I don’t love the idea of comparing the Duchess of Cambridge and Meghan Markle. First of all, they’re completely different women who have achieved many things that they would probably much rather us focus on. But now that Meghan has made her mark (excuse the pun) on the royal family and the fashion world, too, selling out pieces she’s worn just like Kate has, the comparisons are inevitable. So instead of comparing the women themselves, I decided to focus on the differing styles of the two tastemakers. Namely, their denim.
Why denim specifically? Because this is one of the biggest style differences that has stood out to me. They’re unique women with unique styles, and they absolutely share some similarities. They tend toward classic, understated clothing and can both rock a great pair of jeans. But Meghan has been seen in something Catherine never has: distressed jeans. This led me to the question…would Catherine wear ripped or distressed jeans?
Kate’s never been photographed in this style of denim before. In fact, many people remember that we rather recently got our first glimpse of the current Kate in bootcut jeans—indeed, in anything other than her signature skinnies! She has a style, and she sticks to it. And since the Duchess, unlike Meghan, is actually a member of the royal family, she is held to different standards of dress and decorum. Therefore, I don’t think we’ll see Kate wearing distressed or ripped jeans in any sort of official capacity.
However, the Duchess isn’t afraid to be casual, break with royal tradition, or surprise the public. With that in mind, I am almost tempted to suggest that we may see her wearing distressed jeans soon in candid photos where she’s just being a mom and not princess. But Kate has never been one to blindly follow trends. This is one aspect of her personal style that I really admire. She has a distinct look that has almost always been put together and classic. Sure, she’ll wear a trend occasionally but only if it also fits with her personal style. As far as her jeans, whether she’s casual with a sweater and sneakers or more dressy with a blazer and heels, her denim is always simple and perfectly fitted.
And that’s why, despite Meghan Markle making a strong case for chic, ladylike, distressed jeans, I don’t think Kate would wear this style.
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Are Meghan and Catherine held to different dress standards? I do not understand how their royal status is different. Appologies for not knowing, hoping someone can explain to me. Thank you!
Hi Melissa! To answer your question, yes, their status is somewhat different. Kate will almost certainly be Queen one day, and will always be in the spotlight and held to an extremely high standard. Meghan will most likely never be Queen, so there is less pressure for her to be “perfect” all the time. The “rules” are more laxed for Meghan because, although she is a Duchess, she is not the future Queen!
I agree that she will never be in ripped jeans for an official duty, and I’m sure we will not see Meghan in ripped jeans either during official engagements. I think Kate might where them at home!
She may wear them in private, but never in public. I would go as far to say….I bet she doesn’t even own a pair of distressed jeans (maybe).
Agreed, Sarah! Maybe she wears them behind palace walls!