karen Millen's coat dress in burgundy, and the dark green shade is just as wearable.Available in sizes 6-16, it's currently on sale so grab it while you can.£115 (save 49%) at Karen Millen$198 at Karen MillenSosandar Coat DressShipping: Free delivery with a £60 spend; or free next-day click and collect from M&S stores.Sizes: 6-18Colours: Pink and blackReturns: Within 35 daysFor something a little different, try Sosandar's bright pink coat dress.Made from bright pink fabric, we love the addition of gold buttons for a metallic, edgy look.£95 at Marks & SpencerRalph Lauren Coat DressShipping: Free delivery with a £100 spend.Sizes: 2-22Colours: Black, brown, purple and burgundyReturns: Within 14 daysWith a faux-wrap bodice, belted waist and pockets, Ralph Lauren's coat dress is a casual take on the trend.We love the pointed collar and barrel cuffs too. £130 at Ralph Lauren$185 at Ralph LaurenPhase Eight Coat DressShipping: Free delivery with £150 spendSizes: 6-18Returns: Within 28 days of purchasePhase Eight's coat dress is spot on for a wedding; the traditional fabric covered buttons are an elegant detail, while the classic V-neck and cropped sleeves are flattering whatever your figure.
£170 at Phase EightHow I chose the best coat dresses for womenRoyal inspiration: Having written about royal style for the past five years at HELLO!, I'm with the types of dresses our favourite royals wear and I've found as many high street versions that have all the markings of a royal worthy coat dress.Price: The very nature of a coat dress means that, a lot of the time, it comes with a high price tag but I've done some digging to find a few that are on the more affordable side.Availability: All of the pieces were available in a variety of sizes at time of publication.You may also like9 autumn wedding guest dresses you'll want to wear on repeatncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qbHLpaammZeWx6q6xGeaqKVfqLWwvM%2BipaBnZWZ9eX%2BTaJmeq6RisLCt02abq52jqLK0ecWoqWavn6Kyr3s%3D←Is this the summer's chicest eyewear collaboration? Dawn French: Latest News, Pictures & Videos→