The Regal Rules for Girls (15 page)

WHAT NOT TO WEAR (UNLESS YOU’RE AT THE GYM):

You absolutely cannot go wrong if you try to emulate the eternally fabulous Duchess of Cambridge. Kate is wonderful: always poised, always confident, and always classy. Not only will she be the first British queen with a university degree, but she has shown that no matter what your background may be, if you conduct yourself with the grace of a princess, you have every right to move in
royal circles. Kate’s very presence on the balcony of Buckingham Palace has shown ordinary women (women who value ideals based on hard work, self-betterment, and unpretentiousness) that they too are worthy of a royal crown. While many have commented on how lucky she is to have married Prince William, personally, I think Prince William is lucky to have married
her
.

Part of Kate’s allure is that her fashion sense is pitch-perfect. She has perfected the art of “conservative chic,” and her love of classic staples, like tailored suits, tweed jackets, and suede boots, makes it clear that the girl was born to be a Windsor.

In a media age full of Paris Hiltons and Orange County Housewives, Kate has shown that a girl can be both modest and sexy—and if you wear something fitted and exquisitely cut, you don’t need a low neckline or short skirt. Kate has what I call the “there she is” factor—which is very different from the overly provocative “here I am” that seems to be preferred by so many modern celebrities. In fact, Kate is changing the very face of celebrity by injecting it with restraint; while others clamor to confess all, she maintains her regal silence. This is groundbreaking (if not downright radical) stuff.

I do wish Kate weren’t so heavy handed with her eyeliner, but she is leading the way when it comes to teaching England the value of a good American-style blow-dry. (Seriously, Kate’s blow-dry legacy is so important to the current state of British hair, the monarchy hardly needs to bother with any other charity work.)

Overall, your sartorial goal should be to attain the classic English look seen on Kate, her sister Pippa, and the other rosy-cheeked British girls that move within their affluent “Sloane Ranger” circle.

The term “Sloane Ranger” (often shortened to “Sloane”) refers to young upper-class or upper-middle-class Brits who tend to congregate near Chelsea’s fashionable Sloane Square (SW3). These
people don’t buy new things, rather they
inherit
priceless things. In the Sloane Ranger world, it’s important to show that you are not a slave to fashion trends and would actually prefer to wear a vintage tweed jacket that once belonged to your grandmother than something flashy and expensive from Versace. It’s also important to work a subtle predilection for the countryside into your wardrobe. Remember: It’s not about looking cutting-edge; it’s about looking classic. Kate has managed to do this beautifully while adding her own contemporary touches.

City Chic

London winters are not hugely cold, so no need to bust out the UGGs and Columbia ski gear. Usually a wool pea coat and leather gloves are more than warm enough, and because it rarely snows, you are free to wear heeled boots all winter long without fear of slipping on the ice. (FYI: Top Shop is great for affordable, stylish pea coats.)

Conversely, London summers aren’t hugely hot, so no need for flip-flops or skimpy sunwear. Do as the Duchess of Cambridge does and spend your London days in knee-length skirts, patterned day dresses, cashmere cardigans, and wedge heels.

Countryside Chic

Before I came to England, the words “country” and “countryside” conjured up images of tractors, hay bales, cowboy boots, and corn festivals. I was raised in a town obsessed with rodeos, livestock auctions, and Day-Glo hunting gear, and as a result I wanted to get as far away from it all as possible. I wanted sophistication, I wanted culture, I wanted
the city
.

So you can imagine my surprise when I learned that in England, the countryside
is
sophisticated! Think pitchers of Pimm’s, polo matches, and cricket; think black-tie balls and hot mulled wine. There is nothing more English than walking your Labrador through a damp field on your way to the local pub, where you may or may not bump into Princess Anne.

In England, countryside means old school elegance, and thankfully there is not a ten-gallon hat or oversized belt buckle in sight. Even if you live in London, you should visit Gloucestershire or Oxfordshire at least once (while you’re there, be sure to browse Prince Charles’s organic farm shop at Highgrove.)

That said, countryside chic means obtaining the following essentials: