Kate Middleton's Post-Baby Ensemble Will Be Epic

No one is more anxious to meet the next member of the British royalty than expectant mum Kate Middleton, but the Duchess of Cambridge's due date has inspired impatience in another group as well: the fashion industry. What will Kate Middleton wear for her first post-pregnancy appearance? After debuting an elegant, polka-dotted Jenny Packham dress whilst introducing newborn Prince George to the world in 2013, sartorially-minded devotees of Middleton eagerly await the Duchess's next post-pregnancy ensemble, especially as Middleton's due date may have already passed. Will Middleton sport another empire waist frock in a hue corresponding to the sex of her forthcoming child? Will she rebel and toss a leather motorcycle jacket over ripped black skinny jeans as casts the paparazzi a withering glance before stepping into her waiting town car? Chances of the latter seem extraordinarily slim, but Middleton may buck tradition by swathing her slim frame in an unlikely pattern or cut.

Throughout her second pregnancy, Middleton has embraced all manner of prints and pattern, from a black and white animal print Hobbs shift to a gracefully cut windowpane patterned Alexander McQueen coat worn during her first trimester. Polka dots, florals, and plaids are in especially heavy rotation within Middleton's well-honed wardrobe. In addition, the previously pastel and neutral hue-favoring royal has demonstrated an adoration of vibrant hues over the past nine months, most commonly in the form of fuchsia, plum, crimson, emerald, and yellow coats.

It seems pregnancy inspires the Duchess to flaunt creative and unanticipated attire, and Middleton's hospital attire will likely be no different. Based upon the evidence of Middleton's second pregnancy trousseau and her former post-labor frock, I would expect the Duchess to make her first appearance in a demure, patterned frock tailored to suit a post-baby bump, and likely rendered in an unobtrusive pastel hue that befits the festive occasion. In addition, Middleton's devotion to such designers as Orla Kiely, Jenny Packham, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, and Hobbs suggests that she may step out in the wares of a favorite couturier. Both Middleton's engagement frock and first post-pregnancy ensemble were fashioned in shades of blue, suggesting a trend towards the color, but who is to say the mum-to-be won't step out in a rose-colored shift if she gives birth to a girl? My instinct is to suspect Middleton will select a gender-neutral hue and a design that enhances her post-natal luminescence, but the truth remains to be seen until the world greets the next royal baby.

Orla Kiely Silk Slub Tunic, $525 / L.K. Bennett Sledge Patent Pumps, $345 / Blue Nile Freshwater Cultured Pearl Stud Earrings, $185 / Petunia Pickle Bottom Receiving Blanket, $49 / My First Paddington 7-Inch Plush Doll, $79.99

Images: Getty Images; Polyvore