£18 Jeans and £19 Heels: How Kate Is the Master of Cost-Per-Wear Economics
In her time in the public eye, much has been made of the Duchess of Cambridge's thrifty wardrobe—but really she just shops like most of us do. The test of a winning purchase is that it lasts years, if not decades, and Kate has been wearing many of the building blocks of her wardrobe since before the royal wedding. She is the perfect advertisement for this cost-per-wear shopping model, so we have calculated how much many of her most-worn items actually cost per outing. Keep scrolling to see the items she re-wears the most and some maths that might convince you to buy them too.
1. Smythe Blazer
The Duchess of Cambridge first wore her navy blue Smythe Blazer to Heathrow Airport in 2011, and she has worn it at least six times. The jacket, which has now been renamed The Duchess, is £498, making it £83 a wear.
2. Penelope Chilvers Boots
The duchess has been wearing her brown leather Penelope Chilvers tassel boots since 2004, and over a decade later, they still go with her on many royal tours and visits, from Bhutan to Canada. At £475, these are a steep investment, but our cost-per-wear calculations make them less than £59 an outing.
Related: The Duchess of Cambridge Has Swapped Her Nude Courts for These
3. L.K.Bennett Sledge Pumps
Kate's L.K.Bennett nude pumps are probably her most signature item in her wardrobe, and she has worn the Sledge style over 10 times, making them less than £19 each time she wears them.
Related: The Best Cost-Per-Wear Pieces Who What Wear Editors Have Ever Bought
4. J Brand 811 Skinny Jeans
When it comes to jeans, the duchess tends to wear her J Brand 811 skinnies, which she has worn over 12 times in public—making them £18 a wear.
Now, if you'll excuse us while we do some investment shopping.
-
The Anti–It Bags Fashion People Are Just Really Into
They have major staying power.
By Kristen Nichols
-
I'm Making Some Designer Investments This Year—30 Items I'm Eyeing From MyTheresa
No gatekeeping here.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua
-
Amal Clooney Wore Controversial Boots to the Airport That'd Make TSA Squirm
They're not exactly travel friendly, but they are incredibly chic.
By Erin Fitzpatrick
-
The Top 11 Celebrity Stylists Right Now and Who They're Dressing
The best in the biz.
By Erin Fitzpatrick
-
Lauren Chan's Collaboration With Universal Standard Is Redefining Luxury
"People look like they feel powerful in these garments."
By Ana Escalante
-
Dakota Johnson Wore the Fashion-Person Legging Outfit That's Perfect for Flights
Love a good legging outfit trend.
By Allyson Payer
-
J.Lo Wore a Completely Sheer Top and Controversial Accessory for Her SNL Arrival
In true J.Lo style.
By Allyson Payer
-
These Are the Only Grammys After-Party Looks You Need to See
From Sabrina Carpenter to Selena Gomez.
By Eliza Huber