10 Times Kate Middleton Wore “Ugly” ’90s Trends Like A Pro

When it comes to ’90s fashion trends, not all of them are, well... fashionable, per se. However, one style icon who has modernised these ’90s “ugly” trends with aplomb is the Duchess of Cambridge. Click through to see Kate’s best ’90s looks.

Alice Bands

Long before Prada rejuvenated the popular hair accessory with velvet iterations, the duchess was a fan of the thinner, ’90s-style hair band. The animal-print acrylic headband here was practical, too, keeping Kate’s signature blow-dry out of the wind.

Utility Chic

Once popular with a number of celebrity singers and boy bands, the ’90s utility trend featured baggy trousers and jackets. Kate updates the look by adding chic leather boots.

Wide Jeans And Ribbed Knitted Top

Remember when ribbed tops were the top to wear? Or did you block that memory out, too? Kate modernises the look with a sleek silhouette and stylish wide-fit jeans.

Half-Up, Half-Down Hair

The half-up, half-down trend was the go-to hairstyle for middle school dances in the early 2000s. Kate’s signature blowout and subtle twisted sides keep the look casual but classy. This is a blast from the past I can absolutely vibe with.

Superga Trainers

Following in the footsteps (pun intended) of her late mother-in-law, the duchess is the latest royal advocate of the plimsoll brand. A love of affordable footwear undeniably speaks to both her and Princess Diana’s accessible approach to fashion.

Prim Velvet

Knee-length velvet from decades past is enough to give a style icon nightmares. But Middleton’s combination of a sleek silhouette and minimal embellishments gives the look a contemporary revival.

Flare Trousers

Long before pants tapered at the ankles, fashion was all about the flares. Though they were originally low-slung and slouchy (buying into the grungy look of the early ’00s), Middleton dressed up the silhouette with a slimmer, high-waisted style.

Turtlenecks

Once a staple of your dad’s ’90s wardrobe, Middleton wears turtlenecks on the regular. This monochromatic styling gives the “ugly” staple a modern-chic touch.

Chunky Chelsea Boots

A favorite of the ’90s British grunge scene, Chelsea boots are back — but with a preppier edge. Middleton loves the utilitarian style, but pairs them with modern classics, like skinny jeans, ribbed knits, and army jackets.