The royals always look effortless, but not without the help of some tricks for avoiding fashion faux pas. After all, not even royals are immune to them. From discrete tools for keeping skirts and tops in place to special insoles for curbing arch pain while wearing heels, we’ve rounded up some of the cleverest style hacks used by Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and even the Queen. They’re easy to copy and won’t cost you a fortune to do so, either. In fact, these handy helpers start at just $7.
1. Non-Slip Tights
Kate has a clever method for preventing her tights from slipping and her feet from falling out of her heels. In 2011, the Duchess of Cambridge was spotted with gel pads on her stockings that were peeking out of her shoes. She was reportedly wearing John Lewis’ Barely There nonslip tights. Although this specific style is sold out, Autograph offers a comparable nonslip option.
Autograph 5 Denier Bare Invisibles Slip Resist Tights
2. Nude Tights In the Right Shade
Wearing nude tights that don’t quite match you skin tone can not only be distracting, but diminish the look of a polished outfit. That’s why Markle has turned to Heist’s The Nude tights, which are available in seven neutral tones to suit a range of skin colors. The Duchess of Sussex first started wearing the U.K.-based brand’s hosiery after she stepped out in too-pale pantyhose at Buckingham Palace three days after her wedding. What’s more, they’re knit with luxury yarn and feature a seamless, gusset-free construction to prevent sagging or rolling around the middle.
Heist The Nude Tights
3. Leather Insoles to Help With Foot Pain
More often than not, the royals are seen wearing heels for hours on end. To stay comfortable on her feet, Middleton has reached for Alice Bow’s leather insoles. The luxury insoles from the British brand are made with soft Italian leather and designed with slim yet plush cushioning for pain relief.
Alice Bow Leather Insoles
4. Matching Pant and Heel Combos for the Illusion of Long Legs
If you’re looking to make your legs look miles long, try Middleton’s handy outfit trick. The duchess was photographed in March pairing high-waisted black trousers with pumps in the same dark shade for lengthening effects.
Bailey 44 Boardroom Pants
Sam Edelman Dana Pump
5. Pointed-Toe Heels With Low Vamps for the Same Effect
Another great way to elongate your frame is to wear pointed-toe heels with low vamps. As a general rule of thumb, the lower the cut, the greater the illusion of long legs, since the upper of the shoe starts closer to the toe box and away from the ankle. Both Middleton and Markle are fans of Rupert Sanderson’s Malory pumps, which offer the sleek silhouette.
Rupert Sanderson’s Malory pumps
Jessica Simpson Pheona Pump
6. Weighted Down Hems to Prevent Skirts From Flying Up
To prevent their skirts from flying up, the royals often add weights to their hemlines. Stewart Parvin, one of the Queen’s couturiers, told the Daily Mail that he sews lead weights, often used for curtains, into the Queen’s skirts to help her avoid wardrobe malfunctions.
Fashion First Aid Chick Magnet
Dritz Home Lead Drapery Weights
7. Bodysuits to Prevent Bunched Up Shirts
Markle has also opted to wear bodysuits on multiple occasions so her tops won’t bunch awkwardly. For example, her chic white blouse, paired here in February 2018 with an Alexander McQueen suit, was actually a silk one-piece by the Tuxe brand.
Leith Geo Print Surplice Bodysuit
Paige Dijon Pleated Faux-Wrap Bodysuit
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