Princessy Fashion Perfection

‘That’s my wedding dress!’ was all you could think as Kate stepped out of that Rolls? Or did you love the effect but have some make-it-mine detail suggestions? Whether you’re after a looky-likey or a tweaked-to-perfection take, here are 15 of our fave duchess-worthy dresses – and one Pippa-like…

By Samantha Birch

Christine Kendall

Kate’s look re-styled for the edgy bride with a secret romantic streak, Christine Kendall’s Lisa Marie has got all the essential ingredients – delicate overlay, long sleeves, A-line skirt – with a modern twist from that angular neckline, flower appliqué and sheer train. We heart!

Christine Kendall Couture Lisa Marie bridal gown, £7000 including the full couture service.

Claire Mischevani

We’re spot-the-difference pros and we can’t get over the resemblance between this same-cut, same-cover-up Claire Mischevani and the new duchess’ McQueen. We predict a style crush from royal fanatics and princess brides from here to Timbuktoo, so get your fitting in the diary quick…

Claire Mischevani wedding dress with removable lace and organza overlay, £2495.

Clinton Lotter for Blackburn Bridal Couture

Believe it or not, Clinton Lotter’s spot-on Katharine bridal gown was designed exclusively for Blackburn Bridal Couture before the royal nuptials – and we love the feminine, ethereal fashion-premonition as much as the boutique’s Russell Blackburn loved Kate’s real big-day look:

“The French-lace bodice with the long sleeves was very reminiscent of the wedding of Grace Kelly, and had a real Fifties feel. I loved the way the sweetheart neckline and beautiful overlay meant that though you could see the skin, it was in a sophisticated way,” says Russell. “Kate went with timeless, elegant romance for her style of gown, which is very true of her personal style – it’s wonderful that her dress was a real reflection of her personality!”

Clinton Lotter Katharine wedding dress for Blackburn Bridal Couture, price on request.

Cymbeline

Who says those long sleeves have to cover up your shoulders? Go for a flirty, boho twist on Kate’s all-over-lace look with this swishing Cymbeline number. Topped off with a flowery forehead band and gladiator sandals, you’re the duchess of laidback-demure.

Cymbeline Debbie wedding dress, price on request.

Elie Saab for Pronovias

It’s a case of sister-sister in this sweeping Pronovias gown, as Kate’s all-over lace and long sleeves meet Pippa’s slinkier silhouette. Talk about a must-have royal fashion mash-up!

Elie Saab Auriga wedding dress for Pronovias, price on request.

Ian Stuart

Secretly wish the Duchess had gone more full-on fairytale for her big day? Go head-to-toe more, more, more – bigger skirt, longer veil and seriously look-at-me lace – with this straight-out-of-a-picture-book Ian Stuart look.

Ian Stuart Dauphine wedding dress, £2925, and Dauphine veil, £375.

Mary-Rose McGrath for House of Fraser

From the high lace collar to the A-line skirt and sweetheart neckline, Mary-Rose McGrath’s bridal gown exclusively for House of Fraser is the High Street’s answer to Catherine-chic. Just add tiara and sapphire/diamond rock…

Mary-Rose McGrath bridal gown exclusively for House of Fraser, from £1500.

Pepe Botella

If you loved Kate’s big-day look but up-and-down lace just isn’t your thing, get that pooling train, sweetheart neckline and statement skirt in this Pepe Botella gown. There’s the option to add a lace overlay just up-top to add a touch of romance, or go for a pastel silk wrap for Cinderella’s-ball elegance.

Pepe Botella 3262 bridal gown, price on request.

Phillipa Lepley

Phillipa Lepley was hotly tipped for the coveted dress-designer job, and we can certainly see why she was in the running: between this more modern take on a springtime cover-up, and the simply-chic Hanbury tulle coat elsewhere in her collection, she’s a go-to designer for royal-worthy style.

Phillipa Lepley Daisy wedding dress, price on request.

Priscilla of Boston

Is it just us, or is there something exotically flirty about that embellishment? Come over all duchess-chic at your destination wedding in Priscilla of Boston’s sheeny Kate-alike look.

The lust-have bridal label’s chief fashion strategist, Kimberly Lee Minor, reckons the Duchess of Cambridge’s big-day style is be-yourself inspiration: “Kate Middleton stayed true to who she is. She is a modern-day princess, romantic and confident,” Kimberly explains. “Her gown is a modern interpretation of British heritage, created with the craftmanship of British artisans on Sarah Burton\'s team. It was very important that Kate shine through the dress and she did.”

Kimberly’s take-away tip for the season? “Sleeves are incredibly important,” she says. “Kate solidified that sleeves can look beautiful and fresh.  This was a tipping point.”

Platinum for Priscilla of Boston Loretta wedding dress, £3640.45 ($5975).

Pronovias

Lose the sleeves and swish up a storm in this slick take on Kate’s lace ensemble. Go understated with a cute cropped jacket for a traditional ceremony, or footloose and cover-up-free with embellished flip-flops on a far-flung beach.

Pronovias Festin wedding dress, price on request.

Reem Acra

Add some drama to your entrance with an extra-lacy veil, super-sized tiara and panelled sheer/lace skirt à la the Reem Acra catwalk. Bolder brides can even steal the spotlight with those standout pops of colour in fascinators, necklaces, bracelets and heels. Ready for your curtain call?

Reem Acra Olé bridal gown, price on request.

Ritva Westenius

Pare back the lace, slim down the skirt and add a flash of gold and you’ve got Ritva’s ultra-modern take on the princess look. With that statement bustle on show as you strut up the aisle, you can be sure you’ll turn just as many heads…

Ritva Westenius sweetheart bridal gown with bustle, price on request.

Sassi Holford

Just add a so-now under-bust sash and Kate’s McQueen creation is a dead ringer for Sassi Holford’s Grace. Taking to your cathedral aisle in royal-approved style is just a pair of lace-covered heels away.

Sassi Holford Grace bridal gown, exclusive to the Sassi Holford London boutique, £5795.

Suzanne Neville

We’ve been loving this oh-so romantic look from Suzanne Neville all season – and now its top-to-toe regal likeness has made it even more must-have. No wonder the designer’s got the inside track on the thinking behind that so-similar royal look:

“Kate Middleton’s choice of gown had a real Grace Kelly, princess-bride feel to it. A magnificent gown, it was truly fitting for a future Queen,” Suzanne says. “The simple corseted bodice showed off her beautiful, slender figure and the intricate, delicate lace gave it an air of regal elegance.”

Suzanne reckons the future queen is right on the style pulse: “While this gown will provide a huge amount of inspiration for a generation of brides, the design is something which is already a popular choice,” she says. “The gown is very similar to a style already in my new Nostalgia collection, due to launch at the end of May at the Tower of London. My Classical gown (pictured) from my current collection has a similar feel, too, using beautiful, luxurious lace over a simple, beautifully fitted corset.”

Suzanne Neville Classical bridal gown, price on request.

Motasem

Come on, you can tell us: you secretly preferred Pippa’s cowl-neck, close-fit look for your city ceremony, didn’t you? Good thing Motasem has got you covered with the could-be-twins elegant floor-length Alaya gown. Mimic Miss Middleton with a half-up, half-down do, flowery fascinator and classic point-toed heels, or add some inner-city oomph with statement embellished platforms and cuff.

Motasem cowl-neck wedding dress, £695. Add capped sleeves for £50, or a puddle train for £125.

Crowning Glory

Can’t get enough regal big-day inspiration? Top your royal-wedding look with the perfect princessy tiara, get insider advice on Kate\'s blushing-bridal hair and make-up, or take a punt at predicting the official royal honeymoon destination…