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Leanne is Kate Middleton. Or rather Kate is Leanne. What I love is that they are both young and have embraced a classic look, and managed to make it come off both cool-chic and pretty.

 

 

Do you have that style icon whose wardrobe you dream of owning? I have several (hello Ricky Lauren), and I decided to start interviewing them so we could all get a leg up on their most covetable style. (Does anyone have an in with Ricky please and thank you.) Since Kate Middleton wasn't available, the other Duchess, Leanne, stepped in and I'm so very grateful. Let's examine 3 of the most iconic and classic looks Kate (and Leanne) have made famous. Oh and aren't you lucky since we've created a new collection for Insiders to shop, Kate Middleton Classic Style.

1.The Addison

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The Duchess wore this L.K. Bennett silk dress to a dinner where she and her Prince hosted the President and our First Lady.

 

The other Duchess looks as beautiful as ever, and definitely like Queen material. (Shop the whole outfit inside Your Style Vault.)

Leanne, tell us what it is about Kate Middleton's style you love and why us non-royals are so obsessed with her?

I love how Kate has managed to make classy always trump trendy! She always looks put together and wears her outfits with such confidence. Don't get me wrong sometimes I see people wearing very trendy outfits and think they look great, but then you'll see Kate in a Jenny Packham dress and it hands down always wins.

 

This seems like it's a really versatile dress. How do you wear yours and do you ever switch it up with different accessories?

If I wear it for work I like to keep the accessories minimal and let the dress do the talking. If I want it to have a more playful look I'll add a leather jacket and booties!

2. The Detroit (no longer available)

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Kate wore this L.K. Bennett dress a few times in 2014, and we love her all the more for being tuned in to cost-per-wear! Ha but really. She is the people's Duchess after all.

 

And our Duchess is lovely in her Detroit dress, too. (You can shop a near identical outfit in Your Style Vault.)

Leanne, I am in love with the elbow length sleeves, the knee length and the notch collar. Why is this dress classic and modern at the same time?

I think it's the shape of the dress that helps keep it modern. It is hard to find dresses made well these days where there are no shortcuts. It has a lining and the material is great - no spanx needed! The two most important things with dresses like these in my opinion - find a good tailor and always make sure the dress covers the knee. Hitting in the middle of the knee or just above the knee is not the best corporate look!

 

You're very tall. You're very athletic. And you wear scrubs during the day. This would seem to be a shopping recipe for disaster for our hard to fit friends who aren't in the habit of dress shopping for their everyday wardrobe. What are some of your favorite designers and shops, and please share some of your secrets for finding the right fit!

I think the most important thing is to be in tune for what works for your body type and stick to it, don't stray just because something is in style. You have to do what works for you! I also use online browsing as a tool to keep in the know with what stores strong points are. Not each designer does everything great so familiarize yourself with having your go to places for certain items.

My favorites:

• Dresses -L. K. Bennett
• Suiting - Theory
• Best Blazers - Smythe
• V-Neck Tees - Current Elliott, Target

3. Sporty Kate

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Kate is just like us. Some days you just want to wear your favorite jeans and a t-shirt. But hers is a Breton stripe (so kicky!) and she tosses on that elusive 3rd piece, the outfit completer, a navy blazer. (Shop more "outfit completers" in our accessories vaults for Complete Insiders, Shoes, Belts, Jewelry and Handbags, and all Insiders can shop our Classic Must-Haves.)

 

Leanne, this is so you. I love this outfit, all the way down to the exact tee and wedges Kate wears! I'm older than you and I would wear this outfit. My sister is older than me, and she would wear this outfit. Why is it so universal?

It is so universal because as I mentioned above, classy always wins. Any age, shape, and body type can pull off this look. It's comfortable and it's polished. When you're having a tough time finding a good outfit to wear, you can never go wrong with a blazer. Instant outfit-changer.

 

 

This blazer really finishes the outfit (you can shop the exact outfit inside the vault). SO much better than a fleece or a parka. Do you have any tips on how to take your old suit blazers and make them feel new again, and less stuffy?

Typically old blazers/suits can become dated because of their fit. I would find a great tailor and discuss with them if it's worth it to change the fit. Sometimes adding a simple belt over the blazer can completely change the look as well. And just my two cents but spend the money on a good blazer that is structured and fits well, and it will make you feel great every time you put it on.

Thank you Leanne for showing us all how to be Duchesses like you and Kate. You're both just so normal it helps us regular girls feel like we can, in fact, be a royal, marry a royal, or dress like a royal.

I have the honour to remain, Madam, Your humble and obedient servant,

Tina

or, how bout just a See y'all later!